I am excited to announce the first set of electric buses in the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan as part of our increased effort to modernise every sector of Lagos. Thanks to our partnership with @Oando_PLC, Lagosians can expect a cleaner and greener public transportation system.
With the ability to travel 280km at full charge, taking into account our unique travel times in Lagos, our electric buses are a game-changer. With an average daily usage of 200km by existing BRTs, there is no need to fear that the buses can stop while in transit.
Our new electric buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also increase efficiency. This means that Lagosians can say goodbye to high fuel costs and hello to cost-efficient transportation. We shall be running a pilot scheme over the next few months to gather sufficient data required to analyse the operational efficiencies relative to the current BRT buses to further improve our public transport service.
This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Lagos.
We understand the need for charging stations to power our electric buses, which is why we are partnering with Oando Clean Energy Limited to strategically place Universal Chargers at public places like malls and gas stations. We also plan to establish an Assembly Plant for Electric Buses in the near future.
This is just the beginning of our efforts to transform Lagos into an even smarter city as we continue to increase our fleet of electric vehicles, further modernizing the Lagos transportation system.
Join us in embracing the future of mobility in Lagos.
TCN as market operator has shut down supply to the DISCOs supplying Kaduna & Kano,
As the state governors begin to navigate the murky waters of the transfer of power (bill 33) from the exclusive to concurrent legislative lists, the Nigeria Governors Forum will need to sit down in meetings with GENCOs & help them work through issues like:
• Cost of servicing their turbines/FX for spare parts • Cost of LPFO & what will happen when NGMC deregulates the prices of Gas (Dec 2023) • Increase in transmission pipes to supply more gas needed by GENCOs
• How deregulation of gas prices will impact the PPA signed with NBET
considering the current historical tariff shortfall from the multi-year tariff order (MYTO).
The NGF will need to incentivize the GENCOs to raise their generation capacity and lay out a plan that will:
• Phase out the historical tariff shortfall • Privatize a section of TCN
as a means to ensure that the capacity load supplied to a decentralized grid (in the future) is taken fully, and not lost because either the grid keeps collapsing or NBET is unable to pay all their load in the final settlement statement (FSS).
*Considering that the North Central, North West, North-East has a gas supply shortage (and AKK was meant to solve that). And CNG trucks has a limit of 500km it can travel from South South to the North-West & North-East,
Increasing the number of internal transmission pipes for gas, and converting those associated gas from well-heads for gas trapped from future drilling sites in Bauchi (Kolmani 89) and Nasarawa (Ebenyi A) exploration Wells, is key.
Electricity: Kaduna DisCo confirms disconnection from national grid
Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, has confirmed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has disconnected major feeders that supply electricity to its franchise areas.
TCN had last week disclosed that it has disconnected the Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and Aba Power Limited Electric, APLE, for failing to adhere to rules governing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, and for failing to meet up with their financial obligations.
TCN said the three companies failed to produce their Bank Guarantees when it was demanded for by the Market Operator, an arm of the TCN.
TCN stated “Recently the Market Operator suspended APLE Electric Limited, Kano and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies for breach of the Market Rules, which governs and sanitizes the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“Due diligence was observed by the Market Operator before issuing the suspension/disconnection order which is in accordance with procedures of the rules guiding the market. This is to ensure the preservation of the Market and that non-compliant Participants are held accountable for their actions”.
Confirming the disconnection at the weekend, Mr. Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Head, Corporate Communication, KEDCO, apologised to its customers, assuring that the company was engaging with stakeholders to have the issue resolved.
According to him, “The outage which has entered its 5th day has affected parts of Kaduna metropolis including, Ahmadu Bello Way, Gwamna Road, Poly Road, Isa Kaita, Lugard Hall, Rabah Road, Kurmin Mashi, Abakpa, Mogadishu, Tudun Wada among others.
“We understand that this is a frustrating and inconvenient situation for you, and we are deeply sorry for the inconvenience that it has caused.
“We want to assure you that our team has been working around the clock engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue. We understand that electricity is vital to businesses and livelihoods”, he added.
However, speaking to Vanguard, yesterday, the Chairman of Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, Chijoke James condemned the actions of the operators that have left millions of Nigerians without public power supply.
He said over “the years, consumers have been at the receiving end of arbitrary behaviour from the operators. Both the government that regulates the sector and the operators have scant respect for consumers.
“They do not care about us and treat us like we are least important in the power supply equation. While bills and tariffs keep going up, the value of service keeps decreasing.
“I’m not surprised at what is going on in Aba, Kaduna and Kano. At the end of the month those without meters will still get bills for what they have not consumed. It is the nature of the industry”, he added.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced new Fiscal Policy Measures (FPM) for 2023 via a Circular dated 20 April 2023 signed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning. Below are some of the highlights:
1. Supplementary Protection Measures (SPM) – this relates to the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff 2022-2026. The changes are effective from 1 May 2023 subject to 90-days grace period for importers who had opened Form M before 1 May 2023. Items on the list include rice, woven fabrics, ceramics tiles and sinks, steel, containers for compressed or liquified gas, aluminum cans, washing machines, electric generating sets and rotary converters, smart phones, new and used passenger motor vehicles and electricity meters. The applicable duties for most of the items are unchanged from the 2022 FPM rates.
