PDP Will Collapse If It Drops Zoning, Anyim Pius Anyim Predicts

April 24, 2022

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim

Former Senate President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential hopeful for 2023, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has warned the party against discarding zoning in choosing the 2023 Presidential flagbearer, saying the decision may collapse the party.

He said his concern about zoning is not personal but the need to protect the party against flouting its constitution.

“This is a constitutional matter. Some people may get away with it but in the meantime, it will weaken our party. This makes it a concern to some of us.”

Anyim, who also served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation at one time, spoke today, April 24, on the Political Roundtable on Mainland FM in Lagos.

The former Senate President said that for equity and fairness, the position must be ceded to the South and South East in particular.

“I have no personal concern about zoning but I have corporate concern about zoning because it is a constitutional matter within the PDP. So when an organization is not in a position to follow the constitution, the worry I have is that some people may get away with it in the interim but in the long term, it will weaken that organization and the organization will no longer have the power to criticize its members.

“So the fact that it is a constitutional matter in PDP, it makes it much more concern to some of us if it is not followed.”

Anyim who also spoke on the move by some Northern aspirants to come up with a consensus arrangement said that the elders of the South East have not initiated such discussion in the zone.

He said that the aspirants have met and are working together to bring the ticket to the South-East “because it is the turn of the region to produce the next President”.

The former Senate President said that while he would not compare himself with any of the aspirants, he has the national exposure and the cognate experience having presided over the Senate and headed the engine room of the presidency in the past.

“I am simply returning to the terrain I am familiar with. All my experience has been in Abuja. My constituency is national and I want to say that nationwide, my experience is cognate.”

Source: Daily Trust.

How Senators Padded 2021 Budget With N100 Billion Constituency Projects—ICPC

Editorial staff

April 24, 2022

Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) has accused members of the National Assembly of padding annual budgets with constituency projects which were never executed while the budgetary provisions were shared among the members.

The anti graft agency raised alarm on how Senators diverted the money designed for their Senatorial Districts to other non existing projects, thereby denying their constituents the benefiting of the dividends of democracy.

The agency said that the National Assembly illegally added N20 billion to N100 billion annual constituency projects.

In its interim Constituency and Executive Projects tracking exercise report the ICPC said that the National Assembly embedded additional projects into the 2021 budget of MDAs which has in a long way affected budget performance as well as distorting developmental planning and implementation in the 2021 fiscal year.

According to the ICPC, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Finance, implementation actions were restrained, it was however concerned about the practice as it has become a norm that “even legislative aides and National Assembly staff serving in the appropriation committees also insert projects in the capital budgets of agencies without the knowledge of the legislators or the agencies. In the report, the ICPC cited other areas of infraction where by in constituency projects for Senatorial districts, lawmakers were accused of manipulatively awarding to themselves or through cronies companies by sponsor and executing agencies. The report read: “Budget insertion still remain one of the egregious, yet illegally acceptable phenomena that has distorted the nation’s developmental planning and implementation of developmental programmes. “In addition to the N100 billion appropriated annually for constituency projects, the National Assembly added additional projects into budget of MDAs. This is done to increase the project portfolios of concerned legislators and their influence on MDAs. The value of the insertion were in billions.

“Analysing the 2021 National Budget alone across key sector of education, water resources, health, power, science and technology, environment, works and agriculture, we found duplications to the tune of over N20 billion.” The report also pointed out that “Contract for the construction and renovation of Blocks of Classroom at the Federal University Staff School, Wakuri Taraba South Senatorial District was executed by a company owned and operated directly by a Senator, a project ICPC alleged was “haphazardly nominated, appropriated and executed in locations that have no need for such projects”. In another development, ICPC alleged another contract infraction in the supplies of water rigs by a particular company to be executed in Taraba South. The Commission had alleged that “just two days after the award of the contract, ‘the said company’, wrote to the executing agency, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority informing it that it was involved in some sort of arrangements with its sister company in respect of the execution and requested that the contract sum should be paid into the bank account of the company owned by the sponsoring legislator.

