Allegations of money laundering, tax evasion trail Rev. Mother Ajayi’s suspected ban from UK

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Who is after Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, the General Overseer of Love of Christ (LOC) Generation Church, United Kingdom? This is the mind-boggling question that has been troubling many of her admirers and followers. The highly revered evangelist, preacher, motivational speaker and philanthropist has become a subject of derision among some Nigerians living abroad, especially in the United Kingdom, where her church is based. The church, which sources said is small, is reportedly located in Clapham, London. Sources disclosed that Iya Adura, as Rev’d Mother Ajayi is fondly called,…

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Moyosore Shodipo writes for National Infinity

Jide Ige

A seasoned health analyst, writer, life coach and motivational speaker, Moyosore Shodipo has joined the editorial board of National Infinity Magazine as a guest columnist. Moyosore, a native of Ikorodu, Lagos State, holds a B.Sc. in Entrepreneurship and Business Management from the National Open University (2005/2009) and is a member of the Psychotherapists Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter. Her lifelong desire and passion for caregiving and a helping hand to others led her to pursue a Diploma in Voluntary Community Health in Primary Healthcare, Essentials, Drugs, EPI & ORT.…

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Wins Bank of the Year Africa 2023, as subsidiaries in Africa come top

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Africa’s Global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has again demonstrated its prowess on the international stage as it clinched nine prestigious awards at The Bankers Awards 2023, organized by The Banker Magazine – a publication of Financial Times of London, the world’s leading business newspaper. The prestigious awards presented to the Bank at a ceremony in London, United Kingdom on Thursday, included the highly coveted Bank of the Year Africa 2023, solidifying UBA’s position as the leading financial institution on the African continent. The Bank’s subsidiaries also emerged…

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Vacate in seven days, LASG issue ultimatum to Orchid road, Agungi, Ajiran, Conservation,Osapa landlords

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has issued a seven-day contravention notice to owners of buildings on Orchid Road, Agungi, Ajiran, Conservation Road, Osapa all along the Ikota River. The Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adesina, made this known in an X post on Monday in Lagos. Adesina said Wahab made the declaration alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, after an inspection tour of the Ikota River corridor. He added that the inspection…

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“You will face the law,” Lagos Police replies driver who claimed to have been misled by Google map

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has told a driver to face the law for violating traffic rules while being led by Google Maps on Saturday night. The driver, Oyiga Michael, had cried out on social media that he was arrested by the police at Ijesha while trying to locate his way home using the Google Map app as a guide. “Immediately we got to the turn to Ijesha, they (police) said we were following one way and were threatening to deflate our tyre. “We have explained…

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Zenith Bank signs MOU with CFA Institute to boost financial expertise

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Zenith Bank Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute to promote efforts and activities that support the formation, training, and updating of human capital in finance and investment for the overall development of the Nigerian financial services sector.The MoU, was signed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; the President/CEO of the CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin; and the President of CFA Society Nigeria, IbukunOyedeji on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Group…

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NDLEA discovers drugs concealed in fashion items, beverages packed for export

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Sunday revealed that crooked attempts by drug syndicates to export illicit substances, including various quantities of methamphetamine and opioids concealed in hems of new jeans trousers, dolls, buttons, local soap and tins of milo beverage to Europe, United Arab Emirate and Asia have been thwarted by its operatives of at some courier firms in Lagos. Some of the consignments intercepted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation at courier houses in Lagos include tramadol 225mg concealed in hems of…

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1,411 delegates representing Nigeria at COP28

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

No fewer than 1,411 Nigerian delegates, enough to fill two or three jumbo jets, registered to participate at the 28th Climate Change Summit presently holding in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. That is, the meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). And according to data published by UNFCCC, about 97,000 delegates registered to attend in person, with another 3,000 registering to participate virtually, making it the largest COP conference in history and almost twice the number that travelled to Sharm…

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Watch Out: The harmful effects of Efinrin, Ugwu and Moringa leaves

