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Ondo: 13 Candidates Seek Inclusion In Aiyedatiwa’s Administration

November 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Thirteen Political Parties which participated in last Saturday’s Governorship election in Ondo state have sought for inclusion in the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, that won the election.

Aiyedatiwa had polled 366,781 votes, with his closest runner up, Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) scored 117,835.

Candidates of the 13 political parties which participated governorship election also pledged their support for the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The candidates, alongside the chairmen of their political parties, met with the Governor at the Government House in Akure on Friday.

The political parties represented at the meeting, said they have accepted the outcome of the election.

Speaking one after the other, the candidates said now that the election is over, they are ready to work with the governor for the development of the State.

The political parties represented at the meeting were Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), New Nigeria People’s Party ( NNPP), and All People’s Party (APP),

Others are African Democratic Party (ADP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Youth Party (YP), Young People’s Party (YPP), Boot Party (BP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Responding, Aiyedatiwa thanked the candidates and party chairmen for pledging to support his administration.

The Governor said it has become a collective duty for all to come together and contribute meaningfully towards the development of the State.

He promised that his administration will continue to run an inclusive governance that will not discriminate against any political party.

PDP and its candidate have vowed to challenge the outcome of the election at the Tribunal.

Imo Govt Seals Pact With Hilton Group On Concorde Hotel Takeover

The Source

November 22, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma and Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, — L-R: Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Hilton Group Senior Director Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ms. Nida Sozugecer and Governor Hope Uzodimma when Hilton Group and Imo State Government signed MOU on the management of Concorde Hotel Owerri by the Hilton Group at Government House Owerri..

Baring any unforeseen circumstances, the keys to the completely rebuilt and furnished Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri, to international standard, will be handed over to the global chain hotel manager, Hilton Group, to manage as the latter and the Imo State government have entered into a pact for that purpose.

Hilton Group Senior Director Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ms. Nida Sozugecer was in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Friday, November 22, to sign the necessary documents contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Imo State government for the handover of the management of Concorde Hotel to her team.

Governor Hope Uzodimma signed for the Imo State government in the presence of the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Commissioner for Tourism, Barr. Jerry Egemba, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Irene Chima and other top government officials.

Earlier before the dotted lines in the MOU were signed off by both parties, Ms Sozugecer and the Governor, accompanied by other government officials, had inspected the ongoing renovation work at the Concorde Hotel Owerri built in 1979.

The contractors, Roycon Engineering, took them round the edifice and entertained queries from the Hilton Group representative on everything they are doing.

At the Governor’s Conference Room in Government House where the MOU was signed, Uzodimma regretted that the Concorde Hotel was criminally ran down by successive governments in Imo State, a situation that necessitated the complete rebuilding of the edifice.

Governor Uzodimma who said the project will cost about N19 billion noted that 30 per cent down payment had already been made and that by next week, another 30 per cent payment would be effected.

Though he said the original projection was for the hotel to be fully rebuilt in 12 months, the Governor hinted that the contractors have promised to hands off from the project in nine months.

Governor Uzodimma who said he was proud to sign the MOU on behalf of the government, because he wants to nurture the project to fruition, added that he will be prepared to take full responsibility for what he signed.

He thanked Sozugecer for taking the pains to personally visit Imo State for the signing of the MOU and expressed gratitude to the Hilton Group for considering Imo State as one of their business destinations.

The Governor further expressed confidence that the coming of Hilton Group to Imo, and in competition with Marriott, will boost economic activities in the State, help create employment opportunities and enhance tourism potential which Imo is already a pace setter in the country.

Governor Uzodimma is optimistic that the coming of the Hilton Group and Marriott will fill the gap created by the absence of hotels of global standards in Imo for which most oil companies doing business in the State in particular, and Nigeria in general, complain are not always available for their use.

Earlier in her brief remarks at the inspection of the ongoing renovation work and during the MOU signing, Sozugecer said that the Hilton Group is excited to be in Owerri, Imo State and could not wait to reap from the benefits which doing business in this part of the country portends.

