2022 - Page 99 of 134 - SocietyGazette.com

Why we celebrated Aisha Buhari’s birthday in Dubai — Governors wives

Mrs Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady, spends a lot of time in Dubai, sometimes being in the middle-eastern city for several weeks, allegedly on taxpayers funds.

The Nigerian Governors Wives Forum (NGWF) has confirmed that the viral video showing its members celebrating Aisha Buhari’s birthday in Dubai is real.

The forum, however, says though the celebration held in Dubai, it was a coincidence as that was not the main reason its members travelled to the UAE city.

The position of the NGWF was contained in a statement by the wife of the Ekiti State Governor and chairperson of the forum, Bisi Fayemi, on Wednesday.

Mrs Fayemi, who was in the video, stated that the Nigerian First Lady’s birthday coincided with an official trip which some wives of governors were part of.

Many Nigerians have criticized the video that shows Mrs Fayemi holding a cake while leading the other women to present a cake to Mrs Buhari during the latter’s 51st birthday in Dubai.

Mrs Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady, spends a lot of time in Dubai, sometimes being in the middle-eastern city for several weeks, allegedly on taxpayers funds.

Although her office is not recognised by the Nigerian constitution, the federal government allocates funds for the running of the First Lady‘s office including its retinue of aides.

The governors’ wives also travelled for the trip at a time millions of Nigerians are unable to get petrol for their vehicles and generators, with many spending hours at filling stations.

The fuel situation adds to the worsening economic situation in a country where about half of the population live below the poverty line and millions of people are unemployed.

In their statement Wednesday, the governors’ wives were unapologetic about their trip and the Dubai celebration, saying both were necessary.

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“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the public, the Nigerian Governors Wives were on the entourage of the First Lady of Nigeria who was on an official trip to the UAE,” Mrs Fayemi wrote in the statement.

“The trip coincided with the birthday of HE Aisha Buhari. On the morning of her birthday, which was February 17th, the delegation of Governors’ Wives paid a private visit to present a cake and flowers. After the brief presentation, we proceeded to attend the scheduled meetings for the day.”

Mrs Fayemi said the governors’ wives were “dismayed to see footage of the visit interpreted to mean Governors’ Wives left Nigeria for the sole purpose of celebrating HE’s birthday.”

Read full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
Our attention has been drawn to a social media post shared on the 1st of March 2022 suggesting that some Nigerian Governors’ Wives were in Dubai to surprise the First Lady of Nigeria Dr. Aisha Buhari on the occasion of her birthday on the 17th of February 2022.

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the public, the Nigerian Governors Wives were on the entourage of the First Lady of Nigeria who was on an official trip to the UAE.

The trip included visits to Dubai Expo 2020, and tours of the Dubai e-learning center, Dubai Youth Hub and meetings with foundations and agencies in UAE who are interested in investing in education, health and technology in Africa, with priority given to women and young people.

The trip coincided with the birthday of HE Aisha Buhari. On the morning of her birthday, which was February 17th, the delegation of Governors’ Wives paid a private visit to present a cake and flowers. After the brief presentation, we proceeded to attend the scheduled meetings for the day.

We were therefore dismayed to see footage of the visit interpreted to mean Governors’ Wives left Nigeria for the sole purpose of celebrating HE’s birthday.

This is not true and we find this assumption scandalous. We are all dedicated to supporting our spouses as well as our First Lady, and we would never be a party to anything that will bring embarrassment to them and ourselves.

Our key learnings from our visit to the various agencies in Dubai and the briefings we received points to the need for Nigeria to scale up investments in education, science and technology and provide more opportunities for young people, who are the key to the future. We will continue to address these issues in our own work as well as advocate for increased commitments in these areas from our leaders.

Student Loses Life After Fight With Colleague Over Missing Plates

A student of Kinsey College of Education in Ilorin, Kwara State, Yakubu Ahmed has killed his colleague Farouq Ahmed.
Yakubu and the deceased reportedly got into a fight which involved the use of knives. The fight led to life threatening injuries.

According to the First Information Report, FIR, both boys were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH, in Ilorin. However Ahmed lost his life due to injuries sustained during the fight.

Reports revealed that the reason for the fight was over some missing plates which was kept with the deceased.