2. Revised Excise Duty Rates - additional excise taxes ranging from 20% to 100% increases on previously approved rates for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, wines and spirits have been introduced effective from 1 June 2023. These are further increases over and above the 2022 FPM’s approved Roadmap for 2022-2024 in the form of new and higher advalorem excise duties and specific rates. The excise duty rate on non-alcoholic beverages is however retained at the rate of N10 per litre.
3. Green Taxes - introduction of a Green Tax by way of excise duty on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) including plastic containers, films and bags at the rate of 10%. Also, an Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) levy has been introduced on motor vehicles of 2000 cc to 3999 cc at 2% while 4000 cc and above will be taxed at 4%. Vehicles below 2000 cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured vehicles are exempted. The new rules take effect from 1 June 2023.
4. Telecommunication Tax – the 2023 FPM confirms the excise duty on telecommunication services earlier introduced via the Finance Act 2020 and prescribed in the Official Gazette No. 88, Vol. 109 of 11 May 2022 approved by the President. The tax is applicable on mobile telephone services (GSM), fixed telephone and internet services, both postpaid and prepaid at the rate of 5%.
Key issues and matters arising:
1. Legality – It should be noted that the Green Taxes are not supported by a specific enactment to provide the legal framework or delegated authority for the imposition of the tax as is the case for beverages and telecommunication services for instance.
2. Policy inconsistency - The additional excise taxes represent further increases over and above the previously approved rates per the 2022-2024 Roadmap approved via the 2022 FPM. It is policy inconsistency to approve tax rates for a period and then change the rules midway into the implementation without any compelling reasons or appropriate engagement with the affected industries especially at a time they have suffered significant sales decline due to the recent naira scarcity. What the industry needs from the government at this time is enabling policies, not additional tax burden.
3. Impact assessment – There is no information to suggest that a proper impact assessment was carried out to determine the impact of the new taxes on affected stakeholders across the value chain.
4. Stakeholder engagement – contrary to the requirements of the Approved 2017 National Tax Policy, there was no engagement with critical stakeholders especially the industries that are directly affected by the changes.
5. Commencement and transition arrangements – The 2023 FPM was yet to be published in the Official Gazette as at the time it was released. Section 13 of the Customs, Excise Tariff Act provides that an Order made under the law shall have effect from the date of its publication in the Gazette. Besides, the National Tax Policy requires a minimum of 90 days before the implementation of tax changes.
6. Utilisation of funds – The design of the Green Taxes and how the revenue generated will be utilised to fund CO2 net-zero initiatives appear hazy.
7. Compliance requirements – It is unclear how some of the new taxes will be administered such as the tax base for the Green Taxes, frequency of payment, compliance timelines, penalties, and detailed regulations to guide the administration of the tax.
To avoid the potential negative consequences of the new changes on the people, struggling businesses and the fragile economy, the 2023 FPM should be suspended and revisited.
Some residents of Runji Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have told FIJ that officials of the Nigeria Army failed to act swiftly on information about the terrorist attack that claimed 34 lives on April 15.
Speaking with FIJ on Tuesday, the Runji residents expressed doubts about the soldiers’ sense of duty, having failed to protect them from such violent attacks.
The residents fingered neighbouring Fulani herdsmen as masterminds of the attack.
TERRORISTS SHOT, BURNT 34 AFTER RAMADAN FAST
“At about 8 pm, when I was sitting in the house, one of my elder brothers called me to say some Fulani herders said that they would attack our village when they break their [Ramadan] fast. So, I met with some youths to try to tell them what I had heard that evening,” Malik Hosea told FIJ on Tuesday.
Hosea added that his parents gave birth to him and watched him grow into a man in Runji. For this reason, they did not want him to leave them alone in the village.
Hosea explained that more village residents quickly passed information to one another over phone calls.
“As I returned, somebody else called me on the way to say they had heard a rumour that the Fulani would attack our village. About 30 minutes later, another caller told me an army captain had confirmed to him that some Fulani had left Zangon and were on their way to attack our village. Before this attack, we had been in some meetings with Fulani groups at the army base to talk about how to bring peace to these communities.
“The same captain called someone else in our village and told him that the Fulani were coming. Not more than 30 minutes later, they were inside our village already. We heard gunshots and knew that the rumours were true. They burnt houses and cut people with machetes. They shot people and burnt their bodies inside their houses. We counted about 34 people who died in this attack.”
Hosea was one of many villagers who faulted the army for its delayed response. He accused the soldiers around Zangon Kataf of giving the violent attackers a headstart to brutalise his village.
“The boy that the army called said the attackers had said they would be in the village very soon. So long as they had known that the Fulani were coming to attack us, they had a grace period. It was more than an hour since the initial rumour of a possible attack before the attack happened. Had the soldiers come quickly, they could have arrived before the attackers or at the same time as the attackers.
“If this is not deliberate delay, if it isn’t an arrangement, they should have acted immediately they heard that the Fulani were coming to attack my village. These Fulani attackers got to our village and operated for over 30 minutes before the security operatives made it here. People had died already.”
SOLDIERS ARE ‘NOT FOR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES’
Mamman Alkali, another resident of Runji Village, corroborated Hosea’s narration.
