FBNHoldings Clinches Top Spot As Nigeria’s Best Workplace

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November 4, 2024

Leading financial services company, FBN Holdings Plc, has clinched the prestigious title of the Year 2024 Overall Best Workplace in Nigeria in the small corporate category awards hosted by Great Place to Work (GPTW) last Friday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This year’s unprecedented recognition and acknowledgment clearly accentuates the deliberate strategy of the board and management of the company in creating a conducive and work friendly environment that has enabled its staff to thrive. The company received two other accolades; it won the awards of Best in Promoting a High Trust Culture and Best in Promoting People Leadership Practices.

The subsidiaries of the holding company also enjoyed their share of the recognition and achievement at the grand ceremony, it started with the flagship subsidiary; First Bank of Nigeria Limited receiving two awards; the coveted Year 2024 Legendary award. This award is based on the bank’s consistency in having received certification for five consecutive years (2020-2024) which ultimately qualifies it to join an exclusive group of few companies in Africa that have also won certification for five years in a row. The second award it won is Best in Corporate Social Responsibility, attesting to the bank’s tremendous involvement in the activities of this nature which has been tagged Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness (SPARK).

The other subsidiaries that made it a glorious evening for the Group were FBN Insurance Brokers and FBNQuest Trustees that took home, Best Workplace in Promoting a Fun and Friendly Environment and Best Workplace for Women awards respectively.

In the ranking category for best workplaces in Nigeria in the small, medium and large corporate categories, the Group also had a remarkable evening with performances and recognitions.

To come up with the various results, GPTW, a global firm that gives leaders and organisations the recognition and tools to create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience apply survey, research, feedback from information gathered which are fed into an automated system that eventually provides the various results that are deployed in the final analysis of placements and ranking of organisations annually. Also, insights which are received from approximately 10,000 organisations across the world are also used to benchmark individual performance and advise employers on how to continuously improve employee engagement.

Nnamdi Okonkwo, the Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings Plc was delighted at these achievements, he posited ‘these recognitions and awards affirms our effective best in class HR practices and strategy that is reshaping our Employees Value Proposition (EVP) towards building a high-performance environment’.

Okonkwo added further that ‘these awards won across the Group will motivate the leadership to continue to pursue a strong people agenda to drive superior business performance for the overall interest of our stakeholders.’

In another development, FBNHoldings has commenced its Rights Issue offering of 5,982,548,799 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N25.00 per share to its existing shareholder on the basis of one (1) new ordinary share for every (6) ordinary shares held as at October 18, 2024.

The Offer is part of the Company’s plan to recapitalise its commercial banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, with a view towards increasing the bank’s capacity for business development and growth. In the main, the bank will utilise the fresh capital to extend business to its Wholesale and Retail business segments; further enhance its automation and digital banking offerings as well as its African expansion plans. The Rights Issue is open for a six week duration. It is expected to close on December 12, 2024

Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway: FG To Pay Property Owners N18bn In 10 Days

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James Orji

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November 4, 2024

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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi says the federal government has perfected plans to pay property owners affected by the construction of the Lagos/ Calabar coastal highway N18 billion within the next 10 days.

The minister made the remark on Sunday during a stakeholders’ engagement with property owners on section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

The minister said the federal government will ensure that those affected by the project are compensated, stressing that any court judgment over the issue will also be obeyed.

He explained that the issue of compensation has been very challenging for the federal government, particulalry after some property owners dragged the government to court over the destruction of their properties.

Umahi stated that an initial N8 billion was originally earmarked for compensation but that the amonunt has now been raised to N18 billion, which the government is prepared to pay to those that have lost their properties to the project withing the next few days.

To ensure that this happened, Umahi stated “I have directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, to avoid waiting for further approvals from the Federal Executive Council, as the interests of the affected individuals must be prioritised.”

He stressed that the construction of all the sections of project is going as planned, adding that he will ensure that the contractors handling the projects abide strictly with the plan.

