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2023: LASG Declares Four Work Free Days For Civil Servants To Register, Collect PVCs

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has declared four work-free days for different categories of Public Servants to encourage them to register or collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs ahead of the 2023 general elections.

LASG  said  it wants all Civil Servants to perform their obligations and shouldn’t be disenfranchised from the electoral process, hence, it has decided to declare the work free days.

In a statement signed by the State’s Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, on Monday, July 25, 2022, he said this move by the state government is to ensure that workers are encouraged to perform their civil rights.

It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, recently disclosed that only seven million of the over fifteen million Lagos residents have registered for PVC.

Staff on grade levels 01, 03, 07 and 15 will take off Tuesday, 26th July 2022, while grade level 02, 04, 08 and 13 will register on Wednesday 27th July.

Thursday 28th July is reserved for staff on grade level 05, 09, 12 and 17 while staff in level 06, 10, 14 and 16 will register on Friday, July 29th.

“Consequently, it is notified for general information that all public servants who are yet to register or collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) from designated INEC Centers are advised to do so before the deadline date of 30th July, 2022.

“To this end, Mr. Governor has graciously approved a work-free day for public servants to enable them process/collect their PVC from their respective Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas. Officers are expected to return to work with their Voters Card after this exercise,” the statement reads.

Osun Assembly Commences Transition Process To Incoming Administration

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adegboyega Oyetola

By Ayodele Oni

Osun state House of Assembly has commenced the process of transition to the incoming administration in the state.

Tenure of the sitting government expires in November 27, since Governor Gboyega Oyetola lost in the July 16 election to the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke.

To this end, the State House of Assembly on Monday commenced the process with the 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).

The Bill, which passed through its second reading, is aimed at a seamless transition from one government to the other on November 27, 2022 when the state will have the Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke at the helm of affairs of the state.

Owoeye explained that the bill, which he described as novel, when passed into law, will allow for a comprehensive and practical arrangement to regulate, in accordance with the law, the transfer of political power following an election to the office of the Governor.

The Bill quoted in part, “The bill when passed into law, will ensure the provision of daily state of the state briefing for the person elected as Governor during the period before the assumption of the office by the person elected as Governor.

“It will also ensure that salaries, allowances, facilities, privileges and the retiring benefits or awards as determined by the Public Service Rules, which are due to the holders of respective political offices are paid or accorded to those persons without undue delay; and to undertake any other function which will enable the team to achieve the object of this bill.

“For the purposes of this Bill, the Team shall first meet not later than 14 days after the declaration of the result of the gubernatorial election.

“The decision of the team shall be arrived at by consensus, but where the member fail to agree on an issue, it shall be referred to the Advisory Council for the expedition determinations of the issue.

On the issue of the handing over notes, “The office of the Governor shall prepare a set of comprehensive handing over notes covering the period of office of the Governor.”

Cleric Bemoans Conditions Of Nigeria State

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rt Revd Stephen Fagbemi

By Ayodele Oni

The Diocesan Bishop of Owo, in Ondo state, Rt Revd Stephen Fagbemi has observed that Nigeria has found itself in a most unenviable, lamentable and unfortunate state, to the extent that some are beginning to suggest that it is becoming a failed state.

Addressing delegates at the 14th synod of Owo Anglican Communion, holding at Ifon, Ose local government, Rev.Fagbemi said that Nigeria, from governance to economy and various sectors has not really fared well.

The Bishop, who stressed that the insecurity bedevilling the country particularly the recent Owo attack at Saint Francis Catholic Church and Abuja-Kaduna train attack, described the incidents as most cruel example of inhumanity against the innocent citizens.

“The attack on innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo  is the worst that we have seen and is strange to the system in South West of Nigeria which has left 40 people dead, including men, women and children.”

The Cleric  commiserated with the Government of Ondo State, the Governor, Olowo of Owo, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Revd. Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade and the entire Christian Community in Owo.

