Home Blog Page 202

Access Holdings’ Aig-Imoukhuede: We Will Pay Dividends Next Year

0
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede

Access Holdings Plc Shareholders of Access Holdings Plc have reaffirmed their confidence in the group’s long-term growth trajectory and value creation strategy.

The affirmation comes after the Group’s Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said the company’s  refusal to pay dividends to shareholders in the 2025 Financial is in line with regulatory framework.

According to the shareholders, they have confidence in the management’s decision to priotize regulatory compliance on the payment of dividends to shareholders.

Access Holdings is one of the Groups’ in the financial service sector which did not pay dividends to shareholders in the financial year ending December 2025.

In spite of this, the shareholders of the company said they endorsed the management’s decision on the issue, adding that Access Holdings have a strong history fo performance, and there’s no reason to have doubts about its future.

Sunny Nwosu, Founding Coordinator and Leader of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, ISAN disclosed his after the company’s Annual General Meeting, AGM said the transformation the the company has witnessed over the last 15 years has strengthened shareholders’ confidence.

While speaking at the AGM, Imoukhuede, clarified that the non-payment of dividends aligns with compliance and regulatory requirements inside the banking subsidiary, assuring that dividend payments will resume once regulatory conditions are met.

He also reaffirmed the company’s long-term value creation strategy, focusing on retained capital to support business optimization, risk management, and the group’s transition into a diversified financial services ecosystem

“Our strategy, ‘From Scale to Value’, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated.

AGM Highlights

  • Profit Before Tax:Rose by 16.2 percent to N1.01 trillion.
  • Total Assets:Expanded by 24.2 percent  to N51.56 trillion, driven by customer loans, trading assets, and investment securities.
  • Confirmation of the appointment of Innocent C. Ike as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

    The Group Welcomed Ibironke Adeyemi to the board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

    Shareholders and Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede commended Bolaji , Agbede, former Groups’ chief executive for her sterling leadership of the management team while serving as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer during the transition.

Oritsejafor: I Warned Nigerians About Buhari

0
Ayo Oritsejafor

A former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, says he warned Nigerians about Muhammadu Buhari ascending the Presidency of the country.

The clergy man said no one listened to him, saying President Buhari turned out a disaster for the country as he had predicted.

Oritsejafor, who was at time President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN spoke in an interview on Channels TV Politics Today programme on  Monday, noting that the late Nigerian leadership in the country was a complete mess and failure.

He also took a swipe on the administration of incumbent president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as the worst government in recent times, citing its management of the  economy and the polity.

Speaking on Buhari’s tenure, the clergyman said he warned Nigerians as far back as 2024, that he will be a disaster, adding however that President Tinubu has taken the country farther down the economic pit.

He said he chose to speak, after a long silence because Nigerians are suffering seriously under the current administration, and he could  no longer keep quite over what is happening in the country.

Oritsejafor: “In 2014, I tried to warn this nation of the direction it was going, when the Buhari government was getting ready to come in, I knew that it was going to be a mess.

“From there, I don’t know what to call where we are now; it has grown worse. In 2014, I tried to warn this nation of the direction it was going.

“And it has gotten to a point where I feel I have to say something, I must begin to say something because I pastor people, they are human beings, Nigerians, and we must begin to hold people accountable for what is happening.”

Buhari took over the government in 2015 after defeating former President Goodluck Jonathan. Not a few Nigerians insist that his administration recorded one of the worst economic performance in Nigeria’s recent history.

Lagos On Edge As Bomb Explodes In Mushin Market

0
Tijani Fatai - Lagos CP

 

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Lagos is on edge following a bomb explosion in Mushin, a very densely populated area in Lagos State.

 

The incident triggered a pandemonium as residents of Mushin, the commercial city in the State ran for their  lives.

 

It was gathered that the incident happened at a Shoe Material Factory where the Improvised Explosive Device, IED, was planted under a parked car.

 

According to the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while he was observing his morning prayers.

 

“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen. When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he said.

 

He explained that due to the sensitivity of the situation, he immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security authorities, who quickly mobilised officers to the scene.

 

According to him, dozens of Police Officers, about 35 operatives, were deployed to secure the area, while additional backup units were also drafted to ensure order and prevent residents from approaching the scene.

 

The Baale said that if not for the swift response of the Police in restoring  calm, it could have escalated into unprecedented panic within the community.

 

He added that security operatives later cordoned off the area and took control of the situation, moving in to assess the suspicious vehicle and safeguard residents.

