NYSC Boss Reminds Youth Corps Members: No Jobs Out There, Better Be Creative

June 24, 2022

Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mohammad Fadah, has reminded corps members that there are presently no white cola jobs out there except they find ways of acquiring skills and getting entrepreneurship development.

The NYSA boss, who was addressing the 2022 batch B, stream 1 corps members in the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos today, June 24, said that skills acquisition will prepare them to be self-reliant after the programme.

He advised the corps members to abide by the rules/regulations of the orientation camp, even as he charged them to acquire monetizable skills and take advantage of the scheme’s entrepreneurship programme.

“As good children, you have to adhere strictly to the camp rules/regulations by doing all the Dos and staying away completely from all the Don’ts as you are observing this orientation programme.

“Movement anyhow in and outside the camp is not encouraged, don’t do it, but if you must and have cause for such, take necessary permission from the camp.

“There are no ‘White collar’ jobs out there, that is the reason for the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAID), and you identify the one you want to learn.

“Take it very seriously. It is additional knowledge so that you can have something to practice, take home and fall back on after the one-year mandatory service to the fatherland.

Makeups Are For Wayward Women; Engagement Ring Unchristian – Evangelist Victor

Editorial staff

June 24, 2022

Founder and Senior Pastor of Royal House of Grace Minitries International, Evangelist Victor Edet has said that using rings for engagements is wrong and unacceptable as the Bible forbids it.

This is even as he kicked against the makeup worn by women, saying that makeups are for wayward people “and this category of people won’t enter the Kingdom of God.”

Evangelist Victor Edet, was reacting to the popular Nigerian gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo on her engagement to Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, in a post he shared via his official Facebook account.

He first congratulated the songstress and then proceeded to outline some areas she got it wrong, backing up his arguments with some verses from the Bible.

He wrote:

“CONGRATULATIONS to you Mercy. Meanwhile, Using Ring for engagement or Wedding engagement is Completely wrong and Totally unacceptable. As Christians, the Bible forbids us from using ring’s and Jewelries as stated in Isaiah:3-16-26.

Wearing Make-Up is another Sin of it’s own. Make-Up are for spoilt people (Prostitute) as stated in Jeremiah:4-30, and no spoilt person will enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

You Can’t Try Third Term In Nigeria; Person Who Tried It Failed, Buhari Tells British PM

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he dare not attempt to exceed the two-term in office as President, as allowed by the Constitution of Nigeria because, obviously, he would not succeed.

Responding to what looked an innocent question by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on the margins of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, today, June 23, Buhari said: “another term for me? No! The first person who tried it didn’t end very well.” (General laughter).

The Nigerian leader, who held a bilateral meeting with Boris Johnson, insisted that he would leave office for incoming President in September 2023.

On the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, not being allowed to see his lawyers privately, the President dispelled such insinuation, saying the detained separatist was being given every opportunity under the law “to justify all the uncomplimentary things he had been saying against Nigeria in Britain.

“He felt very safe in Britain, and said awful things against Nigeria. We eventually got him when he stepped out of the United Kingdom, and we sent him to court. Let him defend all that he has said there. His lawyers have access to him. Remember he jumped bail before, how are we sure he won’t do it again, if he’s admitted to bail?”

On the PM’s expressed readiness to help Nigeria in the area of security, the President said that helping to stabilize Libya could be an initial good step, as the fall of Muammar Gadaffi after 42 years in power unleashed his armed guards on countries in the Sahel, “and they are causing havoc everywhere, as the only thing they know how to do is to shoot guns.”

On Boko Haram insurgency, President Buhari said there is serious effort to educate the people on the fact that only an unserious person could kill innocent people, “and say Allah Akbar (God is Great). God is justice. You can’t take innocent souls, and ascribe it to God. And the education process is working, the people now understand Boko Haram as anti-God, and not about religion.”

PM Johnson said that he was delighted about the good news on trade between the two countries, adding that the UK was further reducing tariffs on some goods going to Nigeria.

