Preparation For Hand Over Of Power To Tinubu/Shettima In Top Gear – Presidency

March 24, 2023

The Presidency has said that the preparation for handover of power to the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect, Kashim Ibrahim Shettima is currently in top gear with all the handover committees working round the clock for the programme.

“The Transition Committee, made up of representatives of the outgoing administration and the incoming one, is meeting on an almost daily basis planning the handover to the Tinubu/Shettima administration.”

In a statement today, March 24 reacting to news making the rounds that President Muhammadu Buhari will not hand over to Tinubu on May 29, a Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu dismissed the news as fake.

Garba Shehu asked: “how can you vigorously campaign for somebody, vote for him and then say you won’t hand over to him? This beggars belief.”

According to him, thirteen committees as offshoots of the main committee, some, to arrange military drills and pulling out of President Buhari, are either all at work or soon to be.

“So far, everything is going very well and there is no indication of any hitches.”

Garba Shehu hinted that already the Daura community has begun their preparations to receive their son, President Buhari back, after the successful administration of the country for two terms of eight years.

“He, for his part, is eager to return home to enjoy his retirement.”

The Presidential spokesman took Sahara Reporters which carried the “fake news” about the position of the President, to the cleaner, saying: “the situation of the Sahara Reporters is pretty pathetic since their ownership is politically partisan in today’s politics; in fact, a loser in the presidential election.

“Instead of talking about issues, they repeatedly sell lies in the hope that people believe them as truth.”

Aisha Buhari’s Special Bus For Disabled Athletes

Greenbarge Reporters

March 24, 2023

First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari has donated special bus to disabled athletes, known as Para athletes.
The presentation was made today, March 24, on behalf of the First Lady by her Special Assistant on Health and Developmental Partners, Dr. Victoria Ogala-Akogwu.
The minister of Sports, Sunday Dare was on hand at the National Stadium, Abuja, to receive the bus on behalf of the beneficiaries.

CBN Rises To Address Naira Shortage; Flood Banks, Banks To Operate Saturdays, Sundays

Greenbarge Reporters

March 24, 2023

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed flooding commercial Banks across the country with banknotes from its vaults as part of a coordinated effort to ease the circulation of banknotes of various denominations.
The CBN also directed all commercial banks to open for operation on Saturdays and Sundays. The Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, in a statement today, March 24, said that a substantial amount of money, in various denominations, has been received by the commercial banks for onward circulation to their respective customers.
The apex Bank spokesman said that all banks have been directed to load their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as well as conduct physical operations in the banking halls through the weekends.
“Branches of commercial banks will operate on Saturdays and Sundays to attend to customers’ cash needs.”
He said that the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, would personally lead teams to monitor the level of compliance by the banks in various locations across the country.
He appealed to Nigerians to be patient as the current situation would ease soon with the injection of more banknotes into circulation.

Dangote Cement Proposes Mouthwatering N340 Billion Dividend For Shareholders

Editorial staff

March 23, 2023

Management of Dangote Cement Plc has proposed N340 billion dividend for shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for April 13 this year.

The company assured shareholders whose names are registered in its register of Members that the dividend would be paid, if approved, a day after the scheduled meeting.

In the notice of AGM, by Dangote Cement’s Acting Company Secretary, Edward Imoedemhe, the company said that a list of unclaimed dividends is available on the Company’s website at www.dangotecement.com and that Shareholders with unclaimed share certificates or unclaimed dividends should address their claims to the Registrars, Coronation Registrars Ltd, at info@coronationregistrars.com

The company said that it is giving notice to all shareholders to open bank accounts, stockbroking accounts and CSCS accounts for receiving dividend payments electronically and that pursuant to the provision of Section 187 of CAMA 2020, the treasury shares are not entitled to dividend and voting rights.

The Cement company that its ordinary business for the day will include: laying the Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022 together with the Reports of the Directors, Auditors and the Audit Committee thereon; declare a dividend; elect/re-elect Directors; authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditors for the 2023 financial year; disclose the remuneration of Managers of the Company and also elect shareholders’ representatives of the Statutory Audit Committee. The AGM will also consider and if thought fit, fix the remuneration of the Directors.

