We knew nothing about naira redesign, says Finance Minister

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has stated she knew nothing about the recent decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) to redesign some naira notes.She spoke barely 48 hours after CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele announced that the redesigned notes would become official legal tenders by December 15, 2022.

The Minister, who commented on the policy in response to a question by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC - Ekiti Central) during 2023 budget defence session with the Senate Committee on Finance, warned the CBN of consequences that may arise from it.

Bamidele, had in his question, told the Finance Minister that barely two days after CBN announced the policy, repercussion of it on the value of Naira to US dollar was being felt.

“Just two days after the announcement of the policy, the value of the Naira to a US dollar has risen from N740 to N788 to a US dollar due to rush in exchange of stashed Naira notes for foreign currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar.

“To me, the policy may be a well conceived one, but the timing going by the realities on ground, is very wrong as the Naira may fall to as low as N1,000 to a US dollar before January 31, 2023 fixed for full implementation of the policy,” he said.

Surprisingly, the Minister in her response said she and her Ministry, were not aware of the policy but only heard about it from the media.

“Distinguished Senators, we were not consulted at the Ministry of Finance by CBN on the planned Naira redesigning and cannot comment on it as regards merits or otherwise.

“However as a Nigerian privileged to be at the top of Nigeria's fiscal management, the policy as rolled out at this time, portends serious consequences on the value of the Naira to other foreign currencies.

“I will however appeal to this committee to invite the CBN Governor for required explanations as regards merits of the planned policy and rightness or otherwise of its implementation now,” she said.

Emefiele on Wednesday said that the apex bank would redesign the N200, N500 and N1,000 following the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said that the action was taken to take control of the currency in circulation, pointing out the bulk of the nation’s currency notes were outside banking operations.

The planned policy he added, was in line with Sections 19, subsections A and B of the CBN Act 2007, upon which the management of the CBN sought and obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to redesign, produce, and circulate new series of banknotes at N200, N500, and N1,000 notes.

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Passengers Groan As British Airways Diverts Abuja Flight To Lagos Over Terror Alert

A British Airways flight 83 from London Heathrow to Abuja on Thursday suddenly landed in Lagos instead of completing its journey to Abuja over concerns of a terror attack at the country’s capital.Checks by Peoples Gazette on Flightrader showed the flight changed course upon entering Nigerian airspace on Friday morning.

Some passengers on the aeroplane complained that the flight was diverted to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos after short notice via email.

A passenger on the aeroplane, Olufemi Ojo, described it as a “horrible experience” after their flight was delayed upon landing at the airport without prior notice.

He said when they landed in Nigeria on Thursday, passengers received a message that the flight would be landing in Lagos before they proceeded to Abuja.

Mr Ojo said passengers waited for over an hour at the Lagos airport, accusing British Airways of being “unapologetic.”

“We had a horrible experience on our journey from London to Abuja. The flight was delayed, we did not leave until 11:45 a.m., and then we got an email saying that we are bringing us to Lagos for 90 minutes wait,” added Mr Ojo. “We landed in Lagos, and then we waited for more than an hour. British Airways, unapologetic, asked everyone to come down.”

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Elon Musk Takes Over Twitter, Fires Executives

Elon Musk has fired chief executive of Twitter, Parag Agrawal. He also fired the company’s chief financial officer and its head of safety, the Washington Post and CNBC reported citing unnamed sources.Agrawal previously went to court to hold the Tesla chief to the terms of a deal he had tried to escape.

The takeover came hours before the court-appointed deadline for Musk to seal his on-again, off-again deal to purchase the social media network. Musk tweeted earlier in the day that he was buying Twitter “because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner.”

Twitter did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the departure of its top executives, but the platform’s co-founder Biz Stone thanked the trio — Agrawal, Ned Segal and Vijaya Gadde — for their “collective contribution to Twitter.” “Massive talents, all, and beautiful humans each.”

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FIFA Threatens To Ban African Country From 2022 World Cup

FIFA, the international governing body of association football, has threatened to ban Tunisia from the 2022 World Cup.FIFA is threatening to ban the country after comments from the country’s sports minister.

Tunisia’s participation in next month’s tournament is under threat after the youth and sports minister, Kamel Deguiche, spoke about the possibility of “dissolving federal offices of different disciplines”.