Bishop Fagbemi commended the efforts of Ondo Governrnment in providing leadership and support for the people throughout the painful experience.

He decried the insensitivity of the Federal Government towards the lingering strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has made the idle students to be vulnerable to crime.

The Clergy advised Nigerians to continue to exercise their rights in peaceful manner without selling their votes for any amount of money.

“Vote buying or selling is a sin. Politicians must not exploit the poverty of people to cheat on their conscience.”

God Directs Ortom To Back Atiku For Presidency

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has finally heard from God. And what did God tell him after fasting and praying?

God told Ortom to back the Presidential candidate of his (Ortom’s) party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 Presidential election, Atiku Abubakar.

In a post on his verified Twitter handle on Monday, July 25, 2022, Ortom wrote:

“I will not contradict @atiku on what he said. He is my candidate and I am behind him.”

On the crisis rocking the party since the Presidential Primary and the choice of Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as Atiku’s running mate against Ortom’s favourite choice, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Ortom wrote:

“Whatever happened in the course of the Primaries and Nomination of the Presidential running mate is now a thing of the past. PDP  is a family and we will always settle our matters in-house.”

Recall that Governor Ortom was the Chairman of the Committee set up by Atiku and the PDP to select a running mate for Atiku. Even though the 17-man  Committee recommended three names – Wike, Okowa and the Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel – Ortom said Wike came first with 14 out of 17 votes.

But Atiku ignored Wike and chose Okowa. Since then, Wike’s camp, which member  Ortom is, has been bitter.

Asked earlier if he would support Atiku, Ortom had said he would embark on fasting and praying for God’s guidance on who to vote for. He said he would decide as as he hears from God.

A couple of days ago, Ortom had praised Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, to high heavens. He said Obi has the appropriate credentials for the job.

But on Monday, Ortom finally heard from God. It is Atiku.

How Terrorists Forced Us  To Close Abuja Secondary School – FG

By
Ayodele Oni
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FGC and Adamu Adamu1

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has offered reasons why it shut down Federal Government Girls College, Kwali, Abuja.

The Federal Ministry of Education on Monday ordered the immediate closure of the College located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Minister, of Education, Adamu Adamu who gave the directive said the closure became necessary following a security breach on Sheda and Lambata Villages, suburbs of Kwali Area Council, which also threatened FGC Kwali.

According to the Minister, the timely intervention of Security Agencies saved the situation.

Adamu Adamu also directed that arrangements should be made for final year students to conclude their NECO examinations.

The Minister has also directed Principals of Unity Colleges across the country to liaise with Security Agencies within their jurisdictions in order to forestall any security breach in  schools.

Earlier, the Management of the College, had asked parents to evacuate their wards from the school over the fear of attack by terrorists, which has caused panic among the management, staff, students and parents of the school.

Report has it that the school   shares fence with some neighbouring villages which are being attacked by terrorists.

The Chairman, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Suleiman Idajili, confirmed attacks on a nearby village on Sunday morning.

Ondo: Police Repel Gunmen Attack On Station, Inspector Killed

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Police Force

By Ayodele Oni

An early morning attack launched by unknown Gunmen on a police station in Akure, Ondo state capital has claimed the life of a police inspector.

The station, located at a densly populated area of the state capital, had once served as the headquarters of the state police command until it was relocated to Alagbaka, Government Reserved Area, (GRA).

The incident, which caught officers on duty unaware, happened around 1.00 am on Monday.

Confirming the incident, the state police command spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, in a statement explained that “On the 25th July, 2022 around 0100 am, hoodlums attacked  Okuta Elerinla division in Akure.

“Policemen who were at alert and alive to their duty, repelled them accordingly and the miscreants were unable to gain entrance into the station.

‘During the cross fire, one of our gallant station guards AP.207538 0INSPR. TEMENU BOLUWAJI was hit by a bullet, he later died on his way to the hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Oyeyemi Adesoye Oyediran psc,fsi, has ordered  the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and ensure the perpetrators are arrested.

