2022 - Page 23 of 134 - SocietyGazette.com

Breaking: ASUU Extends Strike By Another Four Weeks

The strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been extended by another four weeks.

The development was confirmed on Monday in a statement by the ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke on behalf of the union.

Naija News reports the decision to extend the strike was reached at the end of the union’s National Executive Council meeting held at its national secretariat in Abuja on Sunday and concluded in the early hours of Monday.

ASUU explained that the time extension is to allow the federal government enough time to meet their demands.

The statement signed by Osodeke reads in part: “following extensive deliberations and taking cognisance of Government’s past failures to abide by its own timelines in addressing issues raised in the 2020 FGN/ASUU Memorandum of Action (MOA), NEC resolved that the strike be rolled over for four weeks to give Government more time to satisfactorily resolve all the outstanding issues.

“The role-over strike action is with effect from 12.01a.m. on Monday, 1st August, 2022.”

Origin And Timeline Of Current ASUU Strike
ASUU embarked on a one-month strike on February 14, 2022, over a series of disagreements with the federal government and non-implementation of agreements.

The strike was extended on March 14 by two months, Naija News recalls.

The strike was further extended after the two months expired and has now entered its 168th day as at August 1, 2022.

Some of the issues causing disagreement between ASUU and the federal government are the demand for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) instead of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), payment of revitalization fund, the poor funding of universities, non-payment of salaries and allowances of some university lectures, as well as the non-payment of earned academic allowance to lecturers, among other issues.

2022 ERUKU ANNUAL YAM FESTIVAL: OUR CULTURE, OUR HERITAGE, OUR PRIDE

…Television Crew, Other Press Men Storms Erukucity To Propagate, Bring New Innovations To Eruku Culture and Heritage

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

The annual yam festival of the Erukuans again witnessed mammoth crowd of young, old and dignitaries across the neighbourhood as EPA, EFON appeared to entertain the crowd for the three days celebrations, while ‘Agan’ would comes out at night after the grand finale. The event is fully back again after eight-year lull due to the reasons wouldn’t want to mention on the news circle.

The Eruku annual yam festival is an annual event that brings sons and daughters of the Erukuans together in unity to celebrate yam festival which dates back to the 19th century.

According to history, the festival had its origin from our forebears with the intention to bring peace and unity into the community and not an harmful things as many thoughts or beliefs. History has it that in the 19th century there are families within Eruku community who are the real originators, in advancement for the worshiping of Female EPA and Male EPA the reigning monarch then supported and gave freehand to practice without hindrance even till date.
It was in appreciation of this gesture by the Monarch who will always comes out during the event in his full regalia, and made it a point of duty to dance round through the market and to pay homage down to his sons and daughters

But today the festival has gone beyond what it used to be. All sons and daughters of Erukuland, home and in diaspora, irrespective of their religious differences look forward to the festival as we bring new innovations to this heritage.

“I remember when I was young and in primary/secondary school, I would leave my house in Odolomu compound at Balogun House as early as 5 pm and walk all way to Oke ogi just to join other children that will hold leaves and be singing and dancing. It was such fun for us then because it allowed us to join in the colorful festival and to learn more about our culture also meet old friends seeing our Kaabiesi Owa of Eruku in his full regalia with his chiefs and his mothers (Iye Oba) who will also appeared in full White attire”.

The major highlights and attractions of the Eruku annual yam festival are the parades of the Owa and his Chief with those agedwomen ( Age Grades) and the equestrian displays of the EPAs, Efon dancing along with the families couples with the traditional drums (Eku)

“The whole essence of the annual yam festival celebrations is to bring peace and lasting unit amongst Erukuans both home and in diaspora” says Akogun of Erukuland

Watch out for the grand finale today as major Television stations, other press men would be granted exclusive interview by the Owa of Erukuland for full and future documentary which would later be shown on DSTV & STARTIMES. The allotted date, time shall be communicated shortly

Wema Bank Records Impressive Financial Performance In 2022 Half-Year Reports

Wema Bank Plc, pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank and one of Nigeria’s most resilient banks, has posted a growth performance across all financial indices in the First-Half of its 2022 operations. This information is contained in the Financial Results for the Period Ended 30 June, 2022 released in Lagos on 28 July, 2022.