FIFA seemingly took that to mean the Tunisian Football Association (FTF). In a leaked letter, which was published by radio station Mosaique FM, the world football governing body has asked for clarification of these comments.

The letter noted “State authorities’ attempts to interfere in the Tunisian Federation’s internal affairs and its threats to dissolve FTF’s office”.

FIFA warned that its members “are legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.” It added that failure to comply “may result in the imposition of penalties under the FIFA laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”

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Twitter Now In Sane Hands - Trump Says Following Musk's Acquisition

Former United States president, Donald Trump has reacted after Elon Musk acquired Twitter.Speaking on Friday, Trump hailed the sale of Twitter to tech billionaire Elon Musk.

According to him, the platform is “now in sane hands.” The world’s richest man saw his $44 billion bid to buy the company concluded late Thursday after months of uncertainty and speculation.

“I am very happy that Twitter is now in sane hands, and will no longer be run by Radical Left Lunatics and Maniacs that truly hate our country,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Tesla chief Musk has indicated he would lift Trump’s Twitter ban, imposed in the wake of the 2021 assault on the US Capitol that the Republican leader was accused of inciting. 

But Trump did not indicate whether he intended to make a comeback from his online exile. The prospect of Musk running Twitter has alarmed activists who fear a surge in harassment and misinformation, with Musk himself known for trolling other Twitter users.

 

Far-right users celebrated the purchase, posting comments such as “masks don’t work” and other taunts, believing that moderation rules would now be relaxed. “Twitter must now work hard to rid itself of all of the bots and fake accounts that have hurt it so badly. It will be much smaller, but better,” Trump said.

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Popular Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja shuts down over terror threat

A few days after the UK, US, Australian, and Canadian authorities issued travel advisories on Nigeria, warning their citizens to be on alert, the management of Jabi Lake Mall in Utako, Abuja, has shut down its operations.It was gathered that decision of the popular Abuja mall comes amid the threats to security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a post on Thursday on Jabi Lake Mall’s official Instagram account, the management said that it prioritises the safety of its customers.

Jabi Lake Mall added that it is reviewing the security situation with relevant authorities and that the mall would be reopened as soon as possible.

The post reads: “To all our valued shoppers, Jabi Lake Mall will be closed today, Thursday, 27 October 2022. This decision has been taken in the overall interest of the safety of all staff and customers of the mall.

“Centre Management is committed to minimising any disruptions; however, the safety of our staff and shoppers remains our highest priority. Management is constantly reviewing the security situation in consultation with relevant security authorities and will inform you when the mall will be re-opened.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to provide you with a quality shopping experience soon. Thank you.”

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Police gun down IPOB/ESN insurgent, recover arms, charms

Six members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) have attacked police operatives in Orlu, Imo State.It was gathered that a Sienna vehicle while the police were conducting stop and search duty along UBA Round About Orlu, Imo State on Thursday morning. In the ensuing gun duel, one of the IPOB members was killed.

Police spokesman in Imo State, Mike Abattam, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, obtained by this newspaper.

“The IPOB hoodlums who came prepared, shooting sporadically at the police operatives were shocked by the alertness and dexterity displayed by the gallant police operatives who responded swiftly, positioning themselves professionally.

“In the gun duel that ensued, the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the police and in the process, one of the hoodlums was neutralised while others escaped into the adjoining bushes with fatal bullet injuries abandoning their sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with 15 rounds of live ammunition, two English made pump-action guns with 10 rounds of live cartridges and assorted charms.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the Sienna vehicle used by the terror gang was snatched from its owner in Amurie Omanze in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State and it was reported at Njaba Police Station.

“However, the owner has been contacted to come with proof of ownership for the collection of his vehicle, while the Command’s tactical teams are working assiduously to arrest the fleeing suspects,” the police statement reads.

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He Will Be Blindfolded - Rich Abuja Woman Searches For Man Who Will Impregnate Her, Offers N3M

An Abuja-based woman has put up an advert seeking for a man to impregnate her.The woman said she's looking for a fine handsome man to impregnate her and has mouthwatering offers for him. Social media influencer Uwaoma Susan Joseph shared the woman's request on Facebook with her identity undisclosed.