Trial Magistrate, Adebayo Kudus, in his ruling, said he could only take cognizance of the case but lacked jurisdiction to entertain it.

He adjourned the matter till March 21, 2022, for mention.

Meanwhile, Chukwuweze, a middle-aged woman in a Delta State community, has been beaten to death by an angry mob over allegations of witchcraft.

According to Ika Weekly Newspaper, the incident was said to have occured last weekend at Mbiri Kingdom in Ika North East Local government of the state.

A source who craved anonymity while condemning the mob action meted on the deceased disclosed that the incident was instigated by one Mr. Chukwuekwu. Read more.

Breaking: Buhari Govt Approves $8.5m To Evacuate 5000 Nigerians From Ukraine

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved $8.5 million for the immediate evacuation of Nigerian citizens from Ukraine.
In a statement to newsmen, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, said no fewer than 5,000 citizens will be evacuated.

The approval was issued earlier today at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

In preparation for the evacuation, Air Peace and Max Air airlines have been reportedly contracted to provide three aircraft to facilitate the rescue.

Naija News understands that the evacuation became necessary following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

More details shortly…

Protesters Storm National Assembly Over Rejected Gender Bills

Women protesters have stormed the National Assembly to kick against the outcome of the voting on constitutional amendment.
Naija News recalls that four bills promoting the interest of women were rejected by members of parliament on Tuesday during the electronic voting process.

The rejected bills are special seats for women in the legislature, reserve quota for women on appointments, citizenship and 35 percent party leadership.

On Wednesday, the women groups across the country blocked the Federal Secretariat axis entrance of the National Assembly to protest against the rejection of the bills.

The protesters, who were not allowed into the legislative complex by security operatives, called on the lawmakers to reconsider the rejected gender bills.

The women promised not to leave the National Assembly gate until the leadership of the legislature address them.

According to the protesters, the national leadership must reveal how each lawmaker voted on the bills.

Recall that a civil rights activist, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, had said that women groups all over the nation would storm the national assembly in protest of the lawmakers’ actions.

Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Tueday, Akiyode-Afolabi said Nigeria women are disappointed by the actions of the national assembly.

She said: “The proposed gender bills in the constitution alteration bills that were all rejected are bills targeted at addressing the current gender imbalance across the legislative arm of governments across the country, whilst reducing the under-representation of women in political office.

“The men of the ninth national assembly, by their actions, have taken us backwards. Their actions undermine the importance and relevance of women’s contribution to the governance of Nigeria, including the key role women play to bring victory to political parties in elections at all levels across the country.

“Nigerian women, therefore, demand that all gender bills be reconsidered. We call on the national assembly to re-present these bills as a matter of urgency and ensure that they are passed.”

We Are Ready To Die For Our Country – Klitschko Tells Putin

Heavyweight boxer, Vitali Klitschko on Tuesday addressed the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine.
Klitschko who took up arms alongside his brother, Wladimir Klitschko last Friday noted that they are ready to die protecting Ukraine.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine last Thursday following an order from President Putin

Klitschko who is the Mayor of Kyiv disclosed that there are enemies on the outskirts of the capital, but added that the Ukrainian military is ‘preparing to defend Kyiv’.

Klitschko in an interview with CNN said, “We were in the USSR, we don’t want to go back to the Russian empire.

“I am very proud to see how patriotic people are. We’re not interested in how strong the Russian army is, we’re ready to fight.

“And we’re ready to die for our home country and our families, because it’s our home, it’s our future and somebody wants to come to our home and steal our future from us.”

Klitschko when asked how long Kyiv can hold out, “I’m not ready to give you a clear answer. So long, so long time, if we’re still alive.”

The war has left hundreds of people dead, properties destroyed, and thousands have been rendered homeless.

Oyo Govt Slams EFCC Over Arrest Of Accountant-General

The Oyo State Government has condemned the arrest of arrested the Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Gafar Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Naija News had reported that the anti-graft agency arrested Bello and a yet-to-be-identified politician last week Friday over his alleged involvement in N9billion money laundering.

It was learned that Bello was arrested over the deduction of N9billion from the local government funds to finance the upcoming elections in the state in 2023.

In a statement on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun described Bello’s arrest as illegal and unacceptable.

