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12Nov By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Shettima commends access bank for offering N30b discounted loans to MSMES

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Access Bank for offering N30 billion discounted loans to 700,000 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, in statement on Saturday, said Shettima made the commendation during a meeting with MSMEs stakeholders. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the loans was part of effort of the access bank to support President Bola Tinubu administration’s agenda for job creation and the growth of the MSMEs space. Shettima, while interacting with MSMEs stakeholders comprising key actors from the public and private sectors, at the Presidential Villa, disclosed that the access bank loan scheme would commenc...

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12Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Bayelsa: Our Officials Have Been Held Hostage, Says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says some of its officials have been held hostage in Brass LGA of Bayelsa state. The electoral umpire, in a statement, said it is is closely monitoring the situation, adding that the development is detrimental to credible elections. The commission also called on security agencies to immediately facilitate the release of the officials. “The Commission is closely watching the situation in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State where our officials are held hostage,” the statement reads. This is detrimental to credible elections. We call on the security agencies to immediately facilitate their release.” Alongside Kogi and Imo, Bayelsa held its off-cycle gubernatorial election on Saturday, November 11.

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12Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Samanja, Veteran Actor Is Dead

The ace actor and war veteran, Samanja Mazan Fama who fought in the Nigerian civil war under the late former military ruler Sani Abacha is dead. Ali Nuhu, the Kannywood actor, announced Samanja’s demise via Instagram on Sunday. He also prayed that the soul of the ace actor finds “forgiveness and goodness”. “Nnalillahi Wainna Ilaihi Rajiun God bless my father and the famous hero Usman Baba Pategi better known as Samanja, passed away,” he wrote in Hausa language. We are praying to God to bless him and forgive him for his mistakes so that Paradise is his destiny. If we come, may God fill us with goodness and faith.” Samanja, born Usman Baba Pategi, died on Sunday after a prolonged illness. His funeral prayer would be held at a mosque in Kabala Costain, Kaduna. Pategi was ...

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12Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Uzodinma Defeats Anyanwu, Achonu To Win Imo Guber Poll

Hope Uzodinma, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has won the Imo governorship election by a landslide. Uzodinma secured the majority of votes cast and swept all 27 LGAs in Imo state. The APC candidate polled 540,308 votes to beat Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 71,503 votes; and Athan Achonu of Labour Party (LP) who secured 64,081 votes. Some of the LGs Uzodinma won are Ideato South, Onuimo, Okigwe, Orsu, Ihitte Uboma, Mbaitoli, Owerri municipal, Nkwerre and Ahiazu Mbaise. Uzodinma became governor in January 2020 following a supreme court verdict that nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha. He was seeking re-election in Saturday’s vote.

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11Nov By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Olusola emerges National President Motorcycle Operators Union

The new executives of Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) while being sworn-in. Mr Sotayo Olusola has emerged the National President of Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), also known as “Okada riders’. Olusola, alongside other elected members of his executives, were sworn in during the Union’s 2023 Special Delegates Congress, on Saturday in Abuja and would serve for a period of three years. The new leadership in his acceptance speech pledged his commitment to reform the Okada sector in the country. ”Part of the measures would be to establish a database for commercial motorists in the nation’s capital in order to flush out those who utilise it for illicit activities. “Okada riders will be required to attend regular sensitisation workshops and be mandated to...

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11Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Imo: Security Operatives Foil Attempt To Abduct INEC Officials, Materials

Vigilant security operatives in Imo State on Saturday foiled an attempt by alleged political thugs to abduct officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission officials and cart away election materials. The incident happened at a registration area centre in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state. It was learnt that the attempt by the thugs to whisk away the INEC officials into their waiting vehicle was quickly repelled by the security agents deployed in the centre. An eyewitness account said that the armed security operatives fired into the air from a distance when voters in the area raised the alarm over the presence of the thugs. “The thugs quickly retreated into their bus and sped off on hearing the sound of the gun,” the eyewitness told journalists on c...

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11Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Cash-For-Votes: Voters Smile Home As Party Agents Distribute Money In Kogi

Party agents were seen Saturday offering financial inducement to voters to vote for their candidates in Lokoja in Saturday’s Kogi governorship poll. The agents stationed themselves about 500 metres away from polling units, from where they gave money to voters to lure them to vote for their candidates. The amount given to voters ranged from N3,000 to N5,000, depending on their personality or bargaining power. A voter is expected to present his Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as a precondition to collecting the money. The agents distributing the cash had been moving from one polling booth to another, some beneficiaries told journalists. However, they claimed they were not selling their votes by collecting the money, as they had already decided to vote for the candidates of their ch...