In the report, the bank recorded an increase of 50 percent in its Gross Earnings from the ₦39.82 billion it recorded in H1 of 2021 to ₦59.59 billion. It also grew its Interest Income by 55 percent year-on-year, from the ₦32.19 billion recorded at this period last year to ₦49.75 billion. The bank’s Non-Interest Income went up from ₦7.64 billion in the period ended 30 June, 2021 to ₦9.85 billion, an increase of 29 percent.

Similarly, Wema Bank recorded a 43 percent increase in Profit before tax (PBT) from ₦4.30 billion over the same period last year to ₦6.13 billion for the period under review. The bank’s Profit after tax (PAT) also increased from ₦3.72 billion in H1 2021 to ₦5.30 billion reflecting a raise of 42 percent.

The bank also grew its deposit by 13 percent from ₦968.17 billion reported in FY 2021 to ₦1.09 trillion in the H1 2022. It also grew its loans and advances from ₦418.86 billion to ₦447.23b in H1 2022, an increase of seven percent.

Ademola Adebise, the Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the bank, attributed the remarkable performance to increased customer satisfaction the bank delivers through its investment in technology.

“Our performance has shown strong and promising results in the second quarter. Customers have continually shown trust in our proficiency, innovation, and service delivery even as the market gets more challenging. That said, I am confident, that despite increased volatility and uncertainty, we will continue to scale up, manoeuvre the environment, creatively manage our resources, and drive long-term, substantial returns for shareholders.”

In his own remarks, the bank’s Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku, explained that the strong performance stems from the bank’s diversification of its business and value derived from its digital assets.

“This has been a strong first half with Interest Income up 55% and Profit Before Tax up 43% compared to H1 2021.” Mabawonku said.

“This strong showing is down to diversification at different levels of our businesses. Also, it is a testament to the advantage of our investment in digital banking assets which have continued to boost customer satisfaction and build trust for us. Also, we are aware of the challenges that the rising cost of living is having on our customers and stakeholders. Given the size of our balance sheet and income growth, we have trust in our ability to continue to provide support and help cushion the impact of growing costs in the market,” he explained.

Ecobank Nigeria Appoints Ichie (Dr) Nnaeto Orazulike as Non-Executive Director

The Board of Directors of Ecobank Nigeria Limited has announced the appointment of Ichie (Dr) Nnaeto Orazulike as a Non-Executive Director. Ichie (Dr) Nnaeto Orazulike is a seasoned business magnate, corporate administrator, and philanthropist. He is the Founder and Group Managing Director of Genesis Group – a proudly Nigerian conglomerate with interests in Restaurants, Cinemas, Hotels, Food Production and Oil & Gas Services and Production.

According to the Board, the new director has distinguished himself as a leader in his various endeavors, pioneering and promoting professions through the growth of indigenous talents in Nigeria and beyond. He embodies the Pan-African vision of the bank and brings with him the wealth of experience, professionalism, and integrity which has earned him national and international acclaim.

Ichie (Dr) Nnaeto Orazulike is a graduate of University of Nigeria, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree and an alumnus of Harvard Business School, Executive Training Program. He was also awarded the prestigious Honorary Doctor of Science degree by University of Port Harcourt in 2015

Ichie who had previously served on the Board of Fidelity Bank Plc between 2008 to 2017, is the National Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Trade Group on Tourism and Hospitality. He also currently sits on the boards of various companies and organizations including Shelf Drilling Nigeria, West African Metal Processing Co. Ltd., Fate Foundation, and Spiritan University, Nnochi Imo State.

Ichie Nnaeto joined the Board of Ecobank Nigeria in April 2022.

JUST IN: veteran Juju Musician, Ebenezer Obey loses son

Olayinka Olalekan, son of veteran musician Ebenezer Obey, has died at age 48.

According to The Nation, Olayinka died on Friday.