 

He also noted that the identity and ownership of the vehicle remained unclear, adding that residents were unable to confirm who parked it or its purpose.

 

Addressing journalist on the issue, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who went to the scene of the incident assured residents and Lagosians that there was no need to panic as the Police have carried out a comprehensive sweep of the environment.

 

He assured residents of their safety, and urged them to go about their businesses without fear or panic.

 

According to him, the Police received information about an explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, operatives to cordon off and secure the area.

 

“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.

 

Tijani further explained that preliminary findings indicated that the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device planted under a vehicle.

 

The Lagos State Police Chief added that the said device was placed beneath the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the engine was started.

 

“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he stated.

 

According to him, one person sustained injuries in the incident and has been taken to a hospital, where the victim is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition.

 

Speaking further, the State Commissioner of Police added that after a detailed sweep by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered in the area.

 

He urged members of the public, especially residents and traders in the affected commercial area, to remain calm and resume normal activities. He stated

that the remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and taken for forensic examination as investigations continue.

 

He also advised residents of Mushin and its environs to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos, describing them as false and misleading, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.

 

Tijani warned criminal elements to stay away from Lagos, as the State would not condone any illicit and criminal activities in the State.

Presidency Replies Peter Obi: You Are Harassing Tinubu With Undemocratic Comments

0
President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Presidency has advised Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress (NDC) to stop using the social media to harass President Bola Tinubu.

 

Presidency also reminded Obi that Nigeria does not run a Parliamentary System of government like the United Kingdom (UK). 

 

These were contained in a reaction to Peter Obi’s comments which called on President Bola Tinubu to  resign.

 

Obi based his call while  comparing President Tinubu with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer who voluntarily resigned on Monday, June 21 for the good of his country.

 

But in a swift response to Obi’s call, the Presidency described it as not only misplaced, but also a reflection of Obi’s selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023.

 

The reaction, signed by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the president, stated:

 

 “His view is also simplistic, as is often the case anytime he opens his mouth. Obi forgets our country does not run a parliamentary system of government like the UK. 

 

“We run a presidential system, with the president elected to a fixed 4-year term. The people of Ekiti State and the Senatorial constituents in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo, and Rivers have just delivered a resounding victory for President Tinubu and his party. 

 

“The election results, some early referendum of sorts, show that President Tinubu and his party are popular with Nigerians. 

 

“This should be more concerning for Peter Obi and his new Special Purpose Vehicle, NDC, as we move towards the January 2027 election. 

 

“Obi should wait until the presidential election to know what the people think of Tinubu’s government. Moving to use X to harangue the President out of office is off the mark and anti-democratic.

 

 “It is important to note that President Tinubu did not inherit a country in perfect shape. The security challenges we face today are longstanding and deeply rooted. 

 

“Yet under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has made significant, measurable progress. Hundreds of people have been rescued from captivity, including high-profile operations in Borno and the Northwest. 

 

“Our gallant troops have neutralised terrorist kingpins, sometimes with the help of our foreign allies. Over 15,000 terrorists have been taken off the streets and forests, and security operations have intensified nationwide. 

 

“President Tinubu has not only sustained but also expanded investments in security by deploying advanced technologies and drones, and by appointing a Special Adviser on Homeland Security to ensure a holistic approach. 

 

“These actions demonstrate commitment, not failure. It is laughable that Obi, who, as governor, was a colossal failure, unable to secure lives and property in his small state of Anambra, as documented by his successor, Willie Obiano, is now the one calling for President Tinubu’s resignation over security breaches in some parts of the country.”

 

It also listed gains in economic front to include :

 

 “On the economic front, Obi’s depiction of decline and his verdict that ‘We are in the worst possible condition’ ignore verifiable data and global plaudits for President Tinubu’s economic and social policies. 

 

“President Tinubu inherited what another successor of Peter Obi described as ‘a dead horse economy’. 

 

“When he came on board in May 2023, President Tinubu introduced bold, courageous policies that his predecessors had shied away from. 

 

“Since then, the Nigerian economy has posted positive GDP growth every quarter, surpassing the global average. 

 

“Trade surpluses have been recorded consistently, and foreign reserves have hit new highs—over $50 billion. Oil production has risen from less than one million barrels per day to about 1.8 million, reversing years of decline. 