Susan's post reads:

"Suzy please post for me.

 "I need a man that will impregnate me ,handsome and cute..

 

"He will be blindfolded, he gets in and make love to me and I take in, he will come at my unsafe time, after which I'll pay him off ,the blindfolding is so he won't come looking for me and the child after ,I'll lodge him till I confirm I'm pregnant then he can leave .my location is Abuja all expenses on me .

"Please hide my ID .

"She said pay is 3 Million."

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Skit Maker, Sabinus, Shares 'Sample Of Re-designed N1000 Notes

Nigerian skit maker, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, popularly known Oga Sabinus, has shared his own sample of the new N1000 note.Taking to his Instagram page on Friday, he shared his sample of the N1000 which included an image of himself and actor Osita Iheme aka Pawpaw on his Instagram page. He captioned the post, "Thank You Nigeria For The Privilege.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had on Wednesday announced that the bank would release redesigned naira notes by December 2022.

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Atiku arrives US for campaign

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday, arrived in Washington DC, United States of America for his political campaigns.He arrived in the US alongside the Director of the PDP Presidential Campaign, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Imo state governor Emeka Ihedioha and Raymond Dokpesi.

Sharing pictures of his arrival late Thursday, Atiku said, "I just arrived in Washington, D.C, for meetings and engagements to build an economically stronger and more secure Nigeria! -AA."

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Cooking Gas Price Increases By 61%

The price of 12.5kg of cooking gas rose by 61 per cent to N9,906 in September 2022 from N6,165 in September 2021.This was disclosed by the National Bureau of Statistics in its report on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (cooking gas) Price Watch for September 2022.

In its state profile analysis, the bureau stated that Cross River recorded the highest average retail price for the refilling of a 12.5kg cylinder of the product with N10,937, followed by Kogi with N10,760 and Oyo with N10,724.

Conversely, the lowest average price was recorded in Yobe with N8,350, followed by Katsina and Taraba with N8,545 and N9,026 respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder with N10,320, followed by the South-South with N10,202, while the North-East recorded the lowest price with N9,300

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Tinubu Donates 20Million As Church Marks 100 Years Anniversary

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has donated N20 million to the Catholic church in Benue.Tinubu’s donation was presented by Rev. Hyacinth Alia, the APC governorship candidate in the state at the centenary anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo.

This is contained in a statement by Isaac Uzaan, Media aide to Alia, on Thursday in Abuja.

At the centenary anniversary held at the Cathedral Church of St. Francis Otukpo, Tinubu rejoiced with the priests, religious, laity, and the entire members of the diocese on the joyous occasion.

He noted that the church had for 100 years remained committed to spreading the good news of salvation in Nigeria, particularly to the people of Benue South.

The APC presidential candidate expressed optimism that with prayers and positive actions, the country would overcome its challenges.

Also, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume donated N10 million to the church.

Akume who is the APC leader in Benue, was represented by the party’s State Chairman, Mr Austin Agada.

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Oluwaseyi Gabriel Ogundare; Prioritizing Quality Education, the Panacea for human development

The central effort of human capital development is the educational sector. Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.One in every five of the world's out-of-school children is in Nigeria. Even though primary education is officially free and compulsory, about 10.5 million of the country's children aged 5-14 years are not in school. Nigeria's educational system has not kept pace with the rapid population growth and growing school-age population.

The quality of basic education in Nigeria is extremely poor, leading to low demand and unacceptably low academic performance.

To change this narrative, Oluwaseyi Gabriel Ogundare, a community developer and social development advocate has taken it upon himself to prioritize the education of teeming members of the Owo/Ose constituency and others outside the Constituency. 

In other to contribute his quota to human capital development and change the narrative of education decadence in our part of the world, Oluwaseyi Ogundare, in continuum has offered scholarship awards to indigent students. 

Ogundare, in his quest for the development of his community, single-handedly constructed 4 Blocks of Classrooms and 2 Staff offices in Ijagba/Imoru Comprehensive High School, Distribution of Notebooks to students, payment of Jamb forms, and most recently, a full scholarship award to children of the victims of the Owo Massacre. These are top-notch contributions from an individual without a political office or appointment. 