Zenith Bank Tech Fair: Hackathon Winners Get N77.5m

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 22, 2024

A whopping N77.5 million in prize money was won at the end of a keenly contested hackathon session at the Fourth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI “, which held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 1,700 contestants that took part in the hackathon, with JumpnPass, a self-checkout technology solution reshaping the retail landscape in Africa emerging as the overall winner and taking home the grand prize of N25 million. This is in addition to a six-week mentorship and incubation program designed to help them grow and scale effectively, which will run from December 2024 to February 2025.

The first runner-up, CreditChek , a credit and verification service provider which leverages AI and open banking to streamline income and credit history verification for financial institutions, won N20 million and a mentorship programme, while the second runner-up, Salad Africa, a start-up which offers seamless integration of credit products for digital platforms and software companies won N15 million as well as a mentorship programme. Other finalists who took home N2.5million each include Regxta, CashAfrica, Middleman, Messenger, Pocketfood, Famasi Africa, Kitovu.

Earlier during the programme, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her welcome address expressed her appreciation to the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, for birthing the idea that led to the establishment of the Tech Fair initiative 5 years ago, she thanked him for his vision and foresight in utilizing technology to revolutionize the world of business and banking.

Commenting on the Hackathon, she said, “This prestigious annual event was created to empower and nurture young fertile minds. We hope to produce the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk from the Zenith Bank Hackathons in the nearest future. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, 70% of Nigeria’s population are youths which is an economic asset when properly harnessed. This is part of the reason why Zenith Bank is hosting this event to support the development of technology startups. Their success not only fosters innovation and growth in Nigeria, but it also plays a vital role in creating employment opportunities for our youth.” She also stressed on the importance of innovation and embedded finance in ensuring strong and enduring institutions. According to her, “it is paramount that we adapt and adopt technology to stay ahead of the curve. We have seen various cases of companies that failed because of their lack of innovation. It is quite obvious that when companies fail to innovate; they can easily be displaced, so this is not the time to be orthodox, innovation should be a top priority for us.”

In his goodwill message, The Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for a global approach to doing business in the country. According to him, “What we need to do is to be able to enhance our product and services in order to compete in the world. We can’t continue to act local, we need to think global. Anything that we’re doing now, we need to be able to know that we are not just serving a local market, we actually want to serve the global market, and that’s why I’m glad that consistently, for the past four years, I have kept up with the Zenith Tech Fair. I am sure 5.0 should be bigger and better than what we have today, but for us as a government, what we need to do is to continue to use platforms like this to reassure you of our readiness to provide an enabling environment for your ideas and innovative solutions.”

Described as a huge success by participants, the Fair featured the launch of the bank’s digital wallet, EazyByZenith, which will help to support the bank’s retail and financial inclusion strategy. The fair also included presentations on the leading technological innovations that cut across different aspects of life, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Compliance, Financial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Communication Technologies, with the keynote address, “Banking Transformation in a Digital World”, delivered by Robin Speculand, a renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist.

The event also featured goodwill messages by Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank; His Excellency, Hon. Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the Presidency on Economic Matters). Other eminent IT practitioners from top global brands who also made presentations include; Robin Speculand, renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist; Danilo McGarry, Global Expert on Digital Transformation and AI; Jania Okwechime, Partner, Africa, AI & Data Leader, Deloitte; Rupert Nicolay, Director, Microsoft Worldwide Financial Services.

The panel session had Wole Odeyele, Client Technology Lead for Microsoft Inc. as its host, and featured six discussants including Ada Jabaru, Founder & Director, Nistad Limited; Funke Opeke, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MainOne; Guy Futi, Chief Executive Officer, Orda; Dr Auwal Adam Sa’ad, Founder, ZamzamPay; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The Zenith Bank startup pitch competition and incubation program seeks to identify and fast-track the growth of high-potential Nigerian startups innovating in key sectors, including Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity, Fintech, HealthTech, Agritech, E-commerce, and more. The program provides an ideal platform for startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and gain access to invaluable resources to scale their businesses.

FG Says Sustained Diplomatic Pressure Led To Arrest Of Simon Ekpa In Finland

Ayodele Oni

November 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has shed light on the arrest of Simon Ekpa, an estranged member of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB) by the FinnishPolice on Thursday. The FG said his arrest followed sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland to take action against his activities, linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior explained that the request for action featured during high-level engagements between the two countries.