Alkali told FIJ that soldiers were present but did not offer any support. He claimed that the Fulani herders had killed several people in three separate attacks around Zangon Kataf in the past four months.
“I am from Zangon Kataf and that was the area where this attack happened. These types of attack have been happening in the past two or three years. We have been suffering from this same attack over and over again, different communities. This year alone, they have attacked us about three times,” Alkali told FIJ on Tuesday.
“The first attack took 17 lives; eight people died in the second attack just a week after; and the third one, which is the recent one, had 33 people killed. We need prayers and support earnestly. They burnt down some houses. There are security operatives around but they are not for us; they are not for the Christian community. They will protect other communities with Muslim residents, but not ours.
“We have been telling the government to remove the security here because they are not helping matters at all. It seems that they are supporting the Muslims and not the Christian community. They are with the army. We have asked that the government replace the soldiers stationed here with police officers, because the police are more faithful in their work.”
WHY KADUNA MASSACRES PERSIST
Both Hosea and Alkali told FIJ that the Fulani herders planned to take over Runji and other communities around Zangon Kataf by force.
The victims also told FIJ that they knew their assailants personally.
“They are trying to invade our land; they want to cover our land. The herders want to say that the land belongs to them so that we are seen as the second-class citizens. But this is not so. They are not the indigenes in this community; they only settled here many years ago,” Hosea said.
“The soldiers are fueling the violence because they are not supporting us. I live very close to the checkpoint and I can see that their approach was not to help us. They are not friendly to the Christian community at all. The community handles everything. The government acts like it doesn’t hear anything here and even the media is not allowed to make announcements related to these attacks.”
Alkali recalled a not-so-distant past when their attackers received shelter from the village they attacked on Saturday.
“What I have managed to understand from these Fulani is that they are not peacemakers. Some of these Fulani stayed with us in our villages. We sat together with them. We were once peaceful, but there was a riot at a time and not a single Fulani died in our village,” Alkali explained.
“We allowed them to stay in our village; we protected them; we fed them. They even laid in our beds before they left. What I want to tell the world is that all these Fulani who stayed in our village left for Zangon and stayed with some of the Hausa people there at a point. They now come from Zangon to attack other communities then return to Zangon each time.
“Even the government knows that these Fulani stay in Zangon and from Zangon they come out to attack our villages. Our local leaders have even spoken with the government and the government knows that these people are living in Zangon. They have not taken any legal action against these Fulani. The government is supporting them, or turning a blind eye, and that is why this insecurity is persisting.”
FIJ obtained footage that shows a man contributing to the incitement of violence in Zangon Kataf.
In Hausa, the man in this video appeared to be indoctrinating some students in a classroom in Zangon Kataf.
“Since those people have vowed to keep on killing our cattle, each time I go out to feed my cattle, I too have vowed that we will remain enemies with them forever. I will continue to go out with my cattle and I will come back safely. An average Kataf man is very wicked and doesn’t forgive. We too will take an eye. As they have not relented in killing our cattle, we will not relent in retaliation.”
FIJ contacted the Nigeria Army on April 19.
The inquiry FIJ sent to the army through its official query channel on its website had received no response at press time.
13 buses with 637 Nigerians have arrived safely at Aswan, Egypt (Borders of Egypt). Visas and necessary checks are being carried out. Citizens will be evacuated via NAF and Air Peace Airlines.
JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (MFA) AND THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (FMHADMSD) ON THE EVACUATION OF NIGERIANS CAUGHT UP IN THE ON-GOING CRISIS IN SUDAN.
Issued at Abuja, Nigeria on 29th April, 2023 The Honourable Ministers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development co-Chaired the Situation Room held on Friday, 28th April, 2023.
The Ministers noted that the first batch of 13 buses conveying six hundred and thirty seven (637) evacuees had arrived the identified safe borders at Aswan, Egypt and are undergoing necessary documentation and clearance before admission into the Egyptian territory for their eventual evacuation to Nigeria.
The movement of the second batch of 29 buses will commence on Saturday, 29th April, 2023. The evacuees are advised to be at the designated locations with only one luggage. Contrary to insinuations on the social media, Embassy staff are very much on ground in Khartoum to coordinate the evacuation exercise to the very end. The students and other Nigerians awaiting evacuation from Khartoum, Sudan are therefore, advised to cooperate with them in order to ensure orderliness and proper documentation while embarking on the buses. This will go a long way in speeding up the process and avoiding unnecessary delays with documentation and clearance upon arrival at the Aswan, Egypt.
While the Federal Government empathizes with affected Nigerians, maintaining order amidst the desperate situation remains crucial to getting all interested Nigerians out of the war zone in record time before the expiration of the ceasefire, which has been extended by 72 hours.
The general public is also advised to discountenance unverified information being circulated on the social media as some of them are either due to ignorance or sheer mischief. The outcry over the negotiated sum of $1.2 million for the buses hired for the exercise, is uncalled for. The amount in question, was negotiated in a condition of war and where there are competing demands for same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens. Therefore, the cooperation and understanding of all and sundry is required to complement ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe return of every Nigerian trapped in Sudan.
