The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has quizzed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Medview Airline, Muneer Bankole.
Naija News reports that the anti-graft agency detained Bankole on Monday at its headquarters in Abuja over a case of alleged diversion of hajj funds.
It was gathered that Bankole arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 11am following an invitation by the commission regarding the case.
Bankole is said to have received funds from the National Hajj Commission, and an additional $900,000, for the airlift of pilgrims in 2019.
He was alleged to have failed to execute the airlift contract after receiving the mobilization funds.
Confirming Bankole’s detention, EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said that investigation into the allegations against him was ongoing.
In a related development, the anti-graft agency has filed N2.9 billion fraud charges against former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
This is coming hours after the former governor officially declared his presidential bid for 2023.
Okorocha was charged alongside Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
In the 17 counts filed on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, EFCC alleged that they conspired to steal N2.9 billion public funds.
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he intends to finish strong as his tenure gradually approaches the end.
The President was quoted to have said that the few months left of his administration would be used to consolidate on the gains of democracy already achieved by his government.
The President while envisaging 24 years of unbroken democratic dispensation in Nigeria, vowed to hand over a strong repositioned agriculture-led, diversified home-grown economy, stable democracy and revamped armed and security forces to his successor.
The President was quoted in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina to have made the vow in Abuja during a dinner in honour of the 2022 Committee of Business, Political, Media and Civil Society Leaders.
He urged the leaders to look beyond the challenges facing the country and collaborate with his government to achieve meaningful results.
The President said: “I am gradually entering my final year in office. It is a period I intend to spend not only on consolidating on the achievements of the past seven years but also to leave a legacy for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
”I take this initiative to mean that you all intend to collaborate with this administration in that direction.
”For those among you who are politicians, you must look beyond gaining power to how you can leverage public positions in the process of societal change. To the businessmen and women among you, there is great glory in public service.
”The question that should be uppermost always is: How do we leverage our business endowment for the greater good of our country?
”I am delighted that members of the Nigerian elite have woken up to the fact that the task of changing this society is a task for all of us, whether we are in the private or public sector. Knowing that, we have enormous challenges as a nation, but they are not beyond our capacity to overcome if we embrace a new approach.
”We cannot retreat to our ethnic cocoons, nor can we continue to seek solace in our past. We must champion the idea of a Nigeria where every citizen would be proud to call their own. That is the charge before you.”
FIRSTBANK’S SMECONNECT PORTAL COULD BE THE DIFFERENTIATOR FOR SMES IN NIGERIA
Over a hundred years since banks came into Nigeria, services rendered to small and medium scale businesses were limited to core banking services and transactions. However, those that cared to look further were able to stand the test of time, reinventing themselves with cutting edge financial services that remain key to sustaining its relevance to not just its host communities but the global community.
Based on findings from extensive engagements with customers, internal and external surveys and reports by SMEDAN, Efina and NBS, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has been deliberate in ensuring that SMEs thrive and grow their businesses as SMEs can access and enjoy the convenience of its industry-leading financial services. FirstBank thus launched the SMEConnect portal to congregate value-adding propositions & services for SMEs on a single platform for easy access.
The value propositions and services on the SMEConnect portal educate and equip SMEs to combat challenges like poor business structure, lack of infrastructure, low market penetration, limited access to information and professional services, inconsistent government policies and others that might stifle their growth.
For example, lack of capacity is one of the most indicted reasons for business failure or stunted growth in business. The SMEconnect portal connects business owners to resources and information to educate them on structuring and better managing their businesses. The platform houses webinars on various important topics to help educate SMEs and build the required capacity.
The blog section of the portal has interesting and informative content like:
Tips for Building and maintaining good customer relationships; Remaining in business after Covid-19; How to scale up; How to successfully separate a financial business account from a personal business account; as well as Creating a Micropension scheme for MSMEs etc.
FirstBank also runs varying degrees of entrepreneurship programs and activities through pieces of training, workshops, seminars, business clinics and webinars, and the events are displayed on the portal for business owners to access.
It is known that over 60% of businesses fail in their first year, not only because of capacity constraints, access to finance is another reason they fail. The SMEConnect portal connects businesses to resources and finances by providing information on the various finance options available to registered users. There is a section of the portal that breaks down the steps to accessing finance for businesses, to simple actions such as opening either savings or domiciliary accounts After all, what would be the essence of all the education and capacity building if the business owner is still unable to access finances and other resources. SMEs that have an account with FirstBank can access direct and indirect funding throughout the business life cycle via grants, debt/loans, and equity.
