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LAHA Approves Oshungboye As Acting Boss Of LAHASCOM

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Otunba Richard Akin Oshungboye

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved the appointment of Otunba Richard Akin Oshungboye as Acting Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM).

The appointment, through a letter dated Thursday, 21 July, 2022, became necessary owing to the vacuum that emananted in the office of the cha3irman and the need for effective management  of the Commission.

Otunba Oshungboye, before his recent elevation, was Commissioner 1 at LAHASCOM.

It is believed that Oshungboye will bring his experience garnered over many to bear on the effective running of the  Commission.

Oshungboye, born on April 14, 1959, had earlier spent 28 years in the banking sector and recognised as a human resources expert.

He had also worked as a Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa between 2015 and 2019.

Insecurity: Buhari Escapes Impeachment

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President Muhammadu Buhari has escaped impeachment from the Nigerian Senate over the worsening insecurity in the country.

The president who returned from Liberia on Tuesday, where he attended the country’s Independence Day ceremony, has come under severe criticism from not a few Nigerians for his failure to rein in bandits and terrorists who have taken over many parts of the country, particularly in the North, and are now trying to launch an attack on Abuja, the nation’s capital.

On Tuesday, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC raised an alarm of plan by Boko Haram, Islamic State’s West Africa Province, ISWAP and bandits to attack some States in Nigeria including Lagos, the nation’s economic capital.

According to a memo signed by the Deputy Commandant General, DCG of Operations, DD Mungadi dated July 24 titled “Heightened Plots By Terrorists To Stage Coordinated Attacks in Parts of the Country,” the NSCDC said it is in possession of intelligence showing that the terrorists “have mobilised fighters and high calibre weapons particularly Rocket-propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, Anti-Aircraft (AA) guns and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGS)”.

Recall that terrorists, last month attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre where they freed over 40 boko haram prisoners and over 400 other inmates.

The prevailing insecurity situation in the country is said to have riled many senators who mobilized themselves with the intention of removing Buhari from office.

The magazine learnt that the move enjoyed a bipartisan support from senators, who on Tuesday expressed their unhappiness with the security situation, particularly following the attack on Presidential Guards Brigade, in Abuja. Many soldiers were killed during the attack.

According to Vanguard, the senators were said to have approached Senate President Ahmad Lawan of their intension to raise the matter at Plenary, but were rebuffed by Lawan who told his colleagues that the issue was not in the Order Paper for the day.

A source said:  “We were not happy that the issue of insecurity did not come up today (yesterday) for discussion and with this, we shouted out to the President of the Senate that it must be discussed and when he refused, we threatened that we will begin impeachment move against President Buhari because the country is not safe.

”This forced Lawan to succumb, assuring that the matter will come up for discussion tomorrow (today) in the open and not at closed door session.”

This is not the first time the National Assembly has tried to impeach Buhari. In 2016, plot by some lawmakers to remove the president for mismanaging the country was thwarted by then Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Also in 2018, Saraki averted yet another impeachment of President Buhari after some senators accused him of spending the funds in Excess Crude Account without the approval of the National Assembly.

Matthew Uroghide, Chairman Senate Committee on Public Accounts, had moved the motion for the impeachment of Buhari for approving the withdrawal of $496 million from the ECA without the lawmakers’ consent.

Citing Order 15, 42 and 52, Uroghide said the approval without National Assembly’s input was a violation of the Constitution and should be punished with impeachment.

He said: “There are serious consequences for violation of our Constitution. As a consequence, the only thing we can draw from on this is that we call on you, Mr President, to invoke section 143 of the constitution. Because, what it means is that this matter is not to be investigated. It is clear that this offence has been committed by Mr President.

“I want this Senate to resolve that what the President did is procedurally wrong and a violation of our constitution, it must be condemned and of course, the consequences of section 143 of our Constitution should be invoked. I so move, Mr President.”