According to the minister, “It’s incredibly challenging to pay for this, but when facing legal obligations, one is bound to comply. We have engaged professionals to handle this process and the Federal Executive Council approved an initial compensation budget of N8bn for this section, based on the recommendation by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

“But today, we are reaching N18bn, that’s where we are now. I am going to publish all details for transparency, including the names, pictures, dimensions, and costs involved. However, there are over 10 cases related to compensation in court and we will comply with whatever decisions the court makes. We will go to the Supreme Court if necessary to strengthen our democracy and seek final judgment on this matter.

“There is a legal basis for this, though I’m not a legal expert; we consulted experts for that, and 50 per cent of the compensation has already been paid. I have directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, to avoid waiting for further approvals from the Federal Executive Council, as the interests of the affected individuals must be prioritised. Those affected should be able to access their funds for relocation. Therefore, within the next 10 days, we will complete 100 per cent of the payments as documented by our enumerators,” Umhai said.

Umahi came under serious criticism, on Sunday, after a video where he ordered security men to bundle out a woman, one of those affected by the construction, went viral.

The woman had protested the handling of the construction by the federal government.

Tinubu Vs Atiku: Nigerians Rejected You Because You Promised To Sell Refineries To Friends

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James Orji

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November 4, 2024

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has chided Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president over his comment on his administration’s reforms in the oil and gas sector.

The president said the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is only trying to discredit his policies because he did not win last year’s election.

Abubakar has been an ardent critic of the president after Tinubu defeated him, in the keenly contested election last year.

The former vice president recently slammed President Tinubu for his hastily removing of fuel subsidy and and floating the naira without wide consultations.

The magazine reported that the removal removal has brought untold hardship to not a few Nigerians, who are calling for its reversal.

According to Atiku, his approach to the fuel and Naira subsidy removal would have been different if he had won the election, becoming the commander-in-chief.

He said the dual removal of petrol and Naira subsidies should have been in ‘phases’, in a statement she shared on his verified X handle on Sunday.

Reacting, the Presidency in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Spokesman said the former number two citizens lacked the knowledge on what is going on in the country, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Tinubu said Abubakar’s approach on how to tackle the country’s economic challenges is very opaque, the reason why Nigerians rejected him at the polls.

Apart from lacking ideas on how to run the economy, Tinubu said Abubakar was prepared to sell the country’s refineries to his friend and cronies,stressing that the PDP candidate mismanaged the country’s economy while he served as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Talk is cheap,” Tinubu slammed Abubakar, saying his government’s policies are already yielding results.

Below Presidency Full statement:

Tinubu defeated the PDP candidate who came second in the presidential election last year.

We have just read a statement credited to former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in which he tried to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform programmes while pushing his untested agenda as a better alternative.

First, Alhaji Atiku’s ideas, which lacked details, were rejected by Nigerians in the 2023 poll.

If he had won the election, we believe he would have plunged Nigeria into a worse situation or run a regime of cronyism.

Abubakar lost the election partly because he vowed to sell the NNPC and other assets to his friends. Nigerians have not forgotten this, nor would they be comforted by Atiku’s antecedents when he ran the economy in the first term of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government between 1999 and 2003.

As vice president, Atiku supervised a questionable privatisation programme. He and his boss demonstrated a lack of faith in our educational system, and both went to establish their universities while they allowed ours to flounder.

Talk is cheap. It is easy to pontificate and deride a rival’s programmes even when there are irrefutable indices that the economic reforms yield positives despite the temporary difficulties.

Despite the futile attempt to hoodwink Nigerians again in his statement, it is gratifying that the former Vice President could not repudiate the economic reforms pursued by the Tinubu administration because they are the right things to do.

His advocacy for a gradualist approach only showed that he was not in tune with the enormity of problems inherited by President Tinubu.

It is so easy to paint a flowery to-do list. It is expected of an election loser.

President Tinubu met a country facing several grave challenges. Fuel subsidies were siphoning away enormous resources we could ill afford, and there was criminal arbitrage in the forex market.

