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Fidelity Bank To Assist Exporters Explore US Market

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Managing Director/ chief executive officer CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has assured exporters that they will be provided with necessary expertise and financial support that will enable them export to the United States of America, USA.

The lender’s chief executive disclosed this as the leading financial institution prepares to host a workshop for businesses looking to scale and expand their reach into new international markets.

“For more than three decades, we have helped customers scale up their businesses through the right mix of financial and non-financial solutions including access to markets initiatives like our Export and Sell workshop scheduled for Aba.

“With the workshop, we aim to guide customers and prospects in developing the competence necessary for selling to the US market,” Onyeali-Ikpe said.

The training, which is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 April 2022 in Aba, Abia State, is being put together in collaboration with Export & Sell Limited -a trade enabling platform that facilitates the listing of Nigerian businesses on Amazon as well as access to other US off-take markets.

Similarly, Nduka Udeh, Managing Director/CEO of Export and Sell LLC, expressed his excitement to collaborate with Fidelity Bank on the project and commended the financial institution for the initiative.

Giving a summary of what participants are to expect, Udeh explained, “The training offers a practical approach to exporting and will show businesses how to prepare the correct documentation required to export to the United States of America (USA), how to find buyers, how to list products and sell on Amazon, how to export food products and the various licenses needed as well as other aspects of exporting”.

He added that assisting businesses to export would have an enormous ripple effect across the economy by increasing the volume of export earnings.

According to the bank, the seminar is designed for businesses in the following sectors: Food and Beverage; Fashion and Textile; Leather and Foot ware; Furniture and Woodwork; Art and Craft, Beauty and Cosmetic Industries, Pet Products, Building Materials; Light Equipment; as well as Chemical and Petrochemical industries.

After the training, Export & Sell would help businesses to revamp their products packaging, and sales literature, making sure they meet the specifications to sell on Amazon and other US outlets.

The workshop comes to join a long list of dedicated initiatives put in place by the bank to help local businesses play on the global scale and attract foreign exchange earnings. For instance, it’s Export Management Programme (EMP), which was launched in 2016 and is hosted in partnership with the Lagos Business School and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), equips participants with requisite knowledge for driving non-oil exports.

The bank also launched the CBN RT200 FX Policy Sensitisation series in February 2022 to highlight opportunities for importers looking to pivot to exporting with the aid of the policy.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with about six million customers who are serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels.

The bank was recently recognized as the Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking & Finance Awards and in 2021, the bank won the awards of the “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Kaduna Train Attack: Life is Near Worthless Under APC, Buhari – PDP

By
The Source
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President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

The opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has, at once, condemned, in very terms, the fatal attack by Terrorists of an Abuja-Kaduna bound Train in the evening of Monday, March 22, 2022, and what it termed the insensitivity of the President Muhammadu Buhari regime.

The train, which had over 900 passengers was immobilised when it ran into bombs planted along the railway tracks by terrorists. The terrorists then embarked on a shooting spree. There were fatalities, many were injured and some kidnapped.

The PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the fact that the terrorists operated brazenly for about an hour without any challenge confirms that this Buhari Government has surrendered to terrorists.

Most of the passengers, who survived the attack slept in the bush and were rescued Tuesday morning by a combination of military personnel and Operatives of the Department of State Services.

Following, hereunder, is the full text of the PDP statement.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms the continuing insecurity and near worthlessness of the lives of Nigerians under the insensitive and cruel All Progressives Congress (APC) government as evidenced by the vicious terrorist attack on innocent Nigerians travelling in a Kaduna State-bound train on Monday, March 28, 2022.

“The successful ambush of the train on the Abuja-Kaduna service by terrorists who killed many Nigerians, abducted scores of others in an operation that lasted for over an hour, again confirms PDP’s stand that the security command and control coordination structure under President Buhari has collapsed.

“More alarming is the fact this particular attack took place within two days of the deadly terrorist attack on the Kaduna International Airport on Saturday, March 26, 2022 in the same Kaduna State controlled by an APC Government.

“The PDP insists that the complicity of silence by the Buhari administration on the Saturday’s airport attack emboldened the terrorists to assault the train; a development which also validates PDP’s position that the APC administration has conceded sovereignty over parts of our country to terrorists.

