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FCMB Launches HERccelerate To Empower Female Tech Startups in Nigeria

By
James Orji
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First City Monument Bank, FCMB, has introduced HERccelerate, a tech accelerator program designed to empower and support women-led tech startups in Nigeria. This initiative, spearheaded by FCMB’s SheVentures and Hub One innovation hub and implemented by 8thGear Hub and Venture Studio, aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the tools and networks necessary to secure funding and achieve sustainable growth.

Applications for HERccelerate are now open at www.fcmb.com/herccelerate/ and will close on September 30, 2024. The program targets women-led startups across various sectors, including Fintech, Agritech, Healthtech, Edtech, and E-commerce, offering funding opportunities and additional rewards.

Participants will receive intensive training, which includes office hours, field trips to successful local startups, and networking events with established founders. This program aims to provide comprehensive support by connecting women entrepreneurs with knowledge, resources, investors, and markets. The accelerator will conclude with a showcase day, where winners will receive grant funding and other benefits, including access to potential investors.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing innovation and empowering women-owned businesses, particularly SMEs in the tech sector, to pursue their ambitions and significantly contribute to both the tech ecosystem and Nigeria’s economic development,” said Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of FCMB. “We recognize the challenges women-led tech businesses face, from funding gaps to biases that limit their growth. HERccelerate is our platform to foster innovation and create more funding opportunities for female-led ventures. We urge women entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact.”

Nigeria’s tech landscape has seen impressive growth in recent years, with several female-led startups making significant strides. However, they still face obstacles such as limited access to funding. In 2023, less than 6% of venture capital investment went to female-led startups. Through HERccelerate, FCMB aims to support and accelerate over 200 women-founded tech startups over the next five years, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem.

FCMB is a member of FCMB Group Plc and is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. The bank is focused on building a supportive ecosystem in Africa, primarily Nigeria, that connects people, capital, and markets

How Tinubu Controversially Extended IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure

By
James Orji
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended the tenure of Kayode Egbetokun as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP.

His tenure as Nigeria’s top police boss was supposed to end this month, on September 4 but has now been extended by three years by the president, according to Daily Trust citing various sources in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the IGP’s tenure was extended despite his impending retirement age of 60, which he will reach tomorrow, September 4, 2024.

According to the sources, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, presented the IGP with a letter confirming his tenure extension on Monday.
A senior security officer at the SGF Office also confirmed that the IGP received his letter of tenure extension from Akume on Monday morning.

The move comes after the Senate passed a bill amending the Police Act 2020, which introduced a new clause allowing police officers to serve for 40 years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first.

Egbetokun, who was appointed IGP in June 2023, would have been due for retirement tomorrow.

Last week, a civil society organisation,  Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, had chided President Tinubu over his rumoured plan to extend the tenure of Egbetokun.

RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement made available to journalists, urged the president to “avoid the wrongful, patently illegal, and unconstitutional steps of the past, which led to controversies and judicial challenge of appointments made by the president.”

  Nwanguma said: “The Police Act 2020 prescribed a four-year tenure for the Inspector-General of Police. It was, therefore, expected that a person to be appointed Inspector-General of Police should have no less than 4 years before his/her retirement date. The Police Act also required that the Police Council meet to advise the president on the appointment of a new IGP when there is a vacancy, among other roles.

“Unfortunately, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in all the appointments he made while in office, was not known to have ever convened the Police Council, but instead, single-handedly handpicked and appointed an officer of his choice as IGP even when the officer’s retirement date was far behind the stipulated tenure of office.

“In appointing the current IGP, President Tinubu also followed this similar path by appointing him when he had barely two years to retire.

“President Tinubu was expected to avoid the wrongful, patently illegal, and unconstitutional steps of the past, which led to controversies and judicial challenge of appointments made by the president. This, unfortunately, became the norm.

“The President was expected to live by example and demonstrate his oft-repeated commitment to the rule of law and constitutionalism by ensuring that the appointment of the next IGP to replace Egbetokun who was expected to retire in the first week of September 2024 was done in total compliance with Constitutional and Statutory stipulations.

“The appointment was expected to have been devoid of nepotism or other forms of favouritism or partisan political considerations. Unfortunately, the President has continued with the anomalous practice of extension of the tenure of a ‘preferred IGP’.

“The negative effect is that while his mates would retire on the due date, he remains in service and office, stagnating the rise of numerous officers under him. This is unfair. It kills morale and breeds discontent and indiscipline.

“President Tinubu is not known to have consulted the Police Council, which he chairs, to secure the concurrence of its members in the appointment process, as required by both the Constitution and the Police Act.

“It is appalling that politics of self-interest could be taken so far as to amend the Police Act in order to achieve the extension of tenure of an IGP who otherwise was due to retire and vacate office.