The Federal Government of Nigeria seizes this opportunity to extend appreciation to friendly countries who have in one way or the other assisted in bringing succour to Nigerians fleeing the war in Sudan. Particularly, Nigeria acknowledges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for graciously assisting with the evacuation of eight Nigerians from Sudan to safety in its territory, from where they would be airlifted back to Nigeria.
In the time being, the first batch of Nigerian evacuees who have arrived Aswan are expected to be airlifted to Nigeria in the coming hours by the Nigerian Air Force and Air Peace airline, who have been on standby for the operations.
Signed: Signed: Amb. Janet Olisa, OON Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo mni, NPOM Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Permanent Secretary, MFA FMHADMSD
Serial investor and billionaire, Femi Otedola has exited his stake in Transcorp Plc, Nairametrics can confirm.
Otedola had acquired a 6% stake in Transcorp over a series of carefully orchestrated purchases going almost unnoticed until the acquisition was announced. Nairametrics first announced the acquisition.
Reliable sources with knowledge of the transaction inform Nairametrics that the billionaire investor reached a deal with Elumelu to exit the company.
The decision effectively staves off a possible greenmail situation for Transcorp which may have turned out murky.
Both parties entered negotiations about a possible exit in the early hours of Thursday after both had declared willingness to work together in an apparent bromance.
The negotiations leading to the agreement were said to be swift yet cordial as both parties opined it was in their mutual best interest to part ways. Elemelu and Otedola publicly agreed to work together to promote Transcorp’s interests.
Sources also indicate the attention drawn by the jostle for shareholding was a distraction for the company thus paving the way for a decision to part ways. It is understood that both parties will continue to explore other forms of collaboration over their common interest in the power sector.
Sources with knowledge of the deal reached between the two billionaires indicate Elumelu bought Otedola out at a premium said to be between 4 to 6x of his average cost per share. Nairametrics could not immediately independently verify the transaction terms.
However, confirmed sources from Elumelu’s camp who spoke to Nairametrics exclusively denied any premium was paid, claiming the transaction closed at the prevailing market price as of April 27th, 2022.
An announcement of the transaction is however imminent on the Nigerian Exchange.
Mr Otedola announced in early April that he had acquired 5.05% of Transcorp making him the second-largest shareholder of the company. The purchase immediately triggered a rally for the share price of the stock, doubling in under two weeks.
In response to Mr. Otedola’s acquisition, Elemelu consolidated his holdings, increasing his ownership stake to about 25% which he announced on April 26th, 2023.
Brisk business for Otedola Nairametrics first reported on the 12th of April, 2023 billionaire investor Femi Otedola had acquired 5.52% of Transcorp shares making him the second largest shareholder of the company.
The billionaire acquired over 2 billion shares of the conglomerate in stealth finally declaring the ownership after months of mopping up the stock. He then took his stake in the company to as much as 6.3% triggering a bidding war for the stock.
Armed with financial muscle, Elumelu’s camp moved to strengthen its control of the company moping up more shares even as they publicly welcomed Otedola to its fray. On Thursday, 27th of April Transcorp informed the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public of the acquisition of new shares by HH Capital Limited.
HH Capital Limited acquired 9,697,189,984 units of shares, bringing their total holdings in Transcorp to 9,991,173,177 units, representing 25.58% of the Company’s total shares. This fast-tracked a decision between both parties to hash out an exit for Mr. Otedola, who we understand was about to seek a board seat.
Optics The Elemelu camp sees this as a win-win situation as the decision to buy Otedola out staves off a possible greenmail situation. Greenmail refers to the strategy of purchasing enough shares in a company to pose a threat of a hostile takeover, thereby compelling the target company to buy back its shares at a premium price instead.
In the context of mergers and acquisitions, greenmail serves as a defensive mechanism against the takeover bid. The targeted company repurchases its stock at a significant premium price to prevent the takeover, leading to substantial profits for the individual or entity behind the greenmail strategy. Details of the transaction indicate both parties agreed to exit Otedola at a premium to his average cost of acquiring the shares over the last few months.
It brings to an abrupt end one of the most intriguing corporate moves in 2023. Transcorp share price was down 9.9% in the early hours of Friday. The stock was on full offer with over 100 million shares on offer with limited bids.
Dr. Ahmad Small has shared videos of Stranded Nigerian students in IUA.
The Buses evacuating Nigerian students and non-student were stopped in the middle of the Sahara, and the drivers refused to continue the journey because they were not PAID. @abikedabiri @nemanigeria @FMHDSD @nidcom_gov @NigeriaMFA
Students crying out in this video
The Buses evacuating Nigerian students and non-student were stopped in the middle of the Sahara, and the drivers refused to continue the journey because they were not PAID. @abikedabiri@nemanigeria @FMHDSD @nidcom_gov@NigeriaMFA
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp) has informed the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public of the acquisition of new shares by HH Capital Limited.
HH Capital is a company (Special Purpose Vehicle) owned by billionaire investor Tony Elumelu and appears to be an acronym for Heirs Holdings.
A public search of the company reveals the directors are Tony Elumelu, Awele Vivien Elumelu, Obinna Ufudo (former MD/CEO of Transcorp Plc), Samuel Nwanze, and Matthew Isonanjo.
According to the details of the acquisition as of April 25, 2023, HH Capital Limited acquired 9,697,189,984 units of shares, bringing their total holdings in Transcorp to 9,991,173,177 units, representing 25.58% of the Company’s total shares.