Without an iota of doubt, Oluwaseyi Gabriel Ogundare’s promises when elected as the lawmaker representing Owo/Ose federal constituency in the National Assembly is no political jamboree. The masses can be rest assured to have a good qualitative and quantitative education with Ogundare at the helm of affairs. Ogundare has promised to employ a participatory approach to enact and sponsor bills that will change the policies on education in Nigeria.

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Consider Your Future Before Voting, Kumuyi Advises Nigerians

The Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has advised the electorates across the country to consider their future and vote for credible candidates in the 2023 elections.Kumuyi gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, ahead of the Deeper Life Bible Church week long crusade in the area.

The global crusade themed ‘Supernatural freedom through Christ’ will hold at the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori.

The cleric called on those in the corridors of power to be fair to the electorates and abide by the tenets of democracy in order to be at peace with themselves and the people.

Kumuyi said, “Our future is in our hands, that is why we have democracy and that is why we were given a choice to know our candidates, both at the local government and state levels as well as the federation level.

“And since we want the best and we have been dreaming and expecting that we have the very best for our country, it’s to our advantage if we talk to ourselves and be at peace, so that we can have a peaceful and fair election.”

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Months To 2023, Wike Swears In Former APC Spokesperson, 17 Others As Commissioners

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has sworn in 18 new commissioners into the State Executive Council.

One of the newly sworn in commissioners is the immediate past Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Chris Finebone, who recently joined the Peoples Democratic Party.

Also appointed are some former commissioners in the executive council that was dissolved in May this year.

Charging the new cabinet members, Wike reiterated the resolve of his administration to finish strong and do proper handover to his successor.

He charged the members of the State Executive Council to recommit themselves to the tasks assigned to them and achieve the desired results.

The governor observed that some members of the State Executive Council do not appreciate the enormity of the task given to them, rather, they take to sycophancy while abandoning their duties.

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NAF To Take Delivery Of 55 Fighter Helicopters In December

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, has said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expected to take delivery of 55 fighter helicopters by December 2022.Amao disclosed this on Thursday, during the two-day Force operation seminar in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

He listed the new aircraft to in­clude two Agusta 109 Trekker multi-role helicopters, two Beechcraft King Air 360 and four Diamond DA-62 sur­veillance aircraft.

Others include three Wing Loong II UCAVs, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two CASA-295 medium airlift/ surveillance aircraft, 12 AH- 1Z attack helicopters and 24 M-346 attack aircraft.

According to the NAF chief, other new acquisitions would be delivered in 2023 as the expected helicopter would add to the 38 fighter aircraft previously acquired by Pres­ident Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

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Photos: Bridging the gap between Women, Politics & Social Development; Ogunmolasuyi, engaged critical Stakeholders of Owo Constituency1, fulfill promises to outstanding beneficiaries of West Jamb Scholarship

Empowers and further assures them of WEST's continued Support.Yesterday, Mrs Temitope Iwagun Ogunmolasuyi, alongside WEST Ladies and other interest groups within Owo APC, engaged critical women stakeholders of the Constituency in and across all Wards of Owo Constituency 1, on the need to be politically conscious and participate fully in the process.

While addressing the gathering, Mrs Temitope Ogunmolasuyi who appreciated the coordinator of the event, stressed the need to be Politically involved and not be relegated to the kitchen.

In her words “It is time for action and we are calling with a big and loud voice to all our Women, to not only Wait till the election day, but must ensure they Participate fully in the pre-election and post Election process."

"Hon. West, has been diligent in serving and has prioritize the women folds during this shortwhile. We must do more and mobilize for him and others Candidate of our party in this forthcoming election"

The Wife of the Owo Local Government Chairman, Mrs Olarewaju Adegbegi, who also was in attendance, emphasised on the numerous achievements of Honourable Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole, and the need to support him for a 2nd term.

She said "Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole's footprints is everywhere in and even beyond his Immediate Constituency. His 6 times JAMB Empowerment for indigent Students, Provision of Bore Holes water, construction of Toilets, Provision of Books and other writing material/Incentives, Road rehabilitation Projects, Grants for some Artisans and market women, Securing Job Opportunities for youths and many more, will not be forgotten in a hurry"The APC Local Government Chairman, who doubles as the representative of the state APC Chairman, Hon., Balogun Samuel Also appreciated the state Governor for showing interest in Gender Balancing, further solicited Supports for all Candidates of the party, from Presidential Candidate to Assembly members.

