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New Year: Obi Urges Nigerians to Sustain Hope in Country

By
The Source
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The immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has called for a renewed spirit of hope and hard work among Nigerians in 2022, even as he urges Nigerians not to give up on the country.

Obi, in his 2022 New Year Message, explained that though things were difficult in the country at the moment, Nigerians should remain resolute in their struggle for a better nation. He reminded them that everyone had a role to play for the development and progress of the nation.

“While every indices of development is in the negative direction in Nigeria, we must not allow this ship called Nigeria to sink. With hope and collective hard work, we can turn around the trajectory of the nation,” Obi said.

As the country gears up for the 2023 general elections, Obi advised Nigerians to critically re-evaluate their leadership selection process, which, he said, was crucial to the future survival and progress of the nation.

“May this new year rekindle in us the resolve to do what is right for the sake of our nation.  May we find the inner strength to live above our present challenges and continue to collectively contribute positively to building our nation,” Obi implored.

He further wished every Nigerian a Productive New Year while praying God to bless all their productive endeavours.

2022: Anyim Sees Hope From The Ashes Of A Challenging 2021

By
The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

As the year 2023 dawned, frontline Presidential aspirant under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, says he sees hope from the ashes of a very challenging 2021.

Anyim, the only South-easterner to declare his interest in the Presidential seat on the platform of a major political party, said this in a New Year message to Nigerians where he noted that “We  still mourn many Nigerians that died and lament for those that git dislocated, some permanently, from the sad developments of 2021.”

Noting the devastating effect of “economic crisis in inflation, under-employnent, job loses, weak Naira and general low earning capacities that brought Nigerians face to face with threat to their very survival”, and the worsening insecurity  in the country, Anyim preached hope, and a better 2022.

Anyim, calm, collected, driven, is a former Senate President under the Olusegun Obasanjo Government, and the Secretary to the Federal Government under the Goodluck Jonathan Government.

Following is the full text of his message to Nigerians titled;

New Year message to Nigerians: 2022 offers us new hope and  fresh opportunities.

“I felicitate with fellow  Nigerians for making it to 2022. Let us all give God all the glory  for His mercies and loving kindness.

“2021 was a challenging year. A combination of  natural disasters and man-made crisis put Nigeria and Nigerians through very challenging life-tests that stretched our capacities for endurance to the limits.

“Economic crisis manifested  in inflation, unemployment, under-employment, job losses, weak Naira and general low earning capacities that brought Nigerians face to face with threat to their very survival.

“Insecurity which many citizens had wished would abate got a resurgence in 2021, compounding the already difficult life for most Nigerians.

“Again, there was the COVID-19 pandemic which made a devastating come- back in other variants that shrank social and economic interactions further, and retarded the initial modest economic recoveries made after the first pandemic in 2019.

“Indeed, we all still mourn many Nigerians that died and lament for those that got dislocated, some permanently, from these sad developments of 2021.

“From the ashes of 2021, I see hope for Nigerians in the new Year 2022. God promises us Hope in times of despair, strength in times of weakness, recovery after tragedies. Our Maker also promised that He will never forsake us in times of trouble.

“I, therefore, charge Nigerians to key into the promises of God in this New Year and stand strong as the overcomers we are as children of God. In 2022, let us demonstrate courage and determination to pull our country back from the precipice.  One way of achieving this triumph is by taking even more seriously, our duties as citizens and obligations to be our brothers keepers. We must dedicate ourselves to building a more peaceful and cohesive society with justice and equity for all our people and neighbours.

“I wish fellow Nigerians  a happier, safer, more peaceful and prosperous 2022.”

Polaris Bank Excites Money Transfer Beneficiaries With Cash Rewards

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Polaris Bank says money transfer customers across the country stand to earn extra cash rewards in Naira whenever they receive their International Money Transfers either as cash at any of its branches or directly into their USD accounts.

The reward which is open to new and existing customers of the Bank seeks to reward customers who regularly receive their remittance through the Bank from family and friends in the diaspora and

In a statement to its customers, the Bank stated that beneficiaries of money transfer who receive their transfers from abroad in Polaris Bank from 1st December 2021 to 31st January, 2022 stand a chance to win extra cash rewards; as well as the CBN N5/$1 incentive paid with every transfer in line with the policy. New customers receiving transfers at selected branches, will also be rewarded with token gift items during the period.