In the financial statements of the organisation for 2022, the gross earnings for the Group increased to N1.6 trillion from the N1.4 trillion recorded in the preceding year due to the higher revenue generated from cement and clinker sales, with a significant chunk coming from the domestic market. The company’s revenue also increased by 21 per cent to N1,205 billion as against N993 billion recorded for the preceding year.

While the group’s earnings per share increased by 5 per cent to N22.27 billion as against the preceding year’s N22.42 billion, the company’s earnings per share increased by 6 per cent to N23.87 billion as against N22.42 recorded for the preceding year.

How We’re Championing Gender Equality, Financial Inclusion Of women – CBN Gov

Editorial staff

March 23, 2023

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has narrated how the apex bank has been championing the cause of gender equality and financial inclusion among women.

The Bank, he said, has been doing everything to encourage women through such policies as the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), which dedicates 60 per cent of the funding under the scheme to women-owned enterprises.

It also include the Framework for Advancing Women’s Financial Inclusion in Nigeria, that seeks to address gender gaps in access to finance, targeted onboarding of women on its central bank digital currency, the e-Naira, amongst others.

In a keynote address at the CBN’s International Women Dday (IWD) webinar to commemorate the International Women’s Day Celebration today, March 23, Emefiele said that digital financial services has become a critical dependency in the economy, providing vast opportunities to bridge the digital gender gap, drive financial inclusion and increase employment and economic opportunities for women.

Speaking on the theme of the celebration: “DigitiseHer: bridging the digital gender gap for financial inclusion and sustainable growth”, Emefiele attributed the successes recorded by the Bank to the hard work, resilience, and commitment of the female staff.

This was even as the Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability (FSS) in the apex bank, Aishah N. Ahmad, who hosted the Coffee Table Chat with Dr..Omobola Johnson, called for broad private and public sector commitment to gender parity and ensuring that women, youth and rural dwellers have access to digital financial services.

Aishah Ahmad said that despite increased digital mainstreaming, women were less likely than men to have access to technology, creating a digital gender gap which perpetuates women’s economic exclusion. She reasoned that digital innovation could be the missing link and a winning strategy for fixing the parity problem and deepening access to financial services.

In her interventions, the Special Guest Speaker, Dr.. Omobola Johnson, a Senior Partner with TLcom Capital and Nigeria’s pioneer Minister of Communications Technology, emphasized that inclusive innovation that is gender sensitive was critical to reducing the gender exclusion gap.

Dr. Johnson also advocated for a catch-them-young strategy to encourage females to pursue careers in technology and the establishment of special funds for female led tech businesses to achieve greater participation in the digital economy.

She underscored the importance of making Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education attractive for girls by showcasing role models in the sector. She highlighted the potential for digital financial services to enable not just financial services but important interventions in health, agriculture and SMEs. She, therefore, urged men to be deliberate in mentoring high-achieving women and their daughters in their pursuit of male-dominated careers like STEM.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum,equally stressed the need for women to learn digital skills to participate effectively alongside their male counterparts in digital financial services. Whilst commending the CBN for its efforts at enhancing financial inclusion, she disclosed that CBN and some agencies of government,such as the Bank of Industry (BOI), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), have special funds that women can access for support.

Discussions during the panel session at the webinar focused on the strategic role of digital technology and targeted-out-of-the-box approaches to closing the digital gender gap, guaranteeing women’s access to the digital economy and improving digital financial inclusion and broad-based economic participation of women.

Speakers at the session, which was moderated by ChibuzoEfobi, Director of Financial Policy and Regulation CBN, included Mr.Roosvelt Ogbonna, Managing Director Access Bank Ltd; Wendy Teleki, Head Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) Secretariat World Bank Group; Dr (Mrs.) Markie Idowu, MD/CEO of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited; Mrs. Farida Yahya, Vice President, Partnerships Shecluded; and MrsHawwau Gambo, Assistant Director and Head of Media Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The webinar had in attendance more than 1,000 participants across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy, includingother Deputy Governors and departmental Directorsof the Bank.

Angry PDP Wields Its “Big Stick”, Suspends Pius Anyim, Ayo Fayose, Shema, Others

Editorial staff

March 23, 2023

As a fallout from the just concluded elections in Nigerian, the main opposition political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has gone haywire, suspending its top leaders, including former Senate President and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, a one-time Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and others for alleged anti-party activities.

Also suspended are former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, the Commissioner for Education, Benue State, Professor Dennis Ityavyar and a chieftain of the party in Zamfara, Dr. Aslam Aliyu.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party announced the suspensions in a statement today, March 23 in Abuja, by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba.