“It was expected that President Tinubu would avoid a repeat of the pitfalls, errors, and brazen illegalities of the past. He was looked upon as a self acclaimed democrat to ensure that appointments are based on legal and constitutional stipulations, merit, competence, qualifications, seniority, and existing line of succession.

“The President has betrayed the hope and expectation that he would chart a refreshingly new course, in tandem with his expressed commitment to the rule of law and the undertaking he publicly gave in his inauguration address on May 29, 2023,” he stated.

#EndBadGovernance: Kano Sets Up Panel On Looting, Destruction, Killings

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In keeping with his earlier promise to carry out an inquest into the circumstances that led to the violent nature of the  #EndBadGovernance protest in the State, Governor Abba Yusuf on Monday inaugurated an Investigative Panel.

The Source reports that Kano was the worst hit by the spate of violence, arson, looting and destruction of both public and private properties that characterized much of the day one and two of the 10-day long nationwide protest.

The unmitigated arson, looting and destruction later forced the State authorities to impose an initial 24-hour curfew to contain the situation.

Speaking while empanelling the 14-man Committee at the Government House, Governor Yusuf regretted that the protest which commenced peacefully was hijacked by hoodlums to unleash mayhem on the State.

He noted that the setting up of the Panel is in fulfilment of his promise in the wake of the protest and its attendant destructions to get to the root of the unfortunate turn of events.

“I made a pledge to set up this Commission regarding the senseless destruction of properties and killings of innocent people during the nationwide protest.

“It is on record that I had earlier on, before the protest, at a town hall meeting at the Government House, before all the stakeholders, acknowledged the constitutionality of the planned peaceful protest and also pledged to receive them at the Government House .

“From the beginning of the protest, no single protester had any weapons on him, from where they converged at Gidan Murtala to the Government House .

“These peaceful protesters were received at the gate of the Government House by security agents. But while they were waiting for me to receive them, we had an unfortunate situation with hundreds of other dangerous persons with weapons coming to the gathering, attacking peaceful protesters.

It took the security almost three hours to disperse them before they proceeded to destroy many public buildings, including the NCC -ICT Complex,” Governor Yusuf stated.

According to him, about six High Court Justices had their offices at the High Court Complex with the Audu Bako State Secretariat vandalized.

The Governor reiterated his earlier claim that during the attack on the High Court premises, some vital documents relating to the ongoing prosecution of his sworn political rival, the immediate past Governor of the State, Dr Abdullhi Ganduje  over alleged corruption charges were stolen.

While acknowledging  the integrity of the Panel members, he  charged them to carry out their tasks with utmost sense of courage and fairness.

He noted that even though the duties and scope of  work  have been  defined, the Committee, Governor Yusuf also stated, is at liberty to widen  them if the need arises.

He insisted that all those found culpable in whatever ways, should be prosecuted, while those found to be innocent will be freed.

“Things have to change if we have to move this nation forward. We shouldn’t be allowing the killings of innocent people .

“We shouldn’t allow any selfish individuals no matter his position in the country to undermine our peace”, he noted.

In his brief remark, Chairman of the panel, Justice Lawan Wada (rtd) assured that the Commission will be guided by fairness and justice.

Why Police Invited NLC Chairman, Secretary

By
Ayodele Oni
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Comrade Joe Ajaero - NLC President

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Police has clarified its invitation to some key officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC).

The Force had invited the NLC Chairman, Joe Ajaero, over lleged allegations of subversive activities, which he honoured on August 29, 2024.

The Force again sent another invitation to the NLC chairman and secretary, which they are yet to honour.

Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained on Monday that “Contrary to disinformation, the invitation extended to certain individuals within the NLC leadership has nothing to do with rights advocacy and activities of the Union leadership.

“It is aimed at clearing the relationship of the individuals and Andrew Wynne, a wanted Briton,  who in addition to plotting unconstitutional regime change is also financing terrorism in Nigeria.”

The Briton, allegedly, owns a rented apartment at the building housing the NLC secretariat in Abuja.

Adejobi stated that “Following the interaction between the police investigation team and the NLC President, there is now a clearer understanding of the focus of the ongoing police investigation and the depth of Andrew Wynne’s subversive network and activities.

“No nation will tolerate attempts by foreign elements to interfere in its internal affairs, threaten national security and organize and fund local elements to instigate uprisings aimed at destabilizing the country and engendering violent and unconstitutional regime change.

“The Inspector-General of Police appeals for cooperation and support of all law abiding citizens in the ongoing investigation.

“He assures any one with information leading to the arrest of any of the suspects declared wanted will be appreciated and rewarded handsomely.”

Meanwhile, a reward of N20 million awaits  anybody with information that would lead to the arrest of the Briton.

Wike, Others Finally Set To  Face PDP Disciplinary Committee

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP, may have finally decided to rein in the ever recalcitrant Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike.