He described the relationship between the countries as “very strong attachment. I just want to be sure that we are doing enough. It’s a massive partnership for us, and we need to capitalize on it.”

The Prime Minister offered condolences on some recent attacks in Nigeria, particularly on churches.

Senator Ekweremadu, Wife In UK Court Over Alleged Attempt To Use Boy’s Kidney For Daughter

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

A Nigerian senator, Ike Ekweremadu of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his wife, Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremad, have today appeared in court accused of plotting to traffic a 15-year-old boy to the UK from Lagos in order to harvest his kidney for their ailing daughter.

The court heard that the couple, who have four children and a house in Willesden, North London, hoped to transplant the boy’s organs to their daughter who suffers from kidney failure.

Police had earlier been alerted to potential offences under modern slavery laws last month and arrested the couple two days ago at Heathrow Airport before they flew to Turkey, the court heard.

The child is now under the care of safeguarding authorities and the Metropolitan Police, officials said.

Ekweremadu, 60, and his wife Beatrice, 55, are charged with conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.

The senator was wearing a grey sweater while his wife was wearing a black and white knitted cardigan at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court today.

Prosecutor Damla Ayas said: ‘It is a conspiracy in relation to human trafficking offences for the purposes of organ harvesting. The victim, in this case, is 15 years old

‘The couple were interviewed at the police station. Both of the defendants have provided a prepared statement.

Ekweremadu, in his prepared statement, denied allegations of human trafficking, saying that at no stage has he arranged transport for anyone with the intention to exploit them.

His wife similarly denied the allegations in her prepared statement, the court heard.

Gavin Irwin, representing Ekweremadu, said: ‘There is no question this is a serious allegation. Mr. Ekweremadu is a member of the senate in Nigeria.

“He has previously held an even more senior role as deputy president of the senate.

“He is a member of the bar in Nigeria. He is a principal in a law firm that bears his name.

“Those issues taken together go way beyond him being a person of good character…rather that he has led a blameless life as a public servant.”

Mr. Irwin added that the allegations are “nothing short of preposterous.”

Antonia Gray, for Mrs. Ekweremadu, said: ‘She has never been complicit or involved in any alleged illegal trafficking of any young person.

“She is a financial accountant…with an unblemished record.”

The couple have an address they could stay at in Willesden, northwest London, the court heard.

The prosecutor made an application to adjourn matters for 14 days.

Ms. Ayas said: ‘In respect of these offences, Attorney General’s consent is required and the Crown requires 14 days for that to be obtained.”

Magistrate Lois Sheard said: ‘These are serious allegations and these matters are now adjourned until 7 July back here at Uxbridge.”

Ms. Sheard remanded both defendants into custody ahead of their hearing next month.

The Ekweremadus are charged with ‘conspiring to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation….between 1 August 2021 and 5 May 2022 within the jurisdiction of Central Criminal Court’.

The investigation was launched by the Met’s Specialist Crime team after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.

The Met Police has confirmed that the boy is safe and being looked after. Mr Ekweremadu was held with Nwanneka Ekweremadu in Britain this month.

Ekweremadu has been an elected senator at the Abuja-based parliament since 2003 after moving into politics after years as a lawyer.

His wife, five years his junior, is an academic and doctor and also a major public figure in Nigeria. They are believed to have four adult children.

More African Apex Banks Explore Digital Currencies – IMF

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Several sub-Saharan African central banks are exploring or in the pilot phase of a digital currency, following Nigeria’s October introduction of e-Naira.

Nigeria was the second country after the Bahamas to roll out a CBDC.

IMF, in its Blog chart of the Week said: “CBDCs are digital versions of cash that are more secure and less volatile than crypto assets because they are issued and regulated by central banks. As the Chart of the Week shows, South Africa and Ghana are running pilots while other countries are in the research phase.

