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Zenith Bank Makes World Finance 100 List

By
James Orji
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Ebenezer Onyeagwu - Zenith Bank PLC MD

Zenith Bank Plc has been listed in the World Finance 100 2023 released by World Finance Magazine, achieving the feat as the only Nigerian company in the prestigious and exclusive listing.

Zenith Bank’s inclusion in this elite list underscores the bank’s outstanding achievements and resilience in a dynamic and competitive global market.

The World Finance 100 celebrates companies that have reached the pinnacle of achievement across a wide variety of fields of expertise. Each year World Finance compiles the list of 100 companies, purely based on excellence in their field. The list presents the new business elite, made up of those whose vision and enterprise shapes the conceptual landscape of finance, business and technology. Notably, Zenith Bank stands as the lone Nigerian company and one of just three African companies to earn a place on this esteemed list for 2023, alongside industry titans such as Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet.

Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, remarked, “It is with great pride that we acknowledge this feat as the exclusive Nigerian company in the World Finance 100 2023. This accolade is a testament to our unwavering dedication to our valued stakeholders, our innovative spirit, and sustained growth, all achieved amidst the complexities of a challenging economic climate. This honour further attests to our status as a leading financial institution that continues to set the industry standard in financial performance, good corporate governance and financial stability.”

He expressed his profound gratitude to the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership and foundational role in shaping a resilient and thriving financial institution. He also acknowledged the board for the outstanding leadership they provide; the staff, whose drive and commitment sustains the exceptional performance; and the bank’s customers for their steadfast trust in the Zenith brand.

Zenith Bank continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development and remains dedicated to providing cutting-edge financial solutions to its diverse clientele. The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has earned the brand numerous awards, with this latest accolade coming on the heels of several recognitions including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine

Also, the bank is Nigeria’s Best Commercial Bank, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 and Retail Bank of the Year, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

Minister Charges Armed Forces On Loyalty, As Top Generals Retire

By
James Orji
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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru has tasked the nation’s armed forces to support democracy to succeed.

The minister’s charge is contained in a statement signed Wednesday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen.  Onyema Nwachukwu in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to the Army spokesman, Badaru gave the advise at the Regimental Dinner Night organised in honour of newly retired and retiring Nigerian Army senior officers.

The statement said a total of 113 Nigerian Army Generals on Tuesday bowed out of the service, which include one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals, and 44 Brigadier Generals.

The minister praised the Nigerian Army as a “shining light’ among the nation’s armed forces, for its support for civil rule, adding that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would ensure that the military’s welfare is taken care of.

Part of the statement said,  “The minister charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores.

“He added that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the comity of nations.

“The minister noted that the occasion provided the Nigerian Army the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers.

“He noted that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well-being of serving and retired personnel.”

Recall that over 100 top military officers were directed to proceed on voluntary retirement in June this by the Defence Headquarters year following the appointment of new Service Chiefs by President Tinubu.

Illegal Mining: Provost, Asagba Of Asaba Clash

By
James Orji
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The Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta state says there is no illegal mining going on within the campus.

The school issued the rebuttal on the heels of a recent report credited to a traditional ruler in the state, Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, to the effect that some companies are illegally mining laterites in the state.

The management of the institution said those mining on its campus were authorized to do so.

Recall also that Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Mineral Resources recently disclosed that some powerful individuals are behind illegal miners in the country.

Reacting, the Provost of the College, Prof. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa said the monarch had not visited the school to find out whether the mining work going on there is illegal.

She explained that what is being excavated is for the construction of  Koka Road for which the company doing the work had approval from the school management, adding that there is the need “to set the record staright.”

The Provost said, “To set the record straight, the Provost said the college authority gave approval place for escavation for the construction of Koka Road and a road behind the college with a view to reclaiming the land thereafter, wondering how a genuine approval will amount to illegal mining.

“They are not miners. Federal College of Education is aware. We gave them the place to escavate for the construction of Koka Road and the road behind the college to reclaim thereafter. Did they try to find out from us? Mr Ofili Mordi, who just came back from where he went to, jumped into selling our land, and claimed that Asagba of Asaba is aware.

“Does Asagba of Asaba have the mandate to sell Federal Government Land that has a master plan and is lodged with the Town planning? Their write-up and postings are to scare us and confuse people because they know we are aware. The Federal Government is aware of all our activities as I cannot embark on any illegal act.