This was disclosed in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday in Abuja while confirming the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and violent agitator for the separation of the South East Region from Nigeria.

He said that Ekpa was arrested on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.

Ekpa, a Finnish politician and Biafran political activist, was reported to have in 2022 declared activation of Republic of Biafra in exile and himself, Prime Minister of the Government in Exile in 2023.

“The Ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, Nov. 21.

“He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

“The Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the South-East of Nigeria.

“Finnish investigators had also linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fueled by his online activities.

“The arrest of Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities, linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria.”

The statement described Ekpa’s arrest as a significant development in tackling the activities of IPOB and neutralising the influence of transnational actors, and their impact on national security.

He added: “The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.”

North Central PDP Youths Kick Against Postponement Of NEC Meeting, Insist Damagun Must Go

Ayodele Oni

November 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Youths from the North Central Zone have flayed the postponement of the National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) again for the second time.

The Zone has been angling to produce the next national chairman of the party after the NEC ratifies the removal of Damagun as acting national chairman.

Kola Ologbondiyan, a former publicity scribe of the party, who spoke on behalf of the youths in Abuja, disclosed that respecting the party’s constitution was the only way to address the challenges facing the PDP and also fixing Nigeria.

He warned that “Anything outside of this demand will end up an exercise in futility.

“Leaders must look at the bigger picture and address the truth wherever it is required. We must tell those who have undertaken to either kill the PDP or render it comatose that the party is not a one-man organisation.

“The founders named it the Peoples Democratic Party. It is, therefore, owned by the people of Nigeria and not any individual, no matter how well placed.

“The National Executive Committee of the party took a decision at its 98th meeting to consider the demand of the North Central at the 99th meeting scheduled in August this year, but the proposed NEC has suffered untold postponements to the detriment of the party and Nigerians.

“These postponements of NEC by the National Working Committee is an aberration that shows a huge disrespect for the constitutional order of the party.”

Ologbondiyan noted that the North Central region would continue to press for what rightly belongs to it.

“It is trite wisdom that as long as Damagum is being encouraged to continue to sit on the position of North Central, the concept of fixing the PDP will be mere lip servicing.”

The main opposition PDP had announced the postponement of its National Executive Committee meeting initially slated for November 28.

The party in a statement on Thursday said the postponement became necessary to enable members attend the burial of the Akwa Ibom State Governor and late First Lady of the state.

The statement signed by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, said the 99th National Executive Committee meeting was postponed due to the funeral of Patience Umo Eno, the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.

The statement said, “Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee may recall that the NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, was rescheduled to hold on Thursday, November 28, 2024, after an extensive meeting of leaders, critical stakeholders and relevant organs of the party held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

“However, at its meeting of Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the attention of the National Working Committee was drawn to the programme of events of the funeral ceremony of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, which events coincide with the scheduled dates of activities for the 99th NEC meeting.

“After due consideration, the NWC, recognising the need for party leaders to commiserate with Governor Umo Eno and also participate in the funeral, hereby wishes to notify distinguished members of NEC of our party that the 99th NEC meeting, earlier scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2024, will now be held on a date that will be communicated to members in due course.

“All NEC members should please note the change of date and be guided accordingly. The NWC sincerely regrets the inconveniences this change of date will cause distinguished members of NEC.”

Gov Aiyedatiwa Markets Ondo Potentials To Entrepreneurs

Ayodele Oni

November 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has highlighted the State’s vast economic potential, its strategic location, rich natural and mineral resources, and ongoing developmental projects, to Entrepreneurs as three days Global Entrepreneurship Festival, kicked off in the state capital.

The governor described entrepreneurship as the most powerful weapon to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said Aiyedatiwa, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Akure, on Friday, called for collective action to harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit for economic transformation.

“Entrepreneurship is the life-blood of innovation, the catalyst for economic growth, and the driving force behind social progress.

“It is the entrepreneurs among us who dare to dream, who take risks, and who push boundaries to create new opportunities and solve real-world problems.”

The Governor described the festival as a pivotal event that will shape the socio-economic future of Ondo State.

He emphasized the multidimensional objectives of the festival, including celebrating entrepreneurial achievements, fostering collaboration, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, and boosting local economy.

