Access Bank French Desk Will Strengthen Nigeria, France Economic Ties- Wigwe

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June 1, 2023

The Group Managing Director of Access Corps Herbert Wigwe, has disclosed that the bank created the French Business Desk to promote strong economic ties between Nigeria and France, apart from creating networking opportunities for businesses people from both countries.

Wigwe made this known on the backdrop of the opening in Paris, earlier this month, of the first subsidiary of Access Bank Plc in the European Union, and the subsequent launch of the Access Bank French Business Desk which the bank said will strengthen business relationships between Nigeria and France.

According to the Access group chief executive, Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy endowed with vast human and natural resources and France which possesses technological expertise, innovation and a rich cultural heritage need to strengthen economic ties.

He said, “The Access Bank French Desk will play a pivotal role in facilitating trade and investment between our nations. It will serve as a knowledge hub, providing valuable insights, intelligence, and networking opportunities for businesses from both countries.”

“We aim to create an enabling environment for French companies to thrive in Nigeria while also assisting Nigerian businesses in navigating the intricacies of the French market. Collaboration with multilateral organisations such as PROPACO and AFD will further enhance the impact of the Access Bank French Desk.”

Speaking, the French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, welcomed the signing of an agreement with Business France Nigeria to partner on the French Desk, she also congratulated Wigwe as Chairman of the France Nigeria Business Council.

She declared that, “This initiative illustrates the huge dynamism and potential of the economic ties between Nigeria and France, which have been continuously strengthened since President Macron’s visit to Nigeria in 2018. This Desk will enable us to further strengthen an already substantial economic partnership and benefit companies from both countries, including SMEs.”

The Access Bank French Desk in partnership with Business France, was created as a platform to connect French and Nigerian companies, providing them with financial solutions to conduct trade and investment activities between both countries.

According to the bank, through business advisory services, engagement with relevant institutions, economic roundtables, trade facilitation, and comprehensive banking solutions, the French Desk will remain the trusted partner that will empower and facilitate businesses opportunities for Nigerian and French businesses on their journey to success.

Senators, Reps To Get N30 bn Payoff

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James Orji

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June 1, 2023

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Ahead the winding down of the 9th National Assembly on June 6, its management has announced a N30 billion severance package for senators and house of Representatives members.
The announcement was made known to the members of the Assembly on Wednesday in a notice signed by the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Danzaria.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives read out the Clerk’s notice to members on the floor yesterday.

The lawmakers have been directed to submit all needed documents for the collection of the payment before June 9, the notice said.

“All honourable members to collect their clearance forms for the payment of severance gratuity from the Office of the Clerk to the House and submit same after completion in Annex Room 2.154 or 2.031, Finance and Accounts Directorate on or before Friday, June 9, 2023,” Danzaria said in the notice to members.

According to the details of this year’s budget over N30bn has been budgeted for severance and welcome package for outgoing and incoming members and their aides.

The 2023 Appropriation Acts indicates that Under statutory transfers, the National Assembly and its affiliate bodies will spend a total of N194,839,144,401 this financial year. The sum of N169bn was proposed for the federal bi-cameral legislature in the original bill.

Details of the National Assembly budget are as follows: Severance/inauguration of outgoing and incoming 9th and 10th Assembly (legislators and legislative aides) – N30,173,520,592; National Assembly Office, N30,492,518,529; Senate, N33,267,001,807; House of Representatives, N51,994,511,954; National Assembly Service Commission, N10,555,809,322; Legislatives Aides, N16,520,653,763; PAC – Senate, N118,970,215; and PAC – House of Representatives, N142,764,258.

Others are National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, N7,411,813,596; Service Wide Vote, N671,335,001; Office of Retired Clerks and Permanent Secretaries, N1,059,121,701; Appropriation Committee Department – Senate, N125,000,000; Appropriation Committee Department – House, N165,000,000; National Assembly Library building (ongoing), N4,250,000,000.

Also in the National Assembly budget is N11,307,475,470 allocated to General Services; hosting of Conference of Speakers of African Parliament, N127,500,000; NASS Liabilities, N8,500,000,000; NASS e-Library, N255,000,000; NASS Dashboard, N118,150,000; Constitution Review, N850,000,000; completion of NASS Library Complex (repeated), 7,500,000,000; completion of NILDS HQ, N2,500,000,000; and construction of NASC building, N10,000,000,000.

Subsidy Removal: Regulatory Body Assures Uninterrupted Supply As Queues Get Longer

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Ayodele Oni

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June 1, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, (NMDPRA) has assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic over news of removal of petroleum subsidy.