“We don’t want to join issues with the Asagba of Asaba because he is our father and we respect him. But he should warn those who are using his name to cause embarrassment to the college to desist forthwith as we will not take it lightly with any one bent on dragging the name of the college and my person to the mud,” Anene-Okeakwa stated.

Monarch Condemns High Cost Of Flight Tickets To South East, Calls Out Air Peace

By
The Source
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Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu

A South East Traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, has strongly condemned the high cost of flight tickets to southern Nigeria, particularly the South East, calling for presidential intervention to end the ugly trend.

Eze-Igwe Ezugwu, who spoke in a statement issued in Abuja, called out the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, saying that “it is unfortunate that airlines owned or controlled by South Easterners like Air Peace is also involved in this marginalisation of Igbos in Nigeria.

He argued that “in the days of Triax Airlines founded by Igbo philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, the defunct Enugu based domestic airline that operated between 1992 – 2000 would have taken Igbos home for free.

“Here is the Chairman of Air Peace, Barr Allen Onyema, priding himself as a rescuer who donates aircrafts for free to airlift Nigerians abroad but has joined in the unholy treatment of Igbos by transport companies and airlines owners, especially at festive seasons.

“How can it be cheaper to fly from Abuja or Lagos to Borno State than flying from Abuja to Enugu or Owerri?

“Why should it be cheaper to fly to Ghana from Nigeria than going to South East?”, he asked.

Urging the President to intervene, he said, “I think the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be called to this deliberate acts by airlines against southern Nigeria, particularly the South East.

“The Igbos are already bleeding under economic and political marginalisation in Nigeria and the airlines are worsening the situation. Today, even the well-to-do south easterners cannot breathe as a result of the high cost of airline tickets.

“If other airlines are unnecessarily expensive, Air Peace should not have joined in this deliberate inflation of flights tickets to South East”, the monarch said

Female High Court Judge Kidnapped, Police Orderly Killed

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

A Judge of the Akwa Ibom High Court, has been kidnapped. The Honourable Justice  Joy Uwanna was Kidnapped by blood thirsty gunmen with her Police Orderly and driver along Uyo-Okobo Road in the Oron Local Government Area of the State.

However, the Police Orderly was killed during the sad incident.

The Judge, according to Toroscho Eyene the Chairman of the Oron branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, the judge was kidnapped on her way to Uyo after a court sitting. For that the

He association has  a meeting with the State Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, for Wednesday, December 20, to discuss the fate of the Judge.

Said Eyene “Yes, the sitting Judge in Oron was kidnapped yesterday (Monday) on her way back to Uyo after a court sitting. By tomorrow, Wednesday, we are moving down to Uyo to meet with the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi and the DSS on the issue.”

PDP Disowns 25 Members Of Rivers Assembly, Says You Are No Longer Our Members

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Secretariat - Wadata Plaza

By Ayodele Oni

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that those 25 members of the Rivers state House of Assembly that decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot return to the party.

Rising from an emergency meeting on Tuesday, in Abuja PDP declared that there is no remedy for the 25 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

It explained that by virtue of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the affected former legislators vacated and lost their seats by reason of defection from the PDP, the Party platform upon which they were elected into the House of Assembly.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP Umar Damagum, who stated the position of the Party at a press conference in Abuja, said that the Party insisted that having vacated and lost their seats, the only option available for the former lawmakers, if they wish to return to the House of Assembly, is to seek fresh nomination and re-election on the platform of any political party of their choice.

Damagun further said that the 25 former Rivers lawmakers freely and without any cause, vacated their seats, being fully aware of the consequences of defection from the Party upon which they were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly without the conditions stipulated by the 1999 Constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no division in the PDP at the national or any other level for that matter to justify the defection of the 25 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Party.

“They therefore vacated their seats for reasons best known to them and cannot return to the House of Assembly without passing through a fresh electoral process in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Moreover, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Rt. Hon (Barr) Ehie O. Edison (DSSRS) officially declared the seat of the defected now former members vacant in line with Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The Rivers State House of Assembly, having become Functus Officio on the matter cannot re-admit the former lawmakers unless through the channel of a fresh election.

“For emphasis, Section 84 (15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 is clear in providing that no Courts have powers to stop INEC from conducting elections wherever and whenever a vacancy occurs in any electoral constituency.

“For clarity Section 84 (15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that nothing in this section shall empower the Courts to stop the holding of primaries or general election under this Act pending the determination of the suit.”