Moreover, beneficiaries can receive their funds in dollars within minutes at any of its branches or directly into their existing USD domiciliary accounts. Customers who do not have domiciliary accounts can also open a USD wallet instantly simply by dialing USSD code *833*00#. Customers who already operate Naira accounts and do not have USD accounts will also have a USD account opened automatically if they receive directly into their accounts in the Bank.”

The statement also noted that the Bank’s relationship with leading licensed global money transfer operators makes it easy for customers and non-customers to receive money through the Bank. Some of the Bank’s remittance partners include – Western Union, MoneyGram, RIA, WorldRemit, Remitly, SmallWorld, Funtech, BossRevolution and a host of others.

With the Bank’s large network of over 250 branches and dedicated money transfer locations across major cities, the option of receiving transfer through Polaris Bank, has become convenient for beneficiaries.

Statistics show Nigeria is ranked as the 5th largest receiver of diaspora remittances globally with an estimated $25billion in remittances received annually from over 15million Nigerians in the diaspora.

Polaris Bank, adjudged the 2021 Digital Bank of the Year, is a future-determining and digitally-driven Bank committed to delivering industry-defining products to individuals and businesses.

Muhammad Bello, FCT Minister, Is COVID-19 Positive

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Muhammad Bello - FCT Minister

By Adesina Soyooye

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Muhammad Bello, has become the latest high profile Federal Government official to test positive to COVID-19.

Before him, the pandemic had ravaged the Presidential seat with a Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, ADC and the CSO to the President, contracting it.

Garba has, however, announced his recovery from the virus.

Minister Bello declared his status in a post on his official Facebook page on Friday.

He wrote: “After a hide and seek period spanning 21 months (One year and nine months) between COVID-19 and my humble self, the virus finally caught up with me during the dying days of 2021.

“After feeling unwell since 28th December, I decided to do a COVID-19 test yesterday (Thursday), morning.

“The result came out positive this morning.”

The high-profile contracting of COVID-19 has spread fear among many, considering that all those who have contracted it recently, had their full dosage ( first and second shots) of the vaccine.

The Omicron variant, though not as deadly as the first two variants before it, seems to  spread faster than them.

Again, FG Extends Deadline Of NIN-SIM Linkage Till March 31

By
Uche Mbah
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NIMC

By Uche Mbah

For the umpteenth time, the Federal Government has extended the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN) data verification against Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

Government extended the deadline for the linkage to allow the teeming Nigerians who have not availed themselves of the opportunities to do so.

The latest deadline was December 31, 2021. It has now been shifted again by three months.

In a joint statement released in Abuja, Friday, and signed by Dr. Ike Adinde, Director Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mr. Kayode Adegoke, the Head of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), government said they have set up centers to register Nigerians in diaspora.

“The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) FBCS, FNCS, FIIM, wishes to convey the approval of the Federal Government to further extend the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to the 31st of March, 2022,”the statement said.

“The stakeholders have applauded the Federal Government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents across the country. As of 30th December 2021, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over seventy-one million (71m) NINs with over fourteen thousand (14,000) enrolment centres set up across the country.

“Furthermore, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has also set up enrolment centres in over thirty-one (31) countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.  The unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about 3 to 4 SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the Federal Government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents and this is truly commendable.

“Following the request by stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the diaspora, the Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to the 31st of March, 2022.  This extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents.

“The Honourable Minister, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, wish to thank all Nigerians and stakeholders for their commitment and support towards the success of the project. They also applaud the efforts of the respective staff in ensuring a seamless NIN-SIM linkage and urge citizens and legal residents to complete the process of enrolment, verification, and SIM linkage on or before 31st March 2022”.

Weeks After Losing Wife, Pastor Odukoya Loses Twin Sister To Cancer

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and his twin Sister

By Akinwale Kasali

Weeks after losing his wife, Nomthi Odukoya, to death, Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, has lost his twin sister, Kehinde Hassan.

Kehinde was said to have died of Cancer in the early hours of Thursday December 30th, 2021, compounding the woes of the clergyman, who is yet to come to terms with the demise of his South African Wife, Nomthi. He married Nomthi about four years after losing after losing his wife, Bimbo, in a plane crash.

The 65 year-old Kehinde Hassan was said to have been battling with Cancer for a very long time, before it finally led to her death.

No doubt, 2021 has been a challenging and painful year for Pastor Odukoya who has marked the 16th year of the death of  Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, who died in the ill fated Sosoliso flight crash of 2005.

The late Nomthi Odukoya  died in November 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer.

The 47-year old mother of two was married to the famous preacher for 11 years before her death.