The regulatory body in a statement, signed by the general manager, corporate communication, Kimchi Apollo explained that the body is prompted by anxiety which followed announcement by President Bola Tinubu in his inaugural address.

NMDPRA states that “contrary to speculations and concerns, the announcement is in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, (PIA) 2021,which provides for total deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector yo drive investment and growth.

“We are working closely with NNPC Ltd and other key stakeholders to guarantee a smooth transition, avoid any disruption in supply, as well as ensure that consumers are not short-changed in any form.

“The authority assured that there is ample supply of PMS to meet demand as we have taken necessary steps to ensure distribution channels remain uninterrupted and fuel is readily available at filling stations across the country.

“The NMDPRA reassures all Nigerians that the removal of subsidy on PMS is a step towards building a more sustainable and prosperous future for our nation.

“We will continue to monitor activities and implement necessary measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the petroleum downstream sector.”

FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Zoom Into Quarter Finals, Defeat Host, Argentina In Crunchy Tie

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 1, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Against all odds, the Coach Ladan Bosso-led Flying Eagles has sprung a surprise to many of its critics and defeated host, Argentina, 2-0 in the Round of 16 Tie in San Juan International Stadium at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Two second half goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki were all the Flying Eagles needed to secure a Quarter Final ticket.

The odds favoured Argentina who had a100 per cent record at the Group stage, defeating Uzbekistan, Guatemala and New Zealand.

The Argentines dominated the entire match forcing the Flying Eagles to be defensive depending on a counter attack to get at the Coach Javier Mascherano led Argentine squad.

The six time champions were denied by the defensive quartet of Fredericks, Agbalaka, Ogwuche and Bameyi, who were outstanding in the defense line to deny the Argentine the much needed goal.

Not many people gave Ladan Bosso’s team a chance, but they put up a stellar defensive performance to beat the six-time winners.

With this victory, Nigeria will face the winner of Ecuador and South Korea in the quarterfinals.

Both teams will trade tackles on Thursday, June 1st, 2023, with the winner facing the West African side for a place in the Semi Finals.

Coach Bosso started the game with Kingsley Chijioke Aniagboso in goal, Solomon Agbalaka, Abel Ogwuche, Benjamin Fredericks and Daniel Bameyi were at the heart of the Flying Eagles defense.

Tochukwu Nadi, Daniel Daga and Samson Lawal piloted the misfiled with Sunday Jude, Salim Fago Lawal and Ibrahim Beji Muhammad were upfront.

In the other knockout matches, Colombia got the better of Slovakia in their crunch second round game to make a big statement as the competition progresses.

Cortes opened scoring in the 4th minute of second half after a chaotic first half show with Slovakia. The Colombian put the Americans in front to usher in another goal two minutes later, from Asprilla’s 51st minute effort.

Angel made it a glorious brace in the 53rd and 64th minute to finally nailed Slovakia to gain a broad passage to the quarter finals. Jambor’s consolation in the 88th minute was looking like the end of it but Cortes scored his second goal of the night to make it an embarrassing 5-1 loss for Slovakia.

In another venue, Brazil’s Marcos Leonardo gave the South Americans an early goal in the 12th minute against African side, Tunisia, to open an entertaining game on the night. Santos Sealed the interval for Brazil to make it 2-0 in the first 45 minute.

Although Renan was sent off at the stroke of halftime to reduce Brazil to 10 men, the South Americans still continue to maintain their position ahead of Tunisia.

Brazil sealed their emphatic win with a stoppage goal from Martins to make it 3-0. In the 11th minute of added Santos got Brazil’s 4th goal but 2 minutes after Tunisia’s Gherbal scored the consolation goal to make it 4-1. Brazil claimed the forth ticket to the quarter finals. Brazil will face Israel in the quarter final game while Colombia will play either Italy in the quarterfinals.

The Italians defeated England 2-1 to seal a place on the quarter finals.

Updated: LASUTH Management Debunks Fire Outbreak

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 31, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to the news making the round that a building at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, was gutted by fire, the Management debunked it.

The LASUTH Management refuted the claim saying that the incident happened in one of the food shops on the premises.

In a press statement by the management, it stated that the fire started from one of the cooking points in a shop close to the hospital’s second gate but was quickly put off.

The statement reads in parts: ” This is to inform members of the public of a fire incident at one of the food shops within the premises of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital(LASUTH) Ikeja GRA, this afternoon.

“The incident started at one of the cooking points in a shop close to our second gate.

“The inferno was quickly brought under control and now completely put out.

“The management of the hospital is grateful for all the efforts from all concerned, especially men of the Lagos State Fire Service”, the statement reads.

