Fmr. President Obasanjo Commissions Osogbo Roundabout, Lauds Gov Adeleke’s Development Strides

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November 26, 2024

Olusegun Obasanjo with Governor Ademola Adeleka

By Ayodele Oni

Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has promised to make Osogbo a model capital to other states in Nigeria with the provision of infrastructure.

The governor spoke on Tuesday at the commissioning of a roundabout in the state capital.

The project was commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo who promised to cooperate with the governor in his development strides.

The governor explained that the project becomes imperative to reduce traffic congestion in the state capital.

Adeleke assured that development will also be extended to other towns in the state by his administration.

The governor was joined at the ceremony, which was part of activities to mark his second anniversary by some of his colleagues in the seventh Senate including Dino Melaye, Biodun Olujinmi and Duro Faseyi.

While commissioning the roundabout, former President Obasanjo said that the development stride of Governor Adeleke worthy of commendation just within two years into his administration.

He commended him for paying the entitlements of retirees in the state, urging the people and traditional rulers to continue to support the governor.

According to the supervising highway director, the project which is about 2.1 kilometers, was handled by local contractors.

Imo Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage, Commits To 13th Month Salary

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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November 26, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has approved the payment of the N70 new minimum to the State Civil Servants.

This is even as he announced the financial reflection of all promotions recently earned by workers in the State.

Those on Consolidated salary structures have been awarded a ten percent salary increase according to him.

The Governor, who revealed this on his official site, on Tuesday November, 26 2024, expressed the commitment of his administration to the improvement of the general welfare of Imo state workers, as well as pensioners.

He informed that his Government, in addition to the implementation of the new minimum wage, will still remain faithful to the payment of the 13th month salary.

Similarly, Governor Uzodinma said that machineries have been put in place for pensioners to enroll into the State Healthcare Services Scheme

He stated that the State is set to commence the payments of gratuities to the next batch of beneficiaries .

“Our commitment as a Government to the welfare of Imo workers and pensioners remains a sacred obligation ,and we have exemplified this once more with the approval for the implementation of the national minimum wage of N70,000 for Imo state workers.

“This decision, a product of extensive consultations with Labour leaders in the state, underscores our dedication to fostering improved living conditions of our workforce .

“In addition, we have approved a 10% increment for those on Consolidated salary structures, ensuring equitable enhancements across all cadres .

“Beyond the minimum wage implementation we have taken further steps to ensure comprehensive welfare for our workers.

“These include the financial reflection of promotions recently earned by employees and the sustenance of the regular 13th month salary payment”, Governor Uzodinma wrote.

NOVA Bank Achieves Global Cybersecurity Milestone With ISO 27032 Certification

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 26, 2024

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NOVA Bank has achieved a major milestone in its commitment to safeguarding customer data and digital operations by attaining the globally recognized ISO 27032 Cybersecurity Standard certification.

This significant achievement positions NOVA Bank among the elite financial institutions in Nigeria with such a distinction.

The ISO 27032 certification focuses on fortifying cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust protection for data, systems, and online transactions amid an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. In addition to this achievement, NOVA Bank is already certified in ISO 27001 for Information Security Management and BCMS 22301 for Business Continuity Management, further underscoring its dedication to operational excellence and security.

Speaking on the achievement, Acting Managing Director and CEO of NOVA Bank, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, described the certification as a pivotal moment for the Bank and its customers.

“This certification underscores NOVA Bank’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest global standards in cybersecurity. As we continue to innovate with customer-centric retail products, cybersecurity remains at the heart of our operations. Our customers can rest assured that their data and transactions are protected by some of the most advanced security frameworks in the industry. Trust is built on security, and NOVA is committed to providing a secure, reliable, and innovative banking experience,” Mrs Iloghalu stated.

The Bank’s Executive Director for Operations and Information Technology, Dr. David Isavwe, who also serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN), emphasized the broader implications of the certification.