The Party  on Monday September 2,2024  said it has  formally written  to invite Wike to its Disciplinary Committee over a series of alleged anti-party activities.

The Source reports that the former  Governor of Rivers  State,  who has been having a running battle with his successor and political godson,bGovernor Siminalayi Fubara, at the weekend threatened to destabilize PDP- controlled States which Governors are now backing his opponent,  Governor Fubara.

Speaking at the River State’s PDP Secretariat in Port-Harcourt, Wike warned that he will “ignite fire in any State that the Governor is seen  supporting the disruption of his PDP structure in Rivers State.

Both the PDP Governors Forum and Board of Trustees BOT led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, respectively, have expressed their support and understanding with Governor Fubara in the count down to efforts to settle the rift and disagreement within the party in the State.

Before his latest tirade which is believed to be primarily targeted at Governor Bala Mohammed, the ever loquacious and boastful Wike had, penultimate week, heaped insults and abuses on Wabara for daring to lead some BoT members on a trouble-shooting efforts to Rivers State.

But while speaking on a Channels Television Programme, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, expressed the party’s disappointment with the conducts of the former Governor of Rivers State.

The Deputy National Spokesperson noted that the party is highly disappointed with Wike’s threat to foment crisis in States controlled by the party simply because of the PDP Governors support for their colleagues.

According to Abdullahi, Wike should have been more circumspect in the choice of his words, adding that the PDP, as a party is not happy with his latest outburst.

The FCT Minister, the PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary stated, will be appearing before the Chief Tom Ikimi-led Disciplinary Committee of the Party any time soon.

Instructively, a few days after its composition, Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman ( South ) and a well known ally of Wike resigned his membership of the committee citing fears of possible bias as reason.

The PDP Deputy Spokesman informed that the FCT Minister is having a plethora of petitions from aggrieved members over his head.

“The Disciplinary Committee has written him (Wike) a letter inviting him to appear before it.

“We have received petitions with regard to anti-party on those sabotaging the party from the primaries through the 2023 election to where we are now. The petitions have been aggregated across the country.

“Nyesom Wike is one of the persons expected to face the Disciplinary Committee which is headed by no less a person than High Chief Tom Ikimi”, the PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary stated.

Two Chinese Nationals, Others Docked For Illegal Mining

By
Ayodele Oni
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Chinese and Others Docked For Illegal Mining

By Ayodele Oni

Two Chinese Nationals are among those charged to court by the Federal Government for allegedly embarking on illegal mining activities in the two States of Kogi and Ondo.

They were arrested during a recent operation led by the Mining Marshall as part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the mining sector.

The operation, code-named  “Hayakin Kogo,” took place in the Ikah Community of Ankpa council area of Kogi State leading to the arrest of the two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for mining activities in violation of existing mining regulations.

In another operation launched in Ondo state, the Mining Marshals also raided an illegal gold mining site in the Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, Odigbo local government  of Ondo State, where four suspects were arrested.

Report stated that these individuals, caught in the act of illegally mining of gold in a Government Reserved Area, confessed during interrogation that they lacked the necessary licenses or authorisation to carry out the operations.

The suspects from both Kogi and Ondo states have since been charged to the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The 2,570 Mining Marshals, specially trained and drawn from the ranks of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is a brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, as part of his seven-point agenda, hinged on sanitizing and reforming the mining sector.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining in the country by bolstering the operations of the Mining Marshals with the infusion of technology and imminent satellite monitoring of mining sites.

He urged those still involved in illegal activities in the mining sector to turn a new leaf and comply with the relevant sections of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) to regularise their operations, stressing that the resolve of the Federal Government to wielding the big stick is unflinching.

Governor Idris Swears-in 21 LG Chairmen In Kebbi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nasir Idris - Governor of Kebbi State

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has sworn-in the newly elected 21 Local Government Chairmen in the State.

A statement by Ahmed Idris, the governor’s media aide, stated that the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and their Councilors were elected  during the Local Government Elections held on Saturday, in the state.

Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, Gov. Idris charged them to be transparent to their people at the grassroots level.

While urging them to operate an open door policy in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, the governor advised the Chairmen to incorporate the Vice Chairmen and Councilors into the running of affairs of their respective Councils.

He said that as servants, they should do everything possible to bring the people close to them, while advising them to strive hard to work for the betterment of generality.

“Today, we are making another history, because election was held in all the 21 councils and APC as a party emerged victorious at all levels.

“As I earlier said, if goodwill and track records will speak, APC will win all the elective positions in this LGAs elections.”

The governor noted with satisfaction that the election was conducted fairly, freely, and peacefully, devoid of any rancuor or any breach of peace.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umar Abubakar.

The governor later presented to the newly sworn-in chairmen brand new Hilux vehicles to facilitate their official engagements.

