Home Blog Page 1454

Fidelity Bank Boosts Nigeria’s Non-oil Exports With $40m AFREXIM Bank Deal

By
James Orji
-
0
The much-anticipated second edition of the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect, FITCC,  got off to a boisterous start on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 as leading financial institution -Fidelity Bank Plc hosted a broad range of businesses, regulators, members of the diplomatic corps and other guests to the opening ceremony in Houston, Texas, United States of America.
Tagged FITCC Houston, the two-day event is aimed at achieving several objectives including increasing the pipeline of Nigerian businesses that export into the US market, providing the diaspora market more ethnic product options and enabling exporters to build capacity to improve product quality and meet international standards.
Welcoming participants to the event, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said, “Developments on the global scene have necessitated the need to constantly seek viable alternatives as businesses work to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving macro-economic environment. On the supply side, businesses are waking up to the imperative of catering to an international customer base in order to hedge against currency devaluation risks, increase the reach of their products and to ultimately ensure the long-term sustainability of their ventures. Indeed, globalization has emphasized the need for businesses to improve in terms of cross border offerings and collaborations.
“To bridge these gaps, we created the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FITCC) in 2022 and hosted the inaugural edition of the expo in London last November. At the event, we had over 100 Nigerian businesses connected to United Kingdom business counterparts and deals worth about 200million dollars closed on the spot and post-event.
“This year, we are taking it a notch higher as we aim to close deals worth about 250million dollars. We have therefore put in place an elaborate experience to help stakeholders achieve this and several other objectives at this expo.”
A key part of the event was the exhibition which featured more than 160 Nigeria and US-based businesses active in the fintech, commodities, fashion, cosmetics, service, creative, agriculture and extractive industries in the non-oil sector.
One of the exhibitors and the Founder/CEO, Oriki Spa, Joyce Awosika said, “We look forward to meeting all our amazing customers and we promise them an impactful experience with our products that would leave a lasting impression. We urge them to join us at booth 520 here at FITCC Houston.”
The expo also featured the signing of a $40million pre-export finance facility in favour of JohnVents Industries -one of the exhibitors at the expo. The loan, which has been adjudged as a landmark development by analysts in the exports space -would be provided by AFREXIM Bank with Fidelity Bank acting as the local administrative agent.
“We are delighted to participate in the tripartite loan signing ceremony as it demonstrates the size of the opportunity in the Nigerian cocoa market and its potential to meet the demand of off-takers in the US. The ceremony also highlights the value of our partnership with AFREXIM Bank especially in providing much-needed credit to last mile beneficiaries to upscale their operations and cater to a global market.
” These align with our objectives for FITCC and we are thrilled to host the formal deal signing event here”, an elated Onyeali-Ikpe told journalists at the event.
Day 1 of FITCC Houston closed out with a fashion show dedicated to unique Nigerian pieces. Themed, “The Connect Plus Fashion Show”, the event featured elegantly styled-models adorning distinctive and culturally inspired designs from several Nigerian labels including Bijelly Couture, Eclectic Chique and MODChic. The fashion show also provided networking opportunities for guests and participants.
Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a fully-fledged customer commercial bank with over 8 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.

Yohanna Sworn-in As Adamawa North Central Senator, Replaces Sacked Abbo

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0

By Adesina Soyooye

The Senate of the Federal Republic on Wednesday, fully complied with the order of the Appeal Court and swore-in Amos Yohanna as the Senator to represent Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate.

Yohanna replaced Senator Elisha Abbo who was sacked by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, headed by the Honourable Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme.

The swearing-in of Yohanna, PDP, was performed by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the affairs of the Senate in the absence of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The Court of Appeal sacked Abbo, APC, who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  in the February 25, 2023, National Assembly Election.

Abbo was serving his second tenure as a Senator before he was sacked.

He had held Akpabio responsible for his sack because he campaigned against him in the race to the Senate Presidency.

He apologized later to Akpabio, and said he was misinformed on the Senate President’s role in his fate.

“How My Boss Scammed Me Into Donating My Kidney To His Brother” — Driver; Boss Now In Police Custody

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Nwoko Eric

By Adesina Soyooye

Nwoko Eric, 42, a native of Abia State, on Tuesday, told a story that is stranger than fiction. According to reports, Nwoko, a driver, who lives in Gbagada Estate, phase 1, Lagos, told Journalists on Tuesday, that a man, his boss, identified as Steve, owner of De-Akasten Global  Ltd, Ikeja, whose driver he was, scammed him into donating one of his kidneys to his (boss’) younger brother who suffered from kidney failure.

