First Bank Closes Accounts Relating To Cryptocurrency

February 12, 2021

First Bank Nigeria Plc has closed any account relating to Cryptocurrency in compliance with the directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In a statement today, February 12, the management of the First Bank said: “in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria directives, please be informed that any account identified as transacting in or operating Cryptocurrency exchanges within our system will be closed accordingly.”

The statement said that the CBN has written the letter: BSD/DIR/GEN/LAB/14/001 dated 5 February 2021, to direct that all banks, non-bank financial institutions and other financial institutions should identify persons and/or entities transacting in or operating Cryptocurrency exchanges within their systems and ensure that such accounts are closed immediately.

“We assure you of our continued support as we thank you for banking with us.”

Osinbajo Heads Committee To Design N1 Trillion Nigeria’s Infrastructure Development

Editorial staff

February 12, 2021

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to chair a steering committee for the establishment of Public-Private Partnership styled Infrastructure Company named Infra-Co, with an initial seed capital of N1 Trillion.
According to a statement today, February 12, by a presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, Infra-Co will be one of the premier infrastructure finance entities in Africa and will be wholly dedicated to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

The entity, the statement said, has been developed with concept designs from the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is envisaged that, over time, the entity will grow to N15 Trillion in assets and capital.
The statement said that the initial seed capital for the entity will come from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, and the Africa Finance Corporation.
It said that the board of Infra-Co will be chaired by the Central Bank Governor and include the Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, President of the Africa Finance Corporation, as well as representatives of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning. The Board will also have 3 independent directors from the private sector.
“To address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, the Buhari Administration continues to explore innovative options, including through financing initiatives such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) designed to cater for the 2nd Niger Bridge, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, and other projects.
“There is also the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme which is being used for the funding of the Bodo-Bonny Bridges and Road (with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG), and the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway (with Dangote Group), among others.
“Infra-Co will finance public asset development, rehabilitation and reconstruction as well as invest in cutting edge infrastructure projects for Roads, Rail, Power and other key sectors.”

Kidnapping Of Journalists Has Reached ‘Epidemic Proportions,’ Group Laments

Editorial staff

February 11, 2021

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has expressed serious concern over the rising spate of abduction of journalists, saying that it has reached “epidemic proportions.’

It called on the Government and security agencies to take immediate action to locate and rescue the latest victim, Ms Chidiebere Onye, a reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who was kidnapped on February 9 in Rivers State.

“By any measure, the government is failing woefully in its duty to protect journalists, particularly as there is no indication that it is taking the issue seriously or making any visible effort to ensure their safety or security.’

MRA’s Legal Officer, Sideeq Rabiu, in a statement today, February 11 in Lagos, described the kidnapping of Ms Onye at gunpoint by unknown gunmen while heading home after work, along the railway line in Woji, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State in the night of February as heinous and senseless, especially as she is a nursing mother.

“Journalists are notoriously poorly paid in Nigeria and it is highly unlikely that anyone would expect to make a great deal of money by kidnapping a journalist for ransom. So we fail to understand the sudden surge in the kidnapping of journalists.”

He asked the Government to take action on the issue of the safety of journalists, even as he called for the establishment of prevention and rapid response mechanisms to provide journalists and other media workers who are threatened or under attack an avenue which they can immediately reach out to and which is competent and has adequate resources to provide effective protective measures.

He also called on the government to ensure that prompt, thorough and effective investigations are conducted into all cases of violence, threats or attacks against journalists and other media workers in order to bring the perpetrators to justice, including those who conspired to commit the act, aided and abetted or covered up such crimes.

President Buhari, Tinubu, Atiku Mourn Lateef Jakande

Editorial staff

February 11, 2021

The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar have expressed sadness over the death of the first civilian governor of Lagos State under the Second Republic’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Alhaji Lateef Jakande. He died today, February 11 at the age of 91

In his condolence message, President Buhari said that Lateef Jakande lived for the good of others, state and country, and that his legacy of standing for all that was right for humanity would be long remembered.

