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Abia Approves Recruitment Of 771 Doctors, New Salary Scale For Health Workers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To improve healthcare service delivery, the Abia State Government has approved the recruitment of about 771 Medical Doctors, Nurses, and other healthcare professionals into the healthcare sector.

Similarly, to attract and retain critical human resources within the health sector in the State, Governor Alex Otti also approved a new salary scale for the State’s healthcare workers .

A statement on Wednesday April 30, 2025, from the Commissioner for health, Prof Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, informed that the new and improved salary structure – the Abia State Health Workers Salary Scale, ASHWOSS, will take effect as from May, 1, 2025.

According to the Commissioner, the new salary scale effectively brings Abia State Health workers to the same level with their Federal counterparts, who are at CONMESS,(Consolidated Medical Salary Scale for Doctors)  and CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Scale for Nurses, Pharmacists ,Physiotherapists and other health professionals).

“This means that Abia Health Workers, with effect from May 1 ,2025, will begin to enjoy the same pay as their Federal Government counterparts”, Prof Uche Stated.

The Health Commissioner noted that the 771 health Personnel to be recruited was arrived at based on the outcome of the needs assessment carried out at  Health Facilities across the State.

The recruitment exercise, he stated, will include Doctors, Nurses ,Pharmacists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Physiotherapists, Radiographers, as well as other categories of Healthcare Workers.

“His Excellency has also approved the release of funds to cover the emoluments of the 771 new staff to be recruited into the healthcare system.

“To attract ,and retain critical human resources for health talents in the State, His Excellency has directed the Ministry of Health to negotiate special emolument package to attract consultants and specialists of rare, but critical medical fields, and medical experts with special skills including laparoscopy, and minimally invasive surgery, anesthesia, and intensive care, transplant, and robotic surgery, cardiac and neurosurgery, neonatology, interventional (radiology ,neurology, cardiology and nephrology) ophthalmology, oncology, orthopedics and plastic surgery on a case by case basis as may be applicable. All above approvals will take effect from May 1,2025”, the Health Commissioner noted.

Okowa Lobbied To Be Atiku’ s Running Mate, Caused PDP’s Defeat – Timi Frank

By
Ayodele Oni
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Timi Frank and Okowa and Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has said that former Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, lacks rectitude to play victim or feign regret over a job and position he desperately wanted.

Okowa and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, led other top PDP chieftains in the State to decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC) early this week.

Okowa had, in an interview, stated that he was a reluctant candidate as the PDP’s presidential candidate running mate and that the decision was made by elders of the party.

But Frank, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, condemned the statement credited to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, to the effect that he “regrets” accepting to be presidential running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.

According to him, Okowa’s position was an “afterthought” since he was not only desperate to be running mate but fought, begged and lobbied for the position.

“It is understandable that Okowa is fighting the battle of his life to evade prosecution by the EFCC over corruption allegations against him, but to make Nigerians believe that he now “regrets” taking up the position of Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP in 2023 is not only an an afterthought but cowardice in full bloom.

“We know how Okowa begged, fought and lobbied to get the position.

“This is not Okowa’s first attempt as a high level betrayer. The tale of how he stabbed ex-Governor James Ibori, his erstwhile godfather, in the back because of power is still fresh in our memory.

“Many of us know how Okowa emerged as Vice Presidential candidate which he was not meant to be because a few of us never wanted him because we believed he did not have the capacity and experience to become Vice President.

“I’m one of those who felt strongly that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was a better candidate than Okowa as at that time. But because of the interest of some leaders and elders of PDP at that time, who, at Okowa’s bidding, unknown to many, lobbied and pressurized Atiku to pick him.

“We are still of the opinion that if Wike had emerged in place of Okowa in 2023 as running mate to Atiku, perhaps PDP would be in government at the National level today but we lost out apparently because of the choice of this ungrateful Okowa who never brought real value or political capital to the table.

“Even as a sitting Governor and a Vice Presidential Candidate, his party, PDP, lost Delta State during the last Presidential Election and because of his emptiness and lack of electoral value, his present voyage would equally not benefit the APC.

“I dare say that with his lack of capacity and value, Okowa would remain a liability because even with him in APC, the party would still lose Delta state in 2027 like PDP did in 2023 with Okowa as a sitting governor.

