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Two AIT Journalists Arrested  On Governor Inuwa’s Order

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Two Journalists of the African Independent Television, AIT, Chike Udenkwo and Joseph Atabo have been arrested, allegedly, on the orders of Gombe State Governor  Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa according to the Management of the Television Station.

The Journalists were  arrested according to AIT, following their attempt to film and cover of the demolition of the campaign office of Gombe Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Muhammad Barde which is adjacent to the Presidential lodge.

Udenkwo was said to be beaten by irate youths suspected to be ‘Kalare’ thugs before his identity was disclosed by some of his colleagues at the scene.

The Kalare thugs were sighted brandishing dangerous weapons around Liberty Junction, while heavily armed Special Weapon Armed Tactics officers seen cordoning off the two areas from the Government House and into the Government Reserved Area.

The Two Journalists were said to be at the Pantami Police Station as at the filing of this report and were said not to be granted bail until Governor Inuwa gives such order.

Earlier, officials of the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority had invited journalists for a briefing at about 10:30 am, the same time set for them to embark on the demolition of some structures within the Gombe metropolis especially that of Barde, which had become subject of litigation.

However, the officials on the demolition exercise were repelled by another set of police team, allegedly six Special Protection Unit provided by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, upon request of the PDP candidate.

When contacted about the arrest of journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Ishola Babaita, said he was aware, adding that he would revert shortly.

As of the time of filing this report, men of the GOSUPDA were yet to succeed with the demolition as the SPU officials guarding Barde’s property allegedly threatened to shoot at them if they proceeded, following the tear gas fired by the SWAT officers.

Speaking, a resident, Abdullahi Hussaini, warned politicians to tow the path of peace, stressing that violence would not augur well for anyone.

He said, “Politicians should come to the table and understand where the gap is coming from. Politics is not a do or die affair. I want to call on youths to stay off political thuggery and allow peace reign they should be engaged where necessary.”

Delta: Newly Recruited Teachers Get Condition

By
Ayodele Oni
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Newly Recruited Teachers in Delta State

By Ayodele Oni

After almost a year of waiting, newly Recruited Teachers in Delta state have been issued employment letters, with a warning that they should not lobby or reject their posting.

The state Government warned the newly employed teachers for the state’s technical colleges that any attempt by them to reject posting will lead to forfeiture of the offer.

The Commissioner for Technical Education, Mrs Shola Daibo, said this on Tuesday while handing out the employment letters to the recently recruited teachers for the three new technical colleges in Effurun, Asaba and Obiaruku.

She urged the teachers to be committed and be dedicated to their jobs, and avoid engaging in side hustling during official hours.

She said, “Over 28,000 persons applied for the job, out of which about 8,000 shortlisted for written and oral interviews and practicals.

“It was strictly on merit, we did not conduct the exam, and the governor said he wanted to get the best, therefore, we had two consultants to conduct the employment process.

“That was why the employment was delayed till now. It was really tedious because it took us almost a year to get here. They did exam, aptitude test, we did oral and practicals.”

Daibo added that the new employees would be trained by experts, particularly, from the state-owned polytechnic in Ogwashi-Uku.

“Graduates from the technical colleges will be self-reliant, thereby reducing unemployment and poverty,” he said.

NBA Akure Branch, Set To Empower Members; Inaugurates New Exco Members

By
Ayodele Oni
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Banjo Ayenakin - Akure NBA Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

Barrister ‘Banjo Ayenakin has taken oath of office as Chairman, Akure branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at an elaborate event held at the NBA House.

Others inaugurated alongside with him include Chukwumezie Obiaghanwa as Vice Chairman, Olumide Ogidan  as Secretary General, Benjamin Obilor as Asst. Secretary,  and Alhaja K. A. Gbadamosi as Treasurer.

Others are Olutoye Adeyanju as Welfare Secretary, Yakubu Lineker as Social Secretary, Kemisola Obafemi as Financial Secretary and Subair Abiodun as Publicity Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Ayenakin said his administration will hit the ground running in line with his election mantra.