The President, said that Jakande’s imprint on the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos State, which was the former National capital, will continue to awe and inspire, reminding everyone of the strength of character and sacrifices of the visionary leader.

He said that the contributions of Jakande, who had also at one time served as Minister of Works, to the growth of democracy and good governance in the country showed him as a patriot, whose wisdom will run through generations, especially in putting people first in development plans.

The President specially condoled with the government and people of Lagos State, Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Nigerian Guild of Editors, in mourning the veteran journalist, praying that God will receive his soul and grant him eternal rest.

In his condolence message too, Asiwaju Tinubu described late Lateef Jakande as the last of the political titans ranking with the likes of Chief ObafemiAwolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Olabiyi Onabanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Alhaji Aminu Kano, among others.

He said that late Jakande was also a mature statesman never given to histrionics or fanning the embers of disunity, adding that at difficult moments in the nation’s history, such as the struggle against military dictatorship, he took personal painful decisions that cost him a lot, but his integrity was never impugned.

“We Celebrate, Not Mourn Jakande. Today, we lost a great soul. Pa Lateef Kayode Jakande exemplified the best of Lagos and of Nigeria.

“We celebrate Papa’s life and his legacy and we must do our best to continue to build on them. May Almighty Allah grant Baba JakandeAljannaFirdaus. Amin.”

Also, Atiku Abubakar said that Alhaji Jakande until his passing today, remained one of the last icons of our nationhood and in whose life are enormous examples that we can get inspiration from in the much-needed drive in rebuilding our psyche as a people.

Atiku said that Jakande’s legacies in Lagos State, where he was the first civilian governor, remains emblematic of good governance and infrastructure development, not just in Lagos State but in the whole of the country.

“His works in promoting qualitative public education and welfare in public service will continue to stand for him as a glowing tribute of the life of service that he lived.”

Buhari Offers Automatic Employment, Scholarship To 110 Ex NYSC Members

Editorial staff

February 11, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has offered automatic employment to 110 former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the Federal Civil Service and scholarships for the pursuit of post-graduate studies up to doctoral level in any university in Nigeria.

Speaking at the virtual 2018/2019 President’s National Youth Service Corps honours award ceremony at the presidential villa, Abuja, today, February 11, Buhari, also announced cash rewards for the ex- corps members.

He directed the relevant government agencies to ensure timely implementation of all the incentives for the award recipients.

The President advised the honourees to sustain the patriotic zeal that earned them the award, saying: ‘‘it is noteworthy that the young men and women being honoured have excelled in the four cardinal programmes of the Scheme, namely: Orientation Course, Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding-up/Passing-out, which formed the basis of assessment for the Honours Award.

‘‘On behalf of the Government and the good people of Nigeria, I heartily congratulate those honoured on standing out from their peers in order to merit the honour being bestowed upon them.

‘‘You have proved yourselves worthy ambassadors of your respective families and the National Youth Service Corps. I am very proud of you and confident that the Award shall spur you to greater service to the Nation and humanity.”

The President also used the occasion to commend the founding fathers of the 48-year-old scheme, notably General Yakubu Gowon, who joined the occasion virtually.

Buhari stressed that NYSC has remained a bastion of national unity and integration by exposing our youth to diverse cultures and traditions, thereby making them appreciate our similarities and diversities.

‘‘Through the Scheme, walls of ethnic stereotypes are pulled down, and bridges of unity built, especially with enduring friendships and relationships resulting from healthy interactions during the service year.

‘‘This has strengthened the mileage covered in our quest to be a nation with one common vision and destiny despite our plurality.”

On efforts to sanitise the mobilisation process of the Scheme, the President directed NYSC management to ensure that only those who meet the required criteria participate in the one-year national service.

President Buhari praised Nigerian youths on National Service for frontally confronting and remaining at the forefront of the war against COVID-19 pandemic.

The President noted that the inherent innovation and resilience of Nigerian youths, which members of the Service Corps demonstrated through the production of face masks, hand sanitizers, liquid soap, and several fabricated machines, contributed towards curtailing the spread of the pandemic.

‘‘The enormous contributions members of the Service Corps are making to the improvement of our education, health and social sectors as well as rural development remain a shining testament to the Scheme.