He noted that, among the major Political parties, APC is the only party, that have given an open hands to Women in this forthcoming Election.

In His words, "In fairness, Experience, Quality, Capability and capacity wise; The All Progressive Party, is the only party that has fulfilled all righteousness and presented the best Candidates, for the forthcoming General Elections, we plead that you join us to support them all" 

"Hon., Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole’s type, is very rare to come accross. He is a strong pillar for this Aketi's Administration and has been giving backroom Support to the Government till date".

"He fought with every resources at his disposal and stood gallantly with the Governor and Owo at Large, in days of troubles at the State Assembly. We must Support him with our undivided loyalty and encourage him to do more"Our women are determined and has shown strong commitment, towards the Re-election of Hon., Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole WEST and other Candidates of the Party, come 2023.  

It was a wonderful time out as the energetic women who were seen singing, clapping, gyrating and dancing, praised Mrs Ogunmolasuyi for setting a pace for others to follow.The representative of The Olowo of Owo (Chief Babatunde Olaposi), the Wife of Akoko South-West Local Government Chairman (Mrs Oloruntogbe)The Local Government Councilors led by the Deputy house Leader, The Iyaloja, Woman Leader accross all Wards in Owo, among others, were all in attendance.

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Man dies during sex romp in Ondo

A cocoa merchant, Lanre Adesida met his untimely death yesterday during a sex romp with his concubine, Hadijat Oniyide, at a step-down hotel in Ondo town in Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State.The Hope gathered that Lanre and Hadijat, as usual, visited the hotel around 7 pm for short-time, on Wednesday. However, after the first round of sex with his lover. The 52-year-old man was said to have suddenly started gasping for air.

Hadijat, the concubine, a single mother who was said to be afraid of her lover’s condition, took to her heels, but the receptionist and others at the hotel who were suspicious of her actions, stopped her.

It was learnt that the hotel Manager, in company of other staff members, rushed to the room only to discover Lanre’s lifeless body on the bed naked.

When visited the hotel, it was gathered that the receptionist, one Morayo called the police and lodged a complaint of the incident.

She added that when they got to the room to find out what had happened, they met Lanre’s lifeless body naked on the bed.

The hotel manager, in a chat with The Hope, narrated, “I was at the bar with some guests who came to lodge and others who came to drink, when Morayo suddenly rushed into inform me that Hadijat was panting at the reception.

“Immediately, I enquired what went wrong and she said something had happened in the room. So, the security guard and I went to the room and met Lanre lying naked on the bed.

“When I asked her what happened, Hadijat replied that she and Lanre had a round of sex and afterwards, he became tired and later started shivering.

“When the police came, Hadijat was arrested. Two of the hotel workers, Morayo and Mary, who served the lovers and I accompanied them to the station, where we all made statements and later, the hotel workers and I went back to the hotel.

The remains of the deceased has been deposited at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital in Ondo.

A source in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the deceased had been visiting the hotel with the woman since January, this year.

He said, “the deceased is married with children while the suspect has children, but no husband, according to some people who know her very well.”

Another source told our correspondent that each time the lovers come to the hotel, the deceased usually parked his car at a distance and the woman would first come out and go into the hotel while the deceased would follow.

“But on the day of the incident, the woman came alone to the hotel, and the deceased came later while he parked his car at the usual place.

After the scenario, the car was taken to the police station by the police.

Speaking with our correspondent, the suspect, Hadijat said, “When I saw Lanre’s condition, I rushed out of the hotel room to run away, but the receptionist saw me and asked what happened? So, I told her that the man has died and she called the police who instructed them not to release me.”

When visited the deceased’s house at Oka, his neighbors and other residents wore sad look, while some were seen sitting in groups discussing the incident. Effort to speak with the family members was unsuccessful, as they cried profusely.

A police source who confirmed the incident said investigation into the matter was ongoing, adding that immediately the police were alerted by the hotel staff, personnel were mobilised to the scene.

The source further said that the case would be transferred to the state CID in Akure for further investigations.

