President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed immense sadness over the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.
“My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70-year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.”
Reacting to the death of the Queen today, September 8, President Buhari said: “our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.
“The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.”
The President welcomes the ascension to the throne, by King Charles, in line with tradition, praying that King Charles the III’s reign will witness the continuing robust and sisterly relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is in celebration mood as it announced its audited financial results for the half-year ended on June 30, 2022, recording double-digit growth across key income lines as well as significant progress in the contribution from its subsidiaries.
At the end of the first two quarters of the year, the bank was able to deliver a 12.6 per cent appreciation in profit before tax to N85.7bn, up from N76.2bn recorded in the same period of 2021.
In spite of numerous business, economic as well as geo-political environmental challenges including continued supply-chain interruptions due to COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the resultant rise in prices of global commodities that characterized the first six months of the year, the tier1 lender delivered impressive numbers with gross earnings hitting N372.4bn, a solid 17.8 percent growth when compared with N316 billion that was posted the same period in the previous year.
The result also shows that operating income also grew by 20.1% to N256bn in the period, while the firm’s profit after tax closed the first half stronger at N70.3 billion, up by 16.1 percent compared to the N60.6 billion same period in 2021.
A further breakdown of the bank’s half-year result which was filed with the Nigerian Exchange Group(NGX) in the early hours of Thursday, September 8, showed total assets continued on an upward trajectory, increasing 5.4 percent to about N9 trillion.
During the period to date, UBA also delivered on its core mandate of extending loans to credit worthy customers, with loans and advances increasing by 4 percent to N3 trillion; while deposits rose by 7.9 percent to N7.6 trillion at the end of the period.
Shareholders’ funds, however, declined marginally by 2 percent to N788.5 billion, owing mainly to the decline in its foreign operations translation reserve as well as fair value losses suffered from the investment securities valuation occasioned by the increasing interest rate regime across the globe.
With the strong double-digit growth in PAT vis-à-vis the marginal decline in shareholder’s fund, the Group’s return on equity (RoE) closed the period stronger at 17.7%, while return on assets (RoA) came to 1.6%, up by 9 basis points.
Reaffirming its commitment to shareholders and the investing public, the Board of Directors of UBA Plc declared an interim dividend of 20 kobo per share for every ordinary share of N0.50 each held by its shareholders.
Commenting on the result, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the stellar performance was in line with management’s expectation, adding that the bank’s continued focus on its “customer first philosophy’’ to pursue the mission of providing superior value to stakeholders had increased low-cost customer deposits, and boosted the growth of its payment and transaction banking.
“The financial year 2022 showed initial signs of recovery of economies across the globe, despite continued COVID-induced supply-chain disruptions. However, geopolitical challenges including the Russia and Ukraine conflict, resulted in escalation of global commodity prices, particularly that of grains and crude oil, which have taken a toll on several economies.
“Notwithstanding these developments, our half-year numbers came out stronger than the previous year with top and bottom-line reaching new record highs,” Alawuba said.
According to him, the Group’s profitability increased by 12.6% to N85.7 billion, with double-digit growth recorded across key income line.
The Bank also recorded a decent 20% growth in net interest income as it continues to moderate cost of funds whilst improving yield on assets, thereby contributing to the strong 20% growth in operating income.
“Our investments in state-of-the-art technology has continued to yield expected results and this is evident in the huge boost of our digital banking income, which grew 22.7% year-on-year to N36.3 billion.
“These gains have enabled us optimise net earnings amid the accelerating inflationary pressure, currency devaluation, and increased regulatory-driven costs,” he said.
Alawuba, who is delighted with the bank’s strides in growing its market share across Africa, added: “Our retail business has continued to grow as we ride on our agency banking network, trusted brand, competitive product offerings and quality service delivery, to deepen our retail penetration.”
He also commented on his recent appointment as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, alongside five other Group Executive Directors and assured the investing public of his relentless commitment to the growth of the business.
“Together, with our highly motivated workforce, we are poised to usher the business into a new era of growth that will deliver superior value to all stakeholders.’’
UBA is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than thirty-seven million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries.
With presence in New York, London and Paris and now the UAE, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.