Discordant Tunes Over New CAN President

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Daniel Okoh Rv

By Ayodele Oni

There are contradictory reports over the emergence of a successor to outgoing President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Olusupo Ayokunle.

A report stated that Kano state-born Most Rev. Daniel Okoh has emerged as the new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

This was contained in a statement by CAN spokesman, Joseph Daramola.

Okoh is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church, also known as Nation Builders (Odozi-Obodo).

CAN is made up of five blocs: Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN)/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), (TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship).

The association is scheduled to hold its general assembly on July 27 which would usher in the new administration.

The assembly also marks the end of the tenure of Samson Olusupo-Ayokunle.

Another statement, signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, a media aide to outgoing president a successor to Ayokunle would still have to fulfill some constitutional provisions guiding the Christian body.

The statement reads “The attention of the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to the story going the rounds that the Most Rev. Daniel Okoh has emerged the new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“According to reports, the announcement is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the CAN’s General Secretary, Barrister Joseph Daramola. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

“For the record, Daramola is not the spokesman of the Association but the General Secretary.

“The letter being referred to was the Invitation Letter sent to the members of the National Executive Council and the blocs’ leaders of the Association to complete the process that will lead to the emergence of the new President.

“According to the CAN’s Constitution, Article 17 (9) viii-xi, the National Executive Council and the General Assembly must ratify the nomination of the candidate before the new President emerges. So, the process is still ongoing and it will be completed on Thursday.

“It is true that the Most Rev Okoh has emerged the candidate from the Electoral College but this must be ratified by the National Executive Council and the General Assembly.

“Perhaps, it is imperative to state what the Constitution says about the remaining process:

“According to Article 17 (9) (viii), ‘The candidate who secures majority vote of the Electoral College for each office shall be recommended to the National Executive Council.’

“Article 17 (9) ix states ‘The National Executive Council shall accept the recommended candidates for the offices of the President and the Vice President and present them to the General Assembly for ratification by the majority of votes of those qualified to vote at the General Assembly.’

“Article 17 (9) x states, ‘In the event that any candidate fails to secure the majority vote of the General Assembly, the procedure in paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (8) herein shall be repeated by the Electoral College to reconsider the suitability or otherwise of all the candidates based upon the reasons adduced by those who opposed the candidature.

“The Electoral College may or may not substitute any candidate for any position based on majority vote of its members.’

“Article 17 (9) xi states, ‘In the event of a deadlock in which case the candidate represented is rejected by the General Assembly, a combined meeting of the Electoral College and the President-in-Council of the Association will examine the issue(s) and make a final choice from all the nominated candidates for the office.’

“CAN is scheduled to hold its General Assembly on July 28  where the new President will be made known to the public.”

I won’t Succumb To Non State Actors, Says Uzodimma

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Hope Uzodimma Flagging Off Road Construction in Imo

“Imo agog as he flags off two more signature road projects”

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has emphasised that no amount of blackmail or posturing by the opposition will make his Government surrender to the antics of non state actors.

The Governor spoke at Orlu and Owerri respectively while flagging off the construction of two new signature road projects:  Orlu/Mgbee/Akaokwa to Ugah road and Owerri/Mbaise/Obowo to Umuahia road, both to be handled by Craneburg Construction.

Imo was agog during the flag off which took the Governor and his crew to Orlu, Owerri and Mbaise respectively.

Governor Uzodimma said despite the unnecessary distractions of the opposition and non-state actors his government is determined to reduce the infrastructural deficit in Imo to the barest minimum.

He described the two roads as important economic roads to Imo people,  connecting many Local Government Areas to neigbhouring States of Anambra and Abia States.

Governor Uzodimma reiterated that he has come to serve the people, hence his determination,  in spite of all odds, to give them the best in terms of infrastructure as key dividend of democracy.

At Orlu, he recalled with nostalgia that he came to power with a Development Plan to develop the three zones of Imo  simultaneously and regretted that the enemies of progress stood their ground that he will never succeed.