No leader worth his name will allow these two economic disorders to persist without moving to end them surgically.

While advocating for gradual reforms may sound appealing, Tinubu took measures that should have been taken decades ago by Alhaji Abubakar and his boss when they had the opportunity.

Alhaji Abubakar calls for empathy and a human face to reforms. We have no problem with this as it resonates well with our administration’s focus. President Tinubu has consistently emphasised the need for compassion and protection of the most vulnerable.

The administration has prioritised social safety nets and targeted support for those affected by recent economic transitions.

Battle For NNPP: You Are Ungrateful, Kano Reps Member Slams Kwakwanso After Declaring Support For Aniebonam

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James Orji

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November 4, 2024

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Kabiru Rurum, a member of the House of Representatives from Kano state has chided a former Governor of Kano state for trying to hijack the NNPP from Dr Boniface Aneibonam, its founder and Board of Trustees Chairman,

He said, the action of the former governor is at the center of the crisis rocking the party, stressing that he has decided to pitch his tent with the Aniebonam faction.

The federal lawmaker spoke few days after a court ruled on the leadership crisis rocking the party. The ruling is in favour of the Aniebonam faction.

Justice C.U. Okoroafor of the High Court in Abia, last week, affirmed that the NNPP is under the full control of Aniebonam leadership.

The magazine reports that the two NNPP gladiators, Kwakwanso and Aniebonam have clashed over the control of the party for months, with supporters of the party torn between both of them.

Aniebonam, the founder of the NNPP and its pioneer chairman has insisted that the former governor is trying to hijack the party from him, while the Kwankwanso faction says they are fully in control.

Their disagreement, on how the party should be run, became more vociferous after the NNPP won the Kano State governorship election last year, with Kwakwanso’s son inlaw, Governor Abba Yusuf in firm control.

The commercial city is the only state among 36 states in the country under the full control of the NNPP

Speaking on the crisis rocking the party, Rurum, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly said the governor should detach himself from the apron string of the former governor, who he accused of trying to hijack the party for his selfish gains.

Rurum, on which faction of the party he belongs said, his loyalty is with Dr Aniebonam, who, according to him provided Kwakwanso the platform to contest the presidential election, but has now turned against his benefactor. This is not fair, the lawmaker chides the former governor, while reacting on Sunday.

“Dr. Boniface provided Kwankwaso with a platform, and it is wrong to take the party from him and treat him poorly,” Rurum said.

Obi Backtracks On Controversial Christian Night ‘Vigil’ Comment

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James Orji

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November 4, 2024

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The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has clarified his controversial remark that church vigils should be turned into ‘night shifts’ where Christians engaged to improve the production capacity of the country.

The politician reportedly made the comment during his interview on the Honest Bunch podcast released on Saturday.

The remark has generated serious controversy in the country, particularly among the Christians who have slammed the former governor of Anambra state for making such a careless statement.

Reacting, Obi in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar said his comment been twisted and misconstrued.

According to Obi, as a dedicated Catholic he holds the Christian faith in high regard, and would not do anything to attack or undermine it.

The former governor said there was no place in the interview where he said he was going to dismantle the churches in the country, stressing that his “message has been greatly overturned and grossly distorted to serve a mischievous end.”

The LP leader stated further that he “is well known as a man of strong faith who has enormous respect and love for every religion,’ therefore, would not do anything to undermine any religion in the country.

He said he only stressed what is written in the Bible on why Christians should combine their faith with hard work.

When Obi said he “would turn night vigil into production night, he was only stressing the importance of worshipping God through work,” the statement said.

Part of the statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a huge twist in his recent media interview, saying erroneously that he called for the dismantling of churches in Nigeria.

“By the headline given to the interview, the import of Obi’s message has been greatly overturned and grossly distorted to serve a mischievous end.

“The Labour Party leader is well known as a man of strong faith who has enormous respect and love for every religion and tried in the referenced interview to bring to Nigerians how religion can be more effective in their lives.