‘‘This has portrayed successive generations of Corps members as veritable agents of development.”

He commended the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and NYSC for the dogged implementation of the self-reliance programme of government for the youths, even as he advised them to sustain the tempo of their activities in this direction.

‘‘It is critical that our youths benefit from the N75b Nigeria Youth Investment Fund.

‘‘They should also be encouraged to key into other youth empowerment programmes of Government such as Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative, Youth Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria, Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme, and Young Farmers Scheme among others.’’

He said that his administration has abiding faith in the Nigerian youth, the finest part of which Corps members belong, the President said he had demonstrated this belief by signing the “Not too Young to Run” bill into law, so as to accommodate youth in the political landscape.

‘‘I wish to remind our youth, who have the greatest stake in the future of our country, Nigeria, and of course the generality of Nigerians to embrace our initiatives on value reorientation, as this is essential for the achievement of a country we shall all be proud to bequeath to future generations.”

President Buhari urged Nigerian youth to avoid all economic and social vices that are contrary to the wellbeing and progress of the country, and asked them to adopt a collective approach, even as he premised on sound values to build a great nation.

‘‘As young men and women, I recognize the extreme peer pressure you experience; it is my plea to you to be wary of those who would like to exploit your youth, intelligence and positive energy by channeling you into wrong paths.

‘‘Avoiding such acts honours not just your families who have sacrificed to see you attain greater heights, but also brings pride to your fellow citizens.”

A highpoint at the combined Presidential Honours Award was the reading of citations of the best awardees for each service year.

For the 2018 set, Anyaogu Onyeyirichi Rejoice, who emerged first, served in Taraba State.

Anyaogu won the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Award for the Best Female Corps Member in Community Development.

Dr. Eze Sunday Victor, who served in Jigawa State, came first in the 2019 set while Odion Jessica Eseohen took the 2nd position in NCWS Award for Best Female Corps Member in Community Development.

JAMB Catches 400 Impersonators At 2020 UTME Exam, To Prosecute 200 Of Them

Editorial staff

February 10, 2021

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has caught no fewer than 400 impersonators during the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and is set to prosecute 200 of them.

JAMB registrar, Ish-aq Oloyede, who made this known today, February 10 at a news briefing in Abuja, said: “this year, we had over 400 people that were caught whereby those who wrote the exams were different from those who applied

“About 200 of the candidates would be prosecuted; five from each state of the federation, as JAMB does not have the resources to prosecute all the 400 candidates. Prosecuting a candidate would cost the board over N500,000.”

Oloyede said that examination fraud syndicates in the Computer-Based Test centres, which used to be in the Southern part of Nigeria, has now crept into the North.

The board spokesman paraded one Buhari Abubakar, who was caught in an attempt to impersonate one Muhammad Sanusi, his alleged accomplice, in examination malpractice.

Both suspects, from Kano State, were arrested by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Oloyede said that JAMB will expend about N100 million on the prosecution of 200 of the over 400 persons involved in impersonation in the 2020 UTME.

He alleged that some tertiary institutions are accomplices in the widespread irregularities, adding that the first 64 cases of CBT infractions treated by JAMB were from the North, with some having multiple cases of up to 96 irregularities.

“In Nigeria, people don’t copy good things but the bad things.

“The cases of exam malpractices which used to be in the South has now crept to the North and the first 20 of such cases we tracked came mostly from the North, especially Kano.“

Herdsmen Did Not Attack My Father’s Farm; It’s Fake News – Soyika’s Son

Editorial staff

February 10, 2021

Dr. Olaokun who the son of the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has made it clear that herdsmen did not attack or invade his father’s farm at Jegba republic between the outskirt of Kemta Housing Estate and Ilugun – Itoko community in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The police also debunked the news circulating in social media.

Dr. Olaokun, who was once Commissioner of Health in Ogun state, described the story as fake, saying: “this is not true, please do not circulate further and help to debunk it.

“It is an attempt to encourage discord. Although some cows were spotted, neither Prof nor his house was attacked by anyone. I have confirmed this today (Wednesday 10th) directly myself from him.