He, however, described them “as people dreaming malaria dreams,” as he is  determined to achieve the mission and vision of that Development Plan. “I will not shy away from my primary responsibility of being the Governor of Imo State at this point in time.”

He did not shy away from blaming the so-called political leaders in Imo State who have refused to speak out on the evil deeds of hired killers of innocent Imo citizens and sponsors of insecurity in Imo.

Regardless, he appealed to those sponsoring banditry, kidnapping, blackmail and cannibalism, as well as  those behind the burning and destruction of public and private property in the State for no just cause to think twice as “the economic waste is on the head of Imo State and a waste to all.”

He noted that if Orlu, Okigwe or Owerri develop, it is for all.

He regretted that because of the activities of non-state actors INEC registration was stopped in Orlu zone, an area that has 12 Local Government Areas in Imo State, as the people were directed to go to Owerri to register, noting that “the resultant effect is that when the results are published the first will become the last.”

He solicited the support of all Orlu people, traditional rulers, the clergy, men, women and youths to cooperate with Government and the Contractor handling the newly flagged off road to enable them start the work and finish it on schedule.

He reminded his audience that  President Muhammadu Buhari will be in Imo State in August to commission the first two flagship roads: Owerri/Okigwe and Owerri/Orlu –  which the same Contractor, Craneburg, undertaking to construct the Orlu/Mgbee/Akaokwa/Uga road did.

At the Fire Service/Mbaise road, Governor Uzodimma expressed joy that he was  flaghing-off Owerri/Umuahia road as a “signature project that will bring about economic boom and illuminate the road to the benefit of those local governments and communities living along the road.”

He recalled how on assumption of office on January 15, 2020 Owerri was in a mess with bad roads littered all over and the people were making mockery of his name in relation to the bad roads.

“I took all the bullets and today my heart is gladdened by our performance that  has shown people that this Government is working.”

He recalled all efforts made by the opposition to remove him from office which failed, saying “one with God is majority”

Insisting that he “cannot be harassed out of office, ” he reminded the people destroying Imo State by sponsoring insecurity and other forms of crimes to destabilise the government to stop because “when they destroy Imo State and come to power they will not have a State to govern.”

He noted that Owerri/Umuahia road is one of the most important economic roads in Imo State, insisting that though “it is an expensive project, by the Grace of God my Government will complete it.”

He urged the people to cooperate with the Contractors to realize the project within the scheduled time frame, reminding them that he does not have thugs who work with him but will  enforce peace using the legal security agencies like Army, Police, Air Force, Navy and others as established in the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic as

“I will do my best to create jobs by bringing back Nsu Tiles, Adapalm, and E-economic job creations,” assuring that in no distance time his government will create 50,000 jobs.

At the Enyiogugu Mbaise axis of the flag- off, the Governor reiterated that the road linking over seven Local Government Areas of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Obowo, Owerri North, Owerri Municipal and Ihitte Uboma is “one of the most critical economic roads in Imo State.”

He reasoned that when the road is completed the Umungwa Obowo Malaysia International Market will be more functional.

“If we do one road, we know we have done one road that will pass the taste of time, not 200 roads where you cannot account for one.”

He however noted that the road projects are an opportunity to open the 3’R packages so that Imo people will see light.

The Governor seized the opportunity to warn those bringing strangers to Mbaise to cause problems ahead of the  forthcoming election to desist from such acts, noting that “when elections come we will meet at the field and iron it out.”

Again he pleaded with Mbaise people to cooperate and protect the Contractors to ensure that the project is completed as scheduled, saying “when completed it will be to the interest of everybody.”

He also highlighted the magic behind the funding of the projects saying through a PPP arrangement oil companies will pay for the construction of the road and enjoy tax holiday granted them by the Federal Government while Imo State will provide the seed fund for the take off.