 

“Federation revenue is projected to hit over N30 trillion this year, far above the 2022 level of N7.7 trillion. By May this year, N15.7 trillion has already been collected, more than twice the entire revenue collected in 2022. 

 

“State governments now have more resources to pursue development projects in education, infrastructure, health care, housing, and so on. The stock market has soared, with the All-Share Index rising from 50,000 to over 250,000, creating wealth for about 6 million Nigerian investors. 

 

“The Naira-to-dollar exchange rate has been stable. Foreign Direct and Portfolio Investments are at record highs, reflecting renewed investor confidence, especially in the oil and gas sector.”

Govt Asks FCID To Stop “Commando Style Operation” In Ondo

0
Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

‎

‎The Ondo State Government has condemned operations of officers of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), of the Nigeria Police Force describing it as “commando-style.”

 

Government pointed out that such operations in certain parts of the state, have caused panic and apprehension among the residents already grappling with concerns arising from the nation’s security challenges.

 

The commissioner for information and orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, in a statement on Monday, stated that

“While acknowledging the constitutional responsibility of security agencies to investigate and combat criminal activities, the government believes that operations of such nature should be conducted in accordance with established protocols and with due consideration for public safety and confidence.

‎

‎”This manner of operation is creating unnecessary anxiety among law-abiding citizens and disrupted the peaceful atmosphere for which Ondo State is known.

‎

‎”The State Government therefore calls on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu to take appropriate steps to regulate the activities of specialized units operating across the state and ensure that proper procedures are strictly adhered to in the conduct of security operations.

‎

‎”The government states where ever actionable intelligence exists, official channels of communication and coordination with relevant state authorities should be activated to avoid creating avoidable tension among the populace.

‎

‎”The government reiterates that, it will not oppose to legitimate security operations aimed at protecting citizens and combating crime.

 

“However, such operations must be carried out professionally, responsibly, and in line with established operational standards that inspire public confidence rather than fear.

 

‎”The Ondo State Government assures residents of its continued commitment to their safety and wellbeing, urges them to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

 

“Government will continue to engage relevant security authorities to ensure that security operations within the state are conducted in a manner that respects due process and preserves public peace.”

PDP Candidate, Oluyede Rejects Results Of Ekiti Election, Cites Compromise

0
Wole Oluyede during Ekiti Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

The People’s Democratic Party  Governorship Campaign Organisation has rejected the just concluded election and results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said it does not reflect the true will and democratic aspirations of Ekiti people.

 

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Director, Media and Communications of the organisation, Chief Sanya Atofarati.

 

After the results were made public early Sunday morning, Governor Biodun Oyebanji accompanied by the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele had visited the PDP candidate Dr Oluyede at his Ikere country home.

 

Details of the visit were not made public.

 

The statement by the campaign organization reads: “The Oluyede Campaign Organization hereby unequivocally rejects the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in respect of the just concluded Ekiti State Governorship Election.

 

“The declared outcome does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and democratic aspirations of the people of Ekiti State.

 

“The election process was deeply flawed and fell far short of the standards of credibility, transparency, fairness and integrity expected in a democratic society.

 

“Throughout the election, our agents, supporters and numerous voters reported widespread irregularities, including vote buying, voter intimidation, harassment of opposition supporters, and other practices that undermined the sanctity of the electoral process.

 

“These incidents, taken together, cast serious doubts on the credibility of the exercise and the authenticity of the results subsequently declared.

 

“More concerning is the conduct of some security operatives who, rather than maintaining neutrality and ensuring a level playing field, allegedly acted in ways that compromised public confidence in the electoral process.

 

“We believe that the actions and inactions of certain security authorities contributed significantly to the atmosphere of fear, intimidation and unfairness witnessed during the election.

 

“The events surrounding this election suggest a process whose outcome appeared predetermined, thereby depriving the people of Ekiti State of their fundamental right to freely choose their leaders.

 

“This is not only a disservice to democracy but also a dangerous precedent that must not be allowed to stand.

 

“We wish to assure our supporters and the good people of Ekiti State that we remain committed to the pursuit of justice through all lawful and democratic means available to us.

 

We urge our members, supporters and indeed all lovers of democracy to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while we continue to consult widely and take appropriate steps to defend the mandate freely given to our candidate.

 

“Democracy thrives when the votes of the people count and when institutions entrusted with safeguarding the electoral process discharge their responsibilities impartially and courageously.

 

“We therefore call on all relevant stakeholders, including electoral and security institutions, to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and accountability in the interest of our democracy.