“Obi, in the interview, was merely underscoring what Apostle James said in ‘Faith without Works is unhelpful.’ When Obi said that he would turn night vigil into production night, he was only stressing the importance of worshipping God through work.

“Even Jesus Christ never picked any of his 12 disciples where they were praying but where they were working as fishermen and tax collectors, among others.

“What we are doing in Nigeria, which Obi’s interview is highlighting as wrong and should be discontinued, is exchanging work for prayer when the two should go together.

“There is no evidence in the scripture that Jesus blessed an idle person. The problem In some of Nigeria’s worship communities is that they are not following St James advisory that we should be doers of the words.”

Meanwhile, the supporters of the former Anambra helmsman said as one of the biggest donors to the Christian faith, Obi will not do anything to attack the religion or any other religions whatsoever.

“Prosecute Those Responsible For Arrest, Detention, Prosecution Of Minors” – Group Urges Tinubu

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Adesina Soyooye

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November 4, 2024

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By Adesina Soyooye

“For the avoidance of doubt, the causes of the social upheaval being witnessed in the country are directly attributable to the destabilising and debilitating effects of the policies of the President. These physically, tormented, terrorised boys, scavenging for food in the temple of justice, to any right-thinking mind, are not capable of high treason against Nigeria” – Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners

As the Federal Government embarks on subtle damage control over the scandalous detention of minors for months, and their subsequent arraignment in Court, the outrage has continued to rise.

Most Nigerians were shocked when scores of minors were herded into a Federal High Court, Abuja and arraigned for, among other alleged charges, treason. They were arrested in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest which rocked the country between August 1-10. They were, allegedly among those who held and flaunted Russian flags and embarked on destruction of properties during the protest.

Kept in detention since their arrest, their appearance in Court was heart-wrenching. They looked unkempt, hungry and visibly malnourished. Six of them collapsed in Court during their arraignment.

Prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the three, Presidential Candidates in the 2023 General Elections, have expressed shock at the arraignment of the kids. And so did former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili and former Senator Shehu Sani.

Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir, in response, has instructed his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to do everything legally possible to bring back home any of the arraigned minors of Kano State origin.

And, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, perhaps, embarrassed by the ugly situation and the damage it has done to Nigeria’s image, has decided to intervene by asking for the files of the case.

Now, a Northern Group,

Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners’ Forum has also weighed in. The Group has not only asked for the immediate release of the minors, but has asked President Bola Tinubu to order for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in their arrest, detention, maltreatment and prosecution.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, in Abuja, on Sunday, the Group said it “shares in the ‘repulsion and disbelief of Nigerians after seeing images of the children who were physically terrorized and malnourished paraded before an Abuja court for charges of high treason against the Nigerian state.’

It described the action of the Police as not only irresponsible but one which has attracted national and international outrage “and will forever be a stain on the national consciousness of democratic country.”

The statement reads in part:

“We condemn in the strongest terms this inhuman treatment meted on fellow Nigerians, whose only crime was exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to protest.

“The revelation by the government that it had uncovered the identity of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protest, made the prosecution of these boys, who probably attended the protests out of childish curiosity, laughable, though tragic.

“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable for the detention and mistreatment of these children.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that Nigeria, under President Tinubu, is fast becoming a Police State where the rights of the citizens are daily being trampled upon.

“Critical national institutions like the judiciary, police and other security services, designed for the protection of the rights of the citizens, have been turned into mere tools for the oppression of the masses.

“As observed recently by the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria, BON, even the Press has not been spared, with journalists being regularly arrested for no just reason.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the causes of the social upheaval being witnessed in the country are directly attributable to the destabilizing and debilitating effects of the policies of the President.

“We, therefore, join other Nigerians in calling on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of these protesters and arrest and prosecute the real sponsors of the protest if there are any. These physical tormented terrorized boys, scavenging for food in the temple of justice, to any right-thinking mind, are not capable of high treason against Nigeria.