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EFCC Presents N41.1bn Proposal to Senate as 2023 Budget

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa on October 27, 2022, presented an estimate of

N41,120,071,521.75 (Forty One Billion, One Hundred and Twenty Million, Seventy One Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty One Naira, Seventy Five Kobo) as its budget for the year 2023.He explained that the proposal comprise the sum of N36,834,903,804.75 (Thirty Six billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty Four million, Nine Hundred and Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Four Naira, Seventy Five Kobo) only as Personnel cost; while the sum of N3,835,460,631.00 (Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty Five Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty One Naira) and

N530,707,086.00 (Five Hundred and Thirty Million, Seven Hundred and Seven Thousand, Eighty Six Naira) represent the Overhead and Capital vote component.

According to him, the 2023 estimate of N41,120,071,521.75 is slightly lower than the N43,696,381,562.46 appropriation for 2022. He, however, disclosed that only 53% of the appropriation had been released as at August 31, 2022, with the budget performance put at 83.35% of the total releases.

Highlighting the Commission’s performance in 2022, Bawa disclosed that the EFCC recorded a total of 2,847 convictions as at October 21, 2022. The figure, he said, is higher than the 2,220 convictions recorded by the Commission in 2021.

Commenting on the Commission’s performance, the Chair of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Abdul Kwari lauded the reforms in the Commission. He said he was pleasantly surprised to discover the existence of a Petitions Vetting Committee which examines every petition to determine their relevance to the mandate of the EFCC. He explained that one of his constituents who had petitioned the Commission recently got a reply from the committee, explaining why his petition could not be treated. This, to him, demonstrated sensitivity and commitment to service.

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Oyebanji Appoints Olatona Olaniran AS Chairman, Internal Revenue Service

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has appointed Mr Rufus Olaniran Olatona as Chairman of the State's Internal Revenue Service.

The appointment takes effect from November 1, 2022.

Olatona, who hails from Okemesi- Ekiti is a chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. He holds an HND in Accountancy from the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos (1992), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife (2010).

A financial expert of repute, Olatona, until his appointment, was the Group Chief Financial Officer, Loatsad Promomedia Limited, a Lagos based holding company with interests in advertising and multimedia, where his key responsibilities also include coordinating the company's relationship with regulatory institutions.

He had earlier in 2009 served as a Tax Consultant to Ekiti State Government.

The Governor wishes the new IRS Chairman success in the new assignment.

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IGP Assures Nigeria Residents Of Security, Rolls Out Emergency Numbers Nationwide

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, CFR, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in concert with other security agencies, to ensure the safety of all residents within the country.The IGP emphasized this while charging all Strategic Police Managers in charge of Commands and tactical formations within the country to beef up security in their respective jurisdictions, especially in the FCT.

The IGP similarly directed that all emergency numbers across the country should be activated to full capacity for a 24/7 prompt response with combatant officers and men on standby to respond in case of emergency situations and distress calls. Residents within the FCT are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrence and persons to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883. 

The IGP therefore allays the fear of residents in the FCT and admonishes them to go about their lawful businesses and normal social lives/engagements as all hands are on deck to nip any security threat in the bud and respond to distress calls promptly. The IGP similarly reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police to eliminating all threats, as well as protection of lives and property of all residents of the country. 

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FG Presents Award To Gov Makinde As OYO Emerges Best Information Technology Compliance State

Oyo State has been declared by the federal government of Nigeria as the best Information Technology Compliance for year 2022.This is as the Pacesetter state just won the award for the most Information Technology Compliance State at the ongoing Digital Nigeria 2022 organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The award was presented by the Hon Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami.

The award was received on behalf of the state by Hon Wale Ajani, the Director General of Oyo State liaison Office Abuja and Lagos.Speaking shortly after receiving the award on behalf of Governor, Ajani lauded the administration of Makinde for creating enabling environment for ICT and businesses to thrive.

Ajani said the feats achieved in the last three and half years of the present administration are been driven by science, data and logic as contained in the Governor’s Roadmap For Accelerated Development 2019-2023.Meanwhile, Hon Wale Ajani disclosed that Oyo state under the able leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde will host the 10th annual national council on communications and digital economy from the 5th – 9th December.