The statement by the company read in part;
“In compliance with Chapter 17, Rule 17.13 of the NGX Issuers Rules, Transnational Corporation Plc (the Company) hereby informs the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public of the below new acquisition of shares in the Company. With this new acquisition, HH Capital Limited now holds a total of 9,991,173,177 units, representing 25.58% of the Company’s total shares.”
Nairametrics earlier reported trade volumes of about 5 billion units exchanged hands in yet another off-market trade at the same price of N2.45 per share. Nairametrics research indicates over 10 billion units of the shares have traded since Femi Otedola announced the acquisition.
Breakdown of HH Capital Acquisition In a press release posted on the website of the NGX, Transcorp Plc stated that HH Capital purchased 1,843,008,604 units @ N1.85 6,552, another 167,522 units @N2.45.
It also stated that purchases of 16,738,209 units @ N2.69, 1,039,399,057 units @N2.95, and 245,876,592 @various prices all totaling 9,697,189,979 were part of the transactions consummated between April 19 to April 25, 2023.
This corroborates Nairametrics report of a jostle for shares in Transcorp since the acquisition by Mr. Otedola was announced. It is however unclear if UBA Nominees, which was the erstwhile majority shareholder of Transcorp Plc still retains its shareholding or if part of it was crossed to HH Capital Ltd. Meanwhile, Transcorp Plc also announced Femi Otedola purchased a further 228,384,959 shares of the company adding to the 5.05% he already owns.
Republicans hoping to see Donald Trump debate Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy or possibly Ron DeSantis in a GOP primary debate are going to be disappointed by this development: The former president is suggesting he might not participate.
On Tuesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social network to say that while “everybody is talking about the Republican Debates” ahead of the 2024 presidential election, nobody got his approval, “or the approval of the Trump Campaign, before announcing them.”
Trump apparently doesn’t see any reason to debate primary opponents when “you’re leading by seemingly insurmountable numbers,” especially when “you have hostile Networks with angry, TRUMP ... hating anchors asking the ‘questions.’”
He wondered, “Why subject yourself to being libeled and abused?”
Donald Trump appears to offer reasons for potentially skipping GOP primary debates ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
But while Trump hinted that those are the reasons he may not participate in the primary debates, Twitter users couldn’t help but speculate that there were other, perhaps more likely, explanations.
In her debut college season, Nigeria’s tennis star girl, @Official_OBQ has emerged winner of the C-USA Women’s Tennis Champion with Florida International University & will represent Conference USA in the NCAA Championship!
Thankful for life, for love, joy, peace and genuine happiness. I am here today only by the Grace of God! As the Gen-Z abi Millennials will say … Issa Birthday Girl! 😂
Nigerian Idol Season 8 launches on 23rd April 2023 at 7pm on @africamagictv Channels 151, 152 & 153. Also on Channel 199 and @GOtvNg channel 49.
Dbanj, IK Osakioduwa, Simi, and Obi Asika bring the show to life.
D’banj, Simi and Obi Asika return as judges ahead of April launch – Nigerian Idol
The show will premiere on April 23, 2023, as D’banj, Simi, and Obi Asika return to preside as judges, alongside beloved host IK Osakioduwa. This follows the brilliant success of the past edition that saw Progress Chukwuyem emerge as the winner and walk away with a prize package worth N100 million worth.
On Tuesday, March 28, MultiChoice Nigeria announced the show and judges’ return at a media launch at the company’s Lagos studio. Popular television personality, IK Osakioduwa, returns as the show’s host for a third time alongside Obi Asika, who will also be judging his third season. Superstar singer/songwriter Simi and multiple-award-winning entertainer D'banj are back for a second time, ensuring the band stays together.
The show will premiere on April 23, 2023, as D’banj, Simi, and Obi Asika return to preside as judges, alongside beloved host IK Osakioduwa. This follows the brilliant success of the past edition that saw Progress Chukwuyem emerge as the winner and walk away with a prize package worth N100 million worth.
On Tuesday, March 28, MultiChoice Nigeria announced the show and judges’ return at a media launch at the company’s Lagos studio. Popular television personality, IK Osakioduwa, returns as the show’s host for a third time alongside Obi Asika, who will also be judging his third season. Superstar singer/songwriter Simi and multiple-award-winning entertainer D'banj are back for a second time, ensuring the band stays together.
The leading entertainment company announced the return of the show in January, with the online and physical Auditions following shortly after. The eighth season will premiere on April 23, starting with recordings from the Auditions. Fans expect to be thrilled by hilarious and beautiful performances from upcoming superstars. The Auditions and Theatre Week will air from April 23 till May 21, so fans can follow the journey of the final Live Show contestants. The Live Shows will begin on May 28 and end on July 16, when a new Nigerian Idol will emerge.
Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria spoke about MultiChoice’s reasons for producing an eighth season of the show. She said, “Nigerian Idol has continued to offer talented Nigerian artists the platform to show the continent what they can do and gives them the opportunity to rise to fame through hard work and dedication. It is a rare chance to gain access to the hands-on mentorship provided by the judges, our vocal coaches, the world-class production team and the choreographers that altogether unveil the intricacies of the industry to this talent and gives them a chance to hone their skills in readiness for their contracts. This year we are thrilled to have our entire panel of judges back; D’Banj, Simi, Obi Asika. They will return to steer the course of affairs. We look forward to a wide array of music and song choices across genres and spectacular performances that together deliver a fantastic show.”
