₦airaland Forum

In a renewed effort to fight malaria, Mouka, the leading mattress manufacturing company in Nigeria is set to give insecticide-treated nets to customers on every single purchase of selected sizes of its Comfy mattresses.

This was disclosed at the weekend by the company’s Head of marketing, Tolu Olanipekun.

According to her, the effort is a measure geared towards checking malaria in a country with a record of 100 million malaria cases and over 300,000 deaths annually.

“In line with the essence of the brand; adding comfort to life, Mouka seeks to provide protection for its consumers who are most vulnerable to malaria. Consumers will receive free insecticide-treated nets when they purchase selected sizes of Comfy which is one of our most affordable mattress propositions,” Olanipekun said.

According to Malaria Fact Sheet, Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria where it accounts for more cases and deaths than any other country in the world.

The gesture also signals a promo aimed at securing quite a rewarding market share for the Mouka Comfy brand which is targeted at those seeking a low cost yet good quality mattress.

The supreme court has upheld the election of Abdullahi Ganduje as the governor of Kano state.

The court gave its verdict on Monday in the suit filed by Abba Kabir Yusuf, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the election of Ganduje, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

More to follow…

Pandemonium broke out on Sunday evening when a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation exploded in the Oke-Ode area of Abule-Egba, Lagos State.

It was gathered that the suspected cause of the fire incident was due to the activities of vandals, who allegedly ruptured the pipeline in a bid to steal fuel.

As of the time of filing this report, the estimated value of the properties burnt in the fire incident could not be ascertained.

The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Oluwafemi Okeosanyintolu, who confirmed the incident, said, “There is a fire incident at Oke-Odo. We are already coordinating.”

Also, the Director-General, Lagos State Fire Service, Magret Adeseye, said three fire service stations had been deployed in the area to curtail the fire, adding that no casualty had been recorded.

“Yes, a fire incident is ongoing. Three of our stations are present at the scene of the fire incident. The fire is still on, but under control, we deployed Agege, Alausa and one other fire station to the area. The cause of the fire incident is still under investigation, no casualty has been recorded for now.”

In fulfilment of its commitment to constantly find new ways to serve its customers better, NOVA Merchant Bank has been appointed as a designated collecting bank for Import, Excise and other duties by the Nigeria Customs Service.

This will enable the Bank handle duty payments for its clients in addition to process and issue custom bonds along with guarantees on their behalf.

According to the MD/CEO, Mr. Anya Duroha: “We are excited about this appointment because it would enhance efficiency and improve turnaround time for duty payments and other services offered by the Nigerian Customs Service for our clients”.

“This development is in line with the commitment of the Bank to be a one-stop solution shop for all trade and financial needs of its clients. The Bank is positioned to provide end to end quality banking services to our clients. I commend the management for obtaining and delivering on this mandate within a short period of time,” stated the Chairman, Mr Phillips Oduoza.

NOVA Merchant Bank offers an integrated suite of financial solutions covering Wholesale Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Trade Services, Transaction Banking, Cash Management and Digital Banking.

Access Bank Plc says it has secured final approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities in Kenya for the acquisition of Kenya-based Transnational Bank Plc (TNB).

The bank said this in a statement to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) signed by its Company Secretary, Mr Sunday Ekwochi.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bank had on October 28, 2019 informed the NSE that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had granted its ‘no objection’ to the bank’s proposed acquisition of majority equity stake in TNB.

“We are pleased to announce that the bank has now secured the final approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities in Kenya in respect of the acquisition.

“The acquisition is in line with the bank’s strategic objective of becoming Africa’s gateway to the world and ties into its strategy to establish footprints in key African markets.’’

The bank added that the acquisition would further complement its franchise in Rwanda, Congo DRC and Zambia.

It noted that “TNB is a medium-sized commercial bank with great focus on the agricultural sector and significant retail footprints.’’

Mr Hebert Wigwe, the bank’s Group Managing Director, was quoted by the statement as saying the “acquisition aligns with its strategy of becoming Africa’s gateway to the world.

“This acquisition aligns with our strategy to become Africa’s gateway to the world and we are excited about the potential that reside in the East African market.

“We will leverage our presence in key payment corridors, strong partnerships in non-presence countries, robust technology platform as well as world-class risk management to provide cutting edge financial solutions to our clients.

“We will build on TNB’s existing expertise in agricultural financing and deploy our resources to optimise other business segments.

“We are committed to supporting the growth and development of our host community in line with our sustainability ethos and are certain that this acquisition will deliver great value to our stakeholders.

“Following the receipt of regulatory approvals, we are very confident that the transaction will be completed shortly,’’ Wigwe said.

In line with its commitment towards boosting savings culture and promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, Access Bank Plc has splashed over N50 million on no fewer than 1,044 customers in its DiamondXtravaganza Season 11 reward promo.

Mr Robert Giles, the bank’s Head, Retail Products, said at the reward ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos that the initiative was introduced in 2008 to boost savings culture and financial inclusion.

Giles said that the Diamondxtra initiative which had been running for 11 years had constantly grown with the number of prizes given out every year.

He stated that over N50 million was given out in form of cash to winners across the country.

Giles said that the bank had given out five billion naira to lucky customers since the inception of DiamondXtra initiative.

According to him, there have been over 20,000 beneficiaries.

Giles described DiamondXtra as a unique product introduced into the market by the bank based on feedback from customers.

He explained that salary for life, rent for a year and educational support were all introduced based on customers experiences and feedback.

Giles noted that the initiative had helped in growing the bank’s deposit base and as well helped in transforming the lives of Nigerians by giving them the chance to win.

“Now we are seeing that customers are able to use that fund to start new businesses and this is impacting on their lives.

“This product has been a successful product since the launch and we have significantly more than one million customers who save with DiamondXtra and you do not have to have a large amount to save.

“For every N5,000 you save, you get one entry into the prize draw and that entry could win you any category of our prizes.

“The special thing about season 11 is the difference we are making for people by giving rent allowance for a year, and we had winners today who won in that category, as well as education grant for five years, that is something that is really impressive in this season,” Giles said.

The bank official, who appreciated customers for their suppport over the years, said that DiamondXtra Season 12 would kick off in February with a lot of goodies.

Also speaking, Adaeze Umeh, the bank’s Group Head, Consumer Banking, stated that more exciting features would be added in Season 12, as well as more winners.

“Season 12 is going to be much bigger because we have gotten feedback and insights from our customers.

“This initiative has been there for 11 years and so we have a lot of strong followership and each season we try to build in what our customers love and will want in a new season as it is a product aimed at transforming lives.

So, we encourage Nigerians to keep faith in us even as we get to launch the new season next month,” Umeh said.

Ms Vivian Onyebukwa, a journalist who won N500,000, commended the bank for the inititiative aimed at changing lives and enhancing saving culture.

Onyebukwa said she had been a customer of Access Bank for years and never expected to emerge a winner.

“I feel so happy and so excited. I never believed I would become a winner in the first place.

“I want to say a very big thank you to Access Bank, I will also encourage other Nigerians especially my colleagues to partake in this initiative because this bank ends up making their customers happy,” she said.

REDTV, the foremost lifestyle platform powered by the United Bank for Africa, has just launched its new and very much anticipated series, Assistant Madams. Creators of the hit series, The Men’s Club, REDTV has been engaging and providing opportunities for talented youths in the creative industry in Africa, since its inception.

The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry gathered at the prestigious and newly opened, Ebony Life Place in the bustling city of Lagos, to watch the premiere of Assistant madams. The story revolves around the life of three aspiring female Lagos socialites and their journey to ‘big girl’ status.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta said: “REDTV was birthed by the United Bank for Africa, to support the creative industry in Nigeria and also across the African continent. For about four years now, we have been creating employment through entertainment. The potential revenue that can be generated in this industry is often under estimated and it is only in recent times that more people have had the courage to leave traditional professions and embrace the creatives. We want to encourage talented and creative professionals to pursue their dreams and to confidently feel that they are contributing to economic growth.

“The vision of UBA is to support entrepreneurship across Africa and through REDTV, the bank is connecting African talent to the world. REDTV will continue to harness these talents and to provide opportunities for those who wish to pursue careers in the creative industry,” Atta said.