“With the likes of Okowa joining APC, it shows the party is now a dumping ground for looters. Okowa did not join the APC because he believed Asiwaju has delivered or that the party is working but because of his atrocities now being investigated by the EFCC.

“However, Nigerians and the international community will watch if the anti-graft agency will soft-pedal on his probe because he is now singing: ‘Tinubu, On Your Mandate We Shall Stand.”

“Arrest Senator Natasha  For Treason” – APC Urges

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Akpoti

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, described Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s satirical letter, and her persistent denigration and disparaging of Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President and the National Assembly, as akin to a  treasonable offence.

The Party, therefore, called on all relevant security agencies to immediately arrest the Senator representing Kogi Central District.

In a statement issued by its South South Zonal Organizing Secretary, Blessing Agbomhere,the APC cautioned Senator  Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against veiled and orchestrated efforts at denigrating the person and office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The party, in the statement, strongly condemned the recent satirical letter of apology written by the Senator representing Kogi Central to the Senate President.

The Source reports that Senator Akpoti had, a few days ago, penned a highly mocking letter of apology to Senator Akpabio over their ongoing alleged se3ual abuse scandal.

However, Agbomhere maintained that the mudslinging targeted at the Senate President and the National Assembly by Senator Natasha will not yield her  the expected outcome.

The APC South South Organizing Scribe,described Senator Natasha’s satirical letter as not only meaningless, but also laughable to discerning minds and those who believe in the sanctity and importance of the Legislative arm of Government in the country.

According to Agbomhere, the unpatriotic and unbecoming theatrics by the suspended Senator Natasha deserve to be roundly condemned by all well meaning Nigerians instead of the applause she is getting from those he described as “charlatans and unpatriotic elements”.

He emphasized that only miscreants and misguided elements derive satisfaction from Senator Natasha’s efforts at denigrating and destroying the image of the country.

The APC chieftain insisted that Senator Natasha’s  condemnable behaviour stands clearly against the oath of office she took which include, but not limited to the protection of the sanctity of the legislative organ.

“Senator Natasha’s behaviour, I dare say, amounts to treason. How on earth can a supposed distinguished member of the National Assembly make it a stock in trade to break protocol and demarket the most important arm of Government in her Country just for the sake of clout chasing?

“I encourage the necessary security agencies to bring her to book forthwith”, Agbomhere stated.

Rivers State Of Emergency: Lawyers Protest, Demand Immediate Restoration Of Democratic Rule

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Lawyers Protest in Rivers State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Legal practitioners under the aegis of “Lawyers in Defence of Democracy”, LDD, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025,  joined the growing list of street protesters agitating for the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State.

Following the declaration of a state of emergency in the State  by President Bola Tinubu, and the subsequent suspension of the Governor and other democratic institutions on March 18, 2025, several women and youth groups have taken to the streets in protests demanding, among other things,  the removal of retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator, as well as the restoration of democratic rule.

Led by its Country Director,  Barr. Uchechukwu Udeh Sylvester, the LDD declared the imposition of a State of emergency on Rivers, and the suspension of democratically elected institution, as an aberration which must not be allowed to fester.

In their letter of protest, the aggrieved lawyers urged President Donald Trump and all other democratic nations in the world to intervene, and stop the gradual and steady erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria.

According to LDD, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and the State House of Assembly Members is a brazen attempt to stifle democracy and undermine Constitutional order.

The Lawyers also berated the National Assembly for giving a stamp of approval to the orchestrated plot to undermine and truncate democracy in the  Country.

The Lawyers expressed serious concern that the National Assembly could gloat over the feelings of overwhelming majority of Nigerians, to approve the illegal contraption in Rivers State.

“In an era where democracy is supposed to reign supreme, giving democracy dividends to the masses, we have found ourselves at a crossroads, a sober moment of reckoning where constitutional order is being tested most brazenly.

“This could only happen during the days of military juntas, but we are not under the firm grip of a military dictatorship.

“At the moment, the country is being governed under a constitutional democracy that operates a presidential system of Government.

