Oba Of Benin Remains Only Traditional Ruler In Benin Kingdom – Benin Traditional Council

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December 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Still celebrating the $80 million grant by the African Development Bank, (AfDB) to support its knowledge zone, Ekiti State Government has again successfully met the criteria for 2023 to benefit from the $750 million International Development Association (IDA) credit made available to States under the World Bank State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme.

The State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed in Ado Ekiti while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

Olatunbosun explained that the SABER is a three-year (2023-2025) performance-based intervention, jointly designed by the World Bank and the Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC) Secretariat.

This is with support from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget & National Planning (FMFBNP), the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), and the State Commissioners for Finance Forum of Nigeria.

Olatunbosun added that SABER was designed as a Programme-for-Results (PforR) similar to the State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) to motivate and strengthen the implementation of business enabling reforms across the 36 States and the FCT.

It is expected to further consolidate and deepen gains from the implementation of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) reforms across the States, improve business environment of participating States and improve accountability of business enabling reforms.

He highlighted the eight disbursement links indicators (DLIs) of the programme to include improved transparency and sustainability in property registration and land investment process, improved business-enabling infrastructure, development of an effective PPP framework for States and improved investment promotion environment.

The Commissioner listed other DLIs as increased transparency of official fees and procedures, improved domestic and external trade competitiveness, simplification of State and Local business tax regimes and quick determination of commercial disputes.

The index released last month by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation had placed Ekiti State on top of its Index Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch list.

Olatunbosun assured of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s commitment to performance and rapid development of the State.

The Government’s spokesman said that the State Executive Council also approved the presentation of a revised Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2023-2025 and draft of 2023 Supplementary Budget (2) to the State House of Assembly for legislative processing and passage into Law.

He clarified that the MTEF and the supplementary budget were reviewed to accommodate the increase in revenue occasioned by the economic policy of the Federal Government, which brought about the unification of the exchange rate of the Naira and the US Dollar as well as the fuel subsidy removal.

Olatunbosun explained that to appropriate the additional revenue, there was need to review the 2023-2025 MTEF and the 2023 budget of the State Government in line with the Fiscal policy.

He further explained that the new supplementary bill, which will enable the State Government implement critical and essential programmes that could not be included in the original budget owing to funding constraints, was prepared in line with 2023-2025 MTEF approved ceiling of N135,862,361,989.00.

The Commissioner gave the revised revenue projections for the period 2023 to 2025 using 2022 as base year as N152,011,064,800.00 for 2023; N171,485,045,124.00 for 2024 and N191,718,965,296.00 for 2025.

Putting the total size of the draft supplementary budget at N144,733,403,166.24 with recurrent expenditure of N98, 767,639,961.31 and capital expenditure of N45,965,763,204.93 which translates to ratio 68:32, the Commissioner stressed that the revised MTEF document is in line with the State Development Plan (2021-2050) and the six pillars of the Biodun Oyebanji administration.

Ekiti Holds LG Election, As Parties Show Apathy, Gov Oyebanji Sues For Peace

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December 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Following the conduct of Local Government Election in Ekiti State on Saturday, the State Government has announced restriction of movement.

As at close of work on Friday, the only political party which has fully signified intention to participate in the Council Poll is the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier announced its intention not to participate.

The State Independent National Electoral Commission (SIEC) said it had distributed sensitive and non sensitive materials for the election.

The election is expected to produce 16 chairmen and vice or the local governments as well as for the nine Local Council Development Areas, (LCDAs).

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has urged the people of the State to be law abiding and conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner during Saturday’s local government election.

The Governor, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, told the people to see the local government election as an important step in enhancing development and good governance at the grassroots.

Governor Oyebanji urged the voters to consider the overriding Ekiti interest as well as the interests of their respective local government councils in determining who gets elected.

He, however, urged them to go about the electoral process in an atmosphere devoid of rancour.