‘He is also using this medium to encourage the people of the state to go about their lawful duty without fear, as the days of these criminals are numbered.”

The mission of the attackers is yet known, but the station, which now houses one of the Area Commander’s office has a spacious detention facility, next to the headquarters of the state command.

Some suspects currently on trial for kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery are usually being detained at the station.

FGC, Kwali, Abuja Closed, Students Sent Home Over Fear Of Terrorist Attack

By
The Source
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Federal Government College Abuja

By Gideon Njoku

Students of the Federal Girls College, Khali, Abuja have been sent home from school.

The Management of the school took the preemptive step over fears of terrorist attack.

It, therefore, asked parents to urgently come and evacuate their children from  the school.

According to the Chairman, Parents Teachers Association, PTA, Suleiman Idajili, the decision was taken following an attack by  terrorists on Sheda, a village very close to the school Sunday morning.

Terrorists had, on a number of occasions, targeted schools, especially, in the North, and abducted hundreds of students, some of whom are still in captivity.

Oregon 2022: The World Hails Nigeria As Superlative Amusan Wins Gold, Smashes World Record

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s sprint sensation, Oluwatobiloba Amusan has made history by smashing the 100 Meter Hurdles World record, making Nigeria proud in the highly competitive competition.

And as she, and the Athletics World stood for Nigeria’s National Anthem,  Amosun  was overcome with emotion. She sang along, as tears streamed down her cheeks.

She had earlier broken the world record in the semi-finals where she ran 12.12 Seconds, and again in the final when she broke her own record to set a new world record of 12.06, winning the gold medal at the just concluded World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA.

With the victory, Amusan went home with the sum of $100,000 prize money.

She also became the first Nigerian, ever,  to win a Gold Medal at any World Athletics Championship.

Also, Nigeria’s  Long Jumper,  Ese Brume, won Silver Medal behind Germany’s Malaika Mihambo, who leaped 7.12m as against Brume’s 7.02m to win the gold medal.

Celebrating the achievements of the duo, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN, Tonobok Okowa, congratulated Amusan, the newly crowned world record holder and gold medalist in the Women 100 meters hurdles event, who broke the record twice in one night as she ran 12.12 seconds in the semi-final and 12. 06 second in the finals to claim gold.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has also congratulated Commonwealth Games defending champion Brume on her silver medal feat in the Female Long Jump event after leaping 7.02 meters to place second in the event.

The AFN President described the successes of the duo as unprecedented in the annals of Nigeria’s participation at the World Athletics Championship as it was the first time Nigeria was winning gold at the Championship.

He asserted that Amusan and Brume had further given the AFN the fillip to sustain its developmental programs aimed at discovering, grooming and exposing talented young Nigerian athletes to the international sports community.

Okowa opined that Amusan and Brume had also inspired young Nigerian athletes to believe that they can become world champions, stressing that they had brought glory to Nigeria at a time the nation was in need of something to cheer. He enjoined the duo not to relent but sustain the tempo ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham which commences on Friday.

The AFN President  commended Team Nigeria Athletes for their performances saying they showed that they had what it took to become champions.

He however enjoined them to put the disappoint of the World Athletics Championship behind and focus on the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, adding that they have another opportunity to show that they can be champions, assuring them of the AFN’s commitment to providing adequate welfare and the platform to enable them excel.

Zenith Bank Retains Position As Nigeria’s No 1 Bank

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Zenith Bank Plc has been ranked as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine. For the 13th consecutive year, the Bank retained its position as the number one Tier-1 bank in Nigeria with a Tier-1 Capital of $2.75 billion, emerging as the 460th Bank globally.