“The ISO 27032 certification highlights NOVA Bank’s proactive approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges. It demonstrates our readiness to protect against evolving threats and our ability to adapt to the dynamic landscape of digital banking. This certification reinforces our commitment to delivering secure and uninterrupted services to our valued customers,” Dr. Isavwe remarked.

This milestone aligns with NOVA Bank’s overarching strategy of integrating cutting-edge technology with its trademarked Phygital model—seamlessly blending physical and digital banking experiences, while maintaining an unwavering focus on customer trust and satisfaction. As the bank prepares to launch a series of innovative retail banking products, this certification highlights its dedication to prioritizing cybersecurity, ensuring a secure and seamless banking experience for all its customers.

Reactivation of PH Refinery: President Tinubu Calls For Patience

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Ayodele Oni

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November 26, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.

Reacting to the commencement of production by Port Harcourt refinery, the president highlighted the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser, information and strategy, the President Tinubu called on individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

“President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.

“The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.

“With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.

“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.

“Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.”

NLC Knocks NBS 3.46 Percent GDP Growth Claim As ‘Voodoo’, Another Lie From Tinubu’s Administration

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 26, 2024

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, says there’s nothing on ground to prove that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, has grown significantly as claimed by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

Chris Onyeka, the National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC has described the NBS report as a “voodoo document”, saying nothing on ground proved that the economy is growing

The Bureau had on Monday released the October economic statistics, showing that the country’s GDP grew by 3. 46 percent, citing growth in employment in the Service Sector, noting that the growth surpassed the initial projection of 2. 54 per cent.

Following the NBS report, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reacted saying the growth is proof that his economic reforms are working, despite contrary opinions from not a few Nigerians that the country is not on the right trajectory.

For instance, Nigeria’s Afro beat superstar David Adeleke aka Davido recently criticized the administration for bringing the economy to ‘shambles’.

The International Monetary Fund, IMF had also recently described the reforms to be disappointing.

According to Onyeka, the NBS report that more people are being employed in the country is contrary to the current reality where businesses are closing shop.

He urge the Nigerian government to face the stark reality that Nigerians are facing the worth economic situation of their lives due to the harsh economic conditions in the country. .

Onyeka said, “Unemployment cannot be coming down in Nigeria when factories are closing shops.”

The NLC official stated that the report that more people are being employed is a fabrication, another way by the administration to deceive Nigerians, saying the GDP growth only exists in the imagination of the NBS. .

He said, “Once data does not reflect reality, it loses relevance. Unfortunately, the NBS has lost credibility as a result of the data they continue spewing out,” he said.

“Where are the jobs coming from? Is it from employers who are complaining of consumer resistance and slowing economic activities? It doesn’t add up.

“The truth remains: the NBS has become a failed institution, much like INEC in the eyes of the public.”

Davido had at the Bid Homies House podcast, in the United States, attacked the Tinubu’s administration for making life unbearable for Nigerians, advising him to fix the economy.

“It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles. I do my part, I am an ambassador. When I go home and I am filming, I am not going to show the bad parts,” Davido said.

Kaduna Seals Banks, Others Over N1.7 Billion Tax

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The Source

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November 26, 2024

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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano Sfate

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Just barely 24 hours after the Kano State authorities sealed some business premises including, Max Air, belonging to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s newest in-law Dahiru Mangal, for an alleged tax evasion, the Kaduna State Government on Tuesday November 26, clamped down on some banks and others on similar grounds .

The Source reports that the Kano State Government, on Monday, November 25, 2024, sealed the business premises of three companies, including Max Air situated on Ashton Road in the commercial hub of the North for, allegedly, evading their tax payment obligations between the years of 2012 and 2017.

Curiously, the action against Max Air came less than two weeks after the owner, Katsina born Mangal led his son to tie the nuptial knot with the daughter of Senator Kwankwanso, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s political godfather at a well celebrated ceremony in Kano .