The South African Reserve Bank is experimenting with a wholesale CBDC, which can only be used by financial institutions for interbank transfers, as part of the second phase of its Project Khokha. The country is also participating in a cross-border pilot with the central banks of Australia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The Bank of Ghana, by contrast, is testing a general purpose or retail CBDC, the e-Cedi, which can be used by anyone with either a digital wallet app or a contactless smart card that can be used offline. Countries have different motives for issuing CBDCs but for the region there are some potentially important benefits.

The first is promoting financial inclusion. CBDCs could bring financial services to people who previously didn’t have bank accounts, especially if designed for offline use.

In remote areas without internet access, digital transactions can be made at little or no cost using simple feature phones. CBDCs can be used to distribute targeted welfare payments, especially during sudden crises such as a pandemic or natural disaster.

They can also facilitate cross-border transfers and payments. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most expensive region to send and receive money, with an average cost of just under 8 percent of the transfer amount. CBDCs could make sending remittances easier, faster, and cheaper by shortening payment chains and creating more competition among service providers.

Faster clearance of cross-border payments would help boost trade within the region and with the rest of the world. There are risks and challenges that need to be considered before issuing a CBDC, however. Governments will need to improve access to digital infrastructure such as a phone or internet connectivity. While the region has made significant strides, more investment is needed.

More broadly, central banks will need to develop the expertise and technical capacity to manage the risks to data privacy, including from potential cyber-attacks, and to financial integrity, which will require countries to strengthen their national identification systems so know-your-customer requirements are more easily enforced. There is also a risk that citizens pull too much money out of banks to purchase CBDCs, affecting banks’ ability to lend.

This is especially a problem for countries with unstable financial systems. Central banks will also need to consider how CBDCs affect the private industry for digital payment services, which has made important strides in promoting financial inclusion through mobile money.

Dangote Opens Articulated Truck Driving School

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

Leading Cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc, has opened Dangote Articulated Truck Driving School in a move aimed at inculcating safe driving culture in its drivers so as to stem the tide of road crashes.

The school, established in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is expected to make the drivers become better road users.

The Academy, which was officially commissioned by Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi, was described as historic and unique.

The new Academy for truck drivers, according to the Corps Marshal, is a significant step forward that will benefit not only the Dangote Group but Nigeria as a whole.

The country’s top road safety official hailed Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, for taking “a big step” towards reducing truck accidents.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for. You made it. I have observed that Dangote has done a lot to address truck crashes and I must commend them for this.”

He extolled the conglomerate for leading other companies on this path, saying the new school will play a key part in the country’s efforts to make roads safer.

He said he had suggested such a school long ago, adding that he is happy that the school has come to fruition.

In his remarks, the National Director, Logistics of the Dangote Cement (Transport section) Mr. Juan Carlos Rincon, said the new school is an expression of the determination of the company to bring to halt the incidences of auto crash in the country.

Speaking also Executive Secretary National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Professor Idris Bugaje who was represented by Engr S.M. Yusuf, said the NBTE will partner with the Dangote Cement Plc for a successful accreditation and takeoff of the new school.

In his remarks, the Bajana of Obajana HRH Oba Idowu Isenibi said he was optimistic that the school will help address auto crashes in the country, even as he described the President of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote as a “rescuer and God sent to their communities that should be emulated by other investors in the country.

Speaking in the same vein, the Olu of Akpata Oba Frederick Balogun urged other investors to emulate the company.

Both the Dangote Cement Transport and the FRSC signed a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) on how to cooperate to ensure that the school is a success.

Dangote Cement has also organized thorough block molding training for block makers in both Kano and Katstina states respectively.

This, according to the company is to ensure that the blocks moulded for building constructions are strong, reliable, and durable, noting that some block makers do not really know how to make strong and reliable blocks.

The Coordinator of the programme, Johnson Olaniyi, said the workshop would give the block molders and allied product manufacturers the opportunity to once again build capacity and adhere to global best practices.

Olaniyi said the Dangote Cement Plc is desirous of reversing the trend of collapse building through the capacity building of block manufacturers.