“Funding was therefore made to” the said company owned by the sponsoring legislator. The Commission alleged that , “the project for the procurement of water rigs to Taraba South, the rig which were never distributed, were distributed and supplied to the sponsor and were later found in the custody of the sponsor, commercialised, and the proceeds paid into the sponsor’s personal bank account. In the report, the ICPC has said that it was able to track a contract for the supplies of 686 water pumping machines to Kebbi Central Senatorial District awarded to a particular company owned by the children of the lawmaker representing the District. The said, “Various other projects were awarded and executed in Kebbi Central by three other companies owned and operated by the biological children of the sponsor”, the Commission alleged. Similarly, the ICPC said in the report that it was able to track the project for the supplies of 19 500KVA transformer to Delta North Senatorial District, two of which “were stolen and sold by an aide of the sponsoring lawmaker and one was found kept in a private house since 2018.

ICPC said, “while the culprit is on the run, the lawmaker has agreed to an undertaken to purchase and deliver to the Commission the two transformers”. In another development, the Commission further cited for example, the project valued at N149m for the training and empowerment of women and youths in Abaji, Kwali Federal Constituency awarded to a relative of the sponsoring legislation. It was also replicated in Kastina Central Federal Constituency where the sponsor singlehandedly executed the contract after which the project said to have valued at N49m was changed from its form and devalued by the lawmaker. In another case, supply of tricycles to Rivers West Senatorial District as empowerment project, where the sponsor allegedly used one of her cronies (boy) as the contractor. The Commission alleged that “while the contract was never performed, the sum (N30m) was fully paid and shared.

The ICPC has also revealed that some sponsoring legislators sometimes sit projects on the personal properties, which technically vests legal possession and ownership to them. An example was cited from an agricultural empowerment project in Osun West Senatorial District to be a training programme cattle rearing and actual supply for cattle. The BOQ, according to ICPC report, indicated 250 cattle to be procured and distributed to beneficiaries. The report said, “while the intended beneficiaries were trained, no cattle was given to them, instead the lawmaker established a private ranch using the cattle procured with government’s fund.” In Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, the Commission alleged that investigation led it to another youth empowerment scam carried out by the sponsoring lawmaker. The Commission alleged that some of the beneficiaries found in the list were randomly contacted, even as none of them acknowledged ever receiving any grant.

Source: Business News Report.

Buhari Acknowledges Late Alaafin’s Contribution To Positively Shape Nigeria

Editorial staff

April 23, 2022

Late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III

President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Dr. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who died today, April 23, took part in numerous national meetings and conferences to shape the future of Nigeria.

He also remembered words of wisdom the late monarch shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance in the country.

In a condolence message issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said that Alaafin reign covered major historic transitions in the country, and witnessed transformations in his domain.

He said that the Alaafin’s 52 years rule was remarkable in many ways, most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, thereby encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity while promoting values of peace and stability

The President shares the grief with the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, particularly in sports where he left another footprint.

He to God to receive his soul.

In his condolence message, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, described the passage of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III as a loss to the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

In a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as the Natural Head of Oduduwa race worldwide said that the late Alaafin was a worthy elder whose entire lifetime was dedicated to the promotion of the prestigious Yoruba culture and advancement of humanity.

“We have lost a great icon, a great monarch who saw Oyo through civilization and modern development without jettisoning the cultural sacredness of the throne first occupied by Alaafin Oranmiyan The Great.

“Ile Oodua Palace and the Ooni had a great working relationship with the late Alaafin who gave his best in resolving major conflicts in Yoruba land and uniting all sons and daughters of Oduduwa globally among other landmark achievements.

“The late Alaafin is one of the privileged elders who contributed to the growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also saw the country through military and democratic eras with unquantifiable positive inputs.”

Ooni Ogunwusi, the Co Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) recalled his last encounter with the late Oyo monarch early last month when they both held a closed door meeting of peace and reconciliation with some frontline politicians of Yoruba origin at Ibadan where Alaafin made a promise to make his first visit to the Ooni before middle of this year.