At all the flag-off venues, Governor Uzodimma thanked the people for keeping faith with his government, particularly the traditional rulers and political leaders, reminding them that they all have a role to play in making Imo  a place for all to live.

The Commissioner for Works,  Barr. Ralph Nwosu explained that “it is the love the Governor has for Imo people that has propelled him to continue to embark on the critical road construction in spite of the economic down turn in the country today.”

He said that the Orlu/Mgbee/Akaokwa/Ugah road is 22.1kilometer, while the first phase of Owerri/Mbaise/Umuahia road is 46 kilometers.

In the same vein, Craneburg Construction also assured that they will deliver a quality job, noting that the Governor is a stickler to quality.

The member representing Aboh Mbaise in the Imo State House of Assembly,  Chief Eddy Obinna thanked the Governor on behalf of all the Mbaise elected and appointed officials, especially for the ambitious project.

He assured him of their continued support in the 3-R administration and prayed God to guide and protect him as he pilots the affairs of the State.

INEC Gives Update, Says Over 10 Million Eligible Voters In Nigeria

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By Ayodele Oni

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new figures of registered voters, Preparatory to next year’s general elections.

The Commission stated that fresh registration in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration hit 10.4 million as at 7 a.m., on Monday, July 25.

In its weekly update on Tuesday, INEC also disclosed that 11 million registrants have completed their registration.

According to the update, 3.3 million of the registrants did online registration, while 7.6 million registrants did physical registration.

The Commission gave the gender breakdown of those that completed their registrations to include 5,453,071 males and 5,558,048 females, out of which 80,101 were People Living with Disabilities.

The age distribution also revealed that 7,828,570 were youth; 2,192,897-middle age, and 871,690 elderly, while 117,962 of the registrants were old.

INEC also said that it has received 28.4 million applications including applications for voter transfer, requests for replacement of Permanent Voter Cards, updates of voter information records.

Continuous voters registration is expected to end on July 31.

Obi Appreciates Supporters, Warns Against Online Parody Accounts, Impersonation

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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has once again, appreciated his numerous supporters across the nation, saying that the journey to rescuing the country will be difficult without them, while notifying the public of the various acts of impersonation against him on the internet.

In a Statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media,  Mr. Valentine Obienyem, Obi stated that, of all the social media platforms,  he only operates on Twitter at the moment. He said that his Twitter handle remains @PeterObi and tweets from him are marked PO.

Obi explained that the disclosure was imperative to avoid usually dubious characters  or the opposition trying to mischievously or criminally exploit the name to other uses.  He enjoined all his supporters, and indeed Nigerians, to be wary of any social media account showing his name and pictures as not authentically his.

“The OBIdients and Mr Obi’s other  numerous supporters, and indeed, Nigerians in general, are enjoined to be wary of any such unauthoirized social media accounts, specifically on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, which have been opened and are operated in his name

“While I understand the zeal, enthusiam and passion of those operating these accounts, I wish to state categorically,  that I did not create nor authorise anyone to create and manage such accounts on my behalf,” part of the Statement read.

“In due time, “The Obidient Movement”, will open up more communications channels with which we can interact with all Obidients, as we march to take back our nation and reposition it on the path of progress,” he concluded.

Handing Over: Ekiti, Osun Set Up Coordinating Committees

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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

A 46-member committee to coordinate activities marking the end of the tenure of the present administration in Ekiti state as well as the inauguration ceremonies for the incoming administration of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has been constituted.

The new administration is billed to take off on October 16.

The Committee is chaired by Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi,  while Wife of the Governor-elect, Dr (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji is Co-Chairperson.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,  Yinka Oyebode, stated that Mr Seun Odewale, Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, will serve as Secretary to the committee.

The Committee, among other tasks, will liaise with relevant organs of Government, groups and individuals in organizing programmes commemorating the fourth anniversary of the Dr Kayode Fayemi’s second term administration (JKF-2), as well as activities ushering in the incoming administration.