In addition to other benefits, the platform connects SMEs to Market, Resources, Infrastructure, Talent for business development, Policy and Advocacy, giving them all they need to move to the next stage of their business growth. The portal also integrates SMEs into large distribution networks by connecting them to customers, distributor channels, suppliers, and large corporates.
There are also productivity tools such as the Business Diagnostic tool that helps check the health of a business as well a pool of professionals like accountants, lawyers, digital marketers, consultants and business coaches, which SMEs can tap into. Some of these value-adding solutions are free, and for the few that are not, they come at substantially discounted rates. As the premier Bank in West Africa, First Bank has exceeded the expectation of what its services to individuals and businesses ought to be. The SMEConnect portal is one of First Bank’s initiatives to promote the sustainability of SMEs by exposing them to the knowledge and resources they need to grow their business.
One of the most exciting features businesses get on the SMEConnect portal is the Business Diagnostic Tool earlier mentioned, it is a 15-minute survey where SMEs are asked questions about their business and at the end, get a customised report for their business. This is ordinarily, a service that business owners pay consultants to get, but First Bank has made it available for free even to businesses that do not have an account with them.
There are special offers for SMEs that are registered and have an account with First Bank, and an opportunity to be listed on the portal. You can find businesses listed across different industries like education/training, manufacturing, trade, agriculture, hospitality, transportation/logistics, telecommunications, ICT, healthcare and fitness, sports, FMCG, financial services, media/entertainment, food, real estate, engineering/construction, oil & gas, fashion/beauty, and services.
These registered businesses get to showcase their products/services for free, interact with customers and other SMEs, have an opportunity to attend free monthly capacity building workshops, seminars and webinars; and get exclusive discounts on business development resources such as booking a business coach.
As more businesses sign up and use the SMEConnect portal, it is possible to see a future where Nigerian businesses break even, thrive, and grow amidst challenges.
At least 29 people have been killed, with many houses burnt in fresh attacks at Galadima-Kogo and Galkogo Communities of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Naija News gathered that the bandits invaded and launched attacks on the two communities after overpowering security operatives on Sunday morning.
In a chat with Daily Trust, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, said over 20 residents were killed during the attacks on Sunday.
Umar added that the gunmen attacked a Forward Operating Base in the area and killed 12 members of the Special Taskforce deployed to the community.
He said “One of our Forward Operating Bases manned by our security was overran during the attack. But we are already strategising to take the fight back to them. Already, there have been ongoing security operations in the area, both air and ground. We are doing our best.”
The Chairman, Shiroro Local Government Area, Suleiman Dauda Chukuba, also said 11 dead bodies have been recovered while nine persons who were injured have been taken to hospital for treatment.
He said: “This is a tragedy that has just occurred on Saturday and I cannot really ascertain the number of casualties for now because the place stands as a no-go area as I am talking to you now.
“The only dead bodies that we have recovered were 11 but that is not the exact number of casualties. A lot of people were affected. Those that were wounded were nine in number and they are in the hospital as I am talking to you.
“As the situation is now, we have not done much about the displaced people. Our concern now is how to make sure we get back the communities that have been taken over by the attackers.”
He, however, dismissed the rumour making rounds that the security operatives were withdrawn before the attacks.
“It’s not the withdrawal of security operatives per say. But the attackers were more in number and well-armed with sophisticated weapons. So, when they launched the attack, they overpowered our security men because they came in hundreds with sophisticated weapons,” he said.
Four Chibok girls have been released from the captivity of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
Recall that the girls were part of the victims kidnapped during an invasion of Kautikari village of Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State on Friday, January 14.
It was learned that the girls were taken to Dille village which shares a border with Sambisa forest before they were released on Sunday afternoon.
Confirming the development, a resident of the town said that the girls regained their freedom on Sunday.
He told Vanguard that the girls are with the District Head of Kautikari village who resides in Chibok town.
“I can exclusively confirm to you that the four young girls who were in the captivity of insurgents have regained freedom today (Sunday).
“I was informed that they were taken to Dille axis of Askira Uba local government area of Borno state which shares border with Sambisa forest.
“Presently, all the girls are cooing off with the District Head of Kautikari who resides in Chibok town,” he said.
Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has debunked rumours that it has concluded plans to replace Babajide Sanwo-Olu with Hakeem Muri-Okunola as the Lagos State Governor in 2023.