Jide Ige

Yes, pumpkin and moringa leaves are edible! The younger leaves of pumpkin are best for eating. Otherwise known as fluted gourd, iroko, ugwu, and ikong-ubong, it has been used to moderate menstrual cramps, treat infertility, boost blood for anaemia patients, and improve digestion, thereby reducing the chances of health conditions like irritable bowel movements, constipation, and those caused by indigestion problems like ulcers. Also, moringa leaf is used to tackle malnutrition, boost the immune system and enhance breast milk production in resource-limited settings. In northern Nigeria, its fresh leaves are…

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Toke Makinwa’s presence at COP28 in Dubai ignites knocks

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Some Nigerians on social media have slammed the presence of On-Air Personality, Toke Makinwa at the the ongoing COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai. Toke Makinwa, in a Saturday tweet, had expressed excitement about attending COP28 in Dubai, noting the importance of global leaders, royalty, climate change advocates, and industry leaders coming together to discuss saving the planet. She wrote, “When world leaders, Royalty, Climate change advocates and industry game changers gather to meet in Dubai to discuss how to save the planet, #Cop28 May your name be what the whole…

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Cousin speaks on how Mohbad’s neck was broken

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Darosha Losobeh, a cousin to the late artiste, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has revealed how the late singer reportedly got a broken neck. The late singer’s assistant was reacting to a viral video of the singer’s coffin allegedly showing he had a broken neck. The ex-Marlian record signee died at the age of 27 on September 12, and his death has stirred controversy with many Nigerians calling for justice for his sudden demise, leading to the arrest of his former boss, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley and Samson…

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‘Our ordeals in the hands of United Nigeria Airlines’ -Abuja bound passengers who landed in Asaba laments

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Some passengers who boarded a plane from the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos have recounted their ordeals after the plane which was meant to carry the passengers to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, landed at the Asaba Airport in Delta State. The incident which happened on Sunday threw many passengers into confusion as some of them said upon landing at the Asaba airport, the crew still announced to them that they had arrived at Abuja. One of the passengers, who gave her name simply as Thelma, said she thought…

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Moi Verses

Jide Ige

Changing Our Historical Narratives: A Scientific Approach According to excerpts from the book, History of Nations and How Their Identities Were Forged, a book written by Thames & Hudson. A country’s history plays a vital part in its national self-definition. That is why most countries especially the advanced nations make their past a centrepiece of their education and their historical research, in addition, most countries make history a compulsory subject in school, recognising how vital a component it is in shaping national identity and in moulding society’s energies. The history…

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I have asked EFCC to favour any law breaker -Sulu Gambari

Jide Ige

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on Friday, said that he has never approached the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to plead on behalf of anyone who violates the law since its establishment about 22 years ago. The traditional ruler stated this when he received the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, who paid him a visit in his palace in Ilorin, Kwara State capital. The Emir said since the establishment of the anti-graft agency, he has never pleaded on behalf…

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Woman 70, delivers twins after years of childlessness

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

A 70-year-old Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, has delivered a set of twins – a boy and a girl, after becoming pregnant through an In vitro fertilisation treatment, BBC reports Thursday. Namukwaya went through a successful caesarean delivery on Wednesday at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. The hospital shared the news of the delivery via its Facebook page on Wednesday, stating, “70-year-old, Safina Namukwaya, speaking just before the delivery of her beautiful babies. Yes, she delivered twins, a boy and a girl. A historic…

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Every woman has witchcraft – Ooni

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Oonitisa, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has made a stunning revelation that every woman carries a touch of witchcraft spirit within. The 48-year-old monarch made this known while playing host to the cast of the Real Housewives of Lagos season 2. In a recent viral Instagram video, members of the reality show visited the Ooni in his palace, where he spoke to them about ‘witchcraft’. Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Ikokwu and Tania Omotayo were among those in the video at the king’s palace. The video started with a warm…

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COP28 Climate Summit: Tinubu meets King Charles lll, discuss Nigeria, UK partnership.