IGP Egbetokun Gets Tenure Elongation Under New Police Act

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - Inspector General of Police - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

Inspector General of Police,  (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has been given an extension in office.

The extension is in line with the amended Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has increased the service years of police personnel from 35 years to 40 years of service.

It, also, increased the retirement age from 60 to 65 years.

Egbetokun, appointed by President Bola Tinubu at the commencement of his administration, will be the first beneficiary of the new retirement age law.

Sources at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation  confirmed that Egbetokun has been handed a letter to that effect.

Also, feelers from the office of the IGP have also reinforced the development.

Nigeria Police Declares Briton, Another Wanted Over Plot To Topple Tinubu’s Government

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Police Declares Briton and Another Wanted

By Ayodele Oni

  • Arraign Nine

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national over alleged plot to overthrow the Government of President Bola Tinubu.

The Force stated on Monday that “investigations identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, a British national, of a plot to throw President Tinubu out of office.

According tk the Police, the Briton has built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos.

Said the NPF: “He rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.”

Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, stated that the Briton and subversive elements are plotting to undermine

the democratically elected Government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country.

“Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other Security Agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.

“Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected Government.

“Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.

“He mobilized and deployed several billions of Naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilize the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that will instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian Government.

“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.

“Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have accordingly been declared wanted and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.

“The nine other suspects already apprehended have been arraigned before a competent court of law today, Monday, September 2, 2024, for Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime.

“These acts are in clear  violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.

Adejobi announced that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode  Egbetokun, has activated the INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support ongoing domestic investigations aimed at locating and apprehending the suspects at large.

“The IGP assures the general public that the Force will leave no stone unturned in dealing with, and bringing to deserved justice, any individual or group threatening our national security and peace or promoting any movement with the motive of truncating our democratic government through unconstitutional means.

“We recognize and remain committed to protecting citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed fundamental and democratic rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

“However, we advise citizens to be wary of subversive elements who weaponize and commercialize protests for personal financial and ideological benefits.”

Recall that the Police raided the National Headquarters of the NLC on August 8, 2024 and went away with documents and more. While not a few Nigerians were shocked at the raid, the Police said the NLC was not the target but a suspected  foreign terrorist who is a tenant at the NLC Headquarters.

But on August 19, 2024, the Police Authorities invited the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, on very serious allegations   of treasonable felony, terrorism financing, terrorism, subversion, criminal conspiracy and cybercrime.

Ajaero in a letter on his behalf by his Lawyer, Femi Falana, rejected the August 20 invitation and picked August 29.

However, the visit on August 29 turned out an anti- climax as none of the serious allegations was brought up by the Police. They, only, asked about NLC’s foreign tenant and let Ajaero go in less than two hours.

But about 24 hours later, the Police extended another invitation again to Ajaero against September 5, 2024.

Apparently, the foreign tenant is likely to be Wynne who the Police has now declared wanted.

FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Falconets Pip South Korea 1-0 To Register Win In Tournament Opener

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nigeria Falconet

By Akinwale Kasali

Flourish Sabastine’s late strike was all the Falconets of Nigeria needed in Bogota, Colombia, at the ongoing 11th FIFA Under-20 Female World Cup in Colombia against South Korea, to earn  valuable three points.

The match which was a cagey affair between both countries saw few opportunities in a game both teams paraded strong squads unfamiliar with themselves, but Nigeria had more of the chances, particularly in a more entertaining second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo.

Big forward Mary Lucky Mkpa was full of endeavour and with some precision, should have put away at least two of the opportunities.

The Asians, who also lost by a lone goal to Nigeria in a group phase encounter at the last edition of the competition in Costa Rica two years ago, came close to drawing the first blood on the quarter-hour, but Shukurat Oladipo got one foot to a teasing cross from the right to wrong-foot Park.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Shukurat Bakare, missed a pull-out altogether in the 28th minute but the Korean touch took the ball over the sticks, and at the other end, Mkpa heaved the ball a little too high after a pass by Rofiat Imuran.

Nigeria’s blushes were saved just before half time, when Myeyung rocked the crossbar from a 22-yard free-kick.

In the second half, Sabastine and Amina Bello saw their shots blocked in the opposition box, and substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu came close from a good run on the right, before Sabastine sliced the ball from the right wing to smack the upright and roll into the net for the game’s only goal.

The Nigerian team’s skeleton is comprised of a large contingent of ladies who won bronze at the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup in India and have been promoted to a higher age grade. A handful of returnees from the squad that played at the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica were also included.

The old guards and the new girls have blended in a coherent unit under the adequate drilling of Christopher Danjuma, the team’s head coach.

However, the Falconets’ performance against Korea was not wholly smooth, as they struggled to create chances through their hurried, route-one approach.

Next up for the Falconets is a clash with three-time champions Germany at the same venue on Wednesday evening, before playing their Group match against Venezuela on September 7th.

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