“The continued silence and obvious helplessness of the Buhari Presidency on these deadly attacks on our nation’s key transportation sectors raises apprehensions of possible complicity at the very top level of the APC administration.

“It is callous and unfortunate that the APC government, in its usual insensitive nature attempted to suppress information by keeping mute over 24 hours after this horrendous attack which claimed the lives of promising Nigerians among whom was a young medical doctor, Dr. Chinelo Megafu who was fatally shot in the ill-fated train travel.

“Nigerians can recall the confession by a former APC leader that these assailants are terrorists brought from neighboring countries by the APC as ‘political mercenaries’ to rig the 2019 general elections.

In 2021 over 10,366 Nigerians were killed by terrorists with over 2,900 abductions in countless terrorism related attacks in which no fewer than 964 security agents were killed, as revealed by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence Report published in the Guardian Newspaper of Thursday, January 3, 2022.

“Those killed in 2021 represents a scary 47% increase in the 7063 massacred by terrorists in 2020.

“More alarming is that the killing spree has continued in 2022 unabated. More than 536 Nigerians have been killed by terrorists since the beginning of this year. In the first three weeks of January 2022, about 486 Nigerians were killed by terrorists as reported in Premium Times of Sunday, January 23, 2022.

“Again, only last week, 50 innocent Nigerians were reportedly hacked to death by terrorists in the same Kaduna State!

“This is beside the hundreds of Nigerians, including students who were abducted by terrorists with many of them still languishing in their abductors’ den.

“The question to ask is, how many more Nigerians can our nation afford to lose because of the recklessness and arrogance in failure of the APC?  Nigeria bleeds, families are hurting, parents mourn and agonize, yet the APC Government is on vacation.”

President Buhari has ordered that the perpetrators be fished out and punished.

Qatar 2022: Nigeria Bundled Out, As Black Stars Qualify For World Cup

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Super Eagles fans and supporters that thronged the 60,000 capacity filled MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, were silenced by the determined and focused Black Stars of Ghana team. Ghana Kicked Nigeria out by  recording  a 1-1 draw against their host. By doing that, Ghana’s Black Stars booked a place to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup via away goal rule.

Having played a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, four days ago, the Thomas Partey captained Ghana stuck to their gun and game plan. They got the much needed away goal as early as the 12th minute into the encounter courtesy of the Arsenal Football Club of England midfielder, Partey, following a howler from the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho.

A lackluster Super Eagles Team rallied back into the game as Leicester City Football Club of England winger, Ademola Lookman won a penalty that was converted by William Troost Ekong in the 22nd minutes of the encounter.

The Super Eagles struggled throughout the entire match. They lacked coordination, coherence, accuracy, depth and urgency. The   Ghanaians dictated the pace of the game

Coach Augustine Eguavoen made some changes from the first leg, by starting Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka and Emmanuel Dennis, but this never metamorphosed into positive result for the team.

The draw means that Nigeria’s flag won’t be hoisted at the World Soccer showpiece, as the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second time since making its debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the United States of America.

Nigeria has always qualified for the World Cup since making its debut but failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and now the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the first of its kind to be hosted in the Middle East.

Kaduna Train Attack: We Shall Overcome – Buhari; Issues Security Directives; Manhunt For Perpetrators

By
The Source
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Muhammadu Buhari

“At my Meeting with Security Chiefs at the State House this afternoon, following the dastardly terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna Rail Line, I issued the following Directives:

“—Immediate conclusion of all processes for implementation of the Integrated Security Surveillance and Monitoring (ISSM) Solution for Abuja—Kaduna Rail Line

“—Extension of the ISSM Solution to cover the Lagos—Ibadan Rail Line

*—Rescue of all kidnapped passengers, and a Manhunt for the terrorists, to ensure they are all made to face justice for the heinous acts.

*—The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) management is to speedily repair the damaged lines and resume normal service without delay.

*My earlier directive about that the military should deal ruthlessly with terrorists stands. Anyone found unlawfully wielding an AK 47 should not be spared! No one should be allowed to hold the country to ransom.

*I am deeply pained by this attack, the second of its type. The attack on the train, a safe means of transport to many, is callous; our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, and prayers for the injured.