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, met King Charles III of England in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, venue of the COP28 Climate Summit. Both leaders had arrived at the city to participate in the conference where leaders from over 198 countries are expected to participate. Tinubu announced the meeting on his X account, describing the British Monarch as a passionate climate advocate. He stated, “I had a productive meeting with His Majesty, King Charles III of England who is also the Head of the Commonwealth, and a…

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Tinubu presents N27.5tr budget to NASS

Jide Ige

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented to the National Assembly (NASS) the 2024 budget estimates, totaling N27.5 trillion. This is President Tinubu’s inaugural budget presentation before the joint session of the National Assembly since assuming office on May 29, 2023. Accompanied by key figures in his administration, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu entered the NASS Complex at approximately 11:10 am. The upper chamber had previously granted the President’s request to address both the Senate and the House of Representatives jointly.…

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Uproar over Pasuma, Portable invitation to Celestial Praise Nights

Jide Ige

The Shepherd-in-charge of the Celestial Church of Christ International Headquarters, Ketu, Olatosho Oshoffa, has condemned the invitation of Fuji singer, Pasuma, and street-hop artiste, Portable, to the praise night of one of the church branches. There was a stir on social media on Wednesday when an event flier that revealed that Pasuma and Portable would perform at the church’s praise night in Lagos went viral. Netizens took to the post’s comment section to knock the church over its choice of singers. Reacting to the poster on his Facebook page on…

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Court remands 3 in prison over Yayi’s aide murder

Jide Ige

An Ogba based Lagos State Magistrates’ Court, has ordered the remand of three suspects who allegedly murdered Adeniyi Sanni, an aide to Senator Solomon Adeola, also known as Yayi, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for the next 30 days. The defendants are Fred Azeez Okuno, a 43-year-old resident of Lagos; Lucky Idudu Michael, a 33-year-old from Delta State; and Adedigba Segun, a 26-year-old from Ibadan, Oyo State. They were alleged to have committed the offence on August 5, 2023, at a checking point in Ojodu Beger around midnight. The Lagos…

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We demolished buildings without approvals, Igbos not targeted -LASG

Jide Ige

The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, has refuted claims that the ongoing demolition by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is targeting South-Easterners. According to Olumide, the demolished buildings in the state were constructed without approval from any of its agencies, and they were hastily erected during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. He made this known while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday. There have been unverified claims on social media that the demolition target people from the south-eastern part of Nigeria.…

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Tight security as Tinubu presents 2024 budget to NASS

Jide Ige

Security was beefed up at the National Assembly ahead of the presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill by the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Men of the Department of State Services deployed to man the entrance gates are restricting access to the complex. Security agents are deployed to ensure that only those with legitimate business at the National Assembly Complex are allowed in. As early as 6:30 a.m., journalists arrived in their numbers hoping to access the complex for the business of the day but they were shocked to meet…

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Why I won’t go to the tribunal over Kogi 2023 – Dino Melaye

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Kogi State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, has said that he will not contest the electoral victory of the All Progressives Congress at the Nov 11 polls, saying he has lost confidence in the judiciary The PDP governorship candidate, who came a distant third in the election, made accusations on Wednesday, November 29, alleging that the court is now an APC department rather than an autonomous institution. The Nation reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced APC candidate, Usman Ododo, as the…

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Union Bank, Universal Green Energy Announce Partnership To Propel Renewable Energy Market In Nigeria

Jide Ige

Luxembourg based Universal Green Energy Access Programme (UGEAP), and Union Bank of Nigeria have formalised the basis for a strategic partnership to catalyse the development of the renewable energy market in Nigeria. This collaboration, marked initially by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to drive sustainable energy access for households and small and medium businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily focusing on Nigeria. UGEAP, a 15-year blended finance facility, is dedicated to supporting the transition to sustainable energy. The United Nations Green Climate Fund (GCF) has committed the anchor investment to…

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Oyo gov’t sensitizes Okada riders, Keke operators on registration, security

Jide Ige

The Oyo State Government has organized a one-day sensitization meeting with the commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators in the state. Declaring open the sensitization exercise in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade harped on the need for a proper registration of motorcycles, tricycles. The meeting had in attendance leaders of motorcycle and tricycle riders across various zones of the state, including Park Management System, PMS, Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria, MTUN, Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN among…

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Fidelity Bank announces Fidelity Family Weekend Fiesta

Jide Ige

In the spirit of the Yuletide, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Fidelity Family Weekend. Scheduled to hold on Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 December 2023 at the Fidelity Grounds, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event is designed to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere for children to play, parents to relax and young adults to unwind during the festive season. “The Yuletide season is all about coming together and spending quality time with loved ones especially as we wind…