The commissioner said the continued harassment and intimidation of officials of the state government by the EFCC is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction.

He said officials of the agency have since last year been mounting pressure on the state and its officials to provide documents regarding disbursements and expenditure of some funds and security vote lawfully passed into law by the state House of Assembly.

The statement reads: “The continued harassment and intimidation of the Accountant General and other officials of the state government by the EFCC is totally unconstitutional and unacceptable and is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The EFCC and its officials have, since last year been mounting pressure on Oyo State and its officials to provide documents regarding disbursements and expenditure of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, Contingencies Fund and Security Vote lawfully approved and passed into Appropriation Law of Oyo State by the Oyo State House of Assembly. This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has decided in a long line of cases that the EFCC lacks the powers to prosecute issues that are not corruption cases.

“We would like to put it on record that by virtue of Section 128 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, unless and until the Oyo State House of Assembly reports or exposes any corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it to the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Commissioner for Finance, Section 6 (h) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 (as amended) cannot be triggered.

“The Oyo State House of Assembly has not made any such reports and thus the actions so far by the EFCC and the EFCC Chairman are unconstitutional and ultra-vires.

“In line with this conviction, the Oyo State Government had approached the Federal High Court, in the Ibadan Judicial Division on February 8, 2022, for declaratory reliefs and to among other things, issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants (1. Attorney General of the Federation; 2. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; 3. President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria and 4. The Chairman EFCC) their functionaries or agencies or whosoever from interfering with the activities of any government officials in Oyo State (i.e. any public officer or functionary or officer or servant of the government of Oyo State) in the exercise of powers purported to be conferred by or under the provisions of the EFCC Act, 2004 with relation to the expenditure and or spending of the Oyo State Government or security votes as vested in the Governor of Oyo State.

“The EFCC had brazenly refused service of the processes at the Abuja Head Office for reasons unknown to the law but as of today, March 1, 2022, at the hearing in Ibadan, Hon Justice N. Agomoh directed the EFCC to accept service of the Oyo State Government originating processes and pending applications in the full glare of the Court. The Trial Judge also ordered that all forms of arrest and intimidation by the EFCC should cease. The case has been adjourned to March 9, 2022 for the hearing of all applications.

“The arrest of the Oyo State Accountant General on Friday, February 25, 2022, was a desperate and malicious attempt at thwarting a constitutional process that had already been instituted at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, with a hearing date of Monday, March 1, 2022.”

Transcorp Hotels Plc posts impressive performance as gross profit increases by 143% and revenue grows by 114% to end a record-breaking year at N21.74bn

Shareholders to receive about N717m dividend

Dupe Olusola, MD/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc.

Transcorp Hotels Plc has announced its Audited Financial Statements for the full year ended December 31, 2021. The results published on the Nigerian Group Exchange showed a 114% growth in Revenue to N21.74bn from N10.16bn as of December 2020, while Gross Profit rose by 143 % to N16.23bn from N6.67bn.  

The Company’s results show an impressive growth in its performance signalling its strong recovery from the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic in 2020. The performance also reflects the Company’s resilience and nimbleness, as it consistently leverages innovation to achieve an outstanding performance, breaking occupancy, and revenue records in 2021.

“We are very pleased with the incredibly strong operating performance of our businesses, as most segments improved in 2021. Our leisure demand remained strong throughout the year as different leisure packages introduced continue to drive occupancy,” said Mrs Dupe Olusola, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc.

“We believe that Transcorp Hotels Plc is well-positioned to continue to capitalise on the recovery in the hospitality industry as we work towards achieving our vision of becoming Africa’s leading hospitality brand. We are on launching several projects that have been in the pipeline to further our play of being a full-service hospitality brand and diversify our portfolio,” Mrs. Olusola added. “We are excited about the opportunities to deliver continued growth in 2022, as we remain focused on strengthening our business and investing for the future.”

Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom Chairman Transcorp Hotels Plc. in his comments said he expects the hospitality industry to continue to recover in 2022.

“As the domestic leisure, business and the Bleisure segment — corporate travellers which also add leisure activities into their stay – continue to expand, even as international guests return, we expect the hospitality industry to continue its recovery,” Mr Nnorom said, adding that Transcorp Hotels Plc is in an advantageous position to drive the recovery of the industry in Nigeria.