He noted the state’s position as Nigeria’s fifth-largest producer of hydrocarbons, its 40 percent contribution to the country’s cocoa exports, and the promising future of the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport.

“Our state is uniquely positioned for investment, with boundless opportunities in oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development.

“The ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project will connect Ondo to Lagos in about 30 minutes, making it a prime location for economic activities.”

The Governor commended the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for its efforts in job creation and entrepreneurial promotion, urging participants at the festival to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship.

“Let us work together to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world.”

The Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village Board, Mr. Dan Walkovitz, described the village as a transformative initiative designed to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

“The Entrepreneurship Village in Ondo State will provide a platform for mentorship, funding, and innovation. It is a place where dreams are turned into reality, and where the next generation of global leaders will emerge.”

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival will feature panel discussions, networking sessions, and exhibitions.

Enugu Emerges Host Of National Sports Festival After Ogun’s 22nd Edition In January

Ayodele Oni

November 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

While Ogun State is still preparing to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in January 2025, the National Sports Commission, (NSC) has announced Enugu State as the host of 23rd edition.

Date for the 23rd edition is unknown yet, the NSC clarified that the announcement will propel Enugu to make adequate preparations for the spoting event.

The Coal City State emerged top from a competitive bidding process and the state is set to deliver a world-class event.

The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and sporting excellence.

Bukola Olopade, the former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and current NSC Director General, revealed that the Gateway Games will host over 15,000 athletes.

He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun State in delivering a premium tournament.

According to the NSC, with Enugu’s selection for the 23rd edition, the festival promises to uphold its legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and showcasing the best of Nigerian sports talent, while unearthing talents good enough to fly the flag of the nation internationally.

This marks the first time the South-Eastern State will be staging the event since its inception in 1973.

The 21st edition of the Games was hosted by Asaba, Delta State, with over 11,000 athletes participating in the grand tournament.

With Ogun State billed to host the next edition of the games in January next year, it also marks the first time the host of the subsequent Games is known before the end of the current Festival.

Simon Ekpa: “We Shall Provide Evidence Against The Murderer” – Enugu Govt

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 22, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Government on Friday November 22, 2024, signaled its readiness to provide avalanche of evidence to support the terrorist and murderous tendencies of the leader of IPOB faction Simon Ekpa.

This is even as it described the self proclaimed IPOB Prime Minister of Republic of Biafra in Exile as “a murderer, common criminal, con man and terrorist”.

The Source reports that on Thursday November 21,the Finnish police announced the arrest and arraignment of Ekpa, along side four others on terrorism-related charges.

Reports also indicated that Ekpa and his co-suspects have been remanded in custody on the orders of a District Court in Paijat-Hame for alleged public incitement to commit crime with terrorist intent .

A statement issued by the Secretary to the Enugu state Government, SSG, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, also commended the Finnish authorities for the arrest of the leader of the Autopilots group widely perceived to be the architect of most of the orchestrated violent attacks and killings in the South East region.

The Enugu State Government while expressing satisfaction with the development insisted that Ekpa and his criminal gang do not serve the interests of Igbos and the South Easterners, but their selfish destructive aims.

According to the Government, Ekpa and his group are only out to unleash hardship on the people, killing innocent citizens ,while at the same time living extravagantly in Finland.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, and security in all parts of the South East.

This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer and a fraudster who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East Region.

“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East destroying lives, property and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hardwork.

He thrives on manipulating, exploiting and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra”, the statement reads.

The Source also reports that the Ekpa led Autopilots militia is generally seen as the main driver of the Monday sit-at-home order which has long been disowned and discarded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the IPOB.

The Ekpa-backed Autopilots remain the most single force behind the enforcement of the sit-at-home order which have so far dragged the economy of the South East many years backwards,with hundreds killed and several billions of properties destroyed.

His arrest has, in the main, been welcomed as a good development by not a few of the residents of the beleaguered South East region.

IPOB Says Ekpa On A Lonely Journey

The Source

November 22, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

The leadership of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has distanced the organisation from Simon Ekpa and whatever he is going through in the hands of the Finnish Police.

IPOB in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, distanced the Group from the activities of Ekpa and his Autopilots.

It also insisted that Ekpa’s Group is not, and was never affiliated to IPOB.

Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained Leader of IPOB, suddenly fell out with IPOB/EAS over organizational structure and operations. He quickly distanced himself from the main IPOB, and founded a rather violent Group known as Autopilots.

The Finland-based Ekpa later declared himself the Prime Minister of the Republic of Biafra in Exile. From Finland, Ekpa waged a relentless, bloody war against his Igbo people, a tribe he claimed to be protecting. Not only did he destroy the economy of the Zone by his constant declaration of sit-at-home order, hundreds of people lost their lives to “the struggle.”

But on Thursday, November 21, the Finnish Police arrested Ekpa and four others on suspicion of waging terrorism against Nigeria and, especially, the South-east. He is in Police custody.

Reacting to Ekpa’s arrest, and the constant reference to him as an IPOB member, Powerful issued a strongly worded statement to the effect that Ekpa “is on his own

Part of the statement reads: “We are not interested in his (Ekpa’s) arrest. All we want is for the release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has not committed any offence and who has been freed by the law courts. That is our concern.

“We have reiterated on several occasions that Ekpa has no relationship with the IPOB from the formation to date and he has nothing in common with the Biafra struggle.

“For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like autopilot in IPOB.

“More so, the criminal gang leader in Finland has no relationship with ESN from the formation of ESN to date or with IPOB. The authorities should stop linking IPOB with Ekpa and his group and IPOB is not interested in his arrest or whatever.

“All we want is for the Nigerian government to release our leader who has been detained for no known crime other than fighting for the liberation of his people.”

On his part, spokesman of IPOB’s Political Wing, Nwachukwu Emereonye, called for the immediate extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria to face the consequences of his actions.

He said: “We in IPOB Political Wing welcome the arrest of Simon Ekpa. His actions are unbecoming. Scores of people have been killed and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.

“He should be handed over to the Nigerian government for immediate prosecution.”

Ekpa’s arrest sparked celebrations in parts of the South-East and reactions from a number of high profile Nigerians, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

Ekpa’s arrest has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians demanding his extradition to Nigeria.

Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode lauded the arrest, describing Ekpa as a “psychopath” whose rhetoric caused the deaths of many innocent Nigerians.

Meanwhile, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad suggested that Ekpa should face justice in Nigeria after serving his sentence in Finland.

Violence in South-East Nigeria

Ekpa has been linked to the enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South-East, leading to violence, deaths, and economic paralysis.

Recent attacks attributed to ESN operatives include the killing of vigilantes and civilians in Anambrva State.

IPOB denies involvement in these acts, accusing Ekpa of exploiting the Biafran struggle for personal gain.

Kano Floats N25 Billion For Entrepreneurs As Loan

Ayodele Oni

November 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Small scale businesses in Kano state are soon to enjoy incentives from the State Government to boost their trade.

The State Government has flagged off plan to support small scale entrepreneurs in the state with N25 billion loan.

Commissioner of Commerce, Investment, and Industry, Adamu Kibiya at a press conference on Friday in Kano, explained that the loan scheme is part of the state government’s efforts to restore Kano’s reputation as a center of commerce.

Kibiya , stated that the scheme designed to promote entrepreneurship and job creation, would be launched soon.

“We are committed to supporting small business owners, youths, women, and everyone else looking to grow their enterprises and contribute to the state’s economic development.”

According to him, the loan scheme is aimed at providing financial support to small and medium-scale enterprises, which are the backbone of the state’s economy.

He noted that the scheme would further provide entrepreneurs with access to capital, enabling them to expand their businesses and create jobs.

Kibiya disclosed that to be eligible for the loan, “business owners must register with the Ministry of Commerce.”

He emphasized the importance of registration, stating that it enables the ministry to identify genuine business owners and provide them with the necessary support.

In addition to the loan scheme, the Ministry of Commerce is introducing a new system to provide capital for women with small and petty businesses in the state.

The ministry is currently collecting data to support this initiative and provide women entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to develop their businesses.

Kibiya noted that the state government is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs, who play a vital role in the state’s economy.

He emphasized that the new system will provide women with access to capital, training, and mentorship, enabling them to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economic development.

“The government is committed to providing support to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and women, who are critical to the state’s economic development.”

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