CBN Has No Plan To Withdraw Form A Discounted Rate On Overseas Tuition

Greenbarge Reporters

June 22, 2022

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has faulted reports in media circles suggesting that the payments of overseas tuition fees from Nigeria will cost more as from January 2023, due to the purported withdrawal of the “Form A” Discounted rate, with effect from December 31, 2022.

The Bank’s position followed reports in certain media, which quoted a tertiary institution in the United Kingdom as claiming that Nigeria had withdrawn the Central Bank “Form A discounted rate” in order to encourage more funds to remain within the Nigerian economy.

The advisory from the school purportedly urged new and returning students from Nigeria “to take advantage of the Central Bank Form A discounted rate while this is still available.”

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, today, June 22, the Director, Corporate Communications Department of the apex Bank, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, described the report as false and the purported advisory, as misleading and speculative.

Nwanisobi said that CBN had not issued such a policy, even as he cautioned concerned parents and students to disregard any advisory to pay up as much portion of their outstanding fees as possible, through Flywirex before December 31, 2022.

While also reminding all stakeholders that front-loading (for both visible goods and invisibles) is contrary to the provisions of extant regulations, the CBN spokesman assured that the Bank will continue to meet all legitimate demands for foreign exchange.

Nwanisobi therefore urged all authorised dealers to ensure that payments for tuition outside Nigeria are made no earlier than 30 days prior to due date, even as he charged them to put in place measures to forestall abuse.

It will be recalled that a Manchester-based university was purported to have issued an advisory urging students whose tuition were paid from Nigeria to pay up as much portion of their outstanding fees as possible, through Flywire, prior to December 31, 2022, based on claims that the Central Bank of Nigeria planned to withdraw the “Form A” discounted rate in order to encourage more funds to remain within the Nigerian economy.

We Are The Reason Why East Lost Out In Power Shift, By Obiaruko Ndukwe

Greenbarge Reporters

June 22, 2022

We are the reason why the East lost out in the power shift! We hailed when we ought to have wailed; when the two brothers were at daggers down. We were the cheer-leaders, pitching tents on both sides when we should have sued for peace

Amaechi didn’t lose. Neither will Wike lose. It is the people of the East that lost a golden opportunity

We always say: may the Labour of our heroes past not be in vain. Yet we have spat on the graves of our fathers, whose sweat built the foundation of our unity. We play politics with ignominy

Today, we are yet playing second fiddle, waking up at midnight to look for our voting power. We are fixing a fast food just at the toll of the bell, when the elections are already here.

We seek a sudden messiah.

What we feared most has come upon us. Our lords have imposed a heavy tax on us because we failed to seek unity even in our diversity. The Tower of Babel has once again crashed and we are dancing to the discordant tunes. Maybe our dance steps will be uniform now; to entrench our feet in the seat of power.

Resilient and Tenacious people yet in disarray, because we sold our pride cheap to those who trample on it. May the bonds we share revive us again.

That we may recover our lost glory!

3 Lagos Farmers Win CBN’s Best Farmer Of The Year 2021, Go Home With Cash Gifts

Greenbarge Reporters

June 22, 2022

Three farmers in Lagos State have won the “Best Farmer of the Year 2021” award organized by the Development Finance Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The farmers were given the awards at the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) Farmer of the year award, on Tuesday in Lagos. The recipients who are into poultry, fish, snail and pig farming, got cash prizes of N50,000, N75,000 and N100,000 respectively.

The Lagos State Branch Controller of the CBN, Koyor Baribokola, represented by Nnaemeka Ukanyiriola, said that the bank rewarded participants who had shown exceptional promise and dedication to growing Nigeria’s agricultural sector despite numerous challenges.

He said that the previous year was particularly difficult with businesses trying to recover from the after effects of a global pandemic.

“It is evident that our commitment in rebuilding our agricultural might as a nation is crucial not only for our subsistence but also our economic relevance on a global scale.

“These awards are not only a reflection of our commitment to agricultural development, but also in line with our core values as an organization.