The Department of State Service (DSS) has said that it had recovered incriminating materials, including military accoutrements, large amounts of different currencies and denominations in the houses of bandits’ negotiator, Tukur Mamu.
The spokesman of DSS, Peter Afunanya disclosed this in reactions to media enquiry about a raid carried out in the Kaduna house and office of Mamu in the early hours of today, September 8.
Afunanya said that many things recovered were so incriminating, saying that the arrested Tukur Mamu, who is a journalist and publisher will be charged to court.
”So far, appropriate security agencies have executed valid search warrants on Mamu’s residence and office. During the processes, incriminating materials including military accoutrements were recovered.
”Other items include large amounts in different currencies and denominations as well as financial transaction instruments. While further investigations continue, Mamu will, sure, have a day in court,” Afunanya said.
”So far, appropriate security agencies have executed valid search warrants on Mamu’s residence and office. During the processes, incriminating materials including military accoutrements were recovered.
”Other items include large amounts in different currencies and denominations as well as financial transaction instruments. While further investigations continue, Mamu will, sure, have a day in court.”
Meanwhile, the secret police has beefed up security around its facility in its Abuja headquarters.
A source at the headquarters of the secret police hinted that the deployment heavy security personnel might not be unconnected with presence of Mamu at the facility.
Security sources said Mamu was arrested for his alleged involvement in collecting and sharing ransom being taken from the families of victims to terrorists in exchange for kidnapped victims.
Mamu was arrested at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano yesterday, September 7 afternoon.
The Kaduna-based publisher, who was first arrested in Egypt was detained for 24 hours before he was flown back to Nigeria.
While the Egypt Air aircraft, which conveyed him and his family members, touched down in Kano around 1:55pm, he was immediately picked up by the operatives of the DSS, who were stationed at the entrance of the international wing of the airport several minutes before the aircraft landed.
Heavily armed operatives who were also in company of others dressed in mufti, were on guard at the entrance of the arrival section of the international wing of the airport where three vehicles – two hilux and one hiace- with Kano number plates parked by the entrance.
As passengers began to file out from the arrival section, one of the hilux vehicles moved forward as the luggage, presumably of Mamu and his family members, were being loaded in one of the vehicles while the one which picked Mamu zoomed off.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that one of the very important benefits of the population census scheduled for the 2023, the same year Nigeria will be holding general elections, is the fact that data collected will help to make critical decisions regarding the country’s future.
“This is why we must ensure we have the right data to plan adequately for our people and for the future of our children.” The Vice President, who inaugurated a donor’s forum ahead of the 2023 Population Census, in Abuja, today, September 8, said that the government is fully committed to investing in the development of the country’s human capital across different sectors, including health, education and nutrition, despite the growing population. The Vice President, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said: “as a government, our most important objectives, both nationally and regionally, must be on the improvement of the quality of life, living standards and livelihoods of our people. In other words, we are committed to the happiness, security and general welfare of our populations.”
The Vice President insisted that “we must therefore, adequately capture all the important indices of our great population.”
He said that the government will continue to make crucial investments in the development of the nation’s human capital, especially now when the population of the African continent is growing at an even faster rate when compared to the rest of the world. “By 2050, Nigeria is projected to have 400 million people. And government must continue to provide quality basic education, nutrition and healthcare for them, improve on security and create more job opportunities for our young people, who currently make up more than half of our country’s population.” He recalled President Buhari’s speech at the recent National Stakeholders Summit where he described population as a critical factor in a nation’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development. People are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Therefore, the knowledge of the national population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes.” professor Osinbajo commended the Commission and its partners for their hard work and dedication in preparations for the 2023 Population and Housing Census (PHC), the Vice President highlighted the Commission’s efforts in this regard. A special documentary on Nigeria’s 2023 Census journey so far was also screened at the event, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination to the President, Dr. Habiba Lawal; Chairman of NPC, Nasiru Kwarra and the UNFPA Resident Representative, Ms. Ulla Mueller, delivered special remarks.
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has conferred its Fellowship award on two management staff of the National Communications Commission (NCC).
They are the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka and Head, Media Relations, in the Public Affairs Department, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan.
The two top spokesmen were inducted as Fellows of the Chartered Institute during its AGM and Conference at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Congratulations from the Board, Management and Staff of the Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited, publisher of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hard copy magazine.