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11Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Jonathan: Time Coming Nigeria’s Presidential Poll Will Become Off-Season Election

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the National Assembly to take appropriate legislative measures to stop off-cycle elections in Nigeria, warning that a time may come when the country’s presidential poll will be held off-season. Mr Jonathan said after casting his vote in the ongoing governorship election in Bayelsa that it was important for Nigeria to unify its electoral calendar. Mr Jonathan voted at polling unit 39 in Otazi Ward 13, Ogbia LGA. He told journalists at his Otuoke country home that the parliament should block the off-season election because it was neither the best for the country nor a globally acceptable practice. “Basically, this is an off-season election. I get worried about off-season elections and will use this opportunity to plead with the Nat...

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11Nov By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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AMAC Admin Director Fingered in Massive corruption  ….Bribing Area Council Secretariat to extend his retirement years

Pressure Group under Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, has slammed the Director of Admin Athahiru Ibrahim of AMAC over misappropriation of revenues and funds in the council. In a strong statement by the Cordinator of the group , Comrade Suleiman Yahaya, stated that the AMAC Director of Admin, has been showcasing flambouyance and need the head to declare his assets. He called for account ability in the remittance of "Counterpart Fund" into departments for multiple seminars and workshops. According to him, AMAC Admin. Attahiru, recently went to Germany and other foreign trips, as he exclaimed that the counterpart fund "was obviously and deliberately diverted into training because they do not owe for training and he wants what can be paid immediately. Comrade Yahaya, went on to ...

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11Nov By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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QueenEntrepreneur Women’s Foundation Welcomes New Board, Paving the Way for Inclusive Empowerment”

QueenEntrepreneur Women's Foundation echoes a mission devoted to empowering women and children. At its core lies a distinguished Board of Directors and Advisory Board, each a luminary, steering towards a future where women-led enterprises flourish. The Board of Directors comprises trailblazers in entrepreneurship, finance, technology, and social impact. They include Lynda Banja, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, champions gender rights and corporate law, steering various impactful committees. Milton Flournoy, a seasoned change management leader, optimizes efficiency and talent development. Joanna Staniszewska, CEO of boutique agency youll.be, spearheads impactful collaborations, delving into marketing, HR, and communication. Marcelle Isibhakome Rizkallah-Imoisili brings diverse...

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11Nov By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Foundation echoes a mission devoted to empowering women and children

QueenEntrepreneur Women's Foundation has concluded plans devoted to empowering women and children. At its core lies a distinguished Board of Directors and Advisory Board, each a luminary, steering towards a future where women-led enterprises flourish. The Board of Directors comprises trailblazers in entrepreneurship, finance, technology, and social impact. Lynda Banja, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, champions gender rights and corporate law, steering various impactful committees. Milton Flournoy, a seasoned change management leader, optimizes efficiency and talent development. Joanna Staniszewska, CEO of boutique agency youll.be, spearheads impactful collaborations, delving into marketing, HR, and communication. Marcelle Isibhakome Rizkallah-Imoisili brings diverse expertise...

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10Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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INEC Is Not A Political Party; Has No Candidate In Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Elections, Yakubu Tells Staff

The Independent National Electoral Commission chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, has called on INEC staff to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism during Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections, reminding them that the electoral body is not a political party and does not have a horse in the race. In his message on Thursday in Abuja, Mr Yakubu said the choice of who becomes the governor of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi would be entirely in the hands of voters. “As we approach the election day, I wish to call on our officials, both regular and ad hoc, to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism,” said Mr Yakubu. “As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three states, INEC is not a political party and we have...

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10Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Kogi Election: INEC Says 900 Backup BVAS Ready; Two Million Registered To vote

The Independent National Electoral Commission said two million registered voters are expected to vote in Kogi’s Saturday off-cycle governorship election. The election will be held in 3,508 polling units across the 21 LGAs, including Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ijumu, Kabba-Bunu, Kogi, Lokoja, Mopamuro, Ofu, Ogori-Magongo, Okene, Okehi, Olamaboro, Omala, Yagba-East, and Yagba-West. Speaking on preparations for the election, Gabriel Longpet, INEC’s resident electoral commissioner, said the electoral body was 100 per cent ready. Mr Longpet disclosed that the commission recruited over 15,000 ad hoc staff to help in the smooth conduct of the poll. The INEC official said, “We have 3,508 polling units and each of these units will be manned by f...