The ranking, which was published in the July 2022 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, was based on the 2021 year-end Tier-1 capital of banks globally. Zenith Bank’s financial performance for the year was underpinned by double-digit growth of 10% in gross earnings, with an improved market share in both retail and corporate sectors despite a very challenging macroeconomic environment aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said: “This ranking is a testament to our resilience and doggedness as an institution despite economic headwinds and a persistent challenging macroeconomic environment. Indeed, being ranked as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the thirteenth year in a row underscores our commitment to sustaining the superior performance we are renowned for and creating value for our highly esteemed customers.”

He expressed his appreciation to the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CON, for his guidance and for laying the foundation and building the structures of an enduring and very successful institution; the Board for the outstanding leadership they provide; the staff, whose drive and commitment sustains the exceptional performance; and the Bank’s customers for their unflinching loyalty to the Zenith brand.

Tier 1 Capital describes capital adequacy, which is the core measure of a bank’s financial strength from a regulator’s point of view. According to the ranking, Tier 1 Capital, as defined by the latest Bank for International Settlements (BIS) guidelines, includes loss-absorbing capital, i.e. common stock, disclosed reserves, retained earnings and minority interests in the equity of subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with this latest accolade coming on the heels of several recognitions, including being recognised as the Best Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2021 and 2022 in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022; Best in Corporate Governance ‘Financial Services’ Africa, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, by the Ethical Boardroom; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards; and Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020. Also, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.

National Economy: Nigeria Not Broke-Fashola

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Babatunde Raji Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing has debunked reports that Nigeria is broke. The minister spoke as fear gripped many Nigerians following a comment by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed last week that what’s used in servicing the nation’s humungous debt has exceeded revenue accruing to the coffers of the federal government.

Many Nigerians who listened to the minister have expressed concerns that the nation is gradually moving towards a serious economic problem similar to that of Venezuela, and recently Sri Lanka where angry protesters penultimate week sacked the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who has now fled the country.

Zainab last week sounded the alarm bells after she revealed that the country’s debt service cost in the first quarter (Q1) 2022 was N1.94 trillion, N310 billion higher than the actual revenue received during the period.

According to the minister, “The aggregate expenditure for 2022 is estimated at N17.32 trillion, with a pro rata spending target of N5.77 trillion at the end of April.

“The actual spending as of April 30th was N4.72 trillion. Of this amount, N1.94 trillion was for debt service, and N1.26 trillion was for personnel costs, including pensions.

“As at April, N773.63 billion had been spent on capital expenditure. As of April 2022, FGN’s retained revenue was only N1.63 trillion, 49 per cent of the pro rata target of N3.32 trillion.”

The Minister of Finance disclosed these when she unveiled the Medium Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF-FSP) in Abuja.

With debt service cost outstripping the country’s revenue, it is a clear indication of dangers ahead and policymakers must be more than willing to implement the much-needed reforms to save the economy, Zainab said.

She affirmed that the federal government’s share of oil revenue was N285.38 billion, representing 39 per cent performance while non-oil tax revenues totalled N632.56 billion — a performance of 84 per cent.

Ahmed also projected that should subsidy end in June 2023, based on the federal government’s earlier timeline, the sum of N3.36 trillion would be required to meet the financial obligations associated with subsidising the product.

Speaking Fashola said, “To the best of my knowledge, Nigeria is not broke. Being indebted and being able to service your debt in conventional finance is not being broke.

“In any event you have to understand that the business of lending itself is a profitable business. So if nobody contracted debts where will all the banks and other financial institutions be? Where will they throw all the people they employ?

“So this is a matter of credit rating and credit reputation. It is this home economics mentality that I cannot take debts that led us to take 12billion dollars cash to go and payoff a debt we could have rescheduled, renegotiated when our infrastructure was dying.  That mentality must leave our table.

“All the big nations we want to compete with are contracting debts to build their infrastructure and stand in competition.  As long as you can service your debts, you are good.

“I can conveniently tell you that I am not the Nigeria’s minister of Finance; my job is to spend the money not to earn it.

“I am concerned and every responsible Nigerian should have his eyes on the debts and should be concerned,” the minister said.

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