Also speaking at the launch of Assistant madams, Co-producer and director, Tola Odunsi and Akins Akinkugbe expressed their delight at the reception which the new series is receiving. “We are pleased to partner with UBA and REDTV to create top quality content and jobs. Assistant madams alone employed over 120 people during the filming of the series and this is significant.”

In attendance at the event, were Chris Ubosi, Mo Abudu, veteran photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi, Sola Sobowole, Patrick Doyle, Noble Igwe, Juliet Ibrahim, Toke Makinwa, Uru Eke, Obi Asika, Koye Sowemimo, Debola Williams, Sharon Ooja, Bollylomo, Funke Babs Kufreji, Obi Asika, Bisola Aiyeola, Osas Ighodaro, Tana Adelana, Sophie Alakija, Taymesan Emmanuel, Ayo Ayoola, Efa Iwara, and many noteworthy entertainers.

Assistant Madams will premiere on Youtube @itsredtv on January 15, 2020.

REDTV is a fast paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by the United Bank for Africa, the network is an entertainment platform with rich content that feature the very best of Africa.

Winners begin 2020 on a happy note

 

Thirteen lucky customers of Fidelity Bank Plc have started the new year on a strong note having emerged millionaires in the third monthly draw of the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) promo season 4 in Lagos on Tuesday. The bank also rewarded loyal customers with cash prizes worth N16 million in the categories of N2 million and N1 million respectively.

The electronic raffle draw, which was held at the bank’s Broad Street Branch, Lagos Island was witnessed by the relevant regulatory bodies including the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC). Lucky customers who emerged winners in the draw cut across all regions of the country.

The winners include: Dare Abiodun Emmanuel; Ugwu Philomena Nneka; Chinenye Catherine Olunna; Egberi Agbarha Kelvin; Ivang Stanley Oham; Chinelo Loveth Egbuchunem; Dare Abiodun Emmanuel; Itabiyi Gbolahan Olakunle Hassan & Adejoke Jokotade; Larei Chindo; Chigozie Darlington Emoka; Khadijah Umar; Muazzam Ad Maizare; Isabella Chekwube Uche; Omolade Bamitale Olatawura.

Others are Joseph James Abah; Oghenetega Emmanuel Erus; Blessing Chidinma Okafor; Loveline Uche Okonkwo; Nafisat Ali Lawal; Comfort Ita Asuquo; Mohammed Halima Sadiya, amongst others. The bank doled out 19 consolation prizes in form of fridges, television sets and power generating sets.

Speaking during the event, Managing Director/CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo, noted it is the bank’s 9th promo in 12 years whilst adding that a total of N16 million and 19 consolation prizes will be given out at the third draw. Okonkwo who was represented the Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Chijioke Ugochukwu, further added that the draw will see a total of N50 million in cash and 54 consolation prizes to over 93 winners.

“We would have given out a total of N50 million in cash and 54 consolation prizes to over 93 winners. We expect more winners to emerge at subsequent draws because the promo is still on and in addition to the N50 million that we will be giving out, we still have N70 million and several consolation prizes yet to be won,” he said.

Shedding light on how people can qualify for the draw, Head, Savings group, Fidelity Bank Plc, Janet Nnabuko, stated that both existing and new customers can win by simply topping their account with N10,000 for existing customers or someone opening a new account and building it up to N20,000.

She further disclosed that to qualify for the star prize of N3 million one needs to build his account to N50,000 while aspiring for the grand prize of N10 million, one only has to grow his account to N200,000.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 5 million customers that are serviced across its 250 business offices and various digital banking channels. The bank focuses on select niche corporate banking sectors as well as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and its currently driving its retail banking businesses through its robust digital banking channels.

+His fulfilled prophecies on rain plane crash



The founder and spiritual leader at INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele (JP), has warned that the decision by governors of Southwest Nigeria to establish a security outfit for the region called Amotekun, was a risky one.

The popular seer, during a Sunday service message at his church headquarters in Lagos, said the governors have set the tone for those who would exploit their good intention for fanatical purposes.

“Southwest governors are creating internal terrorists. The governors must be careful,” Ayodele cautioned, “so that Amotekun does not become another terror group in the Southwest region through those who might want to use it for purposes other than solving people’s security challenges.”

The cleric, at the service, recalled some of his fulfilled prophecies for the new year. They include his warning to the transport union against impending crisis. Ayodele had mid December 2019, warned that the Lagos NURTW leader, MC Oluomo, “should put the house in order because NURTW will experience serious crisis and violence next year.”

On January 12, 2020, the servant of God also asked for rain “within seven days”. The cleric said “whether the weather likes or not, I’m speaking to God as His servant, let there be rain within seven days. Prophets in the Bible prayed, they asked for signs and you listened to them. I stand in that gap and ask for signs for your children; my Lord, answer us with rain. Lord, show us that you are with us in 2020.”

On the evening of Monday, 13th of January, heavy downpour was reported in major cities of the country.

On January 8. Primate Ayodele recalled his November 2019 forewarning that “the first three weeks of the new year would be terrible, except God hears our prayers.”

“America has never experienced earthquake,” said the prophet, “but this year, I foresee America experiencing earthquake for the first time. I speak as servant of God.” Ayodele, who warned on January 7th that, between 2020 and 2022, there will be a big event that would shake the world, noted that prophecy, is the real security report as it is a message that comes straight from God, “but because governments do not understand prophecy or they choose to be stubborn about it, they do not regard it.”

Some of Primate Ayodele’s recent prophecies that have come to pass include the Ukranian plane crash in Iran, the recent attack on churches and Christians, the Iran and America crisis, the renewed attacks on soldiers by the Boko Haram, and many more.

The federal government has described the newly launched south-west security outfit codenamed: “Amotekun”, as illegal.

Governors of the south-west states had said the group was established to tackle the rising cases of criminality in the region.

Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti state, had also made it clear that the outfit is not regional police.

There have been mixed reactions to the establishment of the group.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, said security remains the exclusive preserve of the federal government.

Malami said governors lacked the right to float the outfit.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organisation called Amotekun is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law,” Malami said in the statement which Umar Gwandu, his spokesman, issued on his behalf.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the army, navy and air force, including the police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.

“As a consequence of this, no state government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts.

“This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorising the police and other Federal
Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.”

Nigerian banking group Access Bank just created a subsidiary in Cameroon. With an initial capital of about XAF14.5 billion, the new subsidiary’s headquarters will be in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.

The administrative board of this subsidiary is constituted of seven members with only one Cameroonian, the legal notice published for the creation indicates. These members are Patience Melone, Iyabode Soji-Okusanya, Fatai Oladipo, Abraham Aziegbe, Ibukunoluwa Odegbaike, and Elliz Nzo Azu.

Created for a duration of 99 years, the bank has chosen Price Water House Coopers as its external auditor and will operate in the management of current accounts, savings collection, checks payment and credit granting.

As required by the rules in force, the launch of Access Bank Cameroon’s activities in Cameroon is still subject to the issuance, by the Ministry of Finance and the banking commission COBAC, of various legal notices and authorizations to the bank’s shareholders.

If it succeeds in launching its subsidiary in Cameroon, Access Bank Plc will become the 16th commercial bank to operate in the country and will meet one of its compatriots, United Bank of Africa (UBA), on that market. Its entering the Cameroonian market some years after the departure of another Nigerian group, Oceanic Bank International namely.

Some years ago, Oceanic Bank International took over 54.5% of Union Bank of Cameroon’s (UBC) assets saving it from bankruptcy. However, in 2011, Ecobank had to buy Oceanic Bank International’s assets in UBC, which is a well-rooted bank in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.

In January 15, 2019, Access Bank Plc’s executive director, Victor Etokwu announced that apart from the Cameroonian subsidiary, the banking group would create subsidiaries in two other African countries this year. The banking group will then have 18 subsidiaries in Africa.

A concerned parent has expressed his disappointment at his daughter over her choices and for being a member of a ‘cult in school.

’Narrating the story on Facebook the man, identified as Adebiyi hinted that the school had accosted some girls as they identified as members of the ‘Marlian cult.’

According to Adebiyi’s story, members of the said cult are not allowed to wear panties on some select days of the week.

Adebiyi also pointed out that his daughter has brought shame to him which led him to examine her and take corrective measures.

