Saturday, February 22

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General Election: Group Condemns Deployment of Troops
24Feb By Kayode FasuaNo Comments
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General Election: Group Condemns Deployment of Troops

A socio-political organisation, Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG) has condemned federal government 's deployment of military troops to Nigerian cities ahead of Saturday’s general elections, describing it as "unnecessary overkill, sheer intimidation and an anti-democratic move". In a statement by the SRG Convener/National Coordinator, Dr. Marindoti Oludare, the group demurred, saying the action had only portrayed Nigeria before the international community as a society at war with itself. It said the President had erred "in this anti-democratic decision" and that the court should hold him responsible once his immunity is over. "We view with concern, the deployment of military troops to cities in the different states of the federation as if the states are war zones. "Yes, Nigeri...
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New Naira notes: Federal High Court waits on Supreme Court, adjourns suit
16Feb By Kayode FasuaNo Comments
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New Naira notes: Federal High Court waits on Supreme Court, adjourns suit

A Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday resolved to wait on the Supreme Court, as it adjourned hearing in a suit brought against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by a group, Social Rehabilitation Grace and Supportive Initiative (SRG), challenging the CBN over the voiding of old N200, N500 and N1000 Naira notes within a period considered too short. When the matter was mentioned, the trial judge, Hon. Justice T. B Adegoke, said it was improper for her court to commence trial as the suit is similar to the one pending before the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land. At the mentioning of the case, counsel to the SRG, Mrs L.E Ukpabi-Owolabi, said the group had brought a motion on notice to amend its originating summons, and also a second motion on ...
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Retaining Old Naira Notes Will Encourage Vote-buying, CBN Argues in Suit
13Feb By Kayode FasuaNo Comments
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Retaining Old Naira Notes Will Encourage Vote-buying, CBN Argues in Suit

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend justified its reluctance to extend the expiry date for the old Naira notes on the need to save Nigeria's democracy by forestalling vote-buying in the coming presidential election. The apex bank gave the reason, among others, in a counter-affidavit to a suit filed against it by a group, Social Rehabilitation Grace and Supportive Initiative (SRG) led by a Nigeria-born United States medical practitioner, Dr. Marindoti Oludare. The SRG, code-named Social Rehabilitation Gruppe, was launched amid pomp and ceremony in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the weekend. Reacting to the group's suit before a Federal High Court sitting in Akure, in which it asked the court to compel the CBN to extend the expiry date for the old Naira notes by six...
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Group to Emefiele: You Must Obey S’Court Order
10Feb By Kayode FasuaNo Comments
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Group to Emefiele: You Must Obey S’Court Order

Sequel to Wednesday's ruling of the Supreme Court restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), from enforcing its February 10 deadline on the expiration of some old Naira notes, a group has warned the apex bank and its Governor, Mr. Goodwin Emefiele, to comply or face the wrath of the law. The body, Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG), in a statement by its Convener/National Coordinator, Dr Marindoti Oludare, hailed the ruling, saying the rule of law had prevailed over self-aggradisement. "This is the time for Emefiele to prove to Nigeria that he is a respecter of law or a breaker of same law. "While I know of a fact that the CBN has the right to demobilise the Naira, it has no right to erase the value acquired by individuals," he quipped. Oludare, appraising the ruling, ...
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New Naira Notes: Group Drags CBN to Court
7Feb By Kayode FasuaNo Comments
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New Naira Notes: Group Drags CBN to Court

A socio-political group, Social Rehabilitation Grace and Supportive Initiative (SRG) has dragged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to court, asking the court to compel the apex bank to extend the expiry date for the old naira notes by six months. The SRG is convened by a Nigeria-born United States medical doctor, Dr. Marindoti Oludare. In the suit filed before a Federal High Court, sitting in Akure, Ondo State, the applicants, Dr. Marindoti Oludare, the Social Rehabilitation Grace and Supportive Initiative (SRG), and Omoyele Ishola, are asking the court to extend the February 10, 2023 for the expiration of the old naira notes by six months. The applicants are seeking, among others, an interim injunction restraining "the respondents and her priciest from, agent, or servants from e...
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Economic hardship in Nigeria: Inflation or Emefieletion?
1Feb By Felix ShammahNo Comments
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Economic hardship in Nigeria: Inflation or Emefieletion?