“The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1984, clearly states that no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria has failed to uphold this convention, and the recent arraignment of youth and juveniles is a stark reminder of this failure.

“The Government must offer unreserved apology to the victims and offer them adequate compensation. We urge all Nigerians to stand firm and fight against any injustice and violation of human rights.”

The Police has however defended the arrest, detention and arraignment of the kids, insisting that in law, even a seven-year old can be arrested, detained and prosecuted for crime.

The trial Judge granted them bail to the tune of N10m each!!

How Nollywood Filmmaker, Director, Dimeji Ajibola Died

By

Akinwale Kasali

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November 4, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Dimeji Ajibola, an acclaimed Nollywood filmmaker and Director, best known for the hit series, Shanty Town, is dead.

It was gathered that Ajibola died Sunday, after a battle with an undisclosed illness. His death has left a profound void in the Nigerian film industry and among his fans worldwid.

It was Bolanle Ninalowo, a Nollywood Actor, who made public Ajibola’s passing on his Instagram page.

In the post, Ninalowo wrote a touching tribute. “I love you brother and I will miss you @dimejiajibola. May God heal your family & loved ones. Till we meet again didi vox ❤ Rest on CHAMP .”

Ninalowo’s post drew responses from fans, friends, and colleagues who expressed their shock and sorrow.

One follower, @ayo_nko, commented, “What a life… May God forgive him and rest his soul,” while another, @ejikeasiegbu, shared, “Sad to hear this! Rest in the Lord’s bosom.”

Other well-wishers offered condolences and words of comfort. @oluyemi5314 wrote, “May his gentle soul rest in peace,” and @officialprincess_zita added, “May the soul of the departed rest in peace.”

Though it is not clear from Ninalowo’s post whether Dimeji Ajibola was battling an illness, several fans, including @adegokeilerioluwa_adeyi, asked if he had been sick prior to his passing.

The unexpected loss has left many in the Nollywood community and beyond deeply saddened, as they share memories and prayers for the late actor.

His death brought an outpouring of support to his loved ones, with followers joining in prayer for strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Cancer Snatches Ngozi Anyaegbunam Away

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Adesina Soyooye

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November 4, 2024

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By Adesina Soyooye

An aggressive cancer of the stomach has snatched away a female journalism amazon, Dr Ngozi Anyaegbunam.

Dr. Anyaegbunam, brilliant, full of humility, was a number of things rolled into one. She was an academic, accomplished journalist, author, prolific columnist, administrator, and media consultant to many blue chip companies.

Stomach cancer is one of the most deadly type of Cancers, not easily detectable and/or diagnosable but usually aggressive.

Reliable sources informed this medium that hers was diagnosed a couple of months ago on a visit to see her son in Abuja.

A statement signed by her son, Rocky Agbese, on behalf of the family, confirmed her very sad passing last week.

It reads:

“With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the untimely death of Dr Ngozi Fidelia Anyaegbunam after a brief illness.

“A trailblazing journalist who had editorial stints with Champion Newspaper (1st female editor) and The Daily Times (where she authored the book Waziri Ibrahim: Politics Without Bitterness), Ngozi was born in October 1957 at Damaturu in modern day Yobe State to George and Victoria Anyaegbunam.

“Subsequent to these, she became a full time media management consultant to numerous blue chip companies.

“She also held the distinction of being a female print media journalist to interview two sitting Presidents of Nigeria (Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari).

“A dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend, Auntie Ngozi will be sorely missed by all who came across her and were impacted by her larger than life presence.

“Rest in Peace till we meet to part no more!!”

Dr. Anyaegbunam had her first degree at the University of Jos in 1976 and her Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Calabar where she also lectured and rose to Head the Department of General Studies in 1986.

She was the first Woman Editor, Champion Newspapers, 1988, and was a member of the Editorial Board between 1988 and 1991.

Dr Anyaegbunam later became a senior member of the Editorial Board of Daily Times newspapers between 1991 and 95.