Oyebanji equally appealed to the candidates in the election as well as the political class to pursue their ambitions and interests peacefully, noting that the peace of Ekiti State is not negotiable.

The Governor called on traditional, religious and community leaders to use their influence to prevent youths from engaging in activities that may have negative impact on the election.

According to the Governor, security agencies are at alert to respond to any act of violence or brigandage during the process. He, therefore, advised those planning to cause any disruption to reconsider their actions.

He also called on the state electoral commission to ensure transparency and professionalism in the conduct of the election in the overall interest of the state.

“The local government election is crucial to our development agenda, and every citizen has a role to play in ensuring we have a hitch- free election that will produce a new set of officials for all our councils.”

Who Founded Lagos? Asari-Dokubo Counters Oba of Benin For Spreading ‘Parasitic History’

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December 1, 2023

Mujahid Asari Dokubo, a Niger Delta militant has added his voice to the controversial statement by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II that Benin People founded Lagos.

Oba Ewuare II made the statement earlier this week when he visited Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos state in his office.

“It is in the history books that the Benins founded Lagos,” the oba said.

The comment has elicited divergent views from not a few Nigerians, including historians and indigenes of the state.

Reacting Dokudo, a repentant Niger Delta militant stated on Friday that the traditional ruler is trying to twist history, stressing that Bini forces only invaded some parts of Lagos Island at a point in history, that, he said, does not amount to founding the state.

He also described Oba Ewuare’s II claim as a “parasitic history’ which cannot be substantiated.

According to Asari-Dokubo, “The Oba of Benin carried a parasitic history to Lagos. Most of these things did not even happen. People even said there was one said by Oba of Lagos, and they started chewing a narrative.

“The question I’m asking the Oba of Benin and the people is, did Benin now package the land of Lagos among the Yoruba people and Egun people? It doesn’t make sense!”

He wondered if those who believe that Lagos belongs to the Benin people, do not know the distance between Benin and Lagos.

He insisted that those who hold the belief that Lagos was founded by Benin people do not know history.

He added, “Dahomey attacked Lagos. Dahomey attacked Abeokuta. Dahomey people in the Benin Republic will now say they own Lagos.

“You don’t know history. A Benin Army attacked Ondo. Ijaw people ferried them. They went to attack Lagos Island. Not the whole of Lagos, just the Island.

“Lagos was made of five divisions. Four of these divisions were of the former western region. You don’t know history. Which Lagos belongs to Benin people?”

The ex-Niger Delta militant said while it sounds reasonable that the Benin Army attacked the people of Lagos, it is wrong to say that Lagos was founded by Benin people.

“And it is Lagos Island, that very tiny place that they are talking about. They are not talking of Ikeja, they are not talking of Ikorodu, they are not talking of Badagry, they are not talking of Mushin,” he added

ICPC, Police Exonerate D’Banj Over N-Power Fraud, Rap£ Allegation

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Multiple Award Winning Musician, Dapo Oyebanji, popularly known as D’Banj, has been exonerated by the Nigeria Police and anti graft agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over the N-Power Fraud and rap£ allegation leveled against him.

The Artiste in separate documents by the Police and the ICPC gave the ‘Why Me’ crooner a clean slate in separate clearance reports upon completion of investigations.

In an affidavit deposed by Toheeb Lawal of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, before the District Court of Abuja, wherein the reports of the Nigeria Police Force Investigation and clearance from the ICPC were marked exhibits A and B, the legal practitioner averred that the police and the ICPC cleared the singer of both allegations.

In a report dated November 14, 2023, with case number CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.1/VOL 18/284 and signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police said the matter was investigated but there was no evidence to substantiate the claim.

“The allegation was investigated,” the police report read in part.

It added, “The complainant, witnesses, and suspects made their statement. The investigation was extended to the Glee Hotel Lagos, where the staff on duty on the date of the alleged incident made their statement.