Ayenakin who said the event is remarkable in the history of Akure NBA as there had not been any formal ceremony of such in years, used the opportunity to reel out some of things to expect.

These he said, include the opportunity for members to approach the secretariat for referrals to obtain loans to the tune of N10million under the promised Assets Financing Scheme and the constitution of Sunshine Bar Law Academy to be managed by seasoned advocates.

While also expressing the readiness of his administration to embark on rehabilitation of all dilapidated tables and chairs in Akure High Court and Magistrate Court,  Ayenakin announced the constitution of Young Lawyers Forum as a veritable platform to mentor young practitioners to attain their peak.

In his charge to members, the new chairman stressed the need to continue to practice within the ethics of the profession just as he called for support to achieve the desired goals.

In his inaugural lecture, Prof. Oke Samuel while speaking on ‘Mentoring and Legal Profession’ identified visible gap between the legal professional and the society stressing the need for training and retraining.

While exploring the concept of mentorship, Prof. Samuel stressed the need to have mentors so as to be properly groomed to practice effectively and efficiently.

The event also featured a presentation of account of two years stewardship by the outgoing administration led by Rotimi Olorunfemi.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Senator Anthony Adeniyi, while applauding the outgoing administration charged members to support the new state executive to achieve set goals.

He also used the opportunity to express confidence in the ability of the new state executives to deliver saying the expectation is very high.

Delta Airline Suspends Flights To Lagos

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

American carrier, Delta Airline, has suspended its direct flights from JFK International Airport, New York, to Lagos.

In a statement dated August 30, 2022, the Airline said the suspension takes effect from October 4, 2022.

It said the suspension of the route is to fit into what it termed “the current demand  environment.”

The statement reads in part:  “Delta is suspending its non-stop service between  New York-JFK and Lagos to fit the current demand environment.”

A number of foreign airlines are threatening to either suspend their flights to Nigeria or cut down the number of flights it operates to Nigeria due to their inability to repatriate their dollars back to their home countries.

Already Emirates Airlines has suspended its flights to Nigeria.

However, a couple of days ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria approved the release of over $260 million Dollars to the Airlines.

Fidelity Bank: Why We Acquired Union Bank UK-Onyeali-Ikpe

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The managing director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has disclosed that the tier 2 bank is poised to expand its financial services beyond Nigeria.

Onyeali-Ikpe spoke following the complete acquisition of Union Bank, the United Kingdom by the bank. Fidelity Bank said in a corporate filing that it has acquired 100 per stake in the bank.

She said the bank is now operating on a scale that supports global banking services.

According to the Fidelity Bank chief executive, “This transaction aligns with our strategic plan of expanding our service touchpoints beyond the Nigerian market and providing straight-through services that meet and exceed the needs of our growing clients.

“The diverse service bouquet and business model of Union Bank UK offered a compelling synergy, and we hope to build on the existing capacity to create a scalable and more sustaining service franchise that will support the wider ecosystem of our trade businesses and diaspora banking services.”

The bank stated in a filing to the Nigeria Exchange, NGX Limited by its Company Secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje that it has met all regulatory approval for the transaction.

The transaction, the bank further stated is still subject to the Prudential Regulatory Authority of the United Kingdom approval.  The Union Bank UK was formerly owned by Union Bank Nigeria, UBN before the latter was acquired by Titan Bank two months ago.

Prophet Oladele Genesis And Rev. Esther Ajayi Expose Can Of Worms; As Relationship Goes Sour

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Pastor Isreel Oladele and Esther Ajayi

By Akinwale Kasali

The outburst of Prophet Oladele Israel, popularly known as Genesis has revealed that the once rosy relationship between him and Rev. Esther Ajayi has hit the rock.

Time was when the duo was inseparable. They referred to each other as mother and son.

They both travelled for Ministration within and outside the shores of Nigeria together.  Their cordiality and unity were the talk among the Cherubim and Seraphim and the Celestial Church of Christ faithfuls.

Sadly, the tongue lashing and the threat by Genesis to expose Iya Adura of her dirty secrets have become a major issue of concern to their ardent fans, followers and worshippers.