Also, in Osun state, the Governor elect, Ademola Adeleke has anounced a 37-member Transition Committee to facilitate a smooth transition between the incumbent and the newly elected administration in the state.

A statement issued by the Media office of the Governor-elect disclosed that the Transition Committee is made up of seasoned technocrats, present and former public office holders and experts from a diverse field of endeavour.

The Committee is to be Chaired by Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji while the Director-General of Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organisation, Sunday Bisi, will serve as Deputy Chairman.

The Secretary of the Transition committee is a serving member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, and will be assisted by a Project management expert, Sir Adekunle Adepoju.

The Transition Committee will be inaugurated by the Governor-elect on Thursday.

Osun state House of Assembly had on Monday commenced transition  process with a State of Osun Transition Bill 2022.

The Speaker, of the Assembly,  Timothy Owoeye, during plenary, presented a private member bill drafted by him tagged ‘State of Osun Transition Bill 2022’ signaling the commencement of hand-over of power from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ekweremadu’s Wife Granted Bail, Senator Still In Custody

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Ike Ekweremadu and his Wife

By Akinwale Kasali

It is still a long walk ahead for embattled Senator Ike Ekweremadu. For the third time, a United Kingdom Court has denied him bail.

His wife, Beatrice, with whom he was arrested was luckier than him. She was granted bail on Monday, July 25th, 2022, under what the Judge said was “fairly stringent.”

According to Judge Michael Marks, “The position is that I have granted bail to Beatrice subject to some fairly stringent conditions but I have refused bail to Ike”.

It was gathered the Prosecutors are not appealing the decision, the court heard.

The couple was arrested in the UK on 21st June, 2022 after flying into Heathrow from Turkey.

They were accused of trafficking a 21-year-old Nigerian, who was initially said to be an underage to London to harvest his kidney for their ailing daughter. Both have been in custody since then.

Nigeria’s Security Service Warns About Fresh Terrorists Attacks

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DSS

By Ayodele Oni

Again Nigeria Secret Security Service, has alerted on plots by two terrorist groups to launch attacks in some parts of the country.

The warning, coming at the wake of gunmen attack of a police divisional office, in Akure, Ondo state capital on Monday, is contained in a letter from top echelon of the State Security Services (SSS) to States.

Dated 25th July, and signed by DD Mungadi, a Deputy Commandant General of the SSS, it is titled “Heightened Plots By Terrorists To Stage Coordinated Attacks In Parts Of The Country.”

It reads “We have received credible intelligence that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist groups have mobilized fighters and high caliber weapons, particularly Rocket Propelled Grenade, (RPG) launchers, Anti Aircraft, (AA) guns and General Purpose Machine Guns, (GPMGS), which they intend to deploy for offensive in Katsina state.

“In another development, two separate bandit groups are plotting coordinated attacks on Northwest, North central and South West(Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, FCT and Lagos) respectively.

“Consequently, the Commandant General has directed you scale up deployments in all strategic places including schools, worship centres and critical national assets in your respective states to checkmate any possible threat by these criminal elements.”

Meanwhile an activist, has been reportedly kidnapped Monday evening at Owo in Ondo state.

The victim, Chief Folahanmi Olaniyi, is also the spokesman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Owo local Government area.

It was gathered that the incident happened while the victim and two others were returning from their Office along the Upenmen-Owo road.

His car was reportedly left on the highway, with its doors open, and till this moment, his whereabout, cannot be traced.

A Press Release signed by the Owo Local Government Area Students President, Ojigbo Adewunmi, and the General Secretary Emmanuel Amos said “sadly, the State Government and other elective office holders, ranging from the National Assembly to the State Assembly representatives have failed to face the necessary, to prevent reoccurrence and that is why we are still here today, living in the fears of who knows the next victim.”

“The Continued cases of insecurity, killings and kidnapping, in and across Owo is one too many. We must at this point challenge all security forces, within and outside the Owo Local Government, to rise and be alive to their responsibilities, before our dear land finally becomes a den for the evil ones.