“I am just coming from my daughters school right now. Their principal called me around 9am this morning to report to school over an emergency. I panicked and drove over only to be told that my 15 year old daughter and most of the girls from her class and other senior secondary classes are to be suspended for being members of a female secret cult.

“They were about 25-30 girls all kneeling down with their hands up. I was shocked and I asked for further explanation’s and the head teacher said that a teacher who was disciplining late comers found out that one of the girls had her pant inside her school bag and on further investigation, it was discovered that she wasn’t wearing any on her waist.

“When she was flogged and interrogated further to know why and how she was not wearing her pant, she confessed that she was a member of the Marlians Cult in school and that part of heir rules was that they must not wear pant to school on Mondays, Wednesday’s and Friday’s, I was shocked.

“The head teacher told me that she was flogged more until she mentioned all their members from SS1 – SS3 and unfortunately, my involved. Laila, the devil has succeeded and my daughter has entered cult.I was handed her letter of 2 weeks suspension and shame nearly killed me. The daughter of an elder and deaconess, I battled hard to hold my tears, I had to bring her home right and God in heaven knows that I will beat that Marlians cult out of her today and her father will finish the work when he comes home this night. I won’t spare her else the devil wins.

“The bible was clear on the issue of sparing the rod. I have never subscribed to flogging but I have just given up. I check her vagina and her hymen is still intact so I don’t understand why she has to leave the house wearing pants only to remove it on getting to school because initially I was afraid that she may have been violated or maybe having sex with the cult members or something like that. I honestly don’t understand why this girl has decided to disgrace our family like this. Worse is that children of some of our church member also attend the same school and witness the show of shame. I banned Naira Marley song or cloths in my house little did I known that his cult has also gone into schools to defile our young ones. I rather die than have a child of mine become a reproach to the kingdom of God,” the parent said.

According social media user with a name Ayodele Siffre, he said: In calling themselves Marlians they started acting out what he sings and became true disciple of Naira Marley. The issue is this, how do we censor our music. Imagine this at the beginning of a song "Naira Marley igbo la bi". Like one of them said to me, Marlians stands for freedom, no bra no pant. His lyrics us actually for adult but kids are the true Marlians.”

Another use, Valentine Olasinmibo Onajobi is of the opinion that most parents doesn’t have time to take care of their children instead they have turn to career men/women.

According to her: “Naira Marley didn't have anything to do with this o. Train your children the way they should go, many parents are to busy to take care of their children. They have turned to career men/women."

The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to probe the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

The group hinged its call on the reported arrest of the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Osaze Osemwingie-Ero, by the INTERPOL in France in December 2019 for alleged money laundering.

The group called for a public inquiry into the reported allegations of money laundering.

A statement by the group’s Country Director, Mr John Mayaki, also demanded a probe of the memoranda of understanding announced by the Obaseki-led administration involving millions of dollars.

The statement read, “It is safe to say here that public trust has been badly damaged by these allegations of money laundering in Europe.

“The EFCC has to immediately intervene to save the country and the (regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari) from the looming international embarrassment since major national newspapers already reported the discovery of the dirty money allegedly amounting to $2m.”

Access Bank Plc has refuted the alleged arrest of its Managing Director, Mr. Herbert Wigwe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The lender in a statement signed by Sunday Ekwochi, Company Secretary said the Commission had invited for interrogation officials of Access Bank who were handling the Bank’s recovery efforts on Slok credit including its Group Managing Director

FULL STATEMENT BELOW

“Our attention has been drawn to a trending report on social media regarding the alleged arrest of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc (Access Bank) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (“the Commission”

“We wish to state that the issue essentially relates to the credit facilities that were availed Slok Nigeria Limited (“Slok”) by the defunct Diamond bank Plc (“Diamond”) and which were secured by Slok’s assets charged to Diamond. Access Bank had inherited the Slok credit following the recent merger of Diamond with Access Bank.

“Given the differing interest of the Commission and the Bank on the assets of Slok deriving from the court’s recent judgment on Slok, the Commission had invited for interrogation officials of Access Bank who were handling the Bank’s recovery efforts on Slok credit including its Group Managing Director.

“Following fruitful engagement between the Bank and the Commission, we are of the opinion that the issues relating to Slok investigation have been resolved.

“As an institution built on best practice, we wish to assure our esteemed stakeholders that the Bank will continue to conduct its business in line with extant laws and relations.”

Written by Collins Nweze

Capital is crucial in driving sustainable Small and Medium Enterprises’(SMEs’) growth and uplifting the economy. First Bank of Nigeria Limited, as part of the launch of its specialised SMEs’ propositions, has continually supported SMEs through diverse initiatives. The bank says its support for SMEs is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive on improved funding for SMEs to ensure economic growth and development.

The economies of great nations thrive on the strength and performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) seen as engine of growth.

For Nigeria, the Central Bank (CBN) defines SMEs as enterprises with asset base (excluding land) of between N5 million and N500 million and labour force of 11 and 300 people.

The benefits of funding SMEs have attracted many banks with eye on the future to invest and support SMEs in the interest of the economy.

For SMEs to achieve these goals, operators’ easy access to credit must be promoted.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is one of the banks that is investing and supporting SMEs. Following research by the bank over the years, it identified these seven strategic pillars that are essential to the sustainability and growth of the SMEs.

These include access to infrastructure, access to talent, capacity building, policy and regulation, access to resources, access to market as well as access to finance.

The bank has also held its SMEs’ Week in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano and Owerri. The week-long event was rounded off with a live webinar, facilitated by Gbenga Shobo, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director.

According to Shobo, “FirstBank has, over the years, been at the forefront of supporting businesses, especially the SMEs, as we recognise that the SMEs are the engine of the economy.

We are committed to ensuring that we leave no stone unturned as we connect with them in their continued contribution to national development in terms of the employment opportunities they create as well as their contribution to the nation’s GDP amongst many economic values.

“The FirstBank SME Week is driven to promote the Bank’s SME proposition, thereby having SMEs across the country optimally enlightened on how to plug in. We believe this will help SMEs bolster their contribution to the growth and development of the economy.”

The 2019 Nigeria banking industry customer experience survey report recently published by KPMG Nigeria showed that in the retail segment, the top two performers have remained the same for the fourth consecutive year.

GTBank, Zenith Bank are top-rated bank in the 2019 ranking. Sterling Bank, FirstBank and UBA are the biggest movers in 2019, coming in third, fifth and seventh places.

Commitment to fashion and entrepreneurship

FirstBank sponsored the Sixth Africa Fashion Week, which held last December in Lagos.

The event themed ‘’Africa Unites’’ was a convergence of fashion entrepreneurs and the public to promote the creativity and innovation of Nigerian and African brands through worldwide visibility, distribution and manufacturing.

Dignitaries at the event include wives of the Ekiti, Ogun and Kwara state governors, Mrs Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and Mrs Folake Abdulrazaq. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; former Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation,Mrs Omotayo Omotosho; television presenter and model, Idia Aisen; model and beauty influencer, Whitney Madueke were also there. FirstBank was represented by Helen Ogboh, Business Manager, Corporate Banking.

Speaking on FirstBank’s sponsorship of the event, the Bank’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said: “We are pleased to identify with Africa Fashion Week Nigeria as it showcases creativity by African fashion designers to the teeming public, leading players and enthusiasts of African fashion while promoting their contribution to the growth of the fashion industry.

“We will continue to drive advocacy for this as it can create jobs that will deepen opportunities for the revival of our textile industry resulting in SMEs’growth along the value chains especially, with the growing demand in the fashion industry.”

Recently, the bank promoted the use of local fabrics with a ‘What If’ campaign to commemorate the country’s Independence. It ran across the social media channels, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, focusing on the creativity of sewing local fabrics as a national symbol vis-a-vis our outfits, clothing accessories, household furniture, in line with the bank’s celebratory 125th Anniversary, themed, “Woven into the Fabric of Society”.

Ani-Mumuney said the bank would continue to empower the society, including the support for small businesses and promotion of the growth of the entertainment industry.

Also, on the list of fashion sponsorship credentials of the Bank is the Fashion Souk, as well as Street Souk organized in partnership with Eventful Limited. Ani-Mumuney said “Street Souk was designed to encourage the youth to channel their talents to genres as music, arts and fashion. It’s a platform that identifies opportunities, which promote the innovative spirit in youngsters.