“President Bola Tinubu should not have taken the decision because democracy is a learning process, and the judiciary has demonstrated the capacity to resolve issues .

“The President should have allowed the various State organs to resolve the issues, the LDD noted.

The protesting Lawyers called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the emergency rule and allow  elected officials to discharge their mandates to the people.

Enugu: Peter Obi’s Campaign Coordinator Dumps LP, Defects To PDP

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Titus Odo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The poaching from the ranks of the Labour Party LP, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State continued on Wednesday with the LP State Publicity Secretary Titus Odo, a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and a known ally of Peter Obi, Prince Emeka Mamah, as well as several others joining forces with the PDP.

The Source reports that a few weeks back, Hon Chijioke Edoga, the LP Governorship candidate in the State, during the 2023 general election had similarly defected to the PDP, citing the need to encourage Governor Peter Mba in his efforts at moving Enugu forward as a major reason.

Instructively, Mamah ,who was Obi’s Enugu State Presidential Campaign Coordinator and  Odo, had joined the LP in 2023 from the PDP, alongside Edoga.

Odo, the LP spokesperson,while speaking during a formal reception ceremony at the PDP State Secretariat in Enugu, expressed happiness that he has returned to his political nest, PDP.

Like ,Edoga, before him, Odo equally noted that he was attracted back to the PDP by the massive developmental stride of the state Governor who, incidentally, defeated LP in 2023, in  rather controversial circumstances .

“I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant developmental strides of t Governor Mbah, and I say kudos to him.

“The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP Governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Enugu, Dr Chijioke Edoga.

“Another reason is that I am impressed with what the Executive Council Chairman of Igboeze North, Uchenna Ogara, is doing in the area, and I want to join them in this epoch making stride.”

In the same vein, Mamah, who is also from the same Igboeze Council as Odo, appreciated the PDP at all levels in the State for receiving him back into their fold.

He expressed satisfaction with the efforts of Governor Mbah, noting that he  was goaded into returning by the need to partner with him in taking Enugu to a greater height.

Receiving the defectors the Enugu Chairman of the PDP, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, expressed joy over the development, and noted that Governor Mbah has directed to take all necessary legitimate steps to bring back all those who left the party pre-2023 general elections.

“We are happy to have them back in our fold, and God has set this party on a good footing as victory in 2027 is already assured” the chairman noted.

Gov. Eno On Way Out Of PDP, Says “Party’s Plane Is Spoilt, May Not Be Able To Take Me To My Next Destination”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Umo Eno - Akwa Ibom State

By Ayodele Oni

Barring a last minute change of mind, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, may be the next member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to ditch the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

Eno has given hint of his possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was like a spoilt aircraft, and may no longer have the capacity to take him to the next destination come 2027.

Speaking against the backdrop of recent gale of defections from the PDP with the latest being the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborewori, who moved with the whole PDP Party structure, including his immediate predecessor and the Party’s Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Eno hinted that the heavily fragmented PDP may soon grind to a halt.

Addressing a huge crowd that thronged the Town Square meeting of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Headquarters of Ukanafun Local Government Area, the Governor disclosed that he might join the fray as soon as the crucial 2027 election year inches closer.

It had been speculated that more Governors elected on the platform of the PDP may ditch the party before the 2027 General Elections.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Elrufai, has however down-played the euphoria which greeted the defection. He said Governors don’t win election.

El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated that these moves will not deter his efforts to find solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

According to him, each Governor has one vote and elections are won by the people, not politicians.

“It’s good for headlines, it’s good to sell your media, but on the ground, politically, if you don’t have the people, you can have as high a profile as possible, you are nothing.”

Kano: Ten Years After, LG Councilors To Receive Outstanding Allowances

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1)
Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

After almost eleven years, reprieve has come to 3,000 political office holders at local governments in Kano state that served between 2014 and 2024 as Governor Abba  Yusuf approved a total of ₦15.6 billion for the settlement of outstanding allowances.

The allowances include severance gratuities, accommodation, and leave/recess, owed to over 3,000 former councillors from the 44 local government councils.

The Special Adviser on Information to the governor, Ibrahim Adam in a statement, explained that the financial package targets councillors that served during three distinct periods: 2014-2017, 2018-2020, and 2021-2024.