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Yahaya Bello Shuts Down PDP Office In Okene To Weaken Natasha Akpoti’s Chances For Senate Seat

In another move to strangle the opposition political parties in Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has shut down the central office of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.Akpoti ran for the post of senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2019.

In 2019, she was a governorship candidate in the state, challenging Bello. In May, Akpoti won the PDP primary election for the 2023 Kogi Central Senatorial District, to go against the ruling APC’s Abubakar Ohere, among others.

“As a way to clamp down on the opposition, Yahaya Bello shut down PDP’s central office in Kogi to stop Natasha Akpoti’s campaign for Senate. Natasha is from Okene and that is her strong base,” a source privy to the matter told SaharaReporters on Thursday.

Another source confirmed the clampdown, recounting that Bello had publicly warned the opposition that he would give them hell ahead of the elections.

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Soludo cancels taxes on wheelbarrow pushers, hawkers, others

Governor Charles Soludo has cancelled all taxes imposed on wheelbarrow pushers, vulcanizers, hawkers and some other blue-collar job holders in the state.Soludo made the announcement while addressing residents of the state at the second phase of the open bidding for revenue concessions at the Government House Awka.

He said; “Wheelbarrow pushers must not pay any fee in the state. Vulcanizers operating along the road should also cease paying any fee to anyone. Hawkers shouldn’t pay any fees. These poor people should stop being harassed.

“This message is for the Market unions. If they are found with any evidence, that union will be dissolved with immediate effect. We want to build a society where the poor feel empowered and where the rich can get more resources to create wealth and employment.”

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Tinubu Already Speaking To Nigerians, Granting Interviews Not Compulsory - Keyamo

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday said its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not mandated to sit for an interview in order to address issues raised by Nigerians on his plans for the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.The Chief Spokesperson of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and Minister of State, Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo (SAN) in a chat with DAILY INDEPENDENT said Tinubu is already addressing issues raised by Nigerians at rallies and gatherings.

A journalist, Oseni Rufai one of the anchors of the “Arise Morning Show” on Arise News TV had tweeted that having interviewed other presidential candidates such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Omoyele Sowore, they eagerly await Tinubu’s presence on the show.

We eagerly await the APC presidential candidate for an interview on Arisetv, we have had Obi, Atiku, Kwankwaso, Sowore, and others. We will like to hear his ideas for Nigeria and chat about them!”.

When contacted, Keyamo wondered why some Nigerians are fixated on interviews when Tinubu is already addressing issues raised at events and rallies.

When contacted, Keyamo wondered why some Nigerians are fixated on interviews when Tinubu is already addressing issues raised at events and rallies.

According to him, the most important thing is for Tinubu to speak to Nigerians and he has been doing that.

“Asiwaju Tinubu has been speaking at rallies and gatherings. The most important thing is that he is speaking to Nigerians. What’s all this fixation about sitting down in an interview?”

“He is speaking everywhere he goes. Are they not seeing him? He is addressing issues. He is talking to Nigerians everywhere he goes” Keyamo said.

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200 Students in Owo/Ose to Receive 50,000 Naira Each Bursary Award from Rep. Adelegbe

Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, honorable member representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives is set to fulfill disbursement of bursary award to no less than 200 students in his constituency.

The Member House of Representatives is also contesting to return to the green chamber for second term.

A statement disclosing the plan and made available to Ondomind reads in part;

"In fulfillment of the several demands placed by Students’ Union leaders across the two Local Government Areas that makes up Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, the Honorable Member Representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe has decided to roll bursary awards for Students of Tertiary Institutions of learning, across his Constituency. 

"Students from the two Local Government Areas that makes up the constituency are eligible to apply for the bursary which is targeted at giving a sum of fifty thousand naira (#50,000) to Hundred (200) Students from the Two local Government Areas respectively. The initiative, is aimed at providing timely aids and interventions, especially for Students that are just resuming back to their various institutions after the 8 months long ASUU strike. Therefore, the Students are all required to fill their correct details and follow all instructions in the filling and submission process."Attached to this publication, is the form for application and it is expected to be filled and submitted to the designated email address within the stipulated ultimatum".