Returning judge Simi spoke about the qualities a Nigerian Idol must possess. She said, “Have a great work ethic and be passionate about your work. Talent is never enough.”
On the other hand, Obi Asika confessed he was looking forward to beginning the journey of choosing a new winner. He said, “If you are going to make it to the Top 20, that’s a real fight because there are a lot of people, and many fall off. Every single year, I’m upset that we left some people behind. It’s always a battle, but it’s also a pleasure. We are blessed with incredible talent. It’s one of the things that make Nigerians special. This amazing talent comes through every year, and I can assure you that there are special people this season.”
Nigerian Idol is a platform created to showcase remarkable Nigerian voices to a global audience whilst empowering participants with an opportunity of a lifetime. As usual, the show will bring fans the best entertainment as they watch the individuals with the best talent battle to the top.
Over the years, Nigerian Idol has produced some of the most prominent musicians in Nigeria, such as Timi Dakolo, Mercy Chinwo, Kingdom, Progress, and Omawumi, who have made a name for themselves in the local and global music scenes. The goal is to produce another superstar at the end of this season.
For more information on Nigerian Idol, visit www.africamagic.tv/nigerianidol. You can also follow the official Nigerian Idol social media pages for news and updates with the hashtag #NigerianIdol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
We condemn the reported rearrest of social media activist Mr Nnamdi Chude. He was arrested in March under the unlawful provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime Act. The Buhari administration must immediately and unconditionally release him.
SERAP Condemns Reported Rearrest Of Labour Party Supporter, Chude Accused Of Planning To Overthrow Government
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the reported rearrest of a social media influencer, Mr Nnamdi Chude.
Nnamdi, a supporter of the Labour Party and Peter Obi who was arrested by the police in Anambra State during the March 18, governorship and State Assembly elections, had said he was accused of “calling out” the police and planning to stage a protest to overthrow the government.
SaharaReporters had reported that Nnamdi was arrested over alleged cyberstalking on Saturday, March 18, 2023, by the police in Anambra State. He regained his freedom about five days later.
His arrest elicited criticisms on social media with some Twitter users alleging that he was apprehended over a petition written by Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State governor.
He was transferred to Abuja and subsequently detained for days.
Nigerian banks are repositioning for more significant impacts, better product offerings, and higher returns on investment.
Apart from announcing several changes, the banks moved to solidify their leadership positions by changing names, branding, and operational structures.
Nigerian banks seek new frontiers and new profits
Earlier in March, one of Nigeria’s leading banks, Zenith Bank, announced that it was rebranding into a Holding Company known as Zenith Holding Co.
The bank said the move is to reposition it to compete favorably in the industry and serve its customers better.
Zenith Bank said it had received approval in principle from the Central Bank of Nigeria to restructure and operate as a financial holding company.
The company revealed plans to change its organizational structure in a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Michael Otu, on Friday, March 3, 2023, and submitted to the Nigerian Exchange.
With this change, the organization will have a banking subsidiary and other subsidiaries in the financial services sector.
Sterling Bank joins the fray, splits into two
In April, Sterling Bank Plc announced that it had completed an essential step in its ongoing efforts to shift from a financial institution to a holding company. The bank said the move is in line with the delisting, transfer, and relisting of all shares to the Sterling Financial Holding Company on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
Per a statement by the firm, the relisting shows another significant development in the ongoing transition, which the bank’s shareholders unanimously approve. As ratified by the Nigerian Exchange, the bank stated that this move follows approval in principle for it to operate as a Holding Company by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The bank will convert to a non-operating financial holding firm as approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and is expected to enable it to diversify its investment portfolio, expanding its presence in the financial markets.
Punch reports that upon completion of the transition, Sterling Holdings Company would begin operations with two banking subsidiaries, one operating as a conventional commercial bank and the other as the Alternative Bank Limited, which will operate as a non-interest bank.
First Bank changes name
And most recently, Nigeria’s oldest bank, First Bank, announced a corporate name change for its African subsidiaries. According to a statement by the bank, the name change aligns with the subsidiaries of the parent brand and enjoys the strong heritage and brand equity built by FirstBank Nigeria in its 129 years of existence and industry leadership.
Punch reports that the name change affects its operations in several African countries where it has its presence. The bank named the first set of subsidiaries affecting the name alignment as FBNBank UK, FBNBank Sierra Leone, FBNBank Gambia, and FBNBank DRC.
Per the statement, the subsidiaries would be addressed as FirstBank UK, FirstBank Sierra Leon, FirstBank Gambia, and FirstBank DRC. While the banks’ change of names does not affect their core operations and responsibilities, it will affect public perceptions and customers’ acceptance.
The banks joined other banks that have significantly rebranded and repositioned in Nigeria.
Apple on Monday launched its Apple Card savings account with a 4.15% annual percentage yield. It requires no minimum deposit or balance, Apple said, and users can set up an account from the Wallet app on their iPhones.
Users must have an Apple Card in order to open the savings account.