“Kindly do not fall for this attempt; whatever the motive, to further inflame this problematic situation.”

Ogun Police Command also accused mischief makers of fuelling the fake reports on social media.

Its spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who was reacting to the viral video, said it was Soyinka who saw the herder with some of the cows and came down from his car to ask where the man was heading to.

He explained Soyinka later told the Fulani man to move the cattle away from the vicinity.

“The attention of Ogun state police command has been drawn to a video circulating on social media about a purported attack of Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka’s house by herdsmen and the command wishes to set the record straight as follows.

“Yesterday Tuesday 9th of February 2021, one Kazeem Sorinola an indigene of Ijeun Abeokuta, who is into cattle business said to have been informed by a young Fulani man Awalu Muhammad who is taking care of the cattle that one of the cows had got missing.

“While the Fulani man was searching for the stray cow around Kemta Estate where the Prof Wole Soyinka’s house is located, the Prof. himself who was going out then saw the Fulani man with some of the cows and he came down to ask where the man was heading to with the cows. He there and then asked the Fulani man to move the cattle away from the vicinity.

“The DPO Kemta division, who heard about the incident quickly moved to the scene with patrol team and the owner of the cows was invited to come with the Fulani man in charge of the cattle.

“The duo was questioned and properly profiled. The entire place was inspected by the DPO and it was established that it was just a case of stray cow as nothing was damaged or tampered with.

“It was therefore a thing of surprise to see a video trending on social media that the respected Professor Wole Soyinka’s house was invaded by herdsmen with the view to attack or kill him.

“The video is nothing but a calculated attempt by mischief makers to cause panic in the mind of people. There is nothing like invasion of Prof Wole Soyinka’s house or any form of attack on his person.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun has been to the scene for on the spot assessment, and he personally interviewed the owner of the cattle Kazeem Sorinola, as well as the Fulani man who is in charge of the cattle and their statements show clearly that the mischievous narrative of invasion is nothing to take serious.”

Source: The Nation.

Expert Suggests More Trans-National Rail Lines In Nigeria

Editorial staff

February 10, 2021

The Chief Executive Officer of African Railway Consortium ( AFRECO) , Mr. Olawale Rasheed has suggested more transnational railway lines in Nigeria for the purpose of sustaining and expanding the country’s economic influence within Africa.

Rasheed who expressed satisfaction with the commencement of Kano-Maradi railway project called for the initiation of Maiduguri-Ndjamena railway line, the launching of ECOWAS trans-west African Railway from Lagos to Abidjan and a line from Cross Rover to Cameroon.
Speaking on Radio Nigeria Network news, the AFRECO boss said: “the transnational project is needed to expand Nigeria’s economic reach and influence as the biggest economy in Africa within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“The project will open up a densely populated areas of both Nigeria and Niger republic to an expanded economic relationship, serving interest of Nigerian exporters and drawing Niger closer into Nigeria’ orbit of influence. Nigeria supplies almost two third of Niger’s cereals needs, a trade that will get more boosted and more formalised.
“Expanded trading will alleviate poverty and create new opportunities. Corridor development along the route will engender rural development , boost rural economy and move many citizens into the railway economy. That project will speed up the revival of Kano as the industrial hub of the North.
“Just as the new Ibadan – Lagos Railway is promising to expand and integrate two major industrial centres of South West, the Kano-Maradi line will provide ready markets for budding exporters in Kano and other areas. It will particularly energise the Kano Export Processing Zone which has several companies producing many industrial products.
“For Niger republic, it is a dream come through due to historic ethnic and religious affiliation between the two countries. Just like the ethnic bond between Nigeria and Benin republic, the rail project promises to change internal economic dynamics of Niger republic. Nigerien imports may be redirected to Nigerian ports especially with the strong presence of Bollore logistics in Lagos.”