She noted that Street Souk was tied to the FirstBank’s initiative to empower the society, including small business owners. According to her, the initiative is also tied to the promotion of the entertainment industry.

Manager XIIG Glover, a merchant at the Street Souk, Mr Obembe Abiola, said he was happy to be part of last year’s (2019) street trading.

“We are here to showcase what we also have as a brand which is African made and to reach out to people to know about the brand. Last year (in 2018), we were also here and it was a great time out to meet up with new clients, customers and to meet up with other brands and this year is a lot more better than last year. We are large in number, new faces and everything is going on fine,” Abiola said. He commended FirstBank for organising the event aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship.

Also, Creative Director, Dmf Designs & Shopwith5k, Adebayo Bankole, a participant, said she was glad to showcase her brand to people. “I have finally found my target audience here, people that are interested in street Souk culture in Nigeria. They are my target audience,” Bankole said.

She stated that sales had been very amazing and that it was worth-while being part of this year’s Street Souk.

“I really appreciate the fact that FirstBank is doing this because most banks go for ankara or made- in-Nigeria but this is promoting a different culture in Nigeria. Street trading is not common in Nigeria, the fact that FirstBank is able to support the promotion of street Souk in Nigeria is amazing,” Bankole added.

The bank also said it would remain committed to the Federal Government’s diversification drive with the development of agricultural value chain to boost employment.

FirstBank’s Chairman, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, stated this at last year’s edition of ‘Food Souk’, an event the Bank convened in partnership with Eventful Limited, an events management firm.

Mrs Awosika said the bank would continue to support the agricultural value chain from production to consumption to create opportunities for SMEs in the food sector to create job opportunities. “As you have noticed, we have been doing a chain of Souks with Eventful. It is critical for the economy of the nation that we encourage the SMEs sector across different industries,” she said.

According to her, the Food Souk was introduced to diversify the economy through agricultural development. “When we have 200 million people, food is big business because everybody will eat. So, what we are trying to do is in support of the nation’s building. We are seeking to encourage small, medium and big enterprises in different sectors of the economy.

“One is to help create jobs because if we think that 65 per cent of our population is made up of people under 40 years and the highest unemployment rate is within the segment that is between 20 and 35, so you need to create jobs.

“But you will only create jobs when you create entrepreneurs, as we create more businesses you are creating job opportunities,” Mrs Awosika said.

She added that the bank’s focused on the growth of the economy with the hope it would benefit from it as a provider of financial services. “As we grow the economy, as we build lives of Nigerians, as we support the government’s investment in the diversification of the economy and help to create jobs through the enterprises we will ultimately benefit,” Mrs Awosika stated.

The Chairman said FirstBank, the largest retail bank in the country, would continue to support growth and development of SMEs. “A lot of big businesses of today that grew in Nigeria are businesses we supported from scratch. “We are starting with different generations of new businesses and events like this help you to see the trends. It helps you to see the companies that need nurturing.

“It helps you to see the companies that you can support. It also gives you information about how you can best support them and engage them in their terrain to see businesses and understand their feelings to create the kind of product that will support their businesses,” Mrs Awosika said.

A food vendor, Ms Ijeoma Ebeneme, the Chief Executive Officer, JEM N Iris, commended FirstBank for putting the event together. Ebeneme said she was at the fair to make profit, meet new clients  as well as create the needed publicity for her brand. Food Souk, formerly known as Fiesta of Flavours, is a food and wine fair, that holds yearly at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos, since its premier edition in 2015.

The fun food and beverage fair hosted by Eventful and sponsored by FirstBank provides an avenue for attendees to experience the entertainment, art and business of food. It showcases the best in local and international cuisine, cutting-edge food technology and cooking techniques, and the best beverages, wines and spirits the world offers. It provides management and training seminars, food demonstrations and performances.

Segun Agbaje, the chief executive officer of Guaranty Trust Bank, says the economy may record better short-term growth if subsidies on fuel and electricity are removed.

According to Agbaje, the estimated 2% economic growth estimated for Nigerian is insufficient and the chance of any significant change is slim.

“There are some economies in sub-Saharan Africa that seem to be growing. Ghana seems to be growing. The GDP growth figures for Nigeria are around 25. Over the next 12 months, I can’t see anything that would significantly change that,” he told PwC’s strategy+business in an interview.

“If you look at our population growth, for Nigeria to achieve its full potential, it probably needs to be growing at about 5 to 7%. 2% is definitely not sufficient for Nigeria.

“As banks, we have been told we have to lend more, and yes, that would help. But I think we have some implicit subsidies that we need to deal with.

“We need to look at our oil subsidy and the power subsidy. If we address some of those things, we may have better short-term growth.

“It would not take that long if we removed the subsidies and the banks did a bit more lending.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s banking sector, the GTB boss said banks have to deal with a changing competitive landscape as the competition for customers is not within banks alone.

“Banking now is probably more interesting and more challenging than it has been in a long time. When I started in banking, whenever we carried out competitor analysis, all we would look at were banks.

“Today, when you carry out a competitive analysis of banks, you must look at fintechs, telcos, and anybody that would do fast-moving consumables. You would probably also look at betting companies. Basically, anyone who has the potential to use mobile wallets and mobile technology is a potential competitor.

“For example, some online betting companies today have up to 25 million mobile wallets. If you have 25 million mobile wallets, you have 25 million potential customers for financial services. I also suspect [these companies] are using data analytics and artificial intelligence to target customers. Some of them might even have started finding ways to extend credit.”

At present, the federal government is hoping to end the fuel subsidy regime when the Dangote refinery begins the supply of locally refined petroleum products while stakeholders in the power sector are already working the modalities of cost-reflective tariffs to be paid by consumers.

Sixth Year of Programme and Tenth Anniversary of Foundation see Significant Enhancements to the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme

Creating a Personalised Entrepreneurship Journey for Applicants and Greatly Increased Access to Programme and Knowledge Base
Applications made through TEFConnect, Africa’s largest digital entrepreneurship network


The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened its application portal (www.tefconnect.com) for applications from African entrepreneurs across all African countries, for the 2020 cohort of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme. In 2019, 3,050 African entrepreneurs benefited from the Programme, a number which will meaningfully increase in 2020.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to startup entrepreneurs, with innovative business ideas or businesses that have been in existence for less than 3 years, in any sector, from across Africa.

The Programme is the $100 million commitment by African investor and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs in 10 years, with the goal of creating millions of jobs and new revenue on the continent.

The programme implements Mr Elumelu’s Africapitalism philosophy, which positions the private sector as the catalyst for African economic transformation, and an investment approach that values the creation of both social and economic wealth.

In commemoration of its 10th year anniversary, the Foundation will announce further enhancements to the Programme, providing additional benefits to Africa’s rapidly growing youth demographic.

The changes in the 2020 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme emphasise a personalised entrepreneurship journey for every applicant and opening the platform to ensure a higher number of people trained, amplifying the Programme’s impact and reach. In just five years, the Programme has empowered over 9,000 beneficiaries from all 54 African countries, with training, mentorship and seed funding.

Speaking at the launch of the 2020 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said: “The transformation of Africa begins with empowering our young African entrepreneurs. With the recent enhancements made to our Programme and our growing list of partners, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is significantly increasing its impact across the continent.

We encourage all startup African entrepreneurs across the 54 African countries to apply for the Programme, as we continue to empower the very best ideas that will create the much needed employment and revenue on the continent”.

The multilingual Application Portal is open on TEFConnect.com, the digital networking platform for African entrepreneurs, from January 1 to March 1, 2020.

Former governor of Imo State and now Senator representing Imo West, Chief Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume have forged a new alliance to advance their political interests.

The alliance is also designed to enhance their capacity against the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state under Emeka Ihedioha.

At the meeting held last Thursday at Urashi Resort, the Ogboko, Ideato South country home of the former governor, attendance was made up of 10 persons drawn from the Okorocha faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC); 10 persons from the Araraume faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and another 10 persons drawn from Uche Nwosu’s Action Alliance (AA) Party.

Okorocha, who made the lead speech, while Araraume largely concurred, announced the formation of a coalition which he said is going to be the rallying platform in anticipation of the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment and subsequent political engagements for 2023.