He said that the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has after very extensive review of the affairs of our Party in the country and pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) referred the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.

“The NWC also approved the suspension of the following from the Party with effect from today, Thursday, March 23, 2023.
1. Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State)
2. Ibrahim Shema (Katsina)
3. Sen. Pius Anyim (Ebonyi State)
4. Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (Benue State)
5. Dr. Aslam Aliyu (Zamfara State)

“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party across the country to remain united and focused at this critical time.”

Source: Persecondnews

Keyamo Alerts DSS Of Moves By Peter Obi, His Running Mate To Truncate Democracy

Editorial staff

March 23, 2023

The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has alerted the State Security Services (SSS) of moves by the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed to truncate the democracy in the country.

In a petition to the security outfit, which he said is personal, Ktyamo said that comments by the two personalities after the election in the country on February 25 and March 18, amounted to what he called “incendiary” and capable of causing rebellion.

Keyamo, who is currently the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, in the petition addressed to the Director General of the SSS, recalled that Datti Baba-Ahmed had recently made a comment on himself of himself and Peter Obi on Channels TV on Wednesday, March 22, “wherein he threatened that if the President-Elect is sworn in on May 29th, 2023, it would ‘signal the end of democracy’.

“The latest of such are the comments made by Datti Baba-Ahmed on behalf of himself and Mr. Peter Obi on Channels TV on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, wherein he threatened that if the President-Elect is sworn in on May 29th, 2023, it would ‘signal the end of democracy’.

“Posing as an accuser, a judge and a jury all by himself, he unilaterally declared the duly elected President-elect as ‘unconstitutional’ and, in a subliminal manner, threatened mayhem if the President-Elect is sworn in on May 29th, 2023.

“I also have it on good authority that Mr. Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed have camped some youths in a popular hotel in Abuja with the sole aim of instructing them to push out inciting messages everyday on social media in order to cause panic and fear within the federation and to incite people to riot and social unrest.

“It is noteworthy that Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed have submitted Elections Petitions to the courts for adjudication, but their conducts and utterances amount to a subversion of the processes they have instituted in court and a subversion of our Constitution and the laid-down processes for addressing disputes and grievances.

“These conduct and utterances are a build-up to something more sinister and it is important you rein them in now!

“In the circumstance, I submit this petition in my personal capacity as a patriotic Nigerian to invite/arrest, interrogate and after investigation, if necessary, charge both individuals to court for their conduct which amounts to incitement and treasonable felony”.

Keyamo said that in a post-election period such as the country had gone through, there is a need to soothe frayed nerves, lower the temperature and begin the healing process.

“The President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement to this effect a few days ago.

“However, it appears the President and Vice-Presidential Candidates of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed are not prepared to toe this conciliatory path for the sake of peace and national cohesion, whilst exercising their rights to pursue duly laid down constitutional means of addressing their grievances.”

He said that Obi and Datti have been gojng around media houses, making comments and claims not just within the boundaries of exercising their rights to freedom of speech and the freedom to air their grievances publicly, but they have since crossed the line to call for the outright truncation of democracy by insisting on the adoption of other processes outside the contemplation of our Constitution.

“In some cases, their privies have even called for the establishment of an Interim Government.

Keyamo submitted his petition barely two days after Peter Obi filed his petition to challenge the victory of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25 election.

Buhari Angry With Traders Exploiting Muslims Ahead Of Ramadan Fasting

Greenbarge Reporters

March 23, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness about traders in the country who always increase the prices of their goods, especially food items at every approach of Muslim Ramadan Fasting.

The President, in a a goodwill message today, March 22, to Muslims, as they begin the 30-day Ramadan Fasting, March 23, said: “I am particularly aware of the activities of traders who artificially increase the prices of their goods, including food at the beginning of every month of Ramadan.

“This kind of exploitation is against the spirit of the Ramadan and the spirit of Islam.”

President Buhari said: “as we begin these 30 days fasting season, let us not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention from eating and drinking, but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.”

He challenged Muslims to project the best and finest virtues of Islam by personal conduct, and not precept.

“Let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity. This is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.

“The Ramadan is characterised by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between haves and have-nots.