The method used to, allegedly, scam Nwoko in 2018, would make present day ‘yahoo-yahoo boys’ go green in envy. The promises to him for the kidney? 20m US Dollars, a relocation to the USA, a house in the USA,  and a job, still as a driver, in the USA for a big man who has “big-big” cars!

Where Nwoko got many people asking questions as to his mental stability is: With 20m US Dollars and a house in the USA, why would he still be a driver to a big man in the US? With 20m US Dollars, who will be richer than Nwoko?

But, apparently, Nwoko may not have been charmed. He said his boss, while praying for him and thanking him for taking his brother to the hospital in his absence, asked him to kneel down, and preceeded to pour oil on his head. Is his boss a Pastor, or was that a ritual process?

Whatever, Nwoko is apparently in his senses now, for he mentioned the hospital where the surgery for the kidney transplant took place – St Nicholas Hospital, one of the most high profile hospitals in Lagos – and the name of the Surgeon.

Nwoko Eric
Nwoko Eric

Nwoko said he agreed to the deal because he was poor (still is), and thought he had finally found a solution to the poverty ravaging him and his family.

Far from that, however, his situation has worsened. He said his boss only increased his monthly salary to N70,000, and would subtract from it anyday he was too weak to go to work due to the complication which arose from the transplant, and his non-maintainance by his boss at the hospital. He, also,  relocated Nwoko to an apartment, and asked him to keep away from family. Worse: Nwoko’s health is pointing downward.

What is Nwoko’s exact situation now? What has happened to his boss?

He tells his story, hereunder, by himself.

“My boss,  Managing Director of a company in Ikeja, in 2018, assigned him me to  drive his ailing brother to the St Nicolas hospital, Lagos Island, for dialysis while he (boss) was outside the country.

“When he returned to the country, he appreciated me for taking his brother to the hospital and informed me that his brother’s kidney had failed and that in the next one week , he might lose his life. He asked if I could donate one of my kidneys to him. Thereafter, he told me to kneel down to pray for me and in the process, he rubbed a liquid substance on my head.

“He told me that he would give me 20 million dollars, buy a house for me in America and connect me to his rich friend in America where I would be driving big cars. I was excited.

“Thereafter, he called his brother to inform him that I had agreed to donate one of my kidneys to him. They took me to the hospital, I did many tests and the doctors said my kidney matched his brother’s.

“I was admitted for three days and on the agreed day, the operation was done. They gave me some medicine.

“But since 2018 till date, I have not been receiving treatment.

“A week after, my boss rented an apartment for me, he directed me to resume work in the office, and that I would be paid N70,000 a month. He warned that anytime I failed to come to work over health issues, he would deduct N30, 000 from my salary. Even when I complained that I was weak, he would shout at me, saying I could survive with one kidney.

“When I asked Mr Steve to give me the money and other promises he made before the donation, he kept delaying until I told my mother about what happened. All I want is for him to keep to the promise he made before the surgery was done so that I can survive with the remaining kidney I have.

“His brother is very healthy now, while I am dying . I was hungry and from a poor family. I thought giving one of my kidneys in exchange for compensation would change my life and my family’s.”

Said Nwoko’s mother, Gloria, who said he had, for long, been unable to reach him: “I have been wondering why he had not been picking up my calls until October 13, 2023, when he called and told me what happened. We were living together until he suddenly relocated to Mowe, Ogun State.

“At the moment, my son cannot walk. He needs medical help. He has lost so much weight. I am only requesting that Mr Steve should help my son survive like his brother. Yes, we are poor, but I believe the AIG will help us get justice.”

To get justice, the family has retained the services of a Legal Counsel, Tony Dania.

According to Dania, reports say, “when the victim was taken to Saint Nicholas Hospital , his boss’s younger sister whose identity he gave simply as Deborah, acted as the victim’s wife.

After the operation carried out by one Dr Gbagboye, on December 22, 2018, his boss, Steve rented an apartment for him and asked him to stay away from the family.

“A good Samaritan took them to Zone 2 Police Command where some policemen were detailed to arrest his boss.

“We want the Nigeria Police to see this as a test case and do its best. Organ sale is illegal and criminal. The person giving should give consent and there are procedures. Deborah is not the wife of the victim and she signed as one. This is also a case of forgery. A donor’s consent is needed for any surgery.