The former governor noted that his son in-law had always been APC at heart saying: “Uche Nwosu was merely wearing Chelsea jersey inside with Manchester United jersey on top.”

He averred that Nwosu won the Imo governorship election but expressed hope that the Supreme Court would give his group justice.

Different committees were set up while Okorocha announced that about N20 million will be set aside for mobilization and meetings at community levels by the various committees.

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has been asked to commence committal proceedings against the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, and commit her to prison for allegedly flouting orders made by the court.
The request formed the relief in a motion filed by 25 ex-staff of the bank in whose favour the Lagos division of the NICN had given a monetary judgment on July 3, 2019.

The ex-staff, led by John Adeola Taiwo, stated, in the motion filed on December 2, 2019, that Unity Bank was in open disobedience to the orders made by the court on November 12, 2019, and therefore deserved to be committed to prison for allegedly being in disobedience of valid and extant court orders.

The ex-staff had individually sued the bank in 2016 alleging non- payment of some of their outstanding entitlements and gratuity. The court later consolidated the suits with the consent of parties and on the grounds that the issues were related.

In a judgment on July 3, 2019, in the suit marked: NICN/LA/84/2019, Justice R. H. Gwandu held in favour of the ex-staff and ordered the bank to pay them various sums of money. But rather than comply with the judgment, the bank appealed and applied to the court for a stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.

In a ruling on November 12, 2019, Justice Gwandu granted a stay as prayed by the bank but upon certain conditions.

The judge, in the ruling, said: “By the powers vested in this Court under Order 64 Rule 8(3) and in the discretion of this court, I hereby grant the stay of execution of this judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.“

This goes with the condition that the judgment debtor pays the judgment sum into the account of the Chief Registrar, National Industrial Court (an interest yielding account), such judgment sum shall be released to the party that is victorious in the outcome of the appeal.

The payment of the judgment sum is ordered to be made within five working days, failure of which shall be treated as contempt of orders of this court. The pronouncements of the judge are what Taiwo and others are now accusing the Unity Bank of flouting and in respect of which they seek the committal of the bank’s CEO in the fresh motion filed on December 2, 2019.

They argued, in court documents, that “the order of the court has been respected by the judgment debtor in the breach rather than observance, in spite of the stern warning by the court that failure to comply shall be treated as contempt.

”It is trite law that the order of a court of competent jurisdiction remains inviolate until set aside and so, anyone who an order is made against must obey it until the order is set aside or discharged. Once an order exists, it must be obeyed.

It is a clear fact that, in spite of the clear and explicit order of this honourable court, directing the defendant/judgment debtor to pay the judgment sum into the court’s account with the name of the Chief Registrar, the defendant/judgment debtor has continued, with impunity, to do the exact opposite of the order of the court”.

They added that the alleged failure of the bank to pay the judgment sum into an interest yielding account within five days, as directed by the court, “is an outright disregard of the order of this honourable court, making the defendant/judgment debtor liable for contempt of court”.

They added that since the defendant/judgment debtor is not a natural person, the law allows that its principal officer is penalized.
”It is trite law that where the contemnor is not a natural person, it cannot be committed to prison, but the principal officer can.

”In this case, the defendant (a financial institution) is not a natural person, who can be committed for contempt thereby making any of its high ranking officers in the person of Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, being the Managing Director, liable to be committed to prison for contempt of court.

We urge this honourable court to grant them leave to proceed against Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, the Managing Director of the defendant and to find her liable accordingly and commit her to prison for contempt of the order made on 12th November 2019”.

The bank is yet to respond to the fresh motion.

The Minister of State, Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, has condemned the demolition of her father’s property, popularly called Ile Arugbo (Old Peoples Home) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, saying that the action of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, reeks of jealousy and vindictiveness.

In a statement issued, the minister who said she had kept mute over some action of the governor because of the respect she has for him, noted that she has no choice now than to speak out against the unwarranted provocation.

STATEMENT IN FULL:

The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, gave orders to the Police to open fire on aged women, at the contested welfare home, popularly known as “Ile Arugbo” (Old Peoples Home), owned by my father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

As a staunch and loyal member of APC, I have kept quiet to date on the happenings in my state, Kwara State. I had done this for a number of reasons including trying to “keep my head when all about me an losing theirs”. But all in all, l had kept quiet, as being a loyal member and supporter of the party, I did not want to get into any 9Ubbble with the Governor despite so many provocations.

Again, as a loyal and dedicated daughter of my father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, whom I hold in very high esteem, I did not want to express my opinion on the propriety of the Governor’s recent political actions as it would be seen as biased because the late Waziri is my father.

However, given the turn of events and the violent nature of the Governor’s position, it is only right for me to speak now.

There might have been some elements within my party, APC, who wanted to change the OToGe narrative of the 2019 elections to be about the Sarakis, and not about what it was — the removal of a failing PDP Administration.

But clearly by some recent steps taken, especially with Thursday’s actions, Kwara State APC must be careful to not allow a few elements with their own agenda, other than governance, to turn their personal vendetta into the official position of APC in the State. They must not be allowed to hijack the narrative of what our party stands for.

The APC has, since its inception, preached and worked earnestly for genuine good governance, security, increased welfare, progress and development of the people, as exemplified by President Muhammadu Buhari, who in the face of direct provocation and deep personal attacks remains true to the oath he took to govern ALL Nigerians, in spite of allegiances.

That is why it is important that my silence is not misconstrued as tacit approval or support for the actions taken by the Governor.

As stated earlier, I chose to retain from commenting on the onset of this land- saga and did so for three reasons:

(1) I believed that this was a matter that would go through the rightful forum and due process to ascertain and establish my father’s legal rights or otherwise.

(2) My family individually and/or collectively have NEVER derived and continue not to derive ANY commercial benefit from that piece of land. At the end of the day, what is on that land is nothing — no block of flats that the family is getting rent from; no offict2 building, no factory, or any other commercial venture. Just a bungalow where the old women gather and get their basic needs attended to.

(3) Nonetheless, were my father alive today, surely, he would have been saddened to seI3 bulldozers in Ile Arugbo. However, l am comforted by the knowledge that my father’s good work and his respect, support and love for the aged, which was sadly lacking in the Governor’s activities of Thursday, simply cannot be erased by demolishing a bungalow. When it comes down to it, Ile Arugbo is a piece of bare land that holds symbolic value of what my father stood for — humanitarianism, and that doesn’t start nor end with a building.

But after the events of Thursday when the aged women were tear gassed and shot at in the wee hours of the morning (3:00AM), I do not want my silence to be misconstrued, as mischief makers have used that silence to attribute false statements allegedly made by me.

The level of force and violence that the governor chose to adopt was totally unwarranted. What resistance to protest justifies firing live ammunition and tear gassing old women? Even my own personal home was not left out of the attack as numerous empty bullet shell casings and dispersed tear gas cannisters were found inside my home.

I feel that at this point not only as a child of the late Waziri but as a member of the APC, I need to speak. I do so not only as a daughter but as a member of the party, to ensure that those thousands of members of APC who are Sarakites that supported the OToGe Movement are not alienated. In addition, I do so to ensure that the resounding victor that APC enjoyed in Kwara is not short-lived or diminished.

Governments acquire properties, even compulsorily without necessarily resorting to unprovoked violent attacks in the dead of night. It is especially disrespectful to me personally, as a member of the APC since 2015, who welcomed and supported those who only joined us a couple of months to the elections, which includes the Governor himself, that my position as a member of the party was not given any consideration and/or Regard when approaching this issue.

Furthermore, given how well and how long I have personally known the Governor beyond Kwara State, so much so that I have always regarded him as one of the older brothers. Even in the political arena, over the years, we have known each other as political opponents and allies and I have always accorded him respect which he has not accorded me.

As one of the APC leaders in the state, I have consulted broadly and have also sent messages appealing to party members not to be provoked by this unwarranted assault on my late father. I do this with all sense of responsibility so that party cohesion and unity is not undermined by arbitrariness to rush into an attempt to settle perceived old generational family political scores. Revenge cannot be a policy thrust of governance.

I am also using this opportunity to appeal to our teeming supporters to remain calm and poised and maintain peace in the face of unwarranted provocation. “Allah Bring about ease after difficulty” Q65 vrs 7.