“While we are observing this important occasion in the spiritual life of Muslims, let us share food and drinks with the less fortunate, because by sharing our blessings with others, Allah will multiply our rewards for good deeds.”

60 Young Entrepreneurs Gather To Celebrate Tony Elumelu At 60

Editorial staff

March 22, 2023

Sixty young business owners, family, friends, and business associates convened at a symposium in Lagos today, March 22, to celebrate Africa’s leading philanthropist, entrepreneur, Chief Tony O. Elumelu, as he marked his 60^th birthday.

The symposium, with the theme: ‘60 for 60’ with hashtag #TOEAt60, was attended by the over 60 young entrepreneurs who have benefited from the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), to honour him.

Elumelu is the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) which operates in 20 countries across Africa, the United Kingdom, France, and the UAE; and also the Chairman of Heir Holdings; Transcorp Plc, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, one of the leading producers of electricity in Nigeria and Transcorp Hotels Plc as well as the founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation(TEF).

In 2020, Elumelu was ranked among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.

In a goodwill message, former U.S. President, Bill Clinton praised the renowned entrepreneur for his good works through his foundation.

“From your successful career in business to your Foundation, you’ve achieved a lot. On this milestone I want to say thank you for your good work and unwavering belief in a better tomorrow. Happy Birthday,” Clinton said.

He added: “I call you the lion of Africa’, Testimonies, pour in from TEF benefactors.”
At the symposium, some benefactors of the TEF from different African countries gave testimonies of how they have benefitted from the program and how his investment in young people across Africa has uplifted a lot of them.

One of the TEF Alumni, Temitayo Johnson Laleye, CEO of TJL Signature, a fashion accessory brand that creates bizzare fashion accessories for adventurous students said: “Through my business, 2000 young people have been up skilled; thanks to the Tony Elumelu Foundation training, my business has expanded to Ghana and USA, I was also the youngest winner of the 25 under 25 award.

“So clean is a home laundry service and I started this adventure in 2019, with a capital of 50,000 CFA. Then I had no machine and staff and I applied in 2019 and 2020 but was selected as a TEF Entreprneur in 2021.

“Thanks to the seed capital from the Foundation, I got more materials, a new space and could recruit more people. Because of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme training, sales have tripled due to our change in strategy,” another TEF Alumni from Benin Republic, Gbadamassi said at the symposium.

Also, another benefactor of the TEF, Monica Temido from Zambia said: “I am a 2019 beneficiary, my business is employing 21 people who are breadwinners. Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation we have gained investor confidence. May the sun keep shining on you.”

On his part, CEO of Medina farmers, Michael Puyi from Liberia, said: “I call you the lion of Africa. I call you a mentor. When we started in 2016, we were not attracting any loans from banks.

“We applied and went through the TEF training where we learnt managing human resources and we have sold 60 megaton of rice and have established a huge oil palm. and supply to small scale farmers and the government of Liberia. On behalf of medina farmers, we say thank you.

“10 years ago, I was considered risky, my former company thought me too ambitious. I started my poultry with 200 chicken and 2,000 eggs weekly, now we produce 12,000 eggs weekly with six staff, 20 men and women along the value chain employed as casuals. Africa is shining because of your efforts,” Yaa Aduba Asare, from Ghana stated.

Source: Persecondnews.

All Now Set For Commissioning Of World Class Presidential Medical Centre

Editorial staff

March 22, 2023

The Presidential Medical Centre in Aso Rock is ready for commissioning by President Muhammadu Buhari anytime from now.

The Permanent Secretary in the State House, Tijjani Umar, who led the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and other top government officials to take a tour of the facilities in the Centre today, March 22, confirmed that all is set for the commissioning.

According to him, the world class facility will be commissioned by the President to add to the growing number of completed and commissioned legacy projects of this Administration.

He said that the calibration, testing of equipment and training of medical personnel are ongoing, and that the presidency is determined to ensure that the Centre remains fully operational and well maintained after inauguration.

This was even as the SGF, Mustapha described the newly built VIP wing as ‘money well spent,’ expressing satisfaction that the project was completed within a year as envisaged.

The ground-breaking ceremony at the VIP wing was performed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, on November 1, 2021 and work commenced in earnest by Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN).

The VIP Wing, which is a specialized/Intensive Care Centre, is dedicated for the exclusive use of the President, Vice President and other VIPs.

1...338339340...2,499 Page 339 of 2,499