The cause of his death is yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

The deceased was interred on Saturday.

With more than five decades of active singing, Ebenezer Obey is internationally recognised for evolving a unique juju sound from highlife music.

An evangelist by calling, Obey lost his wife of 48 years Lady Juliana Obey-Fabiyi at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on August 23, 2011.

She was aged 67.

Tinubu, Lawan, Dangote, others storm Maiduguri for Shettima’s daughter’s wedding

Fatima, daughter of the 2023 APC vice presidential candidate and former Governor of the state, Senator Kashim Shettima, married Sadiq Ibrahim Bunu, son of former FCT Minister Ibrahim Bunu, in a grand ceremony in Borno on Saturday.

President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Chief of Staff to the President (COS), Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

The wedding Fatiha took place at the palace of Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Umar El Kanemi.

The former governor of Bauchi State and former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, stood in as the father of the groom, Architect Ibrahim Bunu, while Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State stood in as the father of the bride, Senator Shettima, with a dowry of 12 gold coins.

The wedding Fatiha was administered by the Chief Imam Idaini of Borno, Shiekh Shettima Mamman Sale.

Other dignataries at the event were the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; the National Security Adviser, General Babagana Monguno (Rted) and 2023 APC presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu.

Others are business moguls, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Mohammed Idimi, the President, Idimi Group of Companies, and Chairman Oriental Energy Resources Ltd, and Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, the Chairman, Max Air limited.

BREAKING! Apostle Johnson Suleman Uncovers Gistlover’s Identify, Set to Release His Pictures, Names and Families

The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Suleman has finally uncovered the hidden identity of popular controversial blogger, Gistlover.

This is coming after the blogger accused Apostle Suleman of having an affair with multiple nollywood actresses and female celebrities.

The blogger also alleged the man of God of being diabolical, claiming he is responsible for the illness of popular actress, Halima Abubakar.

These allegations were punctured as mere fabrications from hell by several celebrities among whom are Shan George, Queen Nwokoye and others who came our to debunk the allegation.

In his reaction, Apostle Johnson Suleman denied the allegations, slam gistlover with insults and dare him to add more names because the list is not yet complete, while making it known that he is a man on a mission that only God can stop him, and that he isn’t concerned with the allegations and keeps running his crusade.

He promised to bring the blogger he classified as blackmailer down and end his blackmailing enterprise and bring him to book

Few days after Apostle Suleman’s declaration, his statement has come true with the identity of Gistlover being uncovered and the clergy man said, he has no reason not to reveal gistlover’s identity as this would save thousands of politicians, clergymen, leaders, actors, actresses and businessmen from future blackmail by gistlover as his only source of living is blackmailing people

It was also confirmed that he will unveil the blogger’s name, pictures and families very soon and make it public.

Details later

How 62-Year-Old Woman Paid N10m To Gistlover To Drop Apostle Suleman Story – Mr Jollof

Popular Nigerian comedian, Mr Jollof has alleged that a 62-year-old woman on behalf of Apostle Johnson Suleman paid a popular blogger the sum of N10m to shut down his s3x scandal.

Recall that Naija News earlier reported that the blogger had released a list containing names of some Nigerian actresses and BBNaija stars, claiming they are all romantically involved with the Apostle.

But the clergyman while preaching during a crusade in his church challenged the blogger to come out openly, boasting that he would shut down the blog.

The list contained names such as Shan George, Lilian Bach, Iyabo Ojo, Ruth Kadiri, Mercy Johnson, Chinyere Winifred, Larriet Omo Brish, Vivian Metchie, Georgina Onuoha, Ini Edo, Joy Ogbunu, Angel Okorie, Mary Uranta, Queen Nwokwoye amongst others.

Speaking on the list, Mr Jollof took to his Instagram page to slam the blogger for revealing the list after getting paid N10m.

The comedian subsequently gave the face behind the blog a seven days ultimatum to refund the money as he also vowed to expose the blogger with evidence of all the payments he has received as bribe.