“As the bank continues to design and implement measures to improve food security by facilitating access to finance to the agricultural sector, we are confident that farmers will continue to grow and scale their businesses over time.”

He said that a total of 31, 666 loans, valued at N5.92 billion were guaranteed under the ACGSF in 2021.

This was even as the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Olatokunbo Emokpac said that the state is making great efforts to close the gap between local production and consumption in the state.

Emokpac, represented by Olushina Shobande, Assistant Director from the Agricultural Business Department, said that the total consumption in the state currently stands at 20 per cent.

“As you know, Lagos is the market and you know, Lagos State is limited by land. So, it is virtually impossible for us to produce everything that we eat in Lagos State by over 22 million within the state.

“So, we are currently at 20 per cent local production of our total consumption; we are striving by implementing our agricultural roadmap within the year 2021 and 2025 to ensure that we push that to 40 per cent.”

Emokpac said that the state has been giving farmers and other stakeholders the needed input at subsidised rates through its empowerment programme annually.

“We even give them grants in the form of input every year to ensure that we increase production.

“We rely heavily on CBN, particularly the development finance to provide the financial support through the single digit rates, which is the cheapest you can get in the country, through their various programmes.”

Ogunnimo Ayodele, the best farmer of the year 2021, who took the second position in 2020, thanked the apex bank for the initiative, saying it had allowed farmers access to more credible finance.

“I will not say it’s a huge one, I will like to use this opportunity to say that CBN can help us improve on the access that we have because inflation affects the amount that is being guaranteed.

“On behalf of all farmers, we would really appreciate it if the funds that are guaranteed can be increased,” he said.

Joy Nwakego, a pig farmer and the second best farmer of the year 2021, appreciated CBN for reviving her business after she was affected by swine flu in 2013.

“I appreciate everything. But, we need more, we want to grow, we are the bedrock of this nation; in my area in Badagry, my production is less than the demand; I need to expand to satisfy my customers.

“I live in a place where what I produce is generally consumed and it’s very scarce due to the high price of raw materials.

“A lot of farmers are going out of business. The few of us that are left are left with so many customers we can’t satisfy. So, we need help to be able to solve this problem.”

Source: NAN.

Osinbajo Launches Integrated Regional Human Capital Development Strategy

Greenbarge Reporters

June 22, 2022

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, through the National Economic Council (NEC) which he heads, will host an international forum to launch the Integrated Regional Human Capital Development Strategy in a determination to significantly improve the human development indices in West Africa.
A statement today, June 22, by his spokesperson, Laulu Akande, said that the conference, scheduled for Abuja tomorrow, June 23, will have in attendance, leaders in the public and private sectors across the ECOWAS sub-region, reviewing strategies on human capital development, while the launch of the integrated strategy document will be the high point of the event.
Akande said that other partners participating in the forum include the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the World Bank; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation, among others.
He said that the Human Capital Development programme was launched in March 2018 by the National Economic Council (NEC) and that the programme was conceptualized with the realization that human capital development plays a critical role in addressing poverty and ensures participatory and sustainable economic growth.
“The goal of the National HCD Vision – which was launched at an extended meeting of NEC focused on the Human Capital Development in December 2018 – is for “Healthy, Educated and Productive Nigerians by the Year 2030”, with targets across three thematic areas; namely Health and Nutrition, Education and Labour Force Participation.”
Akande said that the Vice President insisted on improved cooperation among West African countries to address the issues of healthcare access, out-of-school children among other human development indices.
Professor Osinbajo, in a separate audience with the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, Nuno Gomes Nabiam, in Abuja said: “the Human Capital Development meeting is very important, and it is an opportunity to share experience and help each other.”
“National Economic Council (NEC) has done a lot of work on Human Capital Development, focusing on various challenges including questions around out of school and healthcare access.”
The Vice President acknowledged that the indices show that a lot more work still needed to be done, even as he commended President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau for his strong support for Nigeria, describing him as a very good friend of the country and President Muhammadu Buhari.

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