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New Soun, Ghandi Olaoye gets staff of office Dec. 16

Jide Ige

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, will officially present the staff of office to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, on Saturday, December 16, The PUNCH exclusively learnt, on Monday. This was as state High Court sitting in Ogbomoso, on Monday, granted a stay of execution of the October 25 judgment, which ordered the removal of the monarch. The PUNCH reports that a prince, Kabir Olaoye, filed a suit marked HOG/27/2022, alleging irregularities in the process that led to Oba Ghandi’s emergency as Soun of Ogbomosoland. Justice Kareem Adedokun…

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Ex-Army chief, Danjuma shades ‘excellently corrupt’ female Oil Minister at CMG presentation

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff and one time minister of defence, , Lt. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), on Tuesday, said he has recanted on his belief that any job that is expected to be done properly should be given to a woman. He said he had a change of mind when the nation had a female minister of petroleum who he claimed excelled in corruption. The PUNCH reported that although he did not mention the name of the former minister, he said she set a record that was…

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EFCC to Nigerians: This is how to avoid ATM swap

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been inundated with barrage of complaints from well-meaning Nigerians concerning unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts, which investigations by the Commission have linked to Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Debit Card swapping fraud. The modus operandi of fraudsters involved in this nefarious practice involves keeping a debit card of the same bank, and in the guise of helping a confused bank customer at any ATM point, swaps the card in such a hurry that the customer would not notice and at the same…

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Revelations as ex-CBN boss, Emefiele goes on trial over N1.2bn procurement fraud

Jide Ige

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele on Tuesday began in an FCT high court, with the EFCC calling three witnesses. The EFCC charged Emefiele with six counts bordering on alleged breach of procurement procedure in the award of the contract to April1616 Investment Limited. The anti-graft agency had in August, first charged Emefiele and one Mrs Sa’adatu Yaro and a company, April 1616 Investment Limited, purported to belong to Mrs Yaro, on alleged breach of the procurement Act in respect of the purchase of…

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Bishop Oyedepo’s son, Isaac floats own ministry

Jide Ige

Bishop David Oyedepo’s son, Pastor Isaac Oyedepo, has launched his own ministry. The Isaac Oyedepo Evangelistic Ministries. Isaac Oyedepo reportedly shared a YouTube video titled “Unveiling of the Isaac Oyedepo Evangelistic Ministries” on his X account on Tuesday. In the YouTube video, Bishop David Oyedepo, his father, not only ministered but also prayed for Isaac and his wife, Ayomitide, as they both knelt before the respected clergy. Bishop Oyedepo was heard saying in part, “As hands are laid on you, I pray for unusual grace for sustainable connectivity that will…

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Ex-NIRSAL boss, Aliyu arrested

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Aliyu Abdulhameed, the former Managing Director of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Aliyu Abdulhameed, has been arrested has been arrested. His arrest is coming barely a year after he was sacked by the board of the CBN over soundry allegations of corruption and gross mismanagent. Daily Trust reports. NIRSAL, a $500m non-bank financial institution, is a creation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mandated to manage agribusiness-related credit risks in Nigeria. Abdulhameed was kicked out of office following allegations of corruption, including a 2018…

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I will defeat Obaseki and his candidate, Edo deputy Gov., Shaibu boasts

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has expressed confidence in his victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Shaibu said he would definitely defeat the preferred candidate of the state governor, Godwin Obaseki. Shaibu stated this during a TVC programme on Monday evening. This is coming barely 24 hours after he made a formal announcement, expressing his desire to compete for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket in the forthcoming party primaries. Following his announcement, Shaibu inaugurated his campaign office in Benin City, the capital of the…

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Zenith Bank signs MOU with France. Make entery into EU

Jide Ige

Zenith Bank Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Government to establish a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc in France. The MoU, which was signed by the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, and the French Minister for Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Mr. Olivier Becht on Friday, November 24, 2023, will enable Zenith Bank, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, to seek and secure the requisite regulatory approval from the Autorite’ de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution…

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Wash-a-thon: GWR record chasing OAU student lands in hospital