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40-year-old man arrested for allegedly defiling his stepdaughter

A 40-year-old man identified as Taofeek Sulaiman was on Monday, October 24, arrested by men of Ogun state Police Command for having unlawful carnal knowledge of his 13 years old stepdaughter (name withheld).The suspect was arrested following a complain lodged at Owode Yewa divisional headquarters by the mother of the victim, who reported that she got married to the suspect after the demise of her husband who happened to be the father of the victim. 

She stated further that her daughter informed her that the suspect who is now her husband has been having sex with her since the 14th of October 2022 and that the suspect has been threatening to kill her if she report to anyone. 

Upon the report, the DPO Owode Yewa division, CSP Muhammed S Baba, quickly detailed his detectives to the scene where the randy stepfather was promptly arrested. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime, but blamed it all on devil's handiwork. 

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the victim was taken to Idiroko General Hospital by the Police for medical attention. He added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, has directed that the suspect be transferred to Anti Human Trafficking and Child Labour unit of the State Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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Sanwo-Olu To Borrow N350 Billion To Fund 2023 Budget

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday revealed that the state will borrow N350 billion to fund the 2023 budget.The governor had presented a budget of N1.69 trillion to the State House of Assembly for approval for the 2023 fiscal year.

The budget is deficit and to be financed by borrowing, which is pegged at N350 billion.

Currently, Lagos’ domestic debt as at June 2022, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) stands at N797,305,312,602.53, while the foreign debt stands at 1.27 billion US Dollars (N555.828bn).

This pegged the state’s total debt profile in the region of N1.35 trillion.

However, in presenting the 2023 budget tagged: ‘Budget of Continuity,’ the governor said it comprised a Total Revenue of N1,342,670,649,640 and Deficit Financing of N350,000,000,000.

The budget comprises total Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N1,108,435,649,640 and Total Federal Transfer of N234,235,000,000.

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Abubakar Atiku Jets Out To US

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has left Nigeria for political campaigns in the United States of America.In 2018, amidst talks that he could not visit the US, Atiku had in company of the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and others visited the US.

The visit to the US was significant as it dismissed all doubts that Atiku could not travel to the US.

Atiku is commencing a weeklong electioneering campaign in the US, where he would be meeting Nigerians and business community during the visit.

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ASUU Officially Suspends 8 Months Strike

University Lecturers in Nigeria under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) have agreed to suspend the eight-month-old industrial action

According to a member of the union's National Executive Committee, the suspension is expected to be conditional

The union decided to suspend the strike during a meeting of its leadership that started on Thursday night and lasted into the early hours of Friday, 14th October, 2022.

The meeting was called by the union to determine its next line of action after its state branches met over the Court of Appeal ruling last week.

The Court of Appeal had ordered ASUU to suspend the strike before its appeal of the ruling ordering lecturers to resume work can be heard.

Members of the union's National Executive Committee, which comprises the chairmen of the state chapters and members of the national executive, attended the meeting at the ASUU National Secretariat in Abuja.

The Lecturers have been on strike since February 14 this year over what they described as the decay in the University system

WAEC Releases 2021/2022 WASSCE Results

Head of Nigeria National Office (HNO), Mr. Olu Adenipekun, who disclosed this to journalists at WAEC’s Yaba office in Lagos, said out of the 1,590,173 candidates that sat for the examination, 1, 020, 519 candidates obtained credits and above in minimum of five subjects, including English and Mathematics.

 

However, Adenipekun disclosed that results of 180,205 candidates, representing 11.33% of the total number of candidates, were being withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice, which were being investigated, assuring that the outcome would be presented to the appropriate committee of the Council for deliberations.

 

Details of the results are already available online and candidates who have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Council were free to check the details of their performance on the website: www.waecdirect.org

Tinubu Appoints Jimoh Ibrahim National Deputy Director Finance of Presidential Campaign Council

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, billionaire business mogul and the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo South senatorial district for 2023 general elections has been appointed as the National Deputy director Finance of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter addressed to Jimoh Ibrahim, signed by the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Barr Jimoh Ibrahim was recently awarded the first ever Doctor of Business of the prestigious Cambridge University, a feat that has been commended by other scholars across the globe.

The Business mogul had his Bachelor of Law (LLB) in University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

He holds a total of nine different degrees from various universities including Ife, Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard universities.

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim is the founder, University of Fortune, a world standard Ivory tower at Igbotako, Ondo South Senatorial District.