A devastated Pastor Taiwo said he is dumbfounded about this incident, but said he has , succumbed to the Will of God.

Ekiti 2022: Group Alleges Fayose Plotting PDP Defeat, Negotiates With EFCC Case

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

As registered political parties prepare for their primaries to pick flagbearers for the June Governorship election in Ekiti State, the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in the State is worried by the newly found love between Governor Kayode Fayemi and former Governor Ayo Fayose.

Stakeholders of the PDP noted that the bond between the incumbent and the former Governor is nothing but a ploy by Fayose to trade off the chances of the party in the June Governorship poll.

Of recent, Governor Fayemi was the Groom’s father at  Fayose’s son’s wedding in Lagos while the former Governor’s hotel located at Fajuyi area of Ado Ekiti has become Fayemi’s second home.

The hotel, which was built on Government owned land, during Fayose’s tenure as Governor, had earlier been sealed by the Economic, Financial and Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

Some concerned PDP members have written to the Leadership of PDP stating:  “We, as members of the Ekiti Concerns can no longer fold our arms and watch Ekiti State dragged into the mud by selfish politicians.

The letter, signed by Mr Wole Awoniyi stated that: “The time for another Governorship election is here again and the preparation is on hand.This is what we know so far.

“Because of the loss of the election of 2018 as an incumbent governor, Ayodele Fayose, wanted to win in 2022.

“He called a meeting of some of us where he commissioned  us to go out and research what we can do for PDP to win in 2022.

“Our findings revealed the only thing we can do is to pick Segun Oni as our Governorship candidate.

“He accepted the report and sent us, including Mr. Bisi Kolawole,  as delegations to Chief Segun Oni to convince him to come back to PDP to contest the election.

“Kolawole was included because Fayose knew that he was close to Segun Oni as a member of the former Segun Oni Campaign Organization (SOCO).

“With his self-caused loss of the Governorship election of 2018, he wanted to make amends.

“We held up to three meetings with Segun Oni and his top aides before he eventually agreed and met with Fayose.

“As usual with Fayose, he suddenly changed his mind and decided to drag Bisi Kolawole into the race as his choice for Governor.

“His reasons included these facts: Bisi Kolawole was a close ally of Segun Oni who belonged to his Campaign Organization, SOCO, and would, therefore, divide and weaken Segun Oni group.

“Segun Oni is older and more disciplined and transparent than him and wouldn’t be easily manipulated as Governor by Fayose, and he will have across State and party support beyond Fayose’s control, which Fayose doesn’t want.

“Now with Segun Oni entrenched in the party and Ekiti state politics, Fayose has visibly been shaken and fearful that Segun Oni will win and take over the structure and Leadership of the PDP from him and he will become the loser.

“He’s now planning to sabotage not only Segun Oni’s victory, but the PDP chances of winning, by conniving with APC to defeat the PDP after which he will still be recognized as the leader of the defeated PDP in the state after.

“A huge sum of money running into billions and the settlement of his case with the EFCC has been the bargaining tool for this. Several meetings have been going on between Fayose and Fayemi for this.

“There are two ways for Fayose. One of the tricks is to win the primary election for Bisi Kolawole his stooge, at all costs, by buying the delegates with thousands of Naira with Okada each and later give the election away to Fayemi’s APC candidate.

“Everybody in Ekiti knows if Segun Oni faces any APC candidate in the general election, that is the end of APC.

“Fayemi has also promised to throw away the Fayose’s case with the EFCC running into over an N14billion corruption charges.

“The weight of the possibility of Fayose working for the APC government can’t be thrown to the winds as there is prima facie evidence of such collaboration and anti-party activities.

“Mr Chairman, PDP and the National Working Committee, should please save Ekiti State people and the PDP. For almost four years now, Ekiti people have been suffering and waiting for a change.”

Fayose has, yet, to react to the allegation of sabotage against him.

AFCON 2022: Osimhen, Balogun, Shehu, Dennis Dropped From Super Eagles Squad

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

With less than 10 days to the commencement of the 33rd Edition of the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, Interim Coach of the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, has dropped recuperating Napoli Football Club of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen, from the 28-Man squad of the Nigeria National Team.

Osimhen was also said to have contacted COVID-19, forcing him to isolate himself from the Napoli team.

In form Watford Football Club of England forward, Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis, opted out of the Super Eagles team for the Continental showpiece to help his Club fight for survival from relegation in the Barclays English Premier League.