 

“The Oluyede Campaign Organization remains resolute in its commitment to the people of Ekiti State and to the ideals of democratic governance. Thank you.”

PRP Clarifies Kwankwaso’s Status In Party

0
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has clarified that there is no record of Rabiu Kwankwaso or his associates participating in any nomination process within the party.

 

It dismissed claims alleging that the vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwankwaso, purchased 69 nomination forms in a bid to take control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The clarification comes after Abdulkadir Musa Giza, chairman of the PRP North-West Stakeholders Forum, alleged that Kwankwaso had effectively taken over the party’s structure.

 

However, the PRP leadership has firmly rejected the claim, describing it as false and misleading.

 

Speaking with journalists on Monday, the party’s secretary, Musa Maigari, stated that Kwankwaso has no affiliation with the PRP and did not acquire any nomination forms from the party.

 

He further maintained that all party positions have already been filled following the conclusion of primaries across the board.

 

Maigari also cast doubt on the credibility of the allegation, noting that the individual behind the claim is not a recognized member of the party.

 

He described the report as “laughable,” insisting that discussions about nomination forms are no longer relevant as the party has completed its electoral processes for the next cycle

 

He added that the so-called North-West Stakeholders Forum referenced in the claims is not an officially recognized body within the PRP structure and reiterated that there is no record of Kwankwaso or his associates participating in any nomination process within the party.

 

The party urged the public to disregard the allegations, stressing that they are unfounded and should be ignored, while advising that only official communications from the PRP should be taken seriously.

Police Sanction Rivers State DPO Over N.5 Million Extortion, Professional Misconduct

0
Commisioner of Police Rivers State - Olugbenga Adepoju

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Rivers State Police Command has vowed that nothing will be spared in the efforts to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding allegations of extortion and gross misconduct levelled against the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in-charge of Oyigbo police formation.

 

A statement from Blessing Agabe, the spokesperson for the Command, informed that a dismayed, and shocked Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed the immediate removal of the DPO from office as well as a thorough investigation into the allegations.

 

The Source reports that several online reports in the last 24 hours have accused the Oyigbo DPO of allegedly fleecing a suspect of about half a million naira under hazy and suspicious circumstances.

 

According to independent sources, a human rights activist had, on Friday, accused the DPO of illegally arresting and extorting N500,000 from an unnamed individual at the Oyigbo police Division.

 

The activists, while moving  to publish evidence of the said payment on the social media, also accused the DPO of filing what he described as a ridiculous charge against a suspect to the effect that she stole her own biological children in the course of a matrimonial misunderstanding with her husband.

 

While expressing dismay over the development, CP Adepoju, according to the statement, also  reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance for any form of professional misconduct ,and abuse of office.

 

According to Agabe, the CP has ordered an unfettered probe into the allegations, vowing not to spare anyone found culpable.

 

“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a publication currently circulating on various online platforms, alleging misconduct involving a Divisional Police Officer in the Command.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, expressed his deep dismay over the incident, and reiterated that the Command will not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of office, or actions capable of undermining public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

 

“In response to the allegations, and in line with the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, the officer concerned has been removed from his position pending the outcome of a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter”, the police stated.

Why Tinubu should Consider Resignation like UK PM – Peter Obi

0
Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu

 

The Nigerian Democratic Congress,  NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election,  Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

 

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

 

“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

 

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

 

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

 

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

 

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”

“It Can Take Many Leaders Years To Grow Into The Statesman You Became In Just Two Years” – EU Applauds British PM Starmer On Resignation

0
Starmer UK PM

By Ayodele Oni

 

Few hours after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his  resignation, there are reports of improved  security in the country.

 

European Union, (EU) Chief Ursula von der Leyen has praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for bolstering “European” security after he announced his resignation.

 

AFP reports quoted the EU Chief as saying: “It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years.

 

“European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir,” the European Commission President posted online on Monday.

 

Starmer had, on Monday morning, announced that he will stand down as Labour leader and Prime Minister, ending months of political turmoil and opening a contest to replace him.

 

The announcement follows mounting pressure on the Prime Minister after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections in May and faced an increasingly vocal rebellion from his own lawmakers over his leadership and policy agenda.

 

The move comes less than two years after Starmer led Labour to one of its largest parliamentary majorities in the 2024 general election.

 

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street shortly after 9:30 a.m. in London, Starmer said he would remain in post until any leadership contest is completed, which he said would help insure an orderly handover of power