Ooni prayed for the soul of the departed monarch, as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death and prayed the Oyo will be spiritually guided to complete the burial of the monarch in full accordance of culture and traditions of their ancestors.

“While the demise of Oba Adeyemi would be greatly missed for his indelible imprint as a great descendant of Oduduwa, the Ooni hereby urges the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide to continue to pray for the deceased’s family and Oyo indigenes at this trying time. May the Almighty Olodumare also be with the OYOMESI at this critical time that may challenge the culture and traditions of their ancestors in the process of burial rites and process of selecting the next Alaafin. The position of Alaafin is too culturally important to be handled in a way that undermines our collective traditions and culture. Olodumare shall solidly stand with the OYOMESI and the entire Oyo kingdom.”

Atiku Kicks Against Gang-Up In The Name Of Consensus, Says It Will Deepen Nation’s Wounds

Editorial staff

April 23, 2022

Former Nigeria’s Vice President and 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has kicked against the sudden consensus arrangement in which Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and former Senate President, Bukola Sarki emerged as the choice of the party, saying that he had never been party to the consensus arrangement.

In a statement issued today, April 23, by Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, the technical committee for the actualization of Atiku Àbubakar Presidency in 2023, Atiku complained that he never subjected himself to the process.

Atku made it clear that he is not bound by any of the recommendations and conclusions of the purported report.

“Waziri Atiku Abubakar, as a nationalist, strongly believes that Nigeria has never been so divided as it is today, and any regional, zonal, ethno-religious gang-up or consensus-driven in this manner will further deepen and widen the wounds that urgently require to be healed. He is anxious to implement plans, policies and programmes that will rescue and rebuild Nigeria

“We urge our supporters to continue with consultations and town hall meetings with delegates across the country as the party prepares for the presidential primaries scheduled for Saturday/ Sunday May 28 and 29, 2022.”

Names of Senator Bukola Saraki and Governor Bala Mohammed had been announced yesterday, April 22, as the consensus candidates of the PDP for the North.

According to the chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, who made the announcement in Minna, Niger State capital, the choice of the two aspirants had been reached after the four aspirants began the process to reach a consensus by visiting former military president, Babangida and giving him the mandate to lead the process for a consensus.

The aspirants who he said agreed to abide by the outcome of the decision, were Tambuwal, Mohammed, Atiku and former banker, Muhammad Hayatu-Deen.

The former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) had pointed out that ex-president Babangida had advised the aspirants to have a resolution within themselves and come up with one candidate, which they reported back to him after some days and asked him to go ahead and pick one out of the four.

Prof. Abdullahi said in a statement: “While thanking the aspirants and President Ibrahim Babangida for entrusting us with the conduct of this exercise and in the hope that all parties involved would continue with mutual consultations aimed at the overall success of the party, we hereby present the following conclusion as presented to and endorsed by Gen Babangida.

“For the purpose of this exercise, it is hereby resolved that Gov Bala Mohammad from the North East and former Senate President Bukola Saraki from the North Central be presented as the northern Consensus Candidates for the moment.”

Wike Warns PDP Not To Give Presidential Ticket To Who’ll Serve Interest Of Wealthy Few

Editorial staff

April 23, 2022

The presidential aspirants and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has warned the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) not to give its presidential ticket for the anticipated 2023 general elections to a person who will protect the interests of the few wealthy ones.

Wike who spoke at a grand reception put together for him by the people of Kalabari ethnic nationality at the Abalama School field in Asari Toru Local Government Area, said that PDP should give its sole presidential ticket to a candidate who has the interest of Nigerians at heart.

“No amount of gang-up can make PDP give somebody who will want to run an election for the interest of some big men, and not for all Nigerians.

“Anybody who wants to be the candidate of PDP must be a candidate for the interest of Nigerians.”

According to him, the main opposition party would not be browbeaten into surrendering its presidential ticket to selfish politicians who would serve only the interest of the wealthy few in Nigeria.

Governor Wike said that Nigeria will shake when the south finally makes its decisions regarding the 2023 presidential election public.