“In this case, Eric signed a document in an office, he did not read what he signed at Mr Steve’s office and in the hospital. His boss only told him to just say yes, so he did not ask a question. If the consent was obtained by deceit, then the consent cannot hold”

Nwoko’s  boss, Steve,  is in currently, in the custody of the Police.

LASG Dislodges Scavengers at Olusosun Dumpsite, Seals Alade Market Over Environmental Infractions

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has dislodged scavengers at Olusosun Landfill, Ojota, citing health and safety concerns from their illegal activities, including burning of tyres, which could trigger a major fire incident.

Olusosun Landfill, one of the largest in the State, copes with the challenge of scavengers rummaging the site for recyclable items, posing significant danger to people’s and environmental health.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, hinted that the dislodgement operation was chiefly for the well-being of people living close to the landfill.

He said, “It is our foremost responsibility to ensure the well-being of residents of Lagos. The activities of scavengers at the Olusosun Landfill have raised concerns for the health and safety of the scavengers themselves and the larger community. From time to time, we must take steps to protect the people and environment. Their activities could trigger an inferno on the site and this we need to prevent.”

Wahab further explained that the State Government was committed to enhancing the overall waste management system in the state, ensuring it aligned with the global best practice of safety, environmental sustainability and public health,  adding that similar action would be replicated in other landfills in due course.

Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority would continue to work closely with communities, stakeholders and experts, to implement salutary measures that safeguard the environment and well-being of residents.

He noted that shanties erected on the site would be dismantled, as scavengers would no longer be allowed to live there, but would be duly profiled and allowed to operate only during official work hours of 8am and 5pm.

In the same vein, the Lagos State Government has sealed Alade market in the Onigbongbo area of the state over environmental infractions such as filth, burning of refuse, etc.

The Commissioner of Environment, made this known on his X page on Wednesday.

He wrote, “Alade Market in Onigbongbo has been sealed over several environmental infractions such as lack of waste bins, filthy environment, illegal burning of refuse by the roadside, Indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and failure to comply with the rules of #Lawma_gov.”

Northern Group Withdraws Quit Notice To Igbos, As Gov Otti Brokers Peace

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Alex Otti

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has brokered peace over a threat by the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), to the Igbo.

NCM had issued a 14-day ultimatum to Igbos resident in the North to leave.

The NCM has now rescinded its order after a meeting convened at the instance of the Abia State Governor, with the leadership of the Umuchieze Cattle Market regarding the State Government’s decision to make the Cattle Market a daily one.

The withdrawal of the quit notice was announced by the president of the group, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, who led the leadership of the Umuchieze cattle dealers to the meeting at the Governor’s residence.

Aliyu explained that after the meeting with Governor Otti, the group realized that there was no tribal sentiment attached to the Abia State Government’s decision.

He declared that Governor Otti means well and is interested in the security and safety of the traders at the cattle market, contrary to earlier allegations that he had asked Northern residents in Abia State to leave.

“That is how governance and leadership should be. Communication is very important. Governor Otti is a leader that understands the importance of communication and also the feelings of the people. And this talk has truly brought out a peaceful atmosphere.

“I’m using this medium to say that we’ve cancelled that 14-day ultimatum that was given to Easterners.”

Aliyu advised Northern communities resident in Abia State to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities and be good ambassadors of the Northern people, wherever they find themselves.

“Respect leaders, respect elders, do not break the law, this is what our culture had taught us. We will continue to pray for peace, unity and good governance in Abia, and the south east and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Otti, while receiving the guests restated that his interest in making the Umuchieze Cattle Market a daily one is to end the killings, kidnappings and other criminal activities going on at the market.

The Governor emphasized that he is a detribalized Nigerian, noting that he does not know about segregation and can never be associated with tribalism.

He stated that Government’s earlier directive was misunderstood and pointed out that the aim of making the market a daily one was to secure the place in the overall interest of the traders and residents alike.

Governor Otti said that the meeting, convened at his instance, was to explain the true position of Government, adding that without security, there would be no development.

“Anytime we allow religion and ethnicity to play a role in what we are doing, we are missing the point. What I have come to do in governance is to give service to the people. We want everyone living in Abia State to live in peace and harmony.”

The Governor announced that the State Government’s decision to enforce the use of markets, and has devoted a lot of money to rebuild the cattle market and make it a proper market.

“Wherever you come from, you will agree with me, even in Kano, Kaduna, everywhere, markets are markets and homes are different from markets.