The PDP restated the call for the conduct of fresh election into the 25 State Constituencies in Rivers State where vacancies have occurred by reason of the defection of the now former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the determination of any suit in any court.

“Save Us From Avoidable Deaths From Fake Drugs” – Nigerians Urge NAFDAC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Helpless and hapless Nigerians are lamenting the influx of fake products in the market which has resulted in several deaths in the country. They, also, say it  raises concerns on the effectiveness of the the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

The rise in fake products in the markets has led to a heated debate on Social Media, as Netizens took to X (former Twitter) to vent their anger on the ineffectiveness of NAFDAC in curtailing the widespread of fake products in the market.

The discourse was kicked off by X user, @Aimalohi6, who alerted Nigerians to a certain soy sauce brand that has been seeing a spike in knockoffs lately.

The tweet read in part, “New discovery there is AMOY, AMOYS, AMOI, AMQY, AMOY’c oyster sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce brands in Nigeria. The original brand is AMOY without the s. Every other brand is fake, good stores are selling the fakes. No idea where to get the original.”

The post gained traction on Monday after several consumers commented on the post by sharing pictures of dupes they bought from supermarkets.

Other tweeps also began to post imitations of popular wine brands, non-alcoholic drinks, chocolates, toothpaste, soap, milk, and other household goods.

Netizens further demanded that a national investigation into the rise in these counterfeit goods be launched by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control as well as other relevant agencies.

“Aside from drinks, ingredients used in cooking can kill us. @NafdacAgency please and please do the needful, AMOY is AMOY no s, c or i. It’s not only drinks you go after, please go after these brands😤😤 AMOY is AMOY help the food industry. @capanigeria,” @Aimalohi6 wrote

Popular Medical Doctor and influencer, Dr Chinonso Egemba, @aproko_doctor also wrote,  “Yes, drinking water is perfect for you but giving people fake soda and alcohol is wickedness. There’s a need to clamp down further on these people, this is most likely just the tip of an entire syndicate. No quality control, harmful materials etc.”

Another X user, @enodamade wrote, “It’s time for NAFDAC and SON to rise to the occasion and sanitise our consumption space!

We are dying needless deaths because of these fake products!”

The trend of fake goods being marketed to Nigerian consumers as real has continued to raise concerns in recent times.

Earlier in December, Daniel Benson, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer professionally known as BNXN threatened to call out certain clubs serving fake drinks.

“Respect my health, respect my money. Give me what I pay for. If you don’t have it, don’t bring a fake one. The next club or lounge that does this to me, I promise I will take that microphone from the hypeman and let you know,” he tweeted.

Last week, NAFDAC officials shut down the Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State and arrested 10 suspects allegedly involved in the production of adulterated beverages.

Speaking with newsmen after the raid, the Director of, the Southeast Zone of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade compared the actions of the suspects to terrorism.

He said, “What’s happening here at Cemetery Market, Aba is worse than Boko Haram.

“We saw how many shops were converted into manufacturing centres for all manner of wines, expensive drinks, and revalidation of the expiry date of products.

“We have the cooperation of the state government and so far we have discovered 240 shops used for this illegal manufacturing of fake consumables and about 10 persons have been arrested and the arrests are still ongoing.”

“Abuja Peace Accord, An Insult To Ijaw” – Edwin Clark, Says “We Will Resist It, Prepared To Face Any Consequences”

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark, has announced the rejection of the peace deal between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesome Wike. He  described it as an attempt to make a sitting Governor a stooge.

Chief Clarke addressed a press conference on Tuesday where he declared: “We are prepared to face any consequences that may result in the political crisis in Rivers State.

“We will resist any attempt subtle, subterranean, convert, overt, to make an elected Ijaw son, Siminialayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, a servant, a stooge to Nyesom Wike who had boasted that any attempt by the Governor to touch his so-called ‘Wike’s structure’, with the connivance and support of President Bola Tinubu, will be resisted by us.

“We will go to go court to resist this oppressive action using all available constitutional and legal means. It is on this note I wish to appeal to the youths who are aggrieved, to remain calm, as we will use legal means to dethrone this hydra-headed monster, called oppression.”

Chief Clark, speaking on behalf of the Ijaws, pointed out that “The terms of settlement as contained in the Communique issued at the end of the reconciliatory meeting is what is baffling, appalling and unacceptable to the people, especially, the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

“From the terms of settlement, it is obvious that President Tinubu sees his role as a mediator, to once again, show gratitude to the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for “delivering” Rivers State to him during the past Presidential elections, having first of gratified him by making him the Minister of FCT.