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Enitan Subair, the student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who embarked on a handwashing marathon to set a new Guinness World Record, has reportedly landed in hospital. Enitan had ended the marathon in the early hours of yesterday. According to a post on the official X handle for the marathon, Enitan ended the marathon after 58 hours, surpassing her initial plan of 50 hours. A video now circulating social media reveals that her hands have turned white and wrinkled as a result of the handwashing marathon. She was also seen…

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Flight Diversion: NCAA hammers United Nigeria Airline

Jide Ige

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has suspended all foreign lease aircraft under United Nigeria Airlines hours after the airline operator diverted its Lagos-Abuja en route flight to Asaba on Sunday. Newsmen report that passengers expressed worry when a United Airlines aeroplane landed in Asaba International Airport on Sunday rather than the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA). Consequently, a report emerged that all the wet lease aircraft under United Nigeria Airlines have been suspended. A former Director General of the Agency, Benedict Adeyileka, who spoke with DAILY POST exclusively on…

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FEC approves Tinubu’s N27.5tr budget

Jide Ige

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the 2024 appropriation bill of N27.50 trillion, with a N1.5 trillion increase from the earlier estimated bill. The government had proposed N26.2 trillion but reviewed the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) after it was recently approved by the National Assembly. The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, announced this on Monday at the end of the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. He said that the new proposal was legitimate because the appropriation was dependent on the final…

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Tinubu names Akinyelure NNPCL chairman, retains Kyari as CEO

Jide Ige

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Pius Akinyelure as the Non-Executive Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and also retained Mele Kyari as the organisation’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO). A Monday statement by Tinubu’s spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said the duo is part of the new board and management of the NNPCL. Their appointment, which is in compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, takes effect from December 1, 2023, he said. Apart from Kyari and Akinyelure, other members and…

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Death, tears and grief as FHA bulldozers move in on Abule Ado

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Sitting dispiritedly on a wooden bench in front of his house which has become mountainous ruins of twisted metals, disjointed slabs and destroyed pieces of furniture, Mr Peter Lawrence, momentarily stared at sweaty scavengers hauling metal items into their carts. The sadness in Lawrence’s eyes evinced grief. His house which was situated at King’s Royal Estate in the Abule Ado area of Lagos State, was demolished a few days ago, bringing his decades of toil and gain to an end within a day. For many homeowners in the Festac Phase…

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Mega crisis hits Coronation Merchant Bank over weak capital base

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Stakeholders of Coronation Merchant Bank (CMB) are worried over the going concern of the financial institution as it struggles to stay afloat over its weakened capital position. This is even as the Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of the bank has been downgraded by Fitch Ratings to ‘CC’ from ‘B-‘, with its Viability Rating (VR) also lowered to ‘cc’ from ‘b-‘. In a note released on Monday, the rating agency said it also demoted the bank’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘B+(nga)’ from ‘BBB-(nga)’, raising some red flags that prompted its…

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Tinubu pledges commitment to affordable 24hrs electricity

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Bayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power has revealed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to an affordable and stable electricity supply that will meet the expectations of Nigerians. Adelabu said President Bola Tinubu has put in place strategies to effectively address recurring challenges in the power sector. He said, “Arrangements have been concretised to explore a bottom-up, workable plan capable of giving Nigerians and the economic industry a regular and affordable supply of electricity.” The Minister spoke in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the first Annual Socio-Economic Summit organised by Jericho Business…

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FG boosts agric with 50% subsidy on inputs to curb food inflation

Jide Ige

The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent reduction in the cost of agricultural inputs for farmers, aligning with the commencement of dry season farming scheduled for November 25, 2023. The FG disclosed this in a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security sighted by The PUNCH on Friday. The statement disclosed that the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, will lead the launch ceremony in Jigawa state. It noted that the event will not only mark the commencement of dry season farming but also involve…

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Tension in Kano as Yoruba community fears attack over contradiction in the judgment of the Court of Appeal