By Marindoti Oludare For the past eight years, Nigeria has been on a rollercoaster ride of economic uncertainty. Prices have risen astronomically and the people’s purchasing power had dipped dramatically. One should not be remiss to mention that owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, prices have significantly gone up globally. However, this pales in comparison to the rate of hike in price in Nigeria since 2014. We all know that Nigeria has implemented some questionable economic policies since the oil price crash in the fourth quarter of 2014, which happened to coincide with the nascent ascension of Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (in office since 3rd June 2014). One may want to ask; what percentage of this hardship was...
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Nullify Appointment of Monarchs in Ikirun, Iree, Group Urges Adeleke
27Nov By Samuel AlongeNo Comments
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Nullify Appointment of Monarchs in Ikirun, Iree, Group Urges Adeleke

A pressure group, Osun Youth Vanguard (OYF) has urged newly inaugurated Governor Ademola Adeleke, to reverse the last-minute appointment of traditional rulers by his predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola. The group, in a congratulatory statement issued through its president, Comrade John Akinde, and secretary, Comrade Tajudeen Akinyemi, observed that Oyetola made the appointments solely to create chaos in communities so as to make the state ungovernable for Adeleke. "We congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his well- deserved victory at the poll and subsequent inauguration as the Executive Governor of our dear State, Osun. "While assuming office, we urge the governor to first of all nullify all appointments of new traditional rulers by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola at the twil...
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How Fayemi Orchestrated A Coup That Led To The Removal Of Aribisogan As Ekiti Assembly Speaker
22Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments
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How Fayemi Orchestrated A Coup That Led To The Removal Of Aribisogan As Ekiti Assembly Speaker

It may no longer be a news that the Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Gboyega Aribisogan elected last week has been impeached. What is however generating reaction is the way and manner, Aribisogan who is representing Ikole Constituency 1 was removed from office by what many believed to be a 'coup' orchestrated by former governor of the State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Aribisogan was removed from his position and suspended indefinitely by 17 out of the 25 members of the assembly who voted in favour of his removal. After Aribisogan's removal, the lawmakers elected Olubunmi Adelugba as the new speaker. The development came hours after Aribisogan had accused Kayode Fayemi, immediate past governor of the state, of masterminding a plot to impeach him. He said Fayemi was colluding with...
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Buhari Congratulates FBN on 40 Years of Cross-Border Banking in UK
9Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments
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Buhari Congratulates FBN on 40 Years of Cross-Border Banking in UK

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Board, Management, and Staff of First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) for cross-border services through FBNBank UK in the United Kingdom for 40 years, sharing almost 130 years of banking experience. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari noted the competence and professionalism that have become the hallmark of the Bank for many years. This includes winning and retaining the trust of customers in Nigeria, and beyond, like in the United Kingdom, and successfully consolidating on its benchmark of reliability and professionalism. “As the FBN, United Kingdom celebrates 40 years anniversary, the President believes the strength and buoyancy of any country depend lar...
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Jailbreaks: Aregbesola reworks security architecture for prisons, aide reveals
29Sep By Kayode FasuaNo Comments
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Jailbreaks: Aregbesola reworks security architecture for prisons, aide reveals

The Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has now put in place some fresh security measures aimed at forestalling any incidence of jailbreak in the Nigeria Correctional Centres. This was disclosed to our correspondent on Tuesday by the Special Consultant to the Minister on Security Matters, Dr. Oladipupo Okeyomi. Okeyomi, who would not expatiate on the measures on security grounds, noted that there had been series of collaborative efforts with virtually all the security agencies in the country, for which intelligence gathering, whistle-blowing incentive, requisite surveillance, and reinforcement were taken into consideration. "While I would not divulge the nitty-gritty of the water-tight security devices initiated by the Honorable Minister to forestall recurrence of jailbrea...
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2023: Nigerian Voters Undergoing Reformation, Says Cleric
13Aug By Felix ShammahNo Comments
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2023: Nigerian Voters Undergoing Reformation, Says Cleric