“The management and staff of the Glee Hotel averred that the first suspect was not seen in the hotel on the date of the alleged incident, nor was he given a spare key to gain access to any room in the hotel where the complainant lodged, and they have only one key to each room, which completely debunked the allegation of the complainant.

“The management of the hotel also held that it had no record to show that the complainant checked into the hotel as a guest on the alleged date, and she did not, at any time, raise an alarm, complain, or report any indecent assault or rape.

“There is no medical report on the victim to ascertain that she was raped. There are no adduced facts or corroborative evidence to substantiate the allegation of rape against the suspect. Prima facie offences of indecent assault, rape, and intimidation are not made out.

“However, the complainant, through her counsel, Ojoge, Omileye & Partners, submitted a later, dated July 17, 2020, to the DIG Force CID, to voluntarily withdraw the petition and discontinue the investigation.”

Also, in 2022, the ICPC accused D’banj of diverting funds associated with the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government.

However, after its investigation, the ICPC said that D’banj was not guilty of any fraud allegation.

In response to an inquiry, the commission cleared D’banj of any infraction on the matter.

The clarification was dated November 29, 2023, with document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23.

“The commission investigated issues of fraud in the administration of the N-POWER Scheme, where Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo’s name came up. However, there was no prima facie case of fraud against him.

“Kindly be advised that Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence,” the ICPC clearance partly read.

D’banj’s lawyer, in his deposition filed before the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, also averred that the singer was never a government official and never had any access to government funds and that the N-power campaign he supported was free and was never paid a penny by anyone or the government.

Breaking: Kogi INEC REC Escapes Assasination

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December 1, 2023

The Kogi State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reported an attack on the residence of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner.

In a statement on Friday, the Commission said Prof. Gabriel Longpet home was attacked by some unknown gunmen in the wee hours of today, it however said no life was lost during the incident.

The statement said, ”In the early hours of today, Friday 1st December 2023, around 3.30am, gunmen attacked the residence of our Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.”

“The armed men engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived.

“While no lives were lost, property was destroyed in the ensuing gun battle. A team of combined security personnel have been deployed to protect the residence.This incident occurred a day after a mob besieged our state office.

“We call for a thorough investigation and enhanced security protection for our personnel and assets in Kogi.”

The attack comes after the governorship election in the Confluence state, as Kogi is called. The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, won the contested election organized by INEC last month.

Zenith Bank Signs MOU With CFA To Promote Human Capital In Finance, Dev.

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December 1, 2023

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, Ebenezer Onyeagwu; the President/CEO of the CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin; and the President of CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu commended the CFA Institute and the CFA Society, Nigeria for their laudable programmes in developing finance and investment professionals in Nigeria. According to him, your Women in Investment Management Initiative, CFA Institute Research Challenge, CFA Society Nigeria Ethics Challenge and University Affiliation Program are very laudable, and Zenith Bank will continue to partner with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria to ensure that young finance and investment professionals get the needed support for their career development. In his words, “As a good corporate citizen, Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of the society. As such, we continue to support projects and initiatives that have long-term social and economic benefits for our various publics and stakeholders. Partnering with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria is therefore a demonstration of our commitment to building professional excellence in the finance services industry in Nigeria”.

At the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference, during the ‘Journey to the Top: A Discourse with CEOs’ segment, Dr. Onyeagwu inspired future finance and investment professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity. He stressed the importance of making difficult yet high-quality decisions, building robust networks, and dedicating themselves to hard work for career success. In his words, “as upcoming professionals, the opportunities are immense for you. Africa doesn’t get bigger than Nigeria. There is scarcity of the right kind of people that have the talent, that have the character and the leadership to provide leadership in organizations. Make a decision to be one of those, make a decision to be different. You must be driven by your passion; you must delay gratification. In Zenith what is driving us is the strive for excellence. It is not about who you are and where you come from. We have the best class of talents you can think of anywhere in the world.” He assured the young finance and investment professionals that Zenith Bank will offer immediate employment opportunity to CFA Charter Holders and those who qualify as Chartered Accountants.