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10Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Ahead Of Gov. Election, Bayelsa Labour Party Divided, As Eradiri Sidelines Executives, Apapa Faction Supports Sylva

The Labour Party in Bayelsa barely 24 hours before the state’s governorship election as some party leaders allegedly abandoned the Labour Party governorship candidate, Udengs Eradiri, declaring support for Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Others are reportedly rooting for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Timipre Sylva. Already, some members of the Bayelsa executive of the Labour Party led by its financial secretary, Anthony Oboghor, and the organising secretary, Tovie Pelesai, on Thursday announced their support for Mr Diri. They claimed they were representing the state executive members of the party. It was gathered that another faction of the embattled Labour Party executive held a meeting with Mr Sylva at his Yenagoa residence for pos...

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10Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Guber Elections: ICPC Deploys Operatives To Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Over Vote Buying

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has deployed its operatives to monitor the Saturday governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi. ICPC spokeswoman Azuka Ogugua said this in a Thursday statement announcing that the ICPC operatives were deployed to 56 local government areas and 649 wards in the three states where the election would be held. The statement disclosed that the operatives were to, among others, monitor and prevent vote buying and other electoral malpractices at the various polling units during the election. The monitoring exercise is a response to the invitation by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for ICPC to participate in ensuring that the electoral processes in these three states are free and fair,” it...

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10Nov By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Development Expert calls for re-election of of Gov. Hope Uzodinma

By Gami Tadanyigbe Barr. Tagbo Agbazue, International Governance and Development Expert, has called for the re-election of Gov. Hope Uzodinma, for critical and socio-economic development of Imo State and the emancipation of a marginalized South-East. The development expert who made the call in a press statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, described , Governor Hope Uzodinma as one of the most notable Igbo leaders of South-East decent within the national ruling party, the APC. Barr. Tagbo Agbazue, who is also one of Africa’s foremost internationally acclaimed governance and development experts, reiterates the importance of re-electing the incumbent Governor of Imo state during the forthcoming gubernatorial polls of 11 November 2023. According to Barr. AgbazueAlso, Governor Hope...

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10Nov By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Uzodinma’s re-election’ll enhance development in Imo -Expert

By Gami Tadanyigbe An International Governance and Development Expert, Mr Tagbo Agbazue, says the re-election of Gov. Hope Uzodinma will enhance and boost critical and socio-economic development in Imo. Agbazue in a statement on Thursday in Abuja described Uzodinma as one of the most notable Igbo leaders of South-East within the national ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). The governance expert stated the Uzodinma had a great working relationship with President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council and the leadership of the various party structures of the APC. “The re-election of Gov. Uzodinma is of strategic importance to the continued socio-economic development of Imo and indeed the cause of Ndi Igbo that will emancipate the South East from shackles of unde...

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9Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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NNPC Boosts Crude Export With Nembe Oil Grade

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. has announced the introduction of Nembe crude oil grade, a new crude oil grade, into the international crude oil market. The announcement of the Nembe crude blend produced by Aiteo, the operator of the NNPC/Aiteo Oil Mining Lease 29 Joint Venture (JV), was made at the ongoing Argus European crude conference in London on Tuesday. OML 29, an asset located onshore in Nigeria, is operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Ltd., Africa’s leading indigenous hydrocarbon producer, following a historic acquisition from Shell in 2014. A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. Olufemi Soneye, said that the Nembe crude was previously blended with the popular Bonny light grade and exported via the Bo...

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9Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Olukoyede To EFCC Officers: Be Professional Always

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, has urged officers of the commission to place the anti-corruption fights on initiatives and modalities capable of promoting the country’s economic growth and development. A statement by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday in Abuja, said Olukoyede stated this in Lagos while addressing officers of the Lagos zonal command. Mr Olukoyede said, “There is a need to redirect our focus towards what we were set up to do in Nigeria, which is to drive economic development. We will tilt our focus towards that area. We will work to drive economic development, create wealth and employment. “The era of winding down businesses by way of investigation is gone. We will look into the mix-...

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9Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Anambra: Soludo Mourns Three Pupils Killed By Lightning

Chukwuma Soludo Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Tansi International College community over the loss of three of its pupils to lightning. Soludo sent his message in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime. Recall that lightning struck the school football pitch on Saturday while some pupils were playing football in the rain, hitting nine of them and three later died. The deceased students were Obi Chukwunwuike, 16, from Nteje, Anambra, Obeta Uchechukwu, 16, from Nsukka, Enugu State, and Usulor Chidubem from Ezza, Ebonyi State. Soludo said he acknowledged the magnitude of the loss to the state and offered prayers to God to grant both the school and the bereaved families the strength to bear the irre...

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