“We are going to divide the market into different sections. You’ll have the cattle section, you’ll have the electronic section, you’ll have the textile section and everything that anybody wants to buy. We will upgrade it in such a way that those who are operating in the market will be very happy.

“We are not going to tolerate any brothels or hotels or where people will be pretending that they are accommodating people meanwhile they’re selling hard drugs and selling mkpurumiri, methamphetamine, I’m sure you’ve heard about that.

“I have also said that we will secure the entire market and fence it round and there will be a gate to enter and a gate to exit.”

LASG Debunks Report  Governor Sanwo-Olu  Banned LASTMA From Arresting Motorist

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has denied reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu banned officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, from arresting erring motorists.

The Social Media was agog with the news of the Governor directing Officials of LASTMA to stop arresting motorists. The report was accompanied by a flier which read: “…Henceforth, no LASTMA officials should arrest any commercial or private motorist. The duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest anyone.

“I have heard a lot of complaints, and any official that violates the rule of his work will be severely dealt with.

“If at any time LASTMA officials make an attempt to arrest you or forcefully enter your car. Don’t argue with them, just allow them to enter and call these numbers: 08129928600 and 08129928550.”

But this has been dismissed as fake by the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Jubril Gawat.

“Castrate S€x Offenders” – Hon. Justice Wike

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Justice Suzzette Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

The Honourable Justice Suzzette Wike, has advocated for the castration of those who defile minors.

Justice Wike, who is also the wife of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said the castration of such men is the only solution to the incessant defilement of minors.

Wike, a Judge of the Rivers State High Court, proffered this solution Tuesday when she spoke on the sidelines of the 2nd National Conference of Family Court Judges, Magistrates, and other Family Court Practitioners in Port Harcourt.

According to her, the current punishment is soft, and not  drastic enough to deter se€ual offenders from  defiling minors.

No such offender, she said, should be sentenced to less than between 14 years and life jail term. Still, she insisted, castration is the best option.

To this end, Justice Wike challenged male Lawmaker to sponsor a bill to that effect.

Her words:  “We should do much more. I think we should do something that will be really drastic, that will make them think twice before they do that.

“I cannot think of anything better than having a legislation that whatever it is, that whatever part of your body you use on a child while defiling the child, that part should be cut off. If it is your finger, if it is your mouth, if it is your private part.

“I think men will take it more seriously when you come up with such legislation. I hope a man in the House of Reps or Senate sponsors a bill like that.”

The Theme of the Conference is: ‘Repositioning Child Justice Administration In Nigeria’ is seeking to find ways of protecting the rights of children in the country.’

On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the Honourable Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja (Lagos) Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, set the ball rolling by sentencing a Medical Doctor, Olufemi Olaleye, Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Foundation, Ikeja, to a double life sentence for defiling a minor, his wife’s niece, who lived with them.

He was reported to the Police by his devastated wife.

Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Know Fate, As Supreme Court Delivers Judgement Thursday

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Bola Tinubu-Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

All processes connected to 2023 general elections will end two days time as the Supreme Court fixed Thursday for the judgment on the appeals by the Presidential Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP),Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party, (LP) Peter Obi.

Both candidates are praying the apex court to set aside the judgment by the Presidential Election Court, (PEPC) which affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.

The Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Dr. Festus Akande, disclosed this  on Wednesday affirming that the judgment on the appeals has been scheduled for Thursday.

He said, “Tomorrow, Thursday, has been fixed for the judgment on the appeals brought by Atiku and Peter Obi.”

The apex court had on Monday dismissed the appeal of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), one of three parties challenging the outcome of Nigeria’s Presidential Election in which Bola Tinubu of the APC was declared the winner.

INEC Deletes Sylva’s Name From Bayelsa Governorship Candidates List

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

With less than 18 days to the Bayelsa State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has deleted the name of All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Candidate, Timipre Sylva, from the list of Candidates for the November 11 Governorship Election in the State.

INEC released the amended list of candidates for Bayelsa and Imo States Governorship Elections on the Commission ’s website on Tuesday, with names of the former Minister of State, Petroleum,  and his running mate, Joshua Macivere,  excluded from the  Bayelsa State election.

The list was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony,

The column for the names of the APC candidate and his ruining mate was left blank with “court order” remarks on it.

Also for Imo State, the Commission included the names of Uchechukwu Ishiodu as the Governorship candidate and Ahumbe Chiazor as the running mate, for the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, for the state election.