GAC in a statement over the weekend signed by its secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are said it has not discussed the issue of a second term for Governor Sanwo-Olu neither does the group possess the powers to determine who the next Lagos State Governor will be.
GAC is the highest decision-making organ of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos, and Muri-Okunola is the incumbent Head of Service in Lagos State.
Following some reports that the body has chosen another person to become the next Lagos State Governor in 2023, the group has urged members of the public to deny such reports, stating that some unscrupulous politicians are the ones spreading such rumours.
It added that Governor Sanwo-Olu is performing creditably well and should be allowed to focus on governance as he still has some time left of his first tenure.
Below is the press statement from GAC:
“The attention of the Governance Advisory Council has been drawn to a vexatious post circulating on WhatsApp purporting that the GAC, party leaders and stakeholders have settled for a replacement for Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.
“Ordinarily, we would not have dignified such an anonymous post with any response.
“However, because of the possibility that some unwary persons may believe the words contained therein and interpret them as factual, the GAC would like to state as follows:
“That the GAC has not settled for any person to replace Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu as governor. Therefore, it is absolutely false and preposterous for anyone to suggest so.
“That the process of picking a Governor is clearly stated in the constitution. And contrary to the false impression the merchant of hate, confusion, discord and disharmony wanted to create with the post, there is no discussion of second term ticket by the GAC.
“It should also be pointed out that it is not within the realm of GAC to engage in picking replacements for a governor.
“Importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not signaled the commencement of the process for governorship election in Lagos State.
“Governor Sanwo-olu was elected for a 4-year tenure which is still ongoing. The matter of replacement of the governor does not arise and is patently subjudice.
“Governor Sanwo-olu is doing a wonderful job delivering infrastructure projects for Lagos and working daily on making the state better for all its residents.
“Finally, we urge those behind this dangerous, dysfunctional and misguided post to desist forthwith.”
Marwa Arrests Drug Traffickers In Adamawa, Lagos, Plateau States
Three trans-border drug traffickers have been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, while trying to smuggle 48,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol through Mubi, Adamawa state to Cameroon Republic, just as over 1,500 kilograms of imported Loud and other illicit substances have been intercepted in raids across Lagos and Edo states.
A statement signed by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy and made available to NAOSRE, the agency stated that the suspects: Mohammed Hussaini, 32; Adamu Bella, 18, and Mohammed Umar, 18, were arrested at Tsamiya Junction, Madanya Road, Mubi, Mubi North LGA, Adamawa State on Friday 28th January, with the exhibits concealed in the packets of another drug. When interviewed, they claimed the drugs were being taken to Bagira town along Nigeria-Cameroon border to be delivered to some Cameroonians for onward delivery to Maroa in Cameroon.
This comes on the heels of a similar operation at Alaba Rago area of Lagos where operatives of the state command of the Agency intercepted 1,200 parcels of imported Loud, a strong variant of cannabis suspected to have been smuggled into the state from a neighbouring country with a total weight of 1,229 kilograms.
In another raid on Wednesday 26th Jan, at Suru Alaba, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Lagos, operatives arrested one Ibrahim Musa, 25, with 18,530 tablets of Tramadol, Rohynol, Diazepam, Exol-5, and 138 bottles of Codeine.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, operatives at the SAHCO export shed of the airport during their routine cargo search intercepted a consignment of 22 international passports of six different countries concealed in a bag of Gari among other food items.
Nine of the passports were three each of UK, France and Portugal, while the rest were: Nigeria -8; Ghana -4 and Cameroon -1. Also at the airport, operatives equally recovered 12 parcels of cannabis weighing 4.95kg concealed in a carton of Golden Morn packaged for export through the SAHCO export shed.
In Plateau state, a team of Marwa led NDLEA officers on Friday 28th Jan. arrested two suspects; Emeka Ezenwa, 37, and Julius Akingbe, 45, for being in possession of 126.5grams of methamphetamine concealed inside a DVD player coming from Lagos, while a raid in Kampani Zera- Wase LGA of the state on Friday led to the arrest of Fatima Sadiq, 20, who was caught with 21.3kg cannabis.
A similar raid on Friday of a notorious drug joint, Bakin Kogi Ringim, Jigawa state led to the recovery of different quantities of Cannabis, Diazepam, Exol-5 and some new psychoactive substances with a total weight of 8.680kg as well as weapons such as knives, cutlasses, Gora sticks, catapults and charms.