Also sanctioned were construction giant Dantata and Sawoe and Northern Rice and Oil mill for allegedly withholding several millions of Naira in tax payments to the Kano state authorities between 2021 and 2022.

According to the Director, Kano State Debt Management and Enforcement Agency, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the closure of the companies was sequel to a court order to that effect.

He noted that the Agency had to resort to the sealing of their business premises to compel payments.

Affected in the sealing exercise carried out by the Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue Service, include the popular Hamdala Hotel, Unity Bank ,First City Monument Bank, Bank of Agriculture, BOA, and Chicken Republic ,a fast food outfit.

Most of the affected organizations which are located on Yakubu Gowon Way Kaduna, according to the Secretary/Executive Director Of Legal Services of the board Bar, Aisha Ahmad are withholding tax payments obligations to the Kaduna state Government in excess of about N1.7 billion.

She explained that the action became necessary following the failure of the parties to explore all legal and peaceful avenues towards resolving the issue .

The premises of the affected organizations will only be reopened when all issues involved are fully resolved,particularly that of the land use tax ,she stated.

Fmr Kogi Gov Bello Hands Self Over To EFCC

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Ayodele Oni

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November 26, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello on Tuesday handed over himself to the Economic, Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC). That would be his second time of visiting the EFCC on his own after the Commission declared him wanted. On his first visit, the Commission inexplicably let him go without a word.

This is just as his case is expected to come up at the Federal High Court, in Abuja on Wednesday.

It was also gathered that the former Governor drove himself in a black hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.

The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed the case instituted by states including Kogi on the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.

Bello had about two months ago reported at the EFCC but claimed that he had to leave since no official attended to him.

There were insinuations last week that he was going to visit the EFCC but the former governor’s media aides did not respond to enquiries on the information.

At the last hearing on November 14, the EFCC had sought for adjournment to November 27, in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying the 30 days window was still running for the summons earlier issued.

The EFCC, however, admitted his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to administrative bail and prayed the court for extension of time for the 1st Defendant to appear.

N7.2 Million Financial Scandal Rocks Ayobo Ipaja LCDA As Chair Battles Ill Health

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 26, 2024

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Bola Shobowale - Chairman - Ipaja Ayobo LCDA

By Akinwale Kasali

For months, the Chairman of Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Bola Shobowale, has been battling health challenges, which has left her incapable of overseeing the day to day affairs of the Council.

However, a shocking financial scandal has engulfed the LCDA. A sum of N7,157,742 (Seven Million, One Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Two Naira Only), has, allegedly, fraudulently been withdrawn from the Council’s account in a single day.

Investigations revealed that the said sum was withdrawn from the Council’s account without the authorization and signature of Shobowale. This has sent shock waves to observers, Council members and members of the general public.

Documents obtained revealed that the funds were siphoned on 7th November, 2024, from the Council’s account with Access Bank.

Receipt details of the brazen transactions is as follows: N1,141,140 was withdrawn first, followed by N52,500, and another N5,964,102.96—all on the same day.

The withdrawals which were, allegedly, facilitated through forged signatures, have raised serious questions about accountability and the integrity of financial operations within the Council.

The scandal unfolds against the backdrop of Shobowale’s prolonged illness, which has left a leadership vacuum in the LCDA.

It was revealed that Shobowale’s absence and her failure to handover to her Vice led to a vacuum, for which some persons zeroed in for exploitation.

Observers are of the opinion that the lack of a clear succession or delegation during Shobowale’s illness may have contributed to the fraudulent activities, and also emboldened unscrupulous actors to exploit her absence to further destabilise the already embattled administration.

Sources in the Council stated that the Chairman’s signature appears to have been forged for the transactions.

“This situation highlights a systemic failure to establish protocols that ensure seamless operations in her absence”, the source disclosed.

“The lack of transparency, accountability and leadership has further led to fraudulent activities in the Council.”