Oriaran-Anthony, in the amended document, explained that the action of the Commission was in obedience to court orders on the lists, served on the commission.

She recalled that the Commission published the final list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election on June 9 in accordance with the provision of Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the timetable and schedule of activities for the election.

She said that after the publication, the Commission was served with a  Court order in respect of the nomination of the  APC candidate for the Bayelsa State governorship election.

“By virtue of the provision of Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Commission is bound to enforce the orders of the court on the nomination of candidates by political parties in the state.

“The amended list of candidates in respect of the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election is hereby amended pursuant to the orders of court served on the Commission,” Oriaran-Anthony said.

Also for Imo State, Oriaran-Anthony also recalled that INEC published the final list of candidates for the state governorship election on June 9 in accordance with the provision of Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Election.

“After the said publication, the Commission was served with an Order of Court for the inclusion of the PRP and its candidate on the list of candidates for the 2023 Imo State governorship election.

“By virtue of the provision of Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the commission is bound to enforce the orders of the court on the nomination of candidates by political parties in the state.

“The amended list of candidates in respect of the 2023 Imo State Governorship election is hereby amended pursuant to the orders of court served on the Commission,” Oriaran-Anthony said.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 10, disqualified Sylva from participating in the State Governorship Election.

Justice Donatus Okorowo, in the judgment, ruled that Sylva having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as the Bayelsa State governor, would breach the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.

The Judge also declared that Sylva was not qualified to run in the November poll because if he won and was sworn in, he would spend more than eight years in office as governor of the state.

Also the Federal High Court, Owerri judicial division, in Suit No. FHC/OW/CS/35/2023 – PRP & Anor v. INEC, amongst others, equally ordered INEC to include the name of the PRP Governorship Candidate in the list of nominated candidates already published on the INEC website.

Governors Behind Removal Of Deputies – Fmr Plateau Deputy Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

A former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof Sonni Tyodern, has suggested clearly specified constitutional roles and functions for the Deputy Governor independent of the Office of the Governor to end crisis between them.

The former Deputy Governor noted that increasing fracas between Governor and his Deputy is unhealthy for Nigeria democratic growth as seen recently in Ondo and Edo States.

Delivering a paper with a theme, “Resilience, A Positive Mindset and Indefatigability as Essential Tools for The Deputy Governor,” in Jos, Prof Tyodern who is also a former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, said the issue of succession should be handled in more democratic and transparent manner, adding that once, aspirants are given a level playing field, rather than being imposed, Deputy Governors are likely to cooperate and work with their Governors.

He pointed out that Governors should continually bear in mind, that they came into office on the same platform and a joint ticket with their Deputies, they should therefore operate as such and take each other into confidence.

“I believe that the framers of our Constitution provided for the two offices Governor and Deputy Governor because they believed that the two are relevant and necessary for the smooth running of our democracy.

“However, the extent to which the two are increasingly at each other’s throats is ease of concern, as they are becoming irritants to the smooth running of our democracy.

“The source of the friction between the two politicians varies from case to case, but invariably, they revolve round the issue of succession and what revolves round the politics of schedule of duties.

“As a newspaper editorial observed “very few governors assign their deputies supervisory roles over certain government ministries or agencies”, thus rendering them redundant and irrelevant.

“True, the constitution provides a basis of support for the office of the Deputy Governor by making a provision for its establishment. Indeed, as section187 states even the nomination of a gubernatorial candidate is incomplete without an accompanying Deputy.

“The processes of impeachment of a Deputy Governor although mainly a House of Assembly matter, the reality is that it is the Governor that pulls the strings behind the scenes particularly in determining what constitutes the critical issue “gross misconduct, for which the Deputy Governor is usually being charged.

“So much has been made about the issue of loyalty between the Governor and his Deputy to the extent that it is assumed that the decline in the loyalty of the Deputy to his Governor, is the bane of harmonious relationship between the two.

“The issue of loyalty needs to be put in context to be appreciated. More often than not, it is assessed within the context of succession plans, with a Deputy Governor who disagrees with his principal over the issue, particularly when he is interested in succeeding his principal, is seen as a betrayer who has committed sacrilege and to that extent, disloyal to his boss.

“It is usually forgotten that the Deputy Governor is also a politician and entitled to his own political aspiration. From all the above, it is clear that a Deputy Governor is only as relevant as a Governor wants him to be.”

1...1,4531,4541,455...2,987Page 1,454 of 2,987