According to him,the funds will be disbursed in three installments across April, May, and June 2025.

He stated that the former councillors served under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, now national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), during which their entitlements remained unpaid.

“The issue of these outstanding payments has caused considerable frustration among the affected council members.

“Governor Yusuf, elected on a different political platform, has taken the initiative to settle their earned entitlements, marking a departure from previous administrative practices.

“The approval of ₦15.6 billion is a fulfillment of Governor Abba Yusuf’s promise to ensure that all outstanding entitlements owed to our dedicated public servants are settled. It is our duty to uphold the dignity of those who serve in elected positions.”

He further emphasized that this financial intervention is not just a commitment to the past but also a step towards fostering trust and accountability in governance.

“His Excellency recognize the sacrifices made by these councillors throughout their service. It is time to right the wrongs of the past, and the government is determined to make this happen.

“Local government officials have expressed appreciation for Governor Yusuf’s decision, viewing it as a critical step toward rectifying the financial injustices faced by these former councillors.

“This timely intervention is expected to provide much-needed support to the over 3,000 individuals who have long awaited their rightful entitlements.

“Governor Yusuf’s administration continues to gain public support as it actively works to resolve various humanitarian and administrative issues that have persisted from previous regimes.

“As the scheduled payments approach, many are hopeful that this financial relief will further enhance the well-being of the former councillors and contribute positively to their communities.”

“Nobody kidnapped Me, I Don’t Want To Be Kidnapped” – Sunny Ade

By
Akinwale Kasali
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King Sunny Ade

By Akinwale Kasali

Sunday Adegeye, legendary Afrobeat maestro, popular as King Sunny Ade, KSA, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his families, friends, colleagues, fans and Nigerians for their show of love, concern and care following his widespread kidnapping rumour spread by his daughter, Damilola.

In a live video shared by one of his wives, Bose Olubo-Adegeye, the Musician said “I am safe, hale and hearty”. He urged Nigerians to dispel the rumour.

Damilola raised alarm over her Father’s whereabouts, and accused her step brother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage, masterminding his kidnap, stole his money and generally mismanaging his affairs.

In a flurry of social media posts, Damilola called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing access to him.

However, debunking the kidnap rumour in a live video, KSA reassured his fans that he was hale, hearty, and actively performing live music at events.

He specifically mentioned performing at a show in Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend and noted that he was on his way to another performance.

“Nobody kidnapped me. I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe that the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade. I have to thank God and you, my fans, for the concern. I have been doing my shows. I was at a show last Saturday at Lekki, Lagos.

“I am on my way to have a show, and I am coming back again to play in Lagos, as well.

“So, I have nothing to say other than to thank God and to thank you.

“I know my children are in love with me, and they want to see me. I didn’t go anywhere. This is me. I thank the children, too, for their concern as well.

“By God’s grace, enjoyment continues. I am still in music. Music is my life; it is my business, and I will continue to do it. I thank the whole world for loving me as usual,” he added.

Dayo, KSA’s Manager had earlier debunked the Kidnap rumour spread by Damilola before the legendary Musician also came out to dispel the rumour.

Sports, Platform To Promote National Unity – Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Imo Government Sports

The  Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has received the Unity Torch for the 2025 National Sports Festival taking place in Ogun State.

The Governor did Monday, April 28, 2025 and described the event as a platform to promote unity among the participating States in the country.

Receiving the Unity Torch on behalf of the Imo State Government at the Government House, Owerri before Sports enthusiasts, staff of the National Sports Commission and Imo State Sports Council who gathered to witness the event, the Governor urged the Imo contingents to go and make the State proud by winning the coveted medals.

He reminded them that Imo State is known for excellent performance in sports, and encouraged the contingents to go out there with determination and come back with many gold medals to make the State proud.

“Go and win, and win, and win, to the glory of God,” he challenged them.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports,  Hon Obinna Onyeocha handed over the Unity Torch to the Team Leader from the National Sports Commission, Ms Mbora Ikana, who in turn handed it over to the Governor amid singing, drumming and dancing.