Following the inclusion of Dennis in the AFCON party, Watford Coach, Claudio Raineri and the Club had bared their fangs on the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, lamenting that the invitation came late and that Dennis is an integral part of the Hornets team in the battle for relegation having scored 8 Goals and 10 assist in the league so far.

Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus right back, Abdullahi Shehu and Rangers Football Club of Scotland defender, Leon Balogun have, also, both pulled out of the tournament due to injuries.

Following the injury worries, COVID-19 issues and mutual agreement between the NFF and Watford Football Club on Dennis, Eguavoen has called up four players to replace the others.

Venezia Football of Italy defender, Tyrone Ebuehi have been called up to replace the injured Abdullahi Shehu, while West Bromwich Albion Football Club of England defender, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi to replace Leon Balogun.

Olympiakos of Greece winger, Henry Onyekuru is set replace Victor Osimhen with Slavia Prague Football Club of Czech Republic forward, Peter Olayinka replacing Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis.

The Super Eagles camp is opened at Bolton Apartment and Suites, Abuja, with Taiwo Awoniyi, Olisa Ndah and John Noble already in camp.

By 3rd of January, the likes of William Troost Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Nwakali, Samuel Chukwueze, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and others are expected to have hit the camp and jet out two days after to Garoua, Cameroon where it would play its first match against the Pharaohs of Egypt on January 11th, 2022.

Akoko Students/Youth Groups Rally Support For Reps Member

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olubunmi Tunji Ojo

By Ayodele Oni

Member representing Akoko North West/Akoko North East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Mr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo (BTO), got a boost for his political career as youths and student groups eulogised him for touching their lives.

They commended the Lawmaker for his  achievements, especially in the area of infrastructural development.

Youths and students in Akoko North West/ Akoko East Federal Constituency who held an end of year carnival, at Ikare-Akoko, agreed that the Lawmaker’s passion for development was laudable.

They noted that Tunji-Ojo  has distinguished himself as a true son of Akokoland, who put the interest of his constituency ahead of any personal gains.

All Progressives Congress, (APC) Youth Leader in Akoko North East Local Government, Opeyemi Adedeji, said the youths and students gathered to appreciate God for a successful year and also to appreciate BTO for his impact in Akoko North Federal Constituency.

According to him, “We are also using the opportunity to sensitize our people and brace up for Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo Ahead of 2023.”

Adedeji added that the Lawmaker has performed creditably well beyond expectation and that the only way to repay him is to reelect him as their representative again come 2023.

He said that the reward for good performance and representation is reelection and that Tunji-Ojo has earned the trust of the youth from the two local council areas.

In his speech, Former Students Union Government President of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic and Youth Leader, Ayejuyo Temitayo advised that Youths must see themselves as one, shun violence and political thuggery.

“This will be the first time youths from the two local governments will be coming together for a carnival like this irrespective of party affiliation.

“We have been preparing ourselves ahead of the 2023 general election and that within two years of representation, BTO, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, has executed many developmental projects such as roads, empowerment and proper legislation beyond what others has done since 1999.”

Another Youth leader, James Akeju urged youths to step up in politics and fight for the interest of the masses, saying that it is now time for goverment at all levels to prioritize the welfare of the youths.

Highlight of the event include BOT solidarity walk and musical display.

Grumbling President Buhari Signs Appropriation Bill

By
Uche Mbah
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Buhari Signs 2022 Budget

By Uche Mbah

Flanked by members of the Federal Executive Council and leaders of the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari fulfilled his promise when, on Friday, in Abuja, he signed into law both the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the 2021 Finance Bill.

The Presidency has indicated it will sign the bill Friday after it was submitted by the National Assembly before they went on recess.

The newly signed 2022 Budget provides expenditure framework for N17.127 trillion which was increased by N735.85 billion over and above the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion. The increase, according to him, was effected by the Executive arm of the government represented by the Minister of Budget and Planning and its Finance counterpart.

“The Minister will provide the public with the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me” Buhari said.

While signing the budget, the President, however, grumbled about what he described as worrisome changes introduced by the National Assembly into the proposal.

Garba Shehu, Presidential spokesperson, said Friday that the President will revert to the National Assembly with requests for changes after they resume from yuletide break.

“It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal, ” the president said.

“Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:

“Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive:

“Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;

“Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively.

” This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;

“Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;

“Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.”

Part of his concern is the reductions in provisions for some critical infrastructure, including but not limited to N12.6 billion for the Rail Modernisation projects; N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme and N14.5 billion from several other projects which are part of the submissions of the Ministry of Agriculture.

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