“The eight resolutions reached, are the most unconstitutional, absurd and obnoxious resolutions at settling feuding parties that I have ever witnessed in my life.

“As a matter of fact, some media captured it very well when they described it as Directives. And for the fact that such thing was done at the Villa, the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria, is sacrilegious, because any place housing or is a custodian of symbol of authority, ought to be sacred.

“It is obvious that Governor Siminialayi Fubara was ambushed and intimidated into submission. By President Tinubu’s actions and directives, he has overruled the Constitution of the country; he has shaken the foundation of the country’s democracy.

“People lost their lives fighting for democracy in this country. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made of no effect the blood of the freedom fighters shed to salvage this country.

“He has thrown the country’s democracy fifty years backwards; this is unacceptable. Rather than building a strong system and society, we are building strong, invidious characters, with our national patrimony through corruption and avarice.

“By the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has really shown his dislike and disdain for the Ijaw people. and confirms his hatred for them. And as the leader of the Ijaws, we will resist it.

“Nyesom Wike is not an emperor. For the eight years he was in power as Governor of the Rivers State, he ruled with an iron fist. As Governor, he will not accept such treatment from anyone, as he is spear heading to be meted out to the current Governor of the State, Siminialayi Fubara.”

Armed Robbery Scare In Ekiti: Police Say No Cause For Alarm

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Still scared over last week’s robbery incident in Ekiti State during which a bank at Ikere was attacked, there was apprehension in Ado the State Capital on Tuesday.

An online message had gone viral that some banks in the state capital were being robbed and that people should watch their movement.

The situation caused tension as shops along the ever busy bank road were hurriedly lock up and people took cover, to escape being hit by stray bullets.

Three persons, reportedly hit by stray bullets, died during the Ikere incident as the robbers were shooting sporadically.

In a swift reaction, the state police command said that it was unaware of such incident in any part of the state capital where its officers were on ground.

The command spokesman, Sunday Abutu  in a statement stated that “The attention of the Ekiti State Police Command has been drawn to a fabricated story circulating across the State especially through the social media that a Bank in Ado-Ekiti and/or Ikere-Ekiti was under attack by a group of armed robbers today being 19/12/2023.

“The Command wishes to State clearly that the trending news was just a mere imagination of some fake news peddlers and enemies of the State who derive joy in causing unnecessary apprehension in the society.

“The Command therefore, enjoins members of the public to disregard the disinformation and go about their lawful businesses.

“The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Ogundare Dare psc(+), fiips,* has however, ordered the deployment of more tactical and intelligence teams across the State especially around banking areas to ensure there is no attack or breach of peace anywhere in the State while warning all fake news promoters to repent or face the full wrath of the law soon.”

“I’ve Dumped Collar, Now Ready To Serve People In Another Capacity” –  Soun Of Ogbomosho

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, has announced that his priesthood has ended and now ready to serve the people in another capacity.

Speaking on Tuesday after receiving instrument of office from Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, Oba Olaoye announced that he has a plan spanning 25 years which would turn around the ancient city of Ogbomosho.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaoye said his vision for the town is that of a prosperous and peaceful Ogbomosho land which rests on a detailed 25-year plan.

The monarch stated that he has stopped being a church pastor and has now become a shepherd of the people urging other contestants to join hands with him to move the town forward.

“My service is premised on a clear vision. I am very aware of the words that the wisest of Kings recorded for us in the book of Proverbs that without a vision, the people perish.

“My vision for a prosperous and peaceful Ogbomosho land rests on a detailed 25-year plan, to be unveiled in the coming months.

“I promise to serve this vision with all I have, the relationships I have built over the years here in Nigeria and abroad, the experience I have garnered from running several successful businesses, and the skills garnered from more than 30 years of pastoring churches and other pastors.

“As I have said on several occasions, I have stopped being a church pastor and now become a shepherd of a people.”

Governor Makinde while presenting the Instrument of Office and Staff of Office to the new Oba, said, “I will now hand over the Instrument of Office and Staff of Office to Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III.”

Recall that Makinde had approved the selection of Oba Olaoye from Olaoye Ruling House, on September 2, 2023.

The kingmakers in the ancient town led by the Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, installed Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso land on September 8.

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