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

Zenith Bank Fetes Shareholders With Dividends Payout Of N195.67bn

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Zenith Bank Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc, at the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, approved the proposed final dividend payment of NGN4.00 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2024 financial year to NGN5.00 per share, with a total value of NGN195.67 billion.
The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, thanked the shareholders for their unflinching support and commitment, which have been responsible for the bank’s stellar performance over the years. He noted that despite challenges globally in 2024, Zenith Bank was able to leverage the opportunities within the environment of each subsidiary to record a performance that solidly attests to the bank’s resilience as a brand.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed her appreciation to the shareholders for their commitment and support, promising quantum leap in dividends going forward. According to her, “This is the first time that I am addressing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in my capacity as the first female GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank. I would like to thank you for your confidence and support that has placed me in this position today”. She further said that “Zenith Bank is committed to, not only meeting your expectations, but exceeding them. We are focused on running a very efficient and sustainable institution that is resilient and will ensure that our institution outlives many generations to come”. Talking specifically about dividend, she emphasized that “If you look at our dividends trajectory, payments over the period have always increased and we will continue to maintain this record. We have successfully completed our recapitalization exercise, achieving 160% subscription. Therefore, we are not under any pressure to go back for the second time to raise funds. Zenith Bank has sufficient capital buffer to do business and we will continue to delight our shareholders. We are committed to growing our topline organically while adhering to our strict corporate governance culture.”
Dr. Faruk Umar, President of the Association of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), applauded the Group Managing Director for her efforts in ensuring the growth of the bank’s financial indices. He said, “We are very happy that the bank is paying us N5. Most importantly the GMD/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, has done so well. In the past year, she won the award for the Banker of the Year which is very commendable, and all the bank’s indices have gone up; we are now experiencing trillions in profit against N676 billion the previous year, and the shareholder’s funds, the gross earnings – everything now is in trillions. I think this is very commendable. The bank has won so many awards – no bank in Nigeria has won such qualitative awards like they have. They also surpassed the capitalization threshold of CBN by 160% – this is unprecedented. We are very happy with their performance.”
Speaking on the dividend payout, Alhaji Otunba Mukhtar Mukhtar, Chairman, Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said “The consistency of Zenith Bank dividend payout has never been matched in Nigeria. Since the inception of this bank, they have kept giving shareholders a consistent dividend payout, and this has made shareholders to be richer, happier, and more excited at the hardwork,  performance and commitment of the bank. We are very happy. If you look at the Profit Before Tax (PBT) and the Profit After Tax (PAT), they have been able to cross the N1 trillion threshold. They have given us a Profit Before Tax of N1.3 trillion, which is very commendable. The shareholders, as you have seen at the meeting, have expressed their happiness and joy about this performance. I am grateful to the Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Management and the Board for such an outstanding performance.”
Ambassador Dr. Olatunde Okelana, the Balogun Olugbon of Orile- Igbon, Oyo State, also commented on the bank’s dividend payout. In his words, “Zenith Bank investment has been the best for me. I want to believe that whoever has not invested in Zenith Bank has lost. Their dividend policy is very palatable, very beautiful in the banking industry and the lady at the helm of affairs is performing wonderfully well. She is one of the best female CEOs in the banking Industry in Nigeria. I am a capitalist, so I invest where my money can give me beautiful returns. I want to tell you that Zenith Bank has been the best in the capital market and it is the best investment. Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Founder & Chairman, is a benefit to mankind, he has done the best by giving us Zenith Bank. 99.9% of my savings is in Zenith Bank, because I have confidence in them and in the Management led by Dame Dr. Adaora. I want to encourage many Nigerians to invest in Zenith Bank so that they too can reap the fruit of their labor as soon as possible. I am very happy to be a shareholder of this bank.
Chief Timothy Adesiyan, President of the Shareholders Solidarity Association of Nigeria, praised the Chairman and Management of Zenith Bank for their consistent delivery of value to shareholders. He noted, “The dividend we received this year of N5 has been a promise which they have given to us at several forums which they have called at different times, and we thank them for not failing us in their promise. I am very proud to be a shareholder of Zenith Bank, and also their customer. The bank is a very reliable bank – if you keep your investments in Zenith Bank, you can go to sleep because there is always somebody there watching your investment for you.”

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