The National Chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu smiled home today, September 8, against the agitators, led by Governor Nyeson Wike of River State, for him to resign towards settling the rift in the party. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, at a make-or-mar meeting in Abuja, along with members of the party’s Board of Trustees, passed a vote of confidence in Senator Ayu, a clear sign of the support for him to go on as chairman of the party. A motion for the vote of confidence in the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Dr. Ayu was moved by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu at the meeting. The vote was supported by a NEC member from Kwara State at the meeting that was presided over by the acting chairman of the PDP BoT, Adolphus Wabara. This is coming against the background of calls by the southern caucus of the PDP for Ayu to step down for a southerner. With the vote of confidence, it is almost certain that Ayu will not be vacating the seat as he had insisted before the meeting that he would not resign before his tenure is over. In reaction to the development, the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, said that the party is determined to resolve its disagreements. According to him, such disagreements that have continued to disrupt the party’s progression in recent times, are normal in a family. Atiku, who is former vice-president of Nigeria, said that the PDP is the oldest party in Nigeria and had stood the test of time. He said that the PDP had a constitution that “guides the conduct of members and the party’s activities,” and that all disagreements must be resolved in tandem with the party’s rules and regulations.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier today, September 8.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social changes.
With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.
In a statement, His Majesty The King said: “The death of my beloved mother Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
He said during the period of mourning and change he and his family would be “comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held”.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.
Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.
Queen Elizabeth II’s tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK’s entry into – and withdrawal from – the European Union.
Her reign spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, born in 1874, and including Liz Truss, born 101 years later in 1975, and appointed by the Queen earlier this week.
She held weekly audiences with her prime minister throughout her reign.
At Buckingham Palace in London, crowds awaiting updates on the Queen’s condition began crying as they heard of her death. The Union flag on top of the palace was lowered to half-mast at 18:30 BST.
The Queen was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926.
Few could have foreseen she would become monarch but in December 1936 her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated from the throne to marry the twice-divorced American, Wallis Simpson.
Elizabeth’s father became King George VI and, at age 10, Lilibet, as she was known in the family, became heir to the throne.
Within three years, Britain was at war with Nazi Germany. Elizabeth and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, spent much of wartime at Windsor Castle after their parents rejected suggestions they be evacuated to Canada.
After turning 18, Elizabeth spent five months with the Auxiliary Territorial Service and learned basic motor mechanic and driving skills. “I began to understand the esprit de corps that flourishes in the face of adversity,” she recalled later.
Through the war, she exchanged letters with her third cousin, Philip, Prince of Greece, who was serving in the Royal Navy. Their romance blossomed and the couple married at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947, with the prince taking the title of Duke of Edinburgh.
She would later describe him as “my strength and stay” through 74 years of marriage, before his death in 2021, aged 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh was at the Queen’s side for more than six decades of reign, becoming the longest-serving consort in British history in 2009
Their first son, Charles, was born in 1948, followed by Princess Anne, in 1950, Prince Andrew, in 1960, and Prince Edward, in 1964. Between them, they gave their parents eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya in 1952, representing the ailing King, when Philip broke the news that her father had died. She immediately returned to London as the new Queen.
“It was all a very sudden kind of taking on and making the best job you can,” she later recalled.
Elizabeth was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953, aged 27, in front of a then-record TV audience estimated at more than 20 million people.
Subsequent decades would see great change, with the end of the British Empire overseas and the swinging ’60s sweeping away social norms at home.
Elizabeth reformed the monarchy for this less deferential age, engaging with the public through walkabouts, royal visits and attendance at public events. Her commitment to the Commonwealth was a constant – she visited every Commonwealth country at least once.
But there were periods of private and public pain. In 1992, the Queen’s “annus horribilis”, fire devastated Windsor Castle – a private residence as well as working palace – and three of her children’s marriages broke down.
After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car accident in Paris in 1997, the Queen drew criticism for appearing reluctant to respond publicly.
There were questions about the monarchy’s relevance in modern society.
“No institution… should expect to be free from the scrutiny of those who give it their loyalty and support, not to mention those who don’t,” she acknowledged.
Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Walid Jibrin, has resigned.
The BoT chairman announced his resignation at the ongoing Trustees’ meeting today, September 8, in Abuja.
Jibrin said that he resigned as his own sacrifice for the resolution of some of the knotty issues confronting the opposition party, especially the leadership crisis.
There have been growing demands for the resignation of Jibrin and the party’s National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, since the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate.
The presidential candidate, party chairman and Trustees’ chairman are from the North.
Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), a Nigerian pro-technology and non-governmental organization has announced the appointment of its inaugural board members. TTSWG is an aorganisation that advocates for sustainability through best practises in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector,
According to a statement from the organization, the board consists of eminent personalities with a proven track record within the telecommunication and technology industries.
“They are the chairperson, Engr. Abdu-Waya Mohammed, Head Strategy at FCT Internal Revenue Service; the vice-chairperson; Dr. (Mrs.) Wunmi Hassan, President/CEO, High-Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth; Iklimatu Abubakar Ramallan, Founder/CEO of IQRAM & IRA Technologies; Dr. Chris Uwaje (FNCS, FSP), Chairman, Mobile Software Solutions Ltd; and Professor Francis Idachaba, professor of Communication Engineering, Covenant University.
According to Engr. Abdu-Waya, in the statement: “Nigerian businesses are fast redefining their operations around sustainable business models that create enduring value for all stakeholders and the planet,”saying that it is against this backdrop that TTSWG is positioned to propel more action in sustainability across industries by creating a strong network for collaboration.
“It is an honour to serve these highly experienced and inspiring leaders. The sooner we expedite the education of every stakeholder in the sector about sustainability, from product providers to customers, the sooner we begin to protect more of our social and physical environment, health, and wealth for the future.”
It said that the board members are passionate about sustainability practices in ICT and are in alignment with the organisation’s mission and vision.
A run down on the experience of the board members goes thus:
Engr. Abdu-Waya Mohammed is a technology specialist with over 30 years of experience in the world of telecommunications both as an industry practitioner and in academia.
He is currently the Chief Strategy Officer at FCT Internal Revenue Service pushing for the alignment of the Services mandates and its Technology Strategy. He serves on the National Broadband Steering Committee of the NCC.
Dr. (Mrs.) Omowunmi Hassan is an IT professional per excellence. She evaluated Nigeria’s Information Technology Policy of 2001 in her PhD research with her results as a major input to the reform and convergence of the major ICT institutions in the country, thereby culminating in a Communications Technology Ministry in Nigeria today. She is the founder and national coordinator of the Women and Youth IT Capacity Building Centre.
Dr. Chris Uwajeis acclaimed as the pioneer of the National Information Technology Policy for Nigeria (2000-2002), which created the National IT Development Agency (NITDA). He is a founding member and Fellow of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS). He is also a Co-Founder, Past President and Fellow of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON).
Iklimatu Abubakar Ramallan is the Founder/CEO of IQRAM and IRA Technologies. She is also the Co-Founder of Secure Agric, a food security focused organisation.
She is experienced in managing and leading teams across multiple sectors. Her interests are in business management and making organisations successful.
Francis Enejo Idachaba is a Professor of Communication Engineering at Covenant University and Director of the Covenant University Open and Distance Learning Unit. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a COREN Registered Engineer in Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari is here welcoming the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to the Presidential villa, Abuja today, September 7, as the Nigeria’s special envoy to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Jonathan was in the presidency to brief President Buhari on the Mali crisis.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed immense sadness over the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.
Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is in celebration mood as it announced its audited financial results for the half-year ended on June 30, 2022, recording double-digit growth across key income lines as well as significant progress in the contribution from its subsidiaries.
The Department of State Service (DSS) has said that it had recovered incriminating materials, including military accoutrements, large amounts of different currencies and denominations in the houses of bandits’ negotiator, Tukur Mamu.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that one of the very important benefits of the population census scheduled for the 2023, the same year Nigeria will be holding general elections, is the fact that data collected will help to make critical decisions regarding the country’s future.
Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), a Nigerian pro-technology and non-governmental organization has announced the appointment of its inaugural board members. TTSWG is an aorganisation that advocates for sustainability through best practises in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector,