*I commend the Law Enforcement agencies for their prompt response, and all the emergency personnel who were responsible for the evacuation and treatment of the injured persons.

*Nigeria will overcome the forces of evil. We will not relent until this is accomplished.

President Buhari today, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, following the horrifying attack on the Abuja-Kaduna Train on Monday, March, 28, 2022

Train Attack: VP Osinbajo Diverts Plane To Kaduna, Tinubu Cancels Colloquium

By
The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

As the extent of the tragedy of the bombing of an Abuja-Kaduna bound Train begins to hit home, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has diverted his Lagos-bound Aircraft to Kaduna.

This came as criticisms has greeted the silence of President Muhammadu Buhari and his APC-led Government, almost 24 hours after the tragedy that has shaken Nigeria to its foundation.

Osinbajo was billed for Lagos to attend aTV Colloquium to mark the 70th birthday of former Lagos State Governor, and a Presidential aspirant, under the banner of the All Progressives Congress, APC,  Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Instead of attending the 13th Colloquium, he diverted  to Kaduna over the fatal attack. His spokesman, Laolu Akande, said the Vice President diverted to Kaduna after hearing the news of the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, Tinubu in the sobre mood of the Nation over the fatal terror attack has canceled the 13th Colloquium to mark his 70th birthday.

Kaduna Train Attack: Barrister Musa-Lawal Ozigi, TUC Sec-General Killed; Buhari, Amaechi Mum

By
The Source
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Barrister Musa-Lawal Ozigi

By Gideon Njoku

Adamu, Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Among The Kidnapped

Almost 24 hours after the fatal bombing of an Abuja-Kaduna bound Train, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has not said a word, nor has the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi who supervises the Nigeria Railway Corporation.

This is as the  names of either those killed,  kidnapped or injured become public.

Already, eight people have been confirmed dead, as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Among those confirmed dead is a young female Medical Doctor, Chinelo Megafu. She was a staff of Gerald’s Hospital, Kaduna, and was billed to leave Nigeria this weekend before she was killed..

Also dead is the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Barrister Musa-Lawal Ozigi.

Kidnapped and still missing is the Managing Director of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, Kabir Mohammed Adamu.

The former Deputy Governor  of Zamfara State , Ibrahim Wakkala was also kidnapped. He was shot in an exchange of gunfire between the Terrorists and  Security operatives. He was, however, rescued and currently Hospitalised.

Peter Obi Condemns Kaduna Airport, Train Terror Attacks

By
The Source
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Former Governor, Peter Obi has described as shocking, the recent terror attacks on Kaduna Airport and on an Abuja – Kaduna bound train, with several persons reportedly abducted, saying that the worsening level of insecurity across the country is depressing and disheartening.

Obi, a Presidential aspirant for the 2023 elections, in a Statement from his Media Office, said that the terror attacks in Kaduna and different parts of the country, have become very worrisome and should serve as wake up call to the government to beef up the country’s security architecture and be more proactive in handling security issues.

In a statement signed on his behalf by Valentine Obienyem, Obi lamented that the challenges of insecurity will be too much of a burden on Nigerians already battling with hardship and poverty. He explained that the worsening level of insecurity further aggravates the negative performance of Nigeria’s economy.

While condoling with the families of the bereaved and sympathising with the traumatized passengers, Obi urged the different security agencies in the country to remain resolute in the fight against terrorism in the country.

He called on Nigerians to eschew all forms of violence and terrorism, while encouraging everyone to remain security conscious for the good of society.

Kaduna Train Attack: How Dr Chinelo Died; Eye Witness Account; Airline, NRC Suspend Operations

By
The Source
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Dr Chinelo

By Gideon Njoku

She was young. She was beautiful. She was brilliant. She was a Medical Doctor. And had a very rosy before her. But all that was cut short in one mad moment in a country which insecurity problems have become very frightening.

She was identified  as  Dr. Chinelo Megafu. But Dr  Megafu lies stone dead in a mortuary in Kaduna , a victim of the unprecedented attack on an Abuja-Kaduna bound Train in the evening of Monday, March 28, 2022.

She had boarded the ill-fated Train from Abuja to Kaduna along with over 900 others. When the bomb planted along the railway track exploded, demobilised and damaged Train,  followed by gun shot attacks on the frightened passengers, Dr Chinelo escaped into the bush. But he was hit by bullets fired by the devil’s.