Ebonyi: Governor Nwifuru Suspends Two Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 26, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended, indefinitely, the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development. He, also suspended the Commissioner for Health for three-months.

The Commissioners were suspended over allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.

Several other government officials were also punished.

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, along with the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, were also suspended for three months.

This comes after the Governor had earlier suspended the Commissioner for Water Resources over the vandalization of State water schemes.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Jude Okpor, disclosed the suspensions during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting. He announced that the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health has been directed to oversee the Ministry of Health in the absence of the suspended Commissioner.

“The suspended officials are to hand over all government properties in their possession, including vehicles, to the Secretary to the Government on or before the close of work on Monday, November 25, 2024,” Okpor stated.

Governor Nwifuru’s administration has also approved significant reforms in state-owned media establishments. The Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC) will now operate as an independent entity, becoming a Public Liability Company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“This reform aims to boost the productivity and economic returns of the corporation,” Okpor said, adding that a similar transformation applies to the Nigerian Patriot, the state’s newspaper and publishing corporation.

Affected staff who do not fit into the new independent structure will be redeployed to other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to continue their careers.

“This move is not about sacking employees but about reconfiguring the establishments to be independent, business-oriented, and self-reliant,” Okpor clarified.

The Council also directed the Head of Service to advertise vacancies for the positions of Auditor General of the State and Auditor General for Local Government, emphasizing the need to fill these roles promptly.

Davido, Uncle Joe, And Dilemma Of Nigerian Patriotism

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The Source

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November 26, 2024

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By Val. Obienyem

Ever since Davido stated what is as clear as crystal -the fact that Nigeria is in shambles – the self-appointed Nigerian patriotic police, Uncle Joe Igbokwe, has been after him. His pretended outrage seems to be that Davido dared to say so, arguing that even if the country were dead, Davido should instead occupy himself preaching that it had just been born anew.

This morning, I read Uncle Joe’s latest post, which commentators recognised as another veiled attack on Davido. I quote him: “When God says in the Holy Book that we should pray for the beauty of Jerusalem, He is telling us also to pray for the beauty of our country. Only a foolish person will be pointing to his father’s house with the left hand.”

I responded thus:

Uncle Joe, I believe one of your fundamental challenges is obstinacy. You seem dangerously fixated on your folly, driven by a need to prove a point to certain people at all costs – a pursuit that borders on hypocrisy.

What wrong has Davido committed by simply speaking the truth? If you genuinely love this country, you would welcome honest assessments rather than demand blind praise. Insisting that people deceive themselves and others by proclaiming the greatness of a nation that ranks among the worst in the world is not patriotism – it is hypocrisy.

Regarding the biblical reference to Jerusalem, no, it does not mean we should falsely claim our country is the best when it is at its lowest. When God instructs us in the Holy Book to pray for the beauty of Jerusalem, He calls on us to actively seek the peace, progress, and prosperity of our homeland. It is not about ignoring flaws or whitewashing challenges but about maintaining hope, taking responsibility, and striving for a better future while speaking with faith and purpose. Mourning a nation’s failings is often the first step towards lifting it out of despair.

Allow me to remind you of Isaiah 1:21-23, where God laments Jerusalem’s corruption: “See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her – but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.”

Similarly, in Jeremiah 5:1-3, God highlights Jerusalem’s lack of righteousness: “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.”

In Ezekiel 16:2-3, God uses strong imagery to rebuke Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness: “Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says to Jerusalem: Your ancestry and birth were in the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite.’”

These passages remind us that while God chastised Jerusalem for its failures, His ultimate aim was restoration, reconciliation, and the fulfilment of His promises. If God could be this harsh with His beloved city, why should we shy away from acknowledging Nigeria’s shortcomings in the hope of inspiring its rebirth? Recognising the truth is not disloyalty; it is the foundation of genuine progress.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, wrote from Awka.