Also speaking on the MoU, the President/CEO, CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin reiterated the Institute’s commitment to the professional development of students and upcoming professionals. In her words, “there are many things that we do for students, we invest heavily in students and why is that? Because they are our future. The mission of the CFA Institute is to lead the investment industry with the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society and that starts with our CFA programme”. She commended Zenith Bank for its continued support to the CFA Society Nigeria and sponsorship of the CFA Institute Research Challenge over the years.

She also commended the bank for being one of the top employers of CFA members in the country. She expressed her admiration of the culture of excellence in Zenith Bank. Also speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the President of CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji commended Zenith Bank for its partnership with CFA Society Nigeria and its commitment to the development of young finance professionals in the country.

The the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference is being hosted by the CFA Institute and CFA Societies from Ghana, East Africa, South Africa and Mauritius. The conference has representatives from over 20 universities in Nigeria (members of their investment clubs being supported by CFA Society).

Insecurity: Afenifere Insist On State Police

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December 1, 2023

Afenifere, a pan -Yoruba socio-cultural and political group, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue an executive order decentralising the national police.

According to the group, this will enable states and local governments in the country, thus reducing cases of insecurity.

The call comes amid Nigerians’ continued demands for state owned security. It’s widely believed that the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, is currently overstretched as a result of the operations they handle currently due to the insecurity situation in the country.

Afenifere said the state police will curtail security breaches and bring stability.

The group made the resolution in a communiqué it issued at the end of its caucus meeting held on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

The communique was contained in a statement issued by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere Worldwide, Jare Ajayi.

The Pa Reuben Fasoranti -led group urged security agencies to try their best to contain insecurity in the country, stressing that state police will bolster their efforts to do so.

Afenifere said, “In addition to strengthening the capacity of security agencies, especially the police, the time is ripe for President Bola Tinubu to issue an executive order to enable states and local government councils to establish own police services. Such decentralisation of the police will facilitate the curtailment of breaches in internal security.

“While states are putting machinery in motion for state police, an executive bill should be sent to the National Assembly by the presidency to amend relevant sections of the 1999 constitution that deal with the establishment of the Nigeria Police.

Meanwhile, analysts insist that the establishment of state police requires a constitutional amendment process endorsed by all the 36 state Houses of Assembly and assented by the president

PDP Ondo South, Prepares For Governorship Poll, To Stop Too Many Aspirants

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December 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

As preparations begin on the next year’s governorship election in Ondo state, leadership of the south senatorial district have regrouped to enable members present a common and credible candidate for the state number one seat.

At the expiration of the tenure of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is from the north senatorial district in February, 2025, the south is expected to have its turn in the governorship going by the zoning formula of political parties in the state.

Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have met at Okitipupa to strategize for the forthcoming poll and guard against actions which can cause them to loose out.

In a statement at the end of the meeting, a spokesman for the stakeholders, Adeolu Akinseye stated that “The people of Ondo State have endured the pains and hardship inflicted on them by the rudderless and inhuman All Progressives Congress (APC) government for nearly seven years.

“We, stakeholders of Ondo South PDP comprising State Executive Committee members from the South, past political office holders and Local Government Executive Committee members, resolved as follows, that:

“The PDP Ondo State shall once again bring succour to the people by electing a PDP Governor at the November 16, 2024 Gubernatorial elections.

“We shall work with other critical stakeholders in the state to ensure that, Ondo South produces the next elected Governor of Ondo State.

“Ondo South shall present only one credible and acceptable candidate to contest the next year’s election. All grievances and bitterness of the past shall become history as the party reenacts its winning streak.

Together, the Sun will shine again in Ondo State.”

No Cause To Forge Akeredolu’s Signature, Governor Still Personally Attends To Files, Documents – Ondo Information Commissioner

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December 1, 2023