I condemn in totality the actions taken on Thursday 2nd January 2020 by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, especially unleashing terror and mayhem on innocent defenseless aged women simply exercising their right to peacefully protest

I call upon the Inspector General of Police to call the State Commissioner of Police to order – using security agencies and live ammunition to settle political and personal scores is not what the Buhari Administration is about.

We must stand up against vindictive politics, driven by envy, motivated by jealousy and practiced without integrity.

Honour should be our code.

Monday, December 30, 2019 will linger in the minds of the Okorie and Malumi families for a long time. The two families were united as one, when their daughter and son, Anthonia Chinwendu and Prince Tunde Nonso, were joined in holy matrimony amidst pomp and garlands.
The well-attended traditional marriage took place at Isiakpu Village, Ogberuru, Orlu L.G.A of Imo State.

Pastor Ademola Malumi, who attended the wedding in his capacity as the Father of the day and ‘groom’s father’ advised the young couples on what it takes to survive marital squabbles.

He bluntly advised the young lady on the secrets of marital bliss. In his word: “You have to make sure you submit all to your husband, total submission and respect are some of the basic rules to a lasting marriage,” he warned.

On a final note, the Pastor Ademola Malumi advised the groom never to raise his hands on his wife, “the worst thing any man can do is to beat his wife, please don’t do it,” he told the groom.

The event was a creamy affair as friends, family, business associates and invited guests dressed in white, while the couple regaled their visitors in their stunning fuchsia pink and white attires.

”I see Elzakzaky laid to rest, cows killing herdsmen, Lagos NURTW leaders poisoned, Agriculture improves, APC to fight Buhari…”

 

Servant of God and senior pastor at the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has released prophecies for the year 2020.

The revered firebrand preacher, listed events that would happen in the New Year, during the crossover service at the ministry’s Nigerian headquarters, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.

Among other divine messages, Apostle Suleman delivered a mixture of hope, joy and victories in 2020.

Listed below are the 34 prophecies for the year:

1. Agricultural boom in Nigeria, greatest in history.

2. I saw more activists arrested.

3. There’ll be series of earthquakes, tremor, even in Nigeria.

4. UK experiences Brexit finally.

5. A new pattern of letter explosion.

6. I see ethnic clashes in Nigeria. Please, let’s pray hard.

7. Improved security situation in Nigeria.

8. I see internal deportations in Nigeria.

9. I saw NFF (Nigeria) receive world recognition.

10. Liberia needs prayers; serious prayers (bloodbath).

11. I saw cows killing herdsmen.

12. The ruling party will fight the presidency.

13. I saw the rise of many music stars.

14. On the 24th of August, 2019, I saw a revelation of many former governors jailed, but some were granted bail before completing their terms.

15. Abuja residents should pray hard against killings.

16. I saw a senator collapse in public but later resuscitated.

17. Crises in NLC.

18. Lagos NURTW to pray against their leaders being poisoned.

19. Nigerian presidency to release Elzakzaky; I saw him being laid to rest and it causes unspeakable uproar. It can be avoided if he is released.

20. I saw something invented for cooking plugged to electricity.

21. A popularly known young musician in Nigeria drugged by one of his boys and hospitalized, but survived.

22. I see a new medical centre in Nigeria attracting inflow of foreigners into the country (improved health system).

23. I saw something that looks like a referendum.

24. I saw a country being split into two. And there was mass protest.

25. The Nigerian government should focus on fixing roads. It’s urgent, as this would address a major crisis between February/March.

26. I see federal cabinet ministers having crises and being indicted.

27. China to experience major loses.

28. I see mass killings in Iran.

29. The Leader of North Korea should pray against kidney infection.

30. I saw Nigerians greatly honoured on the international scene.

31. I saw a great improvement in the IT industry.

32. A great businessman taking political stage.

33. I saw President Macron (France) fired some people in leadership.

34. I saw the Nigerian film industry receive support from private investors.

As part of the New Year celebration, the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation has put smiles on the faces of some widows in Nnewi, Anambra state. The foundation, a non-governmental organization.

The event which held on Wednesday, January 1, witness widows, numbering over 100 excited with food-items, clothing, and free medical treatments.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the NGO, Mrs. Chinwe Bode-Akingbade, said the basis for starting the foundation is driven from the need to impact the lives of women whom ordinarily might have lost hope.

“We give hope to the hopeless. We are driven to support underprivileged widows in having a positive outlook on life, despite the problems they experience by losing their loved one, mostly the breadwinner of the family.

“At the moment, we have over 600 authentic widows on our profile. The successes have been enormous, many women are now business owners and are able to not just fend for their family but employers of labour. Over forty (40) children whom had lost hope in education are back to school, through the payment of school fees as well as stationeries. Twenty-Six (26) underprivileged widows through our medical intervention recovered from stroke.

“One of the widows during our medical outreach last year (2019) at Okun-Ilado , Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos weighed 36kg as a result of malnutrition, today she is well and sound.

“About four (4) underprivileged widows attempted suicide but after our counselling sessions are doing well now and running their businesses.

“We have reached out to over 3,000 underprivileged widows and over 800 children during our International Widow’s Day out reaches since we started with food items, clothing, skill acquisition training, and financial empowerment to some selected and medical outreaches. We can go on and on but time wouldn’t permit me,” she said.

Mrs. Bode-Akingbade added: “We have a long term expansion plan but what matters to us at CBA Foundation is our immediate environment.

“This indeed forms the basis for expanding to our environment beyond Lagos, Ogun and Anambra which we currently cover. We are hopeful that more individuals and organisations will support us to spread across the country and beyond.”

At the Nnewi outreach the widows expressed gratitude to the foundation as some were seen with smile and relief on their faces.

Nigeria’s National Operator, Globacom, has urged Nigerians to allow the virtue of love to rule the nation in the New Year so at to attain the much desired national unity.

The giant telecommunications company, while congratulating Nigerians for making it into the New Year inspite of all the challenges confronting the nation, reiterated that only absolute love among the citizenry would guarantee unity and ensure that the people meet their set goals and desires for 2020.

The company, in a special message issued from its Lagos Head Office to commemorate the new year celebrations, noted that the beginning of a new year affords every individual the chance to take stock of achievements and challenges in the out-gone year and a chance to set realisable goals that will uplift citizens, companies and the society at large.

According to the company, “2020, the magical year, offers Nigerians new vistas of breaking fresh grounds in all socio-economic and political endeavours that would make life more meaningful for all. It is a new beginning to attack challenges with renewed vigour and deploy gleaned lessons to make the country better. Let’s make things better for all by constantly innovating and adding value”,

Globacom called on families, as the bedrock of development, to lead the campaign for more abundant life with parents and children restoring time-honoured values by discharging their filial duties with utmost responsibility, honesty, transparency and integrity which will percolate to the larger society if well imbibed and executed.

The telecommunications company assured its teeming subscribers of unflagging telecommunications services that will keep them connected to their family and friends during and after the new year celebrations, adding, “as is customary, empowerment of our stakeholders will continue to be the cornerstone of our programmes, products and services as we continue to provide best-in-class innovative solutions”.

Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, recently launched full-service ultra-modern branches in Ekwulobia and Amawbia, Anambra state.

The branches were opened as part of the Bank’s continued efforts to provide its customers with simpler and smarter banking services. The locations of the new branches take into consideration banking convenience for residents and businesses in these communities.

Speaking at the launch, Emeka Emuwa, Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank said the branches would give the Bank’s customers increased access to a reliable and efficient banking experience and actively promote financial inclusion within the community.

According to him: “We are delighted at the opportunity to bring our signature banking services to you right where you are. At Union Bank, we believe banking should be simple, smart and relevant to the needs of the customer. It is this customer-focused outlook that drives us to continuously improve on our products and services across all our touchpoints as we strive to deliver our signature simpler, smarter banking.”

Speaking at the event in Amawbia, Mr. Willie Nwokoye, the representative of the Executive Governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano, praised Union Bank’s focus on ensuring excellent service delivery. He said: “Union Bank has honoured our people with this establishment. We thank the Management and staff for seeing the potential economic case in Amawbia, and we are confident our people will support the growth of the Bank.”