He spoke at length through a video which he captioned: ‘Gist Lover na Bandit for social media !!! Abeg refund the 10million them pay you Abeg because you crop out the place when you say you no Dey refund !!! So we know your next move Abeg because we all go open our yansh like Uncle Bob.’

Nigeria Police Force, Dismiss Inspector Richard Gele for Justifying Bribe in viral video.

The Nigeria Police on Friday dismissed an Inspector, Richard Gele, who publicly justified extortion to members of the public while at his duty post.

Gele, attached to the Police Mobile Force 77 Squadron in Okene, Kogi State was captured by a traveller in a viral video, dignifying extortion.

The fearless inspector told the travellers that extortion was a legal ground for survival — Referring to his duty post, and an act encouraged by his superiors.

“If I want to collect money, I will collect good money, I dont take ‘change’. I also don’t hide it. Even the IGP is aware, and my former superior told me that if I should take money, I should take the one he would get a cut.

“So, if such an act gets me into trouble, he (former superior) will defend me,” Gele spoke confidently to the travellers in pidgin.

Reacting to the event that occurred on Monday, the Force Spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said Gele was found guilty of the charges levelled against him after he was subjected to an internal disciplinary mechanism.

In line with extant laws governing the conduct of police personnel, Adejobi noted that the Inspector, with AP/No. 188547, “ceases to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect”.

The Inspector, from Benue State, was enlisted into the Force in September 2000 and, until his dismissal, was attached to Police Mobile Force 77 Squadron, Okene, Kogi State and deployed to the Itobe – Anyigba Road, for the safety of road users and commuters, along the route, where the incident occurred.

Adejobi said in a statement on Friday, “The officer has been de-kitted and handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, for further necessary action.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, while expressing the staunch commitment of his administration at bequeathing policing standards in tandem with international best practices to the nation, warned all personnel to eschew extortion, unprofessionalism, official corruption and other inappropriate acts.

“The IGP urged them to display exemplary courage and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.”

Tinubu congratulates Daniel Okoh, new CAN President

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, extends his personal congratulations to Rev. Daniel Okoh, on being the newly-elected president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Rev. Okoh was elected on Monday to succeed the highly respected Rev. Samson Olusupo Ayokunle, upon completion of his tenure as head of CAN.

Asíwájú Tinubu noted that the new CAN leader who is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church is a worthy successor to Rev. Ayokunle whose tenure as CAN president was one characterized by exceptional commitment, principle and wisdom.

Asiwaju Tinubu said: “I congratulate Rev. Okoh on his election as the new president of CAN. Noting that Rev. Okoh had truly distinguished himself as the deputy to Rev. Ayokunle.:

The APC leader declared that Nigeria can only expect nothing but inspired and enlightened leadership from Rev. Okoh.

“CAN is one of the most important organizations in the nation. Not only does it seek the betterment of the Christian community in Nigeria, its moral force and standing benefit all Nigerians as we seek to establish a just and compassionate society where people of all faiths and beliefs live and work together in peace and harmony.

“As a nation, we are in a critical moment where misguided and terrible actors attempt to destroy social harmony and reign violence on us all. These awful forces seek to stoke religious and ethnic divisions in hope of pitting Nigerian brother against Nigerian brother. Decent and good Nigerians of all faiths must ally again such designs. While we may not agree on everything, all well-meaning Nigerians agree that we must live in peace, must respect and honor our diversity and eschew violence and hatred.

“We are grateful that CAN as an organization embodies these and other principles that reflect the values and virtues of Christ. We are glad that the new President of CAN, Rev. Okoh, is a humane and kind soul who has dedicated his life to the betterment of his fellow man and is a person who will work with leaders of other faiths and beliefs to anneal the bonds of unity, inter-religious understanding and tolerance while advocating for the benefits of democratic good governance for all Nigerians regardless of creed or belief systems.

“As long as we stand forthright and adhere to these tenets, Nigeria will defeat the plans of those who seek to place discord and hatred at our door.
As Rev. Okoh assumes the mantle of leadership, it is my hope and prayer that his tenure brightens every corner of our country and may he be a shining light to all.”