AFRECO boss called on the Federal Government to persist in its expansive railway development agenda, calling on the administration to act even more boldly by rolling out a private sector oriented fast train between North and South, to hand over interstate link rail lines to private sector.
“Let design a rail agenda between Cross River and Cameroon, between Maiduguri and Ndjamena, between Oyo and Benin republic and let spearhead the making of a trans-west African Railway between Lagos and Abidjan. Private Sector framework can realise all these.”

Fani-Kayode Has Joined APC – Kogi Gov: It’s A Lie, I’m Still In PDP

Editorial staff

February 10, 2021

While the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has gone to town announcing that the formr Nigerian aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has dumped his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fani-Kayode has denied leaving PDP.

At a separate venues and times, the two personalities gave reasons for the stand each of them has taken in the controversy that has been raging on since the former aviation minister had a meeting with the Kogi Governor early in the weekend.

Governor Yahaya Bello, yesterday, February 9, insisted that Fani-Kayode has joined the APC, saying: “I have the mandate to sanitize, mobilize and educate and woo Nigerians into the party, irrespective of their background,” Bello told journalists after revalidating his APC membership.

“Our Brother Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has joined our party in good faith. He is joining our party to add his own positive energy and make a contribution to ensure that APC is a party to beat.

“Remember that Fani-Kayode was a foundation member of this great party but due to misunderstanding, he decided to port elsewhere,” Bello said.

“Now he has decided to join our party (APC).

“He (Fani-Kayode) approached me and by the mandate given to me by the party, I must not segregate or discriminate against any individual even if he has a different opinion about the governing party before and he has seen the light, the reality and the need to join the All Progressives Party.

“You are free to join if you feel otherwise and you cannot understand what is happening before and now you understand and want to join we will welcome you with our arms wide open. So Chief Femi Fani Kayode you are welcome to our party, come and make your own contribution.”

But Fani-Kayode in a Twitter thread today, February 10, said that the meeting was beyond politics and “it amazes me that some people should feel that it is wrong for me to sit with other leaders in the country to discuss issues which touch and concern the national cohesion, future and stability of our country.”

In another tweet, the former minister said: “though we have had meetings across party lines and we are in a season of political consultation I have not left the PDP.

Fani-Kayode had met separately, then together, with Governors Yahaya Bello and Malam Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State who chairs the caretaker committee of the APC on registration and revalidation of party members at a Guest House in Wuse, Abuja earlier in the week.

Many believe the meeting could signal part of the process for the former minister, a staunch critic of President Muhammadu Buhari to return to the ruling party.

The director general of the APC’s governors’ forum, Dr. Salihu Lukman is one of many APC members who opposed Fani-Kayode’s defection from the PDP to APC, saying the return of Fani-Kayode to the party was undesirable.

“Mr. Fani-Kayode has fabricated stories, distorted, insulted and damaged information about our party and our leaders,” Lukman said.

Kidnappers Turn On Journalists: Whisk NTA Reporter Away, After Punch Reporter

Editorial staff

February 10, 2021

Kidnappers appear to have turned offensive on journalists as a reporter with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Chidiebere Onyia was kidnapped in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, days after the Punch reporter regained freedom after being kidnapped.

According to report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters, Chidiebere Onyia, who had recently resumed work after giving birth four months ago, was kidnapped today, February 10 by four men in traffic at Woji railway crossing in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on her way from work around 8pm.

The assailants were said to have left behind, her vehicle, a Honda CrossTour SUV, which she was driving in before being taken hostage.

It was learnt that the suspected kidnappers dispossessed the journalist’s colleague of her handbag and phones before letting her go.

“We were halted by traffic jam at Woji railway crossing when an armed man approached our car and asked Chidiebere to wind down,” the eyewitness told newsmen.

“When she winded down, he showed her the gun and asked her to quietly move to the side and park, out of fear, she struggled and parked.

“It was at that point that about three other men emerged from God knows where and asked her to come down the vehicle and follow them.

“They marched her to their SUV car also parked by the corner. While that was happening, one of the men asked me to surrender my bag and phones, I did and they drove off with her.”

Rivers police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni said that the police are making effort to rescue Mrs. Onyia.

Meanwhile, the PUNCH reporter, who had spent days in the kidnappers den in Abuja, recently regained freedom.

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