The new branches are equipped to cater to the banking needs of all categories of customers including individuals, small businesses and larger organisations, reiterating Union Bank’s commitment to providing its valued customers with excellent banking services that enable their success.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited sponsored the sixth edition of the Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria which held on Friday and Saturday, 20 – 21 December 2019 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria, is a convergence of fashion entrepreneurs and the general public to promote the creativity and innovation of Nigerian and African brands through worldwide visibility, distribution and manufacturing. The 2019 event was themed ‘Africa Unites’.

The Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria has consistently been recognised internationally due to the unique African styles displayed by entrepreneurs across the dynamic and versatile African fashion landscape. With the growing interest by the public and fashion enthusiasts using fashion as an instrument of sustainability and social change, the event, provided a platform to help raise awareness around the Sickle Cell disorder.

The event featured runway shows (comprising designers and runway models with Sickle Cell disorder), Marketplace exhibition and Panel session of Fashion Talks.

Dignitaries at the event include First Ladies of Ekiti, Ogun and Kwara states, Mrs Bisi Adeleye – Fayemi, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and Mrs Folake Abdulrazaq respectively.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, former Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Omotayo Omotosho; popular television presenter and model, Idia Aisen; model and beauty influencer, Whitney Madueke were also in attendance. FirstBank was represented by Helen Ogboh, Business Manager, Corporate Banking.

Leading fashion designers that showcased their wares at the 2-day event were Daviva, Zephyr’s Atelier, Caroline 1942, Ashor by Bumz with exhibitions from Bee Fab, Moon by me, Bolams Aso oke amongst others.

In the course of the event, the Bank showcased the FirstBank Ankara in “The FirstBank Collection” segment at the event where FirstBank staff wore the Bank’s 125th-anniversary fabric and walked the runway.

Speaking on the event, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said “We are pleased to identify with Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria as it showcases creativity by African fashion designers to the teeming public, leading players and enthusiasts of African fashion whilst promoting their contribution to the growth of the fashion industry.”

“We will continue to drive advocacy for this as it can create jobs that will deepen opportunities for the revival of our textile industry resulting in SME growth along the value chains especially, with the growing demand in the fashion industry.” she concluded.

Only recently, the Bank promoted the use of local fabric with a ‘What If’ campaign to commemorate Nigerian’s Independence. The campaign was ran across the social media channels; Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, to promote the versatility and creativity of sewing local fabrics as a national symbol vis-a-vis our outfits, clothing accessories, household furniture and so forth which is line with the Bank’s celebratory 125th anniversary, themed, “Woven into the Fabric of Society”.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has reacted to an attempted robbery at its Mpape, Abuja branch, a suburb of the capital city.

In a statement made available on Saturday, the lender said the incident has been brought under control and normalcy has been restored in the area after four of the suspects were arrested and one of them gunned down.

The statement further explained that no customer and staff were hurt.

Read the full statement below:

We wish to inform everyone that the attempted robbery incident that happened at one of our branches in Abuja has been foiled; customers and staff are unhurt; and the suspects have been apprehended.

The immediate response by the police and military is very commendable and we truly appreciate them for their doggedness and commitment.

Thank you.

Folake Ani-Mumuney
Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, (First Bank of Nigeria Limited)

https://www.google.com/amp/s/ireporteronline.com.ng/customers-staff-unhurt-firstbank-reacts-to-failed-robbery-incident-at-its-mpape-abuja-branch/amp/

The Department of State Services has released the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the February 2019 general elections, Mr. Omoyele Sowore.

His media outfit, Sahara Reporters, broke the news via its verified Twitter handle @SaharaReporters a few second ago.

The medium had tweeted, “He was released on Tuesday evening following an order to the Department of State Services by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), for his freedom.”

Details soon…

…Event to hold simultaneously for 5 days in five locations



The Lagos State Government, in furtherance of its commitment to boost tourism and entertainment, is set to hold the 2019 ‘Greater Lagos’ fiesta in a grand style.

Addressing reporters on Monday, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu, stated that the 2019 celebration has additional features that will help to discover and nurture talented performers to become celebrated stars across the country.

The event, usually celebrated annually is an entertainment funfair highlighting the State’s rich talents reservoir and promoting the relevance of entertainment and tourism as a major driver of the State’s economy.

According to the Commissioner: “This year, Greater Lagos Fiesta is more than a show, it is all encompassing. That is the reason we want to cement our position as Lagos being the absolute place for top-notch entertainment and tourism in Africa. For the first time on the continent of Africa, we are going to be experiencing a proper show that can rival any show in Dubai, the United States and the United Kingdom.

“In addition to that, it is very critical to understand and nurture the talents we have in Lagos State. Many international artistes that are up for Grammy Awards are home grown talents. To this end, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration realises that there is need for a platform for our talents to thrive.

“This year, we have injected some addition to the formula on ground whereby Lagos actually identifies a talent, nurtures and grows the talent to become the future stars.”

The show, which will hold from 25th to 31st of December, was described as a family event where everybody is expected to attend with members of their family.

She announced that the show will hold in five locations simultaneously and two winners that will contest at the Grand Finale will emerge from each of the five locations.

She said: “Across the five Ibile Zones – the locations where these events will be holding, there will be competition such as talent hunt. There will be two last contenders in each of the five zones that will contest at the venue of the Grand Finale at Eko Atlantic City. We will ensure that by 2021, these artistes will perform as big shots in the country.

“The bottom line is to engross us with the culture, talent and diversity of Lagos. We are diverse and we need an avenue to display it. Mr. Governor is offering it this year, taking the greater Lagos platform to another level.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, assured that the issue of insecurity would not be a barrier noting that Lagosians have nothing to fear while attending the shows.

“It is not the kind of show you will be afraid to attend or take your kids and family members to. There is no room for negativity at the shows.

“I want to also reaffirm that it is going to be a show like never before because it is well planned. New stars that will go into the shoes of the already established stars in the country will be discovered,” he said.

He further explained that entertainment is the big game changer in the economy.

Notable artistes like Olamide, Naira Marley, Zlatan, Patoranking, Niniola are expected to perform at the events. In addition, popular artistes in each locality of the Ibile would be allowed to perform.

The United Kingdom Charity Commission has indicted the country’s branch of Christ Embassy and its board of trustees of fraud.

The indictment follows a five-year investigation into the church’s finances and administration. The church was founded by Chris Oyakhilome.

In a report published on its website in November, the commission said its inquiry concluded that there were serious misconduct and mismanagement in the church’s administration, inadequate recording of its decision-making processes and failure to comply with its grant-making policy.

The commission said it opened an inquiry into Christ Embassy to investigate issues ranging from transactions between the church and “partner organisations”, administration; governance and management of the charity; financial controls and management of the charity and if the trustees had complied with their responsibilities under the charity law.

The commission found out that the church, between 2009 and 2011, paid substantial grants to organisations classified as “partner organisation”.

According to the report, the church’s account showed grants amounting to £1,281,666 were paid to Loveworld Television Ministry; £118,995 to Healing School, £186,616 to International School of Ministry, £10,000 to Christ Embassy Canada, £10,566 to Christ Embassy France, £37,216 to IPPC Conference and £77,266 to Rhapsody of Realities.

However, after examining the church’s records, the interim manager (IM) found no evidence of compliance with the church’s grant-making policy in the documents examined.

“Documents examined showed a lack of records and receipts to account for grants made and there appeared to be little consideration given to whether the receiving parties had expended grants appropriately and for intended purposes, as was required by the policy,” the report said.

“This demonstrates failure to comply with its grant-making policy and inadequate recording of decision making by the trustees which is misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.”

ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

The inquiry noted that it had “serious concerns” regarding the trustees’ decision making relating to the charity’s relationship with Loveworld Limited, whose “primary objective was to advance Christian programming in the UK and to provide entertaining and educational programmes for the diverse demographics of the UK”.

According to the report, the trustees informed the inquiry that payments made by the charity to Loveworld Limited were not grants or donations as indicated in their accounts but represented payments for broadcasting services provided by the company to the charity.

But when asked to provide documentation that recorded the decisions made in respect of payments made to Loveword Limited, the charity could only provide two sets of minutes of trustee meetings.

“However, neither set of minutes included any decision or resolution to make payments to a company of which one trustee was sole shareholder,” the report said.

“The trustees did not have any formal contracts in place or indeed rationale for using Loveworld Limited as opposed to any other broadcaster.