Wike said that political leaders in the south will soon come out with their decision concerning the country’s number one position.

“The day the south will speak, Nigeria will shake. We believe in the unity of this country, but nobody can threaten us. Nobody should threaten us. We believe in the unity of Nigeria and unity of Nigeria must continue.”

Dangote Acknowledges Buhari’s Efforts At Improving Business Environment, Investments

Editorial staff

April 23, 2022

President of Dangote Industries Ltd, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has acknowledged efforts being made by President Muhammadu Buhari progressively improving the business environment and investment climate, despite some unprecedented challenges our economy has been confronted with over the past decade.

“We are also deeply grateful for your direct interventions at various times when our operations were challenged by some unintended consequences of economic policy positions.”

Dangote, who led Board members of the Dangote Industries Ltd, and Group on a “Thank-You-Visit to the President today, April 22, at the Presidential villa, Abuja said the Board members had come to show appreciation to the President for the great honour to the Dangote Group when he commissioned the new 3m MTPD Fertilizer plant, which was the latest subsidiary company of the Dangote Fertilizer Ltd.

“We also seize the opportunity to reiterate our immense gratitude for the sustained effort of your administration through various policy initiatives aimed at progressively improving the business environment and investment climate, despite some unprecedented challenges our economy has been confronted with over the past decade.”

Dangote said that Buhari’s interventions have not only helped to resolve business challenges, but have been a source of great encouragement in the Group’s determination to continue to invest in the nation’s economy.

He said that the Board looks forward to the return of President Buhari to commission the Oil Refineries and Petrochemicals project, which will transform the Nigerian economy.

“Through the outputs of our various businesses, our Group is proud to be making significant contributions to the diversification and growth of our nation’s economy, which is second only to Federal Government in the size of our workforce.”

The leader of the Dangote Group said that with more investments in agriculture and Oil and Gas sectors more impact will be made on the economy.

Dangote said that the group of industries will always hold on to the President’s mantra on the economy to “produce what we consume and consume what we produce.’’

This was even as President Buhari advised entrepreneurs and investors to channel ideas and resources into areas of the economy that stimulate growth, with long-term effect on job creation and poverty reduction, assuring that fixing infrastructure remains government’s top priority.

He said that transportation and energy will continue to attract attention for a turnaround, while urging entrepreneurs in the country and foreign investors to focus on areas that will leave lasting legacies of transforming lives.

“Mr. Chairman, Let me again, thank you and your board for the courage and foresight that enabled you to embark on these mega investment projects which will have enduring benefits to generations of Nigerians.

“Entrepreneurs such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote are unique gifts to their societies and the institutions they build, and they often become the pillars of stable enduring prosperous economies.

“I, therefore, urge other Nigerians in the business sector to emulate this iconic entrepreneur by investing in such enterprises that will in time become worthy legacies as national assets which will continue to benefit their people for generation after generation, creating firm anchors of enduring prosperity for their citizens.”

President Buhari said that reforms were already going on in the public sector to reposition it into a more effective and result oriented engine room that will encourage more investments.

“I am keenly aware of the many challenges in the business environment and the investment climate despite the sustained efforts by this government to bring about improvements.

“I want to assure you, however, that Government will do everything possible to enhance the development in infrastructure, especially in energy and transportation sectors.

“We will also continue to implement needed reforms in the public service to significantly improve the ease of doing business.”

President Buhari lauded Alhaji Dangote for always investing in areas that bring the highest benefits to Nigerians.

“I recall, with great pleasure, my visit to the Dangote Free Zone just about four weeks ago, to commission the Group’s new 3 million metric ton fertilizer plant. Let me, once again, congratulate you and your Board for a very successful commissioning ceremony.

“As I said at that event, the coming on stream of this plant was a huge opportunity to ramp up the productivity of our agricultural sector. It is, therefore, a most welcome booster to our government’s strategy for achieving food security and reducing poverty.

“Given recent developments globally, especially the effect of the ongoing war in Europe on world-wide food supply chain, I must commend your foresight for bringing the plant into operation at the time you did.