Pandemonium As Fire Guts Building At LASUTH

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 31, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja, as patients, workers and caregivers ran helter skelter when fire gutted a building.

The fire incident occurred Wednesday evening, causing panic in the hospital.

It took the intervention of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to put off the fire.

Confirming the incident, the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said officials of the agency were mobilised to the scene, adding that the fire has been put out.

“It is a minor fire and it has been put out. Expect an official statement soon,” Adeseye said.

There was no casualty recorded as at the time of filing this report

Agbakoba Calls For The Dismantling Of EFCC

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 31, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Legal luminary, Olisa Agbakoba, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismantle anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in order to succeed in his fight against corruption.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria made the call during an interview on ‘The Morning Show’ on Arise Television on Wednesday.

Agbakoba added that President Tinubu should relieve the EFCC Boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa, of his position as Chairman.

In his words, “ We need to talk about anti-corruption, the anti-corruption process is not working.

“I have challenged the constitutionality of EFCC, the EFCC needs to be dismantled, Mr Bawa needs to go. What he’s doing is not attracting peoples confidence. He’s ’s always in battle with everybody, now he’s battling Matawalle (Zamfara governor) that’s no way to fight corruption.

“ So we need to see Mr Bawa step aside honourably so that the anti-corruption process can be seen to be genuinely fought by the President and not any equivocation.”

The EFCC chairman and Matawalle had traded words over corruption allegations.

It would be recalled that Bawa had earlier, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, challenged Matawalle to expose him if he has any fraud record against him.

Agbakoba alleged that EFCC is a corrupt entity that needs to be cleansed holistically.

NLC Rejects New Prices Of Petrol, Urges FG To Withdraw List

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Ayodele Oni

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May 31, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) has kicked against the new prices for petroleum products announced Wednesday by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Limited(NNPCL).

The NLC, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Joe Ajaero, pointed out that it expected the NNPC to wait until discussion as the subsidy withdrawal is still ongoing between the Union and the Federal Government.

Describing the action as an ambush and against the principle of social dialogue, NLC insisted that Government cannot be talking, and at the same time fixing prices of petroleum products.

“Government cannot in one breath be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of petroleum products.

“This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of free market unless the government has as usual usurped, captured or become market forces.

“We call on the federal government to immediately instruct the NNPC to withdraw this vexatious pricing template to allow free flow of discussion by the parties.

“Nigerians will not accept any manipulation of any kind from any party especially from the Representatives of government.”

Breaking: Uzodinma Elected New Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum

By

The Source

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May 31, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

The All Progressives Congress Governors Forum, known as Progressives Governors Forum, PGF, has elected the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, as its Chairman.

Uzodinma succeeds the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, who has served out his term after a two-term tenure as the Governor of Kebbi State.

The office of the Chairman of PGF is high profile, as the occupier is termed the number one Governor of the Ruling Party.

For Governor Uzodinma, it has been days of Honour and recognition.

Last Saturday, 27th May, 2023, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, honoured him with the State’s highest award – Grand Star Service of Rivers State, GSSRS.

On Sunday, the, 28th of May, 2023, the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, bestowed on him a National honour – Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.

Imo Governorship: Lady Ekomaru Is Uzodinma’s Running Mate, As Governor Appeases Women

By

The Source

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May 31, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has picked a female as his running mate. She is the very calm and beautiful Lady Nnedinma Ekomaru.

In the final list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the November 11, 2023, Governorship election, Lady Ekomaru’s name appeared in place of Ralph Nwosu, whose name was there as “Place Holder.”

The meaning, of course, is that the incumbent Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, is out of the race.

It is not known what recommended Lady Ekomaru to the Governor, but the general opinion is that she is a good choice.

In picking her, Uzodinma killed two birds with one stone.

Firstly, he showed his sensitivity to gender equality, especially, in a State where there has been a serious push for the accommodation of women in governance.

Secondly, the Governor was also sensitive to the feelings of the two major religious denominations in the State – the Roman Catholic and Anglican denominations. Currently, both Uzodinma and Njoku are Catholics. Lady Ekomaru is a core Anglican, and her choice balances the situation, and has been applauded by most people of the Anglican Communion. Her beloved husband of many years, Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, is the Registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Owerri.

Lady Ekomaru is not known to be a Politician. Her husband is the known Politician. He was a Commissioner in the Governor Achike Udenwa Government, and in the Imo Governorship Election, 2019, had aspired to be the Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

She is from Mbaitoli area of Owerri Senatorial Zone.

There has been no official announcement of her choice at the time of going filing this report. But a source, very close to the Imo State Government, told this medium on inquiry: “Yes, she is the one. We are happy with her choice by the Governor.”