In Edo state, operatives recovered 19 bags of cannabis weighing 144.10kg stored in the bush along Uromi Road, Esan North East LGA ready to be transported to other parts of the country, while eight bags of the same substance weighing 111kg were recovered from a bush at Iruekpen, Esan West LGA.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has commended officers and men of Lagos, MMIA, Adamawa, Plateau and Edo commands of the Agency for their tenacity and vigilance. He charged them along with their colleagues across the country not to relent until the last gram of illicit drug is recovered from every part of Nigeria.
Ayo Makun’s wife Mabel has opened up on how she had three miscarriages, anal bleeding amidst other conditions which defied medical explanations
Mabel, who recently welcomed the couple’s second child after 13 years, revealed the pains and trauma she went through for before the birth of their second child together.
In a lengthy post shared to encourage anyone passing through the same experience, Mabel narrated her ordeal on Sunday, January 30, 2022.
“This will definitely trigger my emotions, the plan was to close/open my eyes and make it all disappear but then again I thought to myself, Mabel you have to encourage someone out there. Three miscarriages with no medical explanations as to the reasons why. It was the same pattern as before, every single thing that happened with the others, happened again, only this time more but I was determined to hold on tight to God and not fail,” she began.
“Anal bleeding, threatened miscarriage, difficulty in breathing, I wasn’t psychologically and mentally stable and that, was the hardest part for me, my emotions were all over the place, taking a deep breath in and out to stop myself every time I felt the urge to just break down and cry, struggling within not to blame myself for not protecting and fighting for the survival of the babies I lost, placenta separation, weak uterus,” she revealed.
Mabel also revealed that she’s eternally grateful to God and all those that stood by her because she was exhausted at some point.
“Truthfully, I was exhausted, how I got here today is not something that I can explain but I just know that God was and is still with me and Ayomide, for this we are eternally grateful.
You are God all by yourself and you will never share your glory with anyone. From the depth of my heart, I want to thank you all for the messages, prayers and yes the love is overwhelming. God bless you all for me.”
Luis Diaz has undergone his medical ahead of a £45m move to Liverpool, who expect to complete the signing of the Porto winger on Sunday.
Liverpool moved into pole position to sign Diaz this week after making a late swoop for the Colombia international, who was also wanted by Tottenham.
Spurs also made an offer for Diaz, but the 25-year-old prefers a move to Liverpool, who are now set to make him their first signing of the January transfer window.
Diaz was manager Jurgen Klopp’s first choice for the summer window, but Liverpool accelerated their plans due to Spurs’ strong interest.
Liverpool are said to be offering an initial £37m, with bonuses included in the deal that will only be triggered if Diaz becomes a big success at Anfield.
Diaz is on international duty with Colombia, and is set to feature against Argentina in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.
Tottenham had been locked in talks with Porto over Diaz this week, with the Premier League club said to be willing to pay up to £46m, with £37.6m up front and £8.4m in performance-related add-ons.
There was confidence from both sides that a deal could be reached before Liverpool reignited their interest.
Tottenham feel like they did everything possible to secure the deal but the player simply prefers a move to Liverpool.
Missing out on Diaz will be another big blow for Spurs this month, after the breakdown of the deal for Wolves winger Adama Traore, who has returned to Barcelona on loan.
Spurs are now working hard on other targets ahead of Monday’s deadline, with Sky in Italy reporting they are in advanced talks to sign Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Spanish international Adama Traore has returned to Barcelona on loan from Wolves until the end of the season.
Traore who came through Barca’s youth system before leaving for Aston Villa in 2015 has now returned to Camp Nou for the next few months.
Barcelona agreed to a loan move with a £29m option to make the deal permanent after Traore was left unconvinced by Tottenham’s interest.
Last week, Spurs were closing in on a £20m deal for the 26-year-old after their previous bid of £15m was rejected, but Traore was not keen on the Premier League club’s desire to use him in a variety of positions.
Traore’s current deal at Molineux expires at the end of next season and Wolves were hoping to cash in on him in the January transfer window.
Already, the Spain international has shown no intent to sign a new contract at the club.
He has managed just one goal and zero assists from 20 English Premier League (EPL) appearances so far this season, albeit from only 10 league starts.
A Barcelona statement read: “FC Barcelona and Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Adama Traore until 30 June 2022. The Blaugranes will pay the player’s wages and there is an option to make the deal permanent.
“The presentation of Adama Traore as a new FC Barcelona player will be on Wednesday 2 February behind closed doors. The club will announce further details shortly.”