By Kayode Fasua Ahead of the 2023 elections, politicians have been warned not to underrate the ongoing "reformation of heart" among many Nigerian masses, "who are ready to downplay money and act in accordance with their conscience". The words of caution came on Saturday from Lagos cleric, Prophet Lai Bamidele, in a chat with our correspondent. Bamidele, who is General Overseer of Christ Glorious End-Time Evangelical Church with headquarters in Lagos, said several years of failed promises and dashed hopes from elected politicians had made the people to learn their lessons in a hard way, and were now ready to make amends. "We have never had it so bad in the life of this country, as many of our elected representatives and governors cutting across all political parties have let do...
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Kuje Prison Attack: NSCDC Presents N2.8m to Family of Dead Officer
4Aug By Dwelleth MorountodunNo Comments
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Kuje Prison Attack: NSCDC Presents N2.8m to Family of Dead Officer

The Commandant General (CG), of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has presented N2. 8 million to the deceased family of Mr. Ilyasu Abraham, a personal of NSCDC who died in the Kuje Correction Centre ttack Presenting a cheque of N2.5 million and N300,000 in cash to the wife Mrs. Elizabeth Abraham and daughter, Abimiku Blessing, at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja. The CG consoled the family, over the loss of their bread winner and encouraged them that the officer would be remembered as a hero, who died in active serve.  He explained that the money given to the family was in fulfilment of his promise to ensure that necessary compensation is given to the family in due time, stressing that, it is an intervention from governmen...
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Democracy Day: FG Declares Monday 13th Public Holiday
10Jun By Mohammed MohammedNo Comments
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Democracy Day: FG Declares Monday 13th Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared Monday, 13th June, as public holiday to mark this year's Democracy Day celebration. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of government, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion and urged all citizens to support the present administration in its efforts at ensuring a secured, united and prosperous nation. Aregbesola, admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the long journey the country has made towards the enthronement of a civil democratic order, before national Independence in 1960 till date and the sacrifices of our patriots. He reminded Nigerians of the challenges we have faced and overcome, including a civil war, and   said any form of agitation that threatens the unity...
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NITDA: Attainment of 95% Digital Literacy in 2030 will Create New Markets, Attract Investors 
8Jun By Mohammed MohammedNo Comments
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NITDA: Attainment of 95% Digital Literacy in 2030 will Create New Markets, Attract Investors 

The Director-General (DG) of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed that Nigeria's attainment of 95% digital literacy by 2030 will create new markets for Nigerians, local and foreign investors. According to him, commitment to digital literacy will in the long run bridge the global talent gap in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector and place the country among technology driven nations Inuwa, said this as a panelist at the just concluded Nigeria-Spanish Business and Trade Forum, in Madrid, Spain.  "Nigeria has talented youths and is blessed with one of the youngest populations in the world "By 2050 we will be the third most populous nation in the world, we are concerned about Digital Literacy be...
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Gbajabiamila Demands Immediate Action, Condemns Mayhem in Owo
5Jun By Dwelleth MorountodunNo Comments
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Gbajabiamila Demands Immediate Action, Condemns Mayhem in Owo

The outrage and condemnation of the latest attack and killings of several dozens of Christian worshippers in a Catholic Church in Owo, in the early hours of today which is the country home of the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu across the country is yet to subside. As part of the condemnation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has demanded immediate action from government against the attack which resulted in the death of many worshippers. Gbajabiamila, who condemned the dastardly act, described those behind the attack as enemies of the state, who must be fished out and dealt with accordingly. He wondered why anybody would attack worshippers at their place of worship, saying only a wicked mind could kill in such a mindless manner. ...
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Nigeria’s Aviation Receives Boosts as NiMet, US Firm Sign MoU on Installation of Thunderstorm Detector, Others
2Jun By Dwelleth MorountodunNo Comments
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Nigeria’s Aviation Receives Boosts as NiMet, US Firm Sign MoU on Installation of Thunderstorm Detector, Others