“However, this dastardly act is a direct attack on the entire Students of Owo Local Government and we are condemning it, in all strong terms. We are  calling on the State Government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of our Leader and one of our past Presidents.”

Ecobank Customers To Receive Foreign Remittance Direct Into Accounts

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Ecobank Nigeria says business account holders can now receive funds from anywhere in the world through its various innovative remittance services such as Ecobank Rapidtransfer, the Business to Business, B2B, Business to Customer, B2C and Customers to Business, C2B.  

The Pan-African bank said through the Head of Consumer Banking Korede Demola – Adeniyi, that individuals and corporate organizations can now receive monies from any part of the world into their domiciliary accounts, adding that any customer who wishes to open a domiciliary account for that purpose will be assisted to do that seamlessly.

Adeniyi explained that, the Jubril Mobolaji Lawal-led commercial bank is trying to provide Nigerians with a seamless remittance service through the bank’s various channels such as Rapidtransfer app, Ecobank Online, Ecobank Mobile App, etc.  

The bank, she said is “excited about these and other future collaborations as our contributions to drive remittance inflows into the country, promotes trade and foreign direct investments, create businesses, spur entrepreneurship, and generally develop the Nigerian economy.

“Some of the benefits for business account holders includes no limits to how much they can receive, no hidden charges and there is also the opportunity to invest the funds received in foreign currency at a competitive rate.

“The Rapidtransfer is our proprietary product. It is licensed by the nation’s apex bank; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as an international money transfer product and it is also licensed in Europe.

“Diaspora remittances can be sent from anywhere in the world using the Rapidtransfer app – available for download in the Google play and iOS stores.”

Ecobank Nigeria has extended its innovative remittance services to its business account holders.

Ecobank Nigeria has launched Rapidtransfer, a banking solution application that anyone to receive funds from anywhere in the world.

“Fast and Easy. With the Rapidtransfer International app you can now send money to your loved ones in Africa from France and 14 other European countries,” the Pan-African bank said on its website.

The magazine learnt that the solution is part of the efforts by the Jubril Mobolaji Lawal-led commercial bank to enable customers to receive funds seamlessly from any part of the world without going through unnecessary hassles.

The product, industry watchers insist will enhance foreign remittance, because no limit is placed on how much can be transferred by individuals of corporate bodies.

This will in turn raise the foreign direct investment, FDI into the country, according to keen financial watchers who say the product is essential for a country like Nigeria which is in dire need of huge foreign investment to boost its economy.

Through Rapidtransfer, the bank said Business Account holders can now receive funds sent through any of its Remittance franchise partners; the Business to Business (B2B), Business to Customer (B2C) and Customers to Business (C2B) transaction directly into their business accounts.

Speaking on the app, Head of Consumer Banking Korede Demola – Adeniyi, said Rapidtransfer affords Nigerian business owners to receive funds from individuals and corporate organizations anywhere in the world instantly to their Ecobank domiciliary accounts.

He explained that any customer desirous of opening a domiciliary account for the purpose will be aided to do so effortlessly.

Adeniyi listed the various channels which these remittances can be accessed as Rapidtransfer app, Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Online, and any of the bank branches.

According to her, “For us as a bank, we are excited about these and other future collaborations as our contributions to drive remittance inflows into the country, promotes trade and foreign direct investments, create businesses, spur entrepreneurship, and generally develop the Nigerian economy.

“Some of the benefits for business account holders includes no limits to how much they can receive, no hidden charges and there is also the opportunity to invest the funds received in foreign currency at a competitive rate.”

“The Rapidtransfer is our proprietary product. It is licensed by the nation’s apex bank; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as an international money transfer product and it is also licensed in Europe. Diaspora remittances can be sent from anywhere in the world using the Rapidtransfer app – available for download in the Google play and iOS stores.”