The company said in a press release that all Daily Cash rewards earned through the Apple Card will automatically be deposited to the savings account. Daily Cash is the Apple Card reward program that offers up to 3% back on purchases. Users can change where their Daily Cash is deposited at any time, and can also add funds from their bank account to build on their earnings.
Apple is launching the savings account through Goldman Sachs.
The national average APY on savings accounts is just 0.35%, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, so Apple's 4.15% APY is high in comparison. But competing savings accounts offered by large credit unions, online banks and brick-and-mortar banks can also offer customers a significant APY.
CIT Bank offers a savings account with a 4.75% APY when customers deposit a minimum balance of $5,000. Marcus by Goldman Sachs has a 3.9% APY with no minimum balance or monthly fees. Capital One's savings account has no minimum balance, and users can earn a 3.5% APY. Vio Bank offers a savings account with a 4.77% APY with no minimum balance.
Apple Card savings users can manage their accounts through a dashboard that will appear in the Wallet app, where they can track their interest and their account balance or withdraw funds.
The feature is rolling out inside the Apple Wallet app on iPhones now. Check the app again later if you don't see it immediately.
Meanwhile, fans are calling out AMVCA organizers for not nominating Kunle Remi in the Best Actor category for his role in Kunle Afolayan's movie 'Anikulapo'.
It’s been a fantastic year for Africa’s vibrant entertainment industry. From movies and series, to documentaries and thumb-stopping social media content, our talent in West, East and Southern Africa has risen to the occasion both in front of camera and behind – and now, it’s time to give them their well-deserved accolades.
Our ninth Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards judging panel led by this year’s Head Judge; film director, producer and writer Femi Odugbemi, has given these industry leaders the nod for their stellar work. In no particular order, here are your AMVCA 9 nominees.
VOTING CATEGORIES
BEST UNSCRIPTED ORIGINAL
Come Play Naija
Off Air with Gbemi & Tools
Judging Matters
Rock That Aisle Again
Sankofa
Kan-See-Me
King Bugar
BEST ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES
Unmarried
Ricordi
The Rishantes
To Have and To Hold
Accra Medic
Dirty Laundry
Njila
Pete
Junior Drama Club
A Infiltrada
Pazia
BEST ORIGINAL COMEDY SERIES
Flatmates
The Johnsons
My Siblings and I
Co-Habits
RSM
Uncle Limbani
Mussulando
Njoro Wa Uba
Popi
The Return Of Original Comedy
BEST ORIGINAL TELENOVELA
Itura
Covenant
Huba
Dede
Prestige
Salem
Mahinga
Mpali
Maida
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA, MOVIE OR TV SERIES
Anikulapo
Bimbo Ademoye
Flawsome
Ini Dima-Okojie
Ile Owo
Immaculata Oko Kasum
Man of God
Osas Ighodaro
Flawsome
Enado Odigie
The Planters Plantation
Nimo Loveline
Strained
Queen Nwokoye
Shanty Town
Nse Ikpe-Etim
Shanty Town
Ini Edo
Wura
Scarlet Gomez
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY/TV SERIES
Battle On Buka Street
Mercy Johnson
Battle On Buka Street
Funke Akindele
Red Carpet
Rosely Ngissah
Passport
Mercy Johnson Okojie
Selina
Bimbo Ademoye
Visa On Arrival
Albert Oluwatoyin
Married To Work
Grace Wacuka
BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY DRAMA, MOVIE OR TV SERIES
The Razz Guy
Nosa Afolabi
Inside Life
Samuel Perry 'Broda Shaggi'
Unintentional
Kunle Idowu
Inside Life
Adokiye Horsfall 'Romeo_WJ'
Battle On Buka Street
Nkem Owoh
Survivors
Samuel A. Perry (Broda Shaggi)
Just Friends
Charles Etubiebi
City Hustler
Charles Inojie
Aki & PawPaw
Chinedu Ikedieze
Inside Life
Nedu Ani (Nedu Wazobia)
BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA, MOVIE OR TV SERIES
Shanty Town
Chidi Mokeme
The Trade
Blossom Chukwujekwu
All The Colours Of The World Are Between Black and White
Tope Tedela
King of Thieves (Agesinkole)
Femi Adebayo
Black Mail
O.C. Ukeje
Tembele
Nkakalukanyi Patriq
Kofa
Daniel Etim-Effiong
Choke
Chimezie Imo
Brotherhood
Tobi Bakre
Four Four Forty Four
Ruchard Mofe Damijo
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (MOVIE/TV SERIES)
County 49
James Webbo
Anikulapo
Yinka Quadri
The Razz Guy
Bucci Franklin
Anikulapo
Taiwo Hassan
Brotherhood
OC Ukeje
Gacal
Abdisattar Ahmed
Bedroom Chains
Jeffroberts Walusimbi
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA, MOVIE OR TV SERIES
On Your Own
Ivie Okujaye
Brotherhood
Toni Tones
Anikulapo
Sola Sobowale
Love In A Pandemic
Teniola Aladese
Four Four Forty Four
Efe Irele
Kofa
Gina Castel
BEST ONLINE SOCIAL CONTENT CREATOR