At the Sunday Service in Genesis Church, the Clergyman, although he didn’t mention Iya Adura’s name, but his description and statements pointed directly at Rev. Ajayi.

Genesis said that the Woman he respected a lot abandoned him when he was in trouble despite the fact that he served her diligently.

He continued by saying the ‘woman’ gave deceased Yoruba actor, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe the sum of N10 Million and supported young orange seller who did a cover of Tope Alabi’s song but never bothered to render help to him when he needed it.

Genesis claimed he served her with all he had and made so many sacrifices at his own detriment to make the Woman happy and put smiles on her face.

Genesis made it known that Esther Ajayi has shown that she isn’t a woman of God with the singular act of abandoning him.

He also explained that she has removed his pictures from her Church since the tribulations began.

While revealing some secrets, Prophet Israel Oladele Genesis mentioned that the same thing that happened to him happened to Esther Ajayi but he was the one who covered up for her and prevented her from suffering what he suffered.

Furthermore, he warned her not to reply him because he will expose more secrets about her.

‘’I will not say it secretly, she just showed that she is not a woman of God, she helped people but I that served her, she couldn’t help me when I got into trouble.

‘’What happened to me happened to you but I covered up for you, I am not scared of death or anything, I don’t need any friend.

‘’You are a woman, you know my mother, I was not even surprised when you said you had a dream about me in the midst of herbalists, it simply means you are one of them too.

‘’You better don’t reply me, if you do, it will be very disastrous than Oba Solomon.’’

It would be recalled that Genesis was jailed for duping a London based Lady, who he was alleged to have fraudulently collected a huge sum of money from to purchase a land and other businesses, leading to him being jailed for close to Six Months before he was eventually released.

Rev. Ajayi was a United Kingdom based Pastor who later relocated to Lagos, Nigeria to build her Church called Love of Christ.

Iya Adura came to limelight less than six years ago, and her trademark then was spending extravagantly.

She doled out millions in cash to many Nollywood Actors, which include; the Late Babatunde Omidina also known as Baba Suwe who she gave N10 Million; the Late Alabi Yellow, she gave N5 Million; she also gave Idowu Phillips known as Iya Rainbow huge sum of money to build her Church.

Also, She once donated over N400 Million for the construction of a road to Moses Orimolade University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and singlehandedly built an auditorium at a branch of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church within six months, and other philanthropic gestures.

Tongues have however been wagging how she got money to be doling about, as there is no business or company owned by her to amass such wealth.

Her Church, Love of Christ Generation is estimated to be worth over N22 billion, and during the COVID -19 Pandemic, construction of the building was ongoing despite the austerity and economic downfall that befell the world.

She claimed that an unbeliever was instrumental in building her new Cathedral in Lagos. She revealed that the said unbeliever had earlier bought a Church worth £5.2 million for her in London.

Revealing how the couple in London were instrumental to the Cathedral, Esther Ajayi said, “The husbands of the couple in London is an unbeliever, and I am still making efforts to convert them. The husband informed me that he dreamt of building a Church for me in my country (Nigeria), although they had earlier bought a Church worth £5.2 million for me. I showed the couple some photos of the land I saw in Nigeria, and they paid for the land and the construction of the Cathedral. No one can convince me otherwise about Jesus. They fully paid for the building project.”

It would be recalled that she was heavily criticized during the opening of her Church when she invited personalities like the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and his wife, with other dignitaries like the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ooni of Ife, Enitan Adeyeye Adewusi and others came into the Church with their shoes which is against the doctrine of the C&S.

Also, she is a frequent caller at the Osun/Oshogbo Festival , Aje Festival, Olokun Festival in Ile Ife, Osun State, which is also criticized.

Though the names of the couple haven’t been mentioned till today, raising doubts about the genuineness of her claims.

Esther Ajayi’s source of wealth has been a question on many people’s lips. In her biography, she claimed to be a rich businesswoman before she started her Church and Ministry. She also claims she makes money from donations in her church, tithes, offerings and free will donations.

She was born on April 2, 1963, in Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria. She had her early education at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Mushin and Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Bolade-Oshodi, both in Lagos State.