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Palpable tension grips the city of Kano, especially among the Yoruba-speaking community as fear heightens that Yorubas in the northern state might come under attack over the contradiction in the judgement of the Appeal Court affirming the sack of Gov. Abba Yusuf of the New Nigerian People’s Party. The Kano State Police Command has arrested seven persons for participating in Wednesday’s protest following the reported contradiction in the judgment of the Court of Appeal sacking Governor Abba Yusuf. This was the Concerned Yoruba Community in Kano expressed fear over the…

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PDP chairman resigns over Tinubu’s appointment

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, has resigned on Friday barely a few hours after President Bola Tinubu appointed him Federal Commissioner—representing Rivers State in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission. Akawor, in the letter dated November 22, 2023, and addressed to the PDP acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umaru Damagun, said his resignation is due to his appointment as a federal commissioner representing Rivers State. He noted that he has since handed over to his deputy, Aaron Chukwuemeka. The letter read, “I have…

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Tension as Ondo lawmakers meet over Gov. Akeredolu, may declare Ayedatiwa acting governor

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Ondo State House of Assembly is set to hold a plenary session today to discuss the state’s political situation. It was reliably gathered that the lawmakers would discuss the issue of the executive arm of the government of the state as the lawmakers may declare the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor, following the inability of the governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, to resume office, due to ill-health. The governor is still recuperating at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. A source, however, noted that some…

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Appeal Court affirms Gov. Abiodun’s election, dismisses Adebutu’s appeal

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

THE Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos on Friday affirmed the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the March 18, poll, in Ogun State. In a majority judgement delivered by the duo of Justices J.S. Ikyegh and Muhammed Mustapha, the appellate court dismissed the appeal brought before it by the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the state, Hon. Ladi Adebutu. The court held that the appeal lacked merit as it found no substance in it and subsequently…

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Oyo Govt. lists criteria for disbursing N1bn loan to farmers

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

The Chairman, Oyo State Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State, (ACCOS), Sheik Taofik Akeugbagold, has listed the criteria being used to disburse the One Billion Naira loan to farmers to ensure geographical spread. Akeugbagold made the revelation during a sensitization tour to the 7 geopolitical zones in the State which ended today. The muslim cleric also said to access the N1b single digit interest loan under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) sub-committee, an applicant must be a duly recognized farmer. Speaking further on the criteria for the disbursement…

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Osunkoya, Access Holdings chairman is dead

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Access Holdings Plc, has announced the death of the chairman of its board of directors, Bababode Osunkoya. According to a statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday night, Osunkoya died after a brief illness on Tuesday. The statement signed by the company secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, said that “Consequent upon the tragic event, the company now has a nine-member board comprising of six non-executive directors (two of whom are independent) and three executive Directors inclusive of the group chief executive officer.” The company revealed that the board will announce…

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Zenith Bank’s Tech Fair 2023 props up nee tech talents with cash prizes

Jide Ige

The Third Edition of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 3.0”, which was held on November 23-24, 2023, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos has concluded. From the over 500 contestants that participated in the Zenith Hackathon (Zecathon), Sync, a team collaboration and workflow management platform that provides synergy, enables project management, task planning, messaging, payments, scheduling and people operations, emerged as the overall winner, taking home the grand prize of N20 million. This is in addition to a mentorship programme with…

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UN OFFICE, RMRDC COMMEND PREMIERE ACADEMY’S CURRICULUM ON TECH INNOVATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Jide Ige

The United Nations Office, Abuja has called on schools and other learning institutions to focus on improved engagement of Nigerian youths on human rights awareness and positive technological innovations to unleash their potentials and capacity to influence the world. Speaking during a Visitation to Premiere Academy, Abuja recently, Knowledge Management Assistant, United Nations Information Centre, Abuja, Mrs. Bo-lanle Olumekor, observed that the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and Agenda 2030 rests greatly on how well the youths are empowered to unleash their potentials in the areas of innovation, industry…

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Tinubu seals $500m renewable energy deal in Germany

Jide Ige

In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, Nigerian and German companies sealed two pivotal agreements in Berlin on Tuesday. The accords valued at $500m, encompass a renewable energy pact and a gas export deal, marking a milestone in bilateral cooperation, the Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement. Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany’s DWS Group formalised a Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy. This strategic partnership aims to attract $500m in investments dedicated to renewable energy projects, with a primary focus on rural communities across Nigeria. According…

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