Nollywood Epic Love Story Parody (The Finale)
Tee Kuro
Husband’s Side Chick
Steve Chuks
My Sweet Mother Inlaw
Isbae U
VIP Bathroom
Abiola
Back From the Future
Elozonam & Kiekie
Quick Pronunciations
Kenzy Udosen
Soldiers at War (Compilation)
Oluwadolarz & Abayomi Alvin
The Activist
Edem Victor
Fake Alert with Mercy Johnson
Adeaga Bukunmi
Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion
Bimbo Ademoye
BEST SHORT FILM OR ONLINE VIDEO
Teniola Zara King
Teju's Tale
Nkem Nwaturuocha
The Song Maiden
Usama Mukwaya, Loukman Ali
Sixteen Rounds
Victor Onwudiwe & Goodnews
Erico Isika
Away
Adeoye Adetunji
Pa Aromire
Gbenga Salu
Convictus
Uzoamaka Aniunoh
Love Language
NON-VOTING CATEGORIES
BEST WRITER IN MOVIE OR TV SERIES
The Trade
Jade Osiberu
Kanaani
Tunde Apalowo & Jeffery Musa David
Diiche Episode 5
Sodi Kurubo, Stephanie Dadet & Victor Aghahowa
Battle On Buka Street
Funke Akindele, Jack'enneth Opukeme, Stephen Oluboyo & Jemine Edukugho
King of Thieves (Agesinkole)
Yinka Laoye
Choke
Uche Ateli
Anikulapo
Sola Dada
BEST ART DIRECTOR (MOVIE OR TV SERIES) Brotherhood
Olugbenga Ogunshina and Joy Kadiri
Crime & Justice
Pat Nebo & Temple Chima Adighije
King Of Thieves (Agesinkole)
Wale Adeleke
Battle On Buka Street
Olatunji Afolayan
Shanty Town
Olalekan Isiaka
Almajiri
Toka Mcbaror
Diiche
Uche Nwaohiri & Tunde Lawal
BEST LIGHTING DESIGNER IN MOVIE OR TV SERIES
Crime & Justice
Francis Wanyahdeh
Brotherhood
Mathew Yusuf
Anikulapo
Lanre Omofaiye
Shanty Town
Walter Odhiambo
Ile Owo
Ismail Adewunmi
Four Four Forty Four
Muri Salami
Diiche
Francis Wanyahdeh & Ebuka Enejere
Real Housewives Of Lagos
Renaldo Van Den Berg, Emmanuel Patrick, David Otuokere
Tarella
Godwin Lawal
Flawsome
Segun Adeleke
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Awaiting Trial
Chude Jideowo
100 Of Us
Best Okoduwa
Truck Blind Spot
Nathaniel George
Green: The Amazons
Charles F. Solomon, Oluchi Nsofor, Aaron Olayemi & Famous Odion
Nigeria: The Debut
Nora Awolowo
Way to the Top
Charles F. Solomon
Baby Blues
Nora Awolowo
BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE MOVIE OR TV SERIES: SWAHILI
Safari
Phoebe Ruguru & Njue Kevin
Barakatatu
Malcom Hamisi
Click Click Bang
Philip Karanja Njenga
Frida
Wilson Nkya & Jane Moshi
Mpiganaji
Daniel Manege
Dau
Freddy Feruzi
Mvanmizi (The Intruder)
Wilson Nkya
BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE MOVIE OR TV SERIES: YORUBA
Anikulapo
Kunle Afolayan
Ogeere
Ololade Tijani-Ebong
Abebi Seranko Seniyan
Funmi Bank Anthony & Abdullahi Abdulrasaq
Mr Raji
Okusanya Bayonle Samson
Morenikeji
Karamot Adeboye
BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE MOVIE OR TV SERIES: HAUSA
Singer Ariana Grande has called on fans to be "gentler and less comfortable" about remarking on her and other people's bodies after recent scrutiny of her appearance on social media.
In a TikTok video, she said she had a body that is "paid such close attention to", so "wanted to address" concerns.
It comes after some users commented on her apparent recent weight loss.
Grande said they were "comparing my current body" to "the unhealthiest version of my body".
The 29-year-old US star explained: "I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly and at the lowest point of my life when I looked the way you consider my healthy, but that in fact wasn't my healthy.
"I know I shouldn't have to explain that, but I do feel like maybe having an openness and some sort of vulnerability here will [mean] something good might come from it. I don't know but that's the first thing. Healthy can look different."
She continued: "The second thing is, you never know what someone is going through. Even if you are coming from a loving place and a caring place, that person probably is working on it or has a support system that they are working on it with.
"You never know. So be gentle with each other and with yourselves."
'Many different kinds of beautiful'
Stressing that "there are many different kinds of beautiful," she suggested fans should avoid making even "well-intentioned" remarks about how "healthy, unhealthy, big, small, this, that, sexy, non-sexy" people may look.
"There are ways to compliment someone or to ignore something that you see that you don't like, that I think we should help each other work towards," she said. "We should aim toward being safer, and keeping each other safer."
She has has previously opened up about her "anxiety" and mental health issues, especially following the Manchester Arena attack, when a suicide bomber killed 22 people after her concert in May 2017.
Agriculture › Re: Python Killed After Swallowing Three Chickens in Their Cage (pics) by nlfpmod(mod): 11:24am On May 01, 2023