Bleeding badly, and knowing the implications, she posted an SOS, pleading for her life.

Perhaps, she was either not taken seriously, or help was too late in coming. She bled to death. “I have been shot, pray for me”, she tweeted before he died.

Meanwhile, an eye witness to the attack posted the following account of the tragedy and happened.

“It happened at 8.06pm.

Explosives planted on the rail track.

“On contacting the explosives, the train head passed through,  but two coaches derailed and the train stopped.

“Immediately, the terrorists entered and started shooting sporadically speaking in hausa language ‘Sauka’, meaning Come down.

“The police and military operatives in the train confronted them until they ran our of bullets and they equally laid down.

“Many people were killed inside the coaches while those trying to run away were equally shot and killed.

“The terrorists took many away as kidnap victims.

“After the atmosphere calmed down, the military and police operatives arrived and rescued the survivors .

“The survivors were made to treck to where rescue buses provided by the military parked, and ferried to Kaduna. The buses arrived Kaduna a little past 3am.

“Ambulances were seen packing dead bodies and those with bullet wounds.”

As a consequence, the Nigeria Railway Corporation,  NRC, has temporarily suspended its Abuja-Kaduna  services. And so has Azman Airline which Kaduna-Abuja aircraft was prevented from taking off on March 26 when terrorists invaded the Kaduna International Airport.

Kaduna Train Attack: Former Zamfara Deputy Governor Shot

By
Adesina Soyooye
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former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Wakkala

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Wakkala, was among the passengers on the ill-fated Train which came under heavy attack by Terrorists in Kaduna on Monday, March 28, 2022.

The Train, which left the Federal Capital Territory around 6.00pm, came under bombardment by Terrorists between Katari and Rijana in Kaduna State at about 8.00pm. It had over 900 passengers on board.

The Terrorists planted bombs along the railway track. On impact with the bombs, there were explosions which demobilised the Train, and exposed the hundreds of passengers to a horrendous experience as the Terrorists went for a kill.

They embarked on a shooting spree of the helpless and  frightened passengers.

Eye witnesses say there were fatalities. Many were injured, and some were kidnapped.

Wakkala was one of those  kidnapped and was shot during a fire exchange between  Security Operatives and the Terrorists. Luckily for him, he was among the many rescued by the combined team of the Military and Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.

An Aide to the former Deputy Governor  said his boss had attended the just concluded National Convention of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and was on his way back on the ill-fated Train.

He is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Kaduna where he was evacuated to.

Most of the Passengers passed the night in the bush where they escaped to. But according to the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, they  have all been evacuated by the Military, DSS and the Red Cross.

Zoning: Reject Injustice, Anyim tells North Central Zone

By
The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Frontline 2023 Presidential aspirant, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has urged the people of the North Central geo-political zone to resist social injustice in Nigeria reminding them that their zone and the Southeast zone face similar problems in the country.

Anyim who said these on Monday while addressing leaders and delegates of his Party, the PDP in Jos promised to make Jos an international city devoid of internal strife and crisis if he becomes Nigeria’s President next year.

Speaking on zoning of political offices, the People’s Democractic Party Presidential hopeful said zoning simply means equity, fairness, justice and inclusiveness and urged the Plateau state PDP delegates to support zoning.

By supporting zoning, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), went on, the North Central Zone would also win its battle to get its fair deal in Nigeria.

“If PDP wants to win this election, we must respect zoning. Zoning means fairness, Justice and equity.”

Anyim reminded the people that one of the reasons why PDP was voted out in 2015 was the accusation that the Party violated the zoning principle.

He told his audience that nobody is happy with the situation of Nigeria saying that 2023 is a defining moment for the country.

On the development of Jos city, Anyim said it requires making it a Centre of learning and Tourism backed up by large farm settlements.

This way, he posited, the city would accommodate everybody including foreign investors and at the same time reduce or eliminate crisis.

He then urged the delegates to support his aspiration for the General Development of Nigeria.

Responding, the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Chris  Hassan, said they were impressed by Anyim’s credentials and experience and assured him of their support.

Most of the delegates spoke in support of zoning insisting that it is part of PDP’s consultation.

Anyim’s entourage was received into Jos, the State Capital by enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

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