She became a media strategist and consultant, thereafter, to the National Population Commission, 1991-95; National Electric Power Authority, 1994; Raw Materials Research and Development Council, 1994; NICON Insurance PIc, 1994; African Population Commission, 1995; Guinness Nigeria PIc, 1995; rapporteur and consultant to the United Nations Development Programme, 1995; resource person, National War College, 1997.

Dr. Anyaegbunam was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Daily Times newspaper in 1992; Award of Excellence by the National Council of Women Societies in 1994 and also the Nigeria National Media Merit Award.

An author, she published the Feminist Tendency in Jagua Nana’s Daughter, and The Essential Ekwensi in 1987.

She died at the age of 67 years.

Why FG Overruled UNIZIK Council & Removed Newly Appointed VC, Registrar

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The Source

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November 3, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

The Federal Government has removed Professor Bernard Odoh from office as the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

He was appointed the substantive Vice Chancellor by the University’s Council which Chairman is Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe. But he lasted for 48 hours only before the FG overruled the Council and removed him from office.

The outgone Vice Chancellor had, on Wednesday, handed over the affairs of the University to an excited Odoh who immediately began to arrange how he would be ushered into his new high profile office. A prayer and thanksgiving giving service had been arranged.

But the Federal Ministry of Education put a stop to the preparations. It accused the University’s Council of acting contrary to the agreements reached between the Council and the Ministry.

Professor Odoh’s appointment, the Ministry pointed out was unacceptable to some stakeholders and generated protests in some quarters.

The Ministry, in a letter signed by Mrs R. G. Ilyasu, declared appointments made by the Council illegal, and so, null and void.

Entitled “RE APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTANTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR AND REGISTRAR FOR NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA, the letter reads:

“Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education (MSE) held on Friday, 25” October,2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out by your Council without reconciling with the stakeholders in the University Community.

“It has come to the attention of the Ministry that your Council had gone ahead to appoint a Vice Chancellor for the University without the Representative of the Ministry, the internal council members and other Stakeholders on Tuesday, 29” October, 2024.

“This is a gross disregard to constituted Authority and is not in line with extant provisions. Against this backdrop, I am directed to inform you that all appointments made are null and void.

“You are, therefore, requested to put on hold all other appointments in the University pending the assumption on duty of the new Honorable Minster of Education. Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and considerations of the Permanent Secretary Education”.

Bianca, Six Others To Be Sworn-in as Ministers Monday

By

The Source

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November 3, 2024

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Bianca-Six Others To Be Sworn-in as Ministers By Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

By Monday, November 4, President Bola Tinubu will have the full complement of his Cabinet. According to a statement by his Special Adviser Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will swear in his newly appointed Ministers-designate on Monday.

President Bola Tinubu will swear in seven newly-appointed ministers on Monday. He nominated them after he dropped five of his Ministers from his Cabinet.

One of the seven to be sworn-in is Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, widow of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Head of State of defunct Biafra Republic, former Beauty Queen and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain. She will be sworn-in as the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.

Mr Onanuga’s statement reads released Sunday reads:

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will swear in the new seven ministers tomorrow Monday. The Ministers are Dr Nentawe Yilwatda – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi – Minister of Labour & Employment; Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu – Minister of State Foreign Affairs,” he said.

“Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (Trade and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha – Minister of Livestock Development; Yusuf Abdullahi Ata – Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development and Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad – Minister of State Education.”

The Senate had last week cleared the ministers following a screening in Abuja. They were appointed after President Bola Tinubu reshuffled the cabinet following calls for a rejig.

Tinubu sacked five ministers and nominated seven others as ministers, and forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation.He also re-assigned 10 ministers to new portfolios.

Others to be sworn-in are Nentawe Yilwatda Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Idi Maiha Minister for the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, Yusuf Ata,Minister of State, Housing, and Urban Development, and Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State Education.

Bianca’s father, late Christian Onoh, was the Governor of Old Anambra State.