“I note that market realities will bring pressure to bear on Dangote Fertilizer Limited in seeking to meet the demands of your export customers.

“However, given your group’s well known patriotic vision, I am confident that your Board will continue to accord priority to meeting local demands of our farmers.”

President Buhari also commended the Dangote Group for extending investments to other African countries, while highlighting the vision behind the refinery.

“Mr. Chairman, I must specially commend you and your Board for the development of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical complex. I had a good view of this incredible city of steel and concrete when my helicopter circled over it during my visit for the commissioning of the Fertilizer plant.”

Wike Describes Consensus Proposal As A Scam, Says He Won’t Step Down For Anybody

Editorial staff

April 23, 2022

A presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has described the consensus project being proposed by the top operative of the party as a scam, saying that he would not step down for anybody under whatever guise.

According to him, nobody is worth being stepped down for, adding that it is only death that would take him away from the ambition of ruling this country.

This is coming on the heels moves being made by some chieftains of the party to ask all the presidential aspirants to settle for a consensus method of choosing a candidate amongst them.

However, during an interview with BBC Pigin, Wike said that those who think they can deceive him with such should perish the thought, stressing that only death could make him step down for another aspirant in the 2023 presidential election race.

“Why will I step down for anybody? If you want to do consensus, there must be equity and fairness. Are the hands of those demanding consensus clean? People talking about consensus are the ones running the election. Is it the party’s decision?”

“It is not the party that is talking. In politics, there is something called shine shine bobo. The more you look, the less you see. Some people think they can deceive me with consensus. It’s a scam. I don’t like being deceived in my life.”

On what can make him step down for another PDP candidate, he replied, “The only thing that can make me step down is death. if I am alive, we will run this thing, we will hold the primary on May 28/29.”

2023: I Am Not Declaring For Presidency, Jonathan Clears Air

Editorial staff

April 22, 2022

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has made it clear that he is not declaring to run in the 2023 Presidential election in the country, foreclosing speculations that he would soon declare his interest to run for his former seat.

Dr. Jonathan, who responded to a crowd of Nigerian youths that gathered at his Abuja home today, April 22 requesting him to declare his interest to run for president in the 2023 elections in Nigeria, said: “if you are calling me to come and declare for next elections, I cannot tell you I am declaring.

Instead, the former President encouraged the youths to take up interest in elective positions as the grounds have been cleared for youths to contest for any position in government.

“For you to come this morning shows clearly that you are interested in politics. We have always been urging that the youths should get involved in politics and luckily the ‘Not Too Young Bill’ states clearly that young people can contest in almost every position in government. So, we will continue to encourage you to get involved in the political process.”

2023: 13 Nigeria Professors Endorse Osinbajo For President

Greenbarge Reporters

April 21, 2022

No fewer than 13 Nigeria professors have openly endorsed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to take over the Presidency of Nigeria from his boss, Muhammadu Buhari in the 2023 election.

Professor Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement today, April 21in Abuja, said that the top academics, drawn from the six geo-political zones, came under the aegis of the Progressive Intellectuals Advisory Group.

Laolu said that the group was led by Professor Shehu Adamu, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Speaking to the Professors, Professor Osinbajo was quoted as calling on academics and members of other professional bodies to participate actively in the task of making Nigeria a better place for all.

“These days, you find all sorts of pretenders claiming expertise in everything under the sun without any real expertise.

“So, it is important that academics do not vacate that space to allow all sorts of people to begin to postulate on practically every issue.”

The vice president recalled his experience as an academic who became an Attorney-General.

“One of the most important things I recall when I served first as Attorney General of Lagos State was that it is so important for those of us who are in academics to participate because not only are we among the more knowledgeable groups, we have also done more work.

“The path that you have chosen is a very crucial one because in the future, more intellectual groups will take the responsibility that is really theirs.

“And I think that for those of us who are from the academic community, it is a privilege that we have – being the intellectual crème de la crème of our society, and this comes with responsibility.”