Okada Riders Storm Governor Sanwo Olu’s Office, Urge Him To Rescind Ban Order

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Okada Riders at Sanwo-Olu Office

By Akinwale Kasali

Commercial Motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada Riders in local parlance have stormed the office of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu in Alausa, Ikeja, to plead with him to rescind his decision on the ban of Okada in  new six Local Government Areas in the State.

The ban which takes effect from September 1st, 2022, prompted thousands of ‘Okada’ riders into pleading that the clampdown will have a great effect on their source of livelihood.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State Governor  announced an additional six Local Government Areas where Okada will not be in operation in addition to the previous nine Local Government Area as part of its efforts to improve the security situation in the State.

Earlier, traditional rulers, religious leaders, residents, Community Development Associations, among others had called on the Lagos State Government to consider a total ban on the operations of Okada riders across the state to end the menace and security threat posed by the group.

In response to the pleas, on May 18, 2022, Sanwo-Olu made a pronouncement on the total ban on Okada operations in six LGAs, and the respective nine Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, under them including all major bridges and highways of the State. He subsequently inaugurated the Lagos State Anti-Okada Squad saddled with the responsibility to aid the police and taskforce to implement and enforce total compliance of the ban.

Sanwo-Olu had on May 10, 2021, reviewed the 2012 Lagos Traffic Law guiding the Okada operations, after his predecessors, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode’s administrations banned their activities.

The initial six LGAs and nine LCDAs are: Apapa, Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Ikeja, Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island, Lagos Island West, Lagos Island East LCDAs, Lagos Mainland, Yaba LCDA, Surulere, Coker Aguda, Itire-Ikate LCDA.

Others include: Eti-Osa, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island and Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA.

The additional four councils affected by the pronouncement, include: Kosofe, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu LCDAs, Oshodi-Isolo, Isolo, Ejigbo LCDAs, Shomolu, Bariga LCDA and Mushin, Odi-Olowo LCDA.

The protesting Okada riders were led by the Chairman of Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State, MOALS), Ramoni Eleniyan and few other union leaders.

The leadership of Okada association later proceeded to an emergency meeting with government officials led by Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to discuss an amicable solution to the issue.

Nigerians Lash El-Rufai’s Son Over Comment On  ASUU Strike

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Bashir El-Rufai, Son of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has come under strong criticism over his comment on the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

Bashir had called ASUU  useless.  Writing on his Twitter handle he said: “ASUU is a very useless union. They should be scrapped and replaced with educators that actually give a damn about students and how that translates to the future of this country.”

His outburst generated controversy as Social Media users  lambasted him referring to his statement as useless.

They condemned  comments without sparing his father as well.

A user, Oluwaseun Adewole, said, “This idiot no school for Nigeria ooo. I’m not supporting ASUU but I won’t tolerate any banter from those who have led ASUU to their insensitivity.”

“Like father, like son. Terrorists have taken over Kaduna State under his father’s watch, but he hasn’t told his father that he is useless. It’s not surprising anyway! His dad is foul-mouthed. Imagine a governor describing terrorists as “area boys” and “business men.”

The amalgamation was a blunder,” Sanmi Ajibade wrote.

Joshua Oladepo, reacting, said, “This fool doesn’t know the pain we are going through schooling in Nigeria.”

“This one has used cap to cover his sense. No politician children has the right to comment on any issue in this country because they are not facing what Nigerians are facing. Stay abroad and mind your business with your head like Igneous rock,” Walshak Kos wrote.

“I am not angry with him for making such useless statements. My anger goes out to those mad people here that will still vote the All Progressives Congress/the Peoples Democratic Party,” Monday Omos wrote.

Another user, Kabiru Musa, wrote, “How many years your dad spend without solving this banditry issue? In a developed country your dad is supposed to be in jail.”

“Charity begins at home. Insulting good people is what you have inherited from your father, that’s why I would not blame you for what you have uttered because you are obviously exposing how you were trained to treat people in your family,” Ibrahim Preacher stated.