“The IM’s scrutiny of charity records and documents demonstrated that the trustees had failed to comply with the terms of the charity’s governing document and that they failed to comply with the requirements of section 185 of the Act in paying for services by a company owned by a trustee.

The inquiry also found out that the church allowed Loveworld Limited to make use of its property valued at £1.8 million from 2006 to 2012 for free.

When asked, the trustees said Loveworld had only occupied a “small part of the premises”, on an informal basis, adding that the arrangement had been formalised since 2012 and the company was charged £75,000 per year for use of the property.

But the inquiry considered that the level of rent indicates that Loveworld Limited occupied a substantial proportion of the building.

“This indicates that the trustees failed to act in the charity’s best interests or with reasonable care and skill in terms of their decision-making and in the negotiation of the arrangements with Loveworld Limited and is not seeking appropriate advice regarding formalising occupation of premises by the company,” it said.

“In addition, the fact that the charity was also subsidising a proportion of the company’s utility bills indicates a lack of reasonable care and skill and a failure to use the charity’s resources responsibly. These actions were not in the charity’s best interest or in furtherance of its objects and were misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.”

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The inquiry also discovered that in 2013, the church paid Ventaja Limited £44,925 for construction and decoration of a stage. It found out that the company was owned by Tony Obi (trustee G) a member of the church’s board of trustees, who was also a zonal pastor of the church.

“The IM found evidence indicating that Trustee G had employed the services of Ventaja Limited to provide services to the charity, but it was unclear from the charity’s records what considerations were made regarding potential conflicts of interest. It is unclear to the Commission that the decision-making trustees, in position at the time payments were made, were acting only in the interests of the charity.

“The trustees failed to provide any records to evidence that conflicts of interest had been identified or correctly managed prior to the opening of the Inquiry.”

LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Under the church’s financial control and management, it was discovered that cash collection and payment recording processes were not uniform across the charity.

Nine bank accounts were identified as holding funds belonging to Christ Embassy, Nigeria which is a separate company to the church.

“The inquiry found no evidence to suggest that any of the banking institutions were aware that they were holding funds controlled by Christ Embassy Nigeria,” it said.

“In addition, the accounts were not named in such a way as would indicate the funds are controlled from Nigeria: for example, two of the active accounts are named Christ Embassy East London.

“The inquiry, not being satisfied that the funds held in these accounts were owned by Christ Embassy Nigeria, exercised legal powers and issued orders dated 8 august 2014, under section 76(3)(d) of the Act, freezing six of these nine bank accounts, protecting funds to a value of £615,420.

“In the absence of clear evidence to support the trustees’ position, the Inquiry concluded that funds held in the accounts belonged to the charity and these accounts remained frozen until the order was revoked on 24 August 2016.

“This demonstrates the trustees’ failure to deal with the bank accounts appropriately and their lack of understanding of financial management and the importance of clearly identifying the charity’s property and/or assets held on behalf of another entity and is mismanagement and/or misconduct in the administration and governance of the charity by the trustees.”

FAILURE TO SUBMIT TAX RETURNS

The IM informed the inquiry that the trustees’ failed to submit the church’s 2010-11 and 2012-13 self-assessment tax returns on time thereby incurring penalties for late submissions.

“The IM established that the charity had failed to maintain sufficient records or processes to show that expenditure by employees had not been an employee benefit and therefore subject to tax,” it said.

“Sufficient records to show that charity vehicles were being used solely for charitable purposes and not used by trustees/employees for private use; sufficient records to support the charity’s claim to Gift Aid and to demonstrate the expenditure was in fact charitable.

“The interim manager agreed to pay £250,000 to settle these violations with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).”

UNDISCLOSED ASSETS

The Inquiry team also discovered three UK properties that were not disclosed to the commission by the trustees.

The trustees reportedly said despite the legal title of the properties being vested in the name of two of the church’s trustees, the properties “were acquired on behalf of, and held in trust for, Christ Embassy Nigeria”.

“The Inquiry noted that the Land Registry entries in respect of the 3 properties made no reference to the beneficial owner being Christ Embassy Nigeria and documentation supplied by the trustees provided no evidence to support their assertions.”

INADEQUATE INSURANCE COVER

The inquiry discovered that the trustees failed to secure adequate insurance to protect church’s assets and protect them against claims for accidental damage to property/or compensation for accidental injury to third parties.

“The failings of trustees to act appropriately left the charity open to financial and reputational risk and losses, as well as to risk of litigation,” it said.

Source: Thecable.ng

Unknown armed men have attacked the home of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

Sources in Otuoke, Bayelsa State said the gunmen, who struck at about 3am, killed one soldier, injured one while another one was taken away to unknown destination.

Consequently, all roads in Otuoke/Otuaba is currently blocked by military personnel, with movement of residents restricted.

More details soon.

The Niger Delta Stakeholders has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State of lying in his unfounded statement, as reported in the media, that the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole “got top officials at the Presidency to approve the composition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board when President Muhammadu Buhari was out of the country.”

In a statement issued in Calabar, Cross River State, by the President of Niger Delta Stakeholders, Chief Dimiebi Jackson, the group stated that “we do not wish to be dragged into the unfortunate turf battle between the Governor of Edo State and Comrade Oshiomhole, but as key stakeholders in the Niger Delta we urge the Governor to restrain from dragging NDDC Board into the war of words to sustain his narratives of imposition against the APC National Chairman.”

According to Chief Jackson, information already in the public domain confirms that President Muhammadu Buhari, on October 18, 2019, in a letter he personally signed, and addressed to the Senate president, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, requested the Senate to confirm the appointments of a 16-member Board of the NDDC. “From available records, the letter was duly received at the National Assembly on October 22, 2019, and the Senate President duly read President Buhari’s letter at Senate plenary session on October 29, 2019, and subsequently confirmed 15 members of the Board who presented themselves for screening on November 5, 2019.”

With regard to the inclusive process that led to the formation of the NDDC Board, it has also been widely reported, and hardly refuted by any leader in the region before this attempt which the group considers unfortunate.

In other to set the records straight Chief Dimiebi Jackson restated the process that led to the formation of the NDDC Board, which was duly confirmed by the Senate on November 5, 2019.

“As has been widely reported in the media, The Senate-approved board whose members had been waiting to be inaugurated by the President, was constituted with inputs from Niger Delta leaders, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timpre Sylva, and Niger Delta Minister, Senator Goodwill Akpabio and approved by the Presidency as being in accordance with the Act setting up the Commission, which prescribes the manner in which the board and management is to be constituted.”

Continuing, the President of NDS stated that “Senator Omo-Agege had been contacted by Presidency officials that President Buhari needed upright and competent people to run the affairs of the NDDC because he felt the interventionist Agency had not been properly run in the past, and which also informed President Buhari’s decision to order a forensic audit of the Commission.

Senator Omo-Agege therefore reached out to the leaders of the Niger Delta region – Comrade Oshiomhole, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Chief Timpre Sylva, and other leaders - who nominated the commission’s members and approved by the Presidency as being in accordance with the Act setting up the Commission, which prescribes the manner in which the board and management is to be constituted.

Chief Jackson further regretted that Governor Obaseki, in his disingenuous imagination also stretched his half-truths on the NDDC Board composition by stating that it consisted of Comrade Oshiomhole’s “cronies apparently in violation of the existing rules…he did not care whether the rules were followed, nor the integrity of the people being appointed.”

“We need to remind Governor Obaseki that the Senate-approved members of the NDDC Board were properly nominated and forwarded to the Senate by the President. By questioning the integrity of the NDDC Board members that President Buhari personally sent their nomination to the Senate President, Governor Obaseki is unwittingly calling to question the President’s decision-making process.”

It is against this background that President Buhari, in his December 19, 2019 press statement announcing that the new Board will be inaugurated after the completion of the forensic audit being supervised by the Interim Management Committee, did not state that the Senate-approved Board has been dissolved or will be re-constituted, but rather that it will be “recomposed and inaugurated after the forensic audit”, re-affirming President Buhari’s implicit confidence and faith in the NDDC Board and the inclusive process that led to its formation 

Niger Delta Stakeholders therefore urges His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, to refrain from making unfounded comments that contradict the established facts on the process for the composition of the Senate-approved Board of the NDDC.