The vice president appreciated the group’s endorsement of his presidential aspiration, saying that if there was any sort of endorsement that had given him particular joy, it was the group’s endorsement.

“Because if one is endorsed by professional colleagues, people who live their lives by critical analysis and evaluation; it is worth celebrating.

“These matters are not to be taken lightly. For a professor to say that he supports a political cause, it is a weighty matter indeed, because you are aware that a lot of reflections go into it.

“But when you have 13 professors all over the country saying that they are aligned to one cause; I am greatly humbled; it is one of those things that doesn’t happen often.

“We will work together to make a significant difference for our country,” Mr Osinbajo said.

Earlier in his remarks, Professor Adamu said the visit was to intimate the vice president on activities and efforts of the group to support his aspiration to become Nigeria’s President.

He said the academics were convinced of Osinbajo’s capability to lead a more prosperous Nigeria; hence their resolve not only to endorse him, but also offer their expertise and do what it would take to ensure that he emerged victorious.

Professor Adamu said the group would engage in activities, including media engagements, community mobilisation, and partnerships with other professionals, among others, to shape public opinion in a manner that will lead to a successful run by the vice president in 2023.

Another member of the delegation, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri, the Vice Chancellor of the Al-Kalam University, Katsina, said members of the group had decided not to fold their arms.

“We will do whatever it takes to actualise the PYO 2023 project,” he said.

Moreso, Professor Chukwuemeka Nwanegbo, the Head of Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, said that members of the academic community would throw their weight behind the vice president.

“We do not want to sit back and watch the political terrain disallow you from emerging.

“So, we want to work with you, other professionals and students to actualise your bid,” he said.

Aside Messrs Adamu, Yauri and Nwanegbo, the other academics at the meeting included Prof. Yahaya Baba of Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto and Prof. Mashood Omotosho of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Others were Associate Prof. Philips Okolo, Director of the Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Niger Delta University, Prof. Shola Omotola, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof. Danjuma Abubakar, IBB University, Lapai and Associate Prof. Abdullahi Jibrin, Federal University Lafia.

Associate Prof. Atelhe George, University of Calabar; Prof. Saleh Mohammed, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State; Prof. Haruna Adama, University of Yola and; Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, Ebonyi State University were also in the delegation.

Source: NAN.

Non-Interest Making Jaiz Bank Plc Declares N4.37 Billion Profit For 2021

Editorial staff

April 21, 2022

Jaiz Bank Plc, the Premier Non-Interest Bank in Nigeria has declared N4.37 profit in its audited financial results released for the period ended 31 December 2021.

The results as released to the Nigerian Exchange Group, showed a 43% growth in Profit Before Tax from N3.07billion in December 2020 to N4.37 billion in December 2021.

This is on the backdrop of an increase of 31.76% in Gross Income from N19.61 billion realized in 2020 to N25.84 billion in 2021.

Similarly, the Bank’s Total Asset grew by 19.55% from N233.60 billion to N279.28 billion while Shareholders’ Funds for the period grew by 36.20%, from N17.85 billion to N24.31 billion.

Earnings per share for the period increased by 40.10% from 9.85 kobo in 2020 to 13.80 kobo in 2021.

In the last couple of years, Jaiz Bank has consistently delivered remarkable results, which clearly reaffirms its continuous growth trajectory as one of the most profitable banks in Nigeria.

Speaking on the results, the Managing Director/CEO, Hassan Usman attributed the achievements to the Bank’s expansion progamme, prudence and to a strong commitment to excellence service delivery to our growing customer base.

Usman congratulates the Board, Management and staff on these achievements, acknowledging the staff for their hard work, customers, for loyalty and patronage and continued support from shareholders.

He said the Bank’s growth strategy focuses on the real sector of the economy, especially agriculture, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and financial inclusion. He said the Bank continues the digitalization of its services and interactions to exceed customer expectations and foster operational efficiency.

“We shall continue to develop new customers, new markets and new products for both our physical and virtual channels. We remain committed to continuously up-scale our governance mechanism to meet best practice and regulatory requirements.”

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