The Nigerian aviation industry on Wednesday received a boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the United States (U.S) based aviation technology consortium: Earth Networks (EN), for the installation of a lightning detection, surface weather monitoring technology and thunder alert system. Speaking when the Director General (DG/CEO) of NiMet, Prof. Bako Matazu, received the equipment from representatives of the company, Messrs. Jean Blaise Ngameni and Zanvier Bentefuoete at the Headquarters of the agency in Abuja, he said the installation of the equipment across 10 Nigeria airports will detects a large portion of in-cloud (IC) and Cloud to Ground (CG) lightning. According to him, world class utilizes dat...
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<strong>FirstBank Bounces Back to its Leadership Position, Delivers a Fantastic Performance in 2021</strong>
27May By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments
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FirstBank Bounces Back to its Leadership Position, Delivers a Fantastic Performance in 2021

As financial market analysts continue to digest the 2021 financial results of the FirstBank Limited, which they say reflect the return of the banking conglomerate to its leadership position, Festus Akanbi writes that the regime of strong fundamentals which the robust performance represents is in tandem with the ongoing restructuring being midwifed by the current board and management of the company The Nigerian investing community was held spellbound earlier in the week when FBN Holdings Plc released its much-awaited 2021 financial statements to the public, showing a stellar performance, especially in its banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, which is said to be indicative of its strong recovery from its hitherto dwindling financial position. Banking and capital market a...
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Wike’s allegation, a distraction from Rivers on boundary issues – D-G, NBC
11May By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments
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Wike’s allegation, a distraction from Rivers on boundary issues – D-G, NBC

Surv. Adamu Adaji, the Director-General, National Boundary Commission (NBC) says the recent allegation of corruption against the commission by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers “is mischievous’’. Adaji said the allegation was a mischievous act to cover the state’s inability and lackadaisical attitude toward settling boundary issues. He made this known during a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja. The NBC boss said that the commission could not be corrupted by any one or an institution because the Imo and Rivers’ boundary issues were ongoing and being handled by the commission. “The boundaries between the two states have not been demarcated; this is because of the Rivers’ uncooperative attitude toward a peaceful resolution of the disputed portion. “The NBC’s intervention into the I...
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AfDB Mobilises $540m for Nigeria’s Food Security 
29Apr By Mohammed MohammedNo Comments
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AfDB Mobilises $540m for Nigeria’s Food Security 

The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday expressed determination to support Nigeria to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, as part of the quest for food security in the country. Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the Bank and a former Minister of Agriculture, disclosed this while briefing President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.Said Dr Adesina: “We have decided to mobilize $540 for the program. The African Development Bank has approved a total of $210 million. The Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have approved $170 million, and $160 million respectively, towards the program.”The AfDB President indicated that the processing zones will initially be rol...
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FG Declares 2nd, 3rd May Public Holidays as Workers Day, Eidul-Fitr Celebration
29Apr By Mohammed MohammedNo Comments
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FG Declares 2nd, 3rd May Public Holidays as Workers Day, Eidul-Fitr Celebration

The Federal Government on Thursday declared Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd May, 2022 as public holidays to mark this year’s workers day and EIdul-Fitr celebrations.The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.Aregbesola, congratulates workers across the country on this year’s celebration,  commending workers for their hard work, diligence and sacrifice, noting that their efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria now commands in the comity of nations.According to him:  “Labour is the very essence of humanity. We are alive because we work and only the dead is incapable of working."Aregbesola therefore enjoins workers to imbibe the culture of productivity, saying “The end of work is produ...
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