Abdullahi Z Suleiman, said, “Oboy! Small small faaaa. All these things coming out from you would hunt you someday. ASUU are better than your father, Your father sent you to abroad to acquire your degree when ASUU were sacrificing for the children of the downtrodden.”

“Do I blame you? You and your family are feeding from tax payers money, so you can vomit any nonsense,” Ken Nduka wrote.

While I was so disappointed by calling the union of our lecturers “useless,” this shows highest level of immorality and disrespect to them. Maybe it’s okay for you due to your upbringing at home.

“Charity begins at home”, this is not the first time you’re using vulgar words against respected Nigerians, may be just because your parents have privilege to hold important positions in country,” Abdurrahman Habibu also wrote.

It would be recalled that ASUU after a meeting in Abuja yesterday, Monday, has declared its strike indefinite, further shattering the   hopes of students and parents for an urgent solution to the strike which has lasted for five months and counting.

FG Plans N50trn Debt Next Year

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed,minister of finance

By the end of 2023 Nigeria’s total debt would have risen to over N50 trillion, the federal government has said. The total debt stock is currently N41.6 trillion, according to the Debt Management Office, DMO.

But speaking while presenting the 2023 to 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and Fiscal Policy Paper, FSP to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Finance, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed said the government’s debt will rise to over N50 trillion as the plan is underway to borrow more than N11 trillion to finance the proposed 2023 budget.

The minister disclosed to the committee led by James Faleke that the Buhari government is proposing a N19.76 trillion budget for the next fiscal year.

She said N6.72 trillion from the borrowed fund will be used for next year’s petrol subsidy.

Ahmed said “In the first scenario, the 2023 Federal Government revenue is projected at N6.34 trillion, out of which only N373.17 billion or 5.9 percent comes from oil-related sources. The balance of N5.97 trillion is to be earned from non-oil sources.

“In the second scenario, in addition to subsidy reform, this scenario assumes an aggressive implementation of cost-to-income limits of GOEs. With these, the 2023 Federal Government revenue is projected at N8.46 trillion (15.1 percent or N1.51 trillion less than the 2022 budget) but N2.12 trillion more than scenario one.

“Of this N8.46 trillion, N1.99 trillion or 23.6 per cent is projected to come from oil-related sources, while the balance is to be earned from non-oil sources.”

Breaking down the 2023 proposed budget the minister said, “In this (business-as-usual) scenario, given the severely constrained fiscal space, budget deficit is projected to be N12.41 trillion in 2023, up from N7.35 trillion budgeted in 2022, representing 196 per cent if total Federal Government revenues or 5.50 per cent of estimated GDP.

“This is significantly above the three percent threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and there will be no provision for treasury-funded MDAs’ capital projects in 2023,” she noted.

“Federal Government’s 2023 aggregate expenditure is estimated at N19.76 trillion (inclusive of GOEs). In this scenario, the budget deficit is projected to be N11.30 trillion in 2023, up from N7.35 trillion in 2022.

“This represents 5.01 percent of the estimated GDP, above the three percent threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007,” the minister noted.

Access Corp Acquisition Of FGP Ltd In Line With Global Vision-Wigwe

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Group Managing Director of Access Corporation, Herbert Wigwe has disclosed that the final acquisition of First Guarantee Pension is in line with the company’s vision to become a global brand.

According to Wigwe, “This transaction is in line with our vision to create a globally connected community and ecosystem; inspired by Africa for the world,” he said.

“We will deploy our renowned culture of strong risk management, innovative technology and best practice corporate governance to deliver high standards of management and returns on pension assets to the benefit of our stakeholders.”

The financial giant had in May signaled interest in acquiring FGP after selling its pension enterprise, Access Pension Fund Custodian Limited, to First Bank Holdings.

Access Holdings disclosed on Monday through the company secretary, Sunday Ekwochi that the corporation has completed the acquisition of FGP Limited.

The company said in the statement that the transaction followed approvals from regulatory authorities to acquire “majority equity stake in First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL).”

“Following this development, FGPL is now a subsidiary of the corporation and will provide a strong springboard for the corporation’s execution of its ecosystem strategy for the pension funds administration industry,” the statement said.

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