“Having steered the business out of the effects of the pandemic, and back to profitability, our management team has shown the resilience and potential of our business, as well as a sign of the bright future that lies ahead. Backed by a Board committed to corporate governance and organisational excellence, our esteemed shareholders can be reassured that we will continue to deliver value and strong returns, “Mr Nnorom added.

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) listed hospitality giant has continued to set the pace in the industry, reinforcing its position as a leading hospitality brand. In the second half of 2021, the Company launched Aura by Transcorp Hotels, an online booking platform that allows people to book accommodation (hotels and apartments), order food and book diverse kinds of experiences, including tours. Transcorp Hotels has continued to strengthen its business and invest for the future. The Company is developing a world-class event center at the Transcorp Hilton premises in Abuja. It is also working on a Lifestyle Center/Hotel in Lagos, one expected to rival the best of its kind globally.

The hospitality brand maintains that its activities are in furtherance of its mission to redefine hospitality standards in Africa through innovation and exceptional service, creating value for its customers and other stakeholders.

Transcorp Hotels Plc has proposed a final dividend of 7 Kobo per share, subject to appropriate withholding tax and shareholders’ approval.

ZENITH BANK REMAINS RESOLUTE, BEATS MARKET EXPECTATIONS WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS

Zenith Bank Plc has announced an impressive result for the year ended December 31, 2021, recording a double-digit growth of 10% in gross earnings which rose to N765.6 billion from N696.5 billion reported in the previous year. This is despite a challenging macroeconomic environment aggravated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to the bank’s audited financial results for the 2021 financial year presented to the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX), the Group achieved year-on-year (YoY) growth in gross earnings of 10% from NGN696.5 billion reported in the previous year to N765.6billion. This was on the back of 23% YoY growth in non-interest income from N251.7billion to N309billion and a 2% YoY growth in interest income from N420.8billion to NGN427.6billion.

Profit before tax also grew by 10% from NGN255.9 billion to NGN280.4 billion in the current year. The increase was due to growth in the top-line and very strong management of the treasury portfolio that increased efficiency, resulting in a drop in interest expense by 12% from NGN121.1 billion in 2020 to NGN106.8 billion in the current year. This further led to a 7% increase in net interest income of NGN320.8 billion in 2021 from NGN299.7 billion in 2020.

Customer deposits increased by 21%, growing from NGN5.34 trillion in the previous year to NGN6.47 trillion in the current year. The growth in customer deposits came from both corporate and retail customers. Retail deposits grew by NGN146 billion from NGN1.72 trillion in 2020 to NGN1.87 trillion in 2021. The Group’s continuous drive for retail deposits combined with the strategic rebalancing of its funding base helped to reduce the cost of funding from 2.1% to 1.5% in the current year. Although operating expenses grew by 13% YoY, growth remains below the inflation rate, and the Group improved its Earnings per Share (EPS) which grew by 6% from NGN7.34 to NGN7.78.

Total assets increased by 11%, growing from NGN8.48 trillion in 2020 to NGN9.45 trillion in 2021, mainly driven by growth in customer deposits. With the steady recovery in economic activities, the Group prudently grew its gross loans by 20%, from NGN2.9 trillion in 2020 to NGN3.5 trillion in 2021, with moderated NPL ratio from 4.29% to 4.19% YoY. The Group recorded impressive liquidity and capital adequacy ratios of 71.6% and 21.0%, which remained above regulatory thresholds of 30% and 15%, respectively.

In 2022, the Group intends to consolidate on the gains achieved in the previous year in all business segments and combine leadership in the industry, innovation and technology to drive improved performance and deliver enhanced returns to all stakeholders.

As a testament to its commitment to its shareholders, the bank has announced a proposed final dividend payout of N2.80 per share, bringing the total dividend to N3.10 per share.

Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offerings, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. The bank remains a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in deploying innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.

In recognition of its track record of excellent performance, Zenith Bank was voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2021, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020, and Best in Corporate Governance ‘Financial Services’ Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2021 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.

2023: Ooni, Alaafin Meet Aregbesola Over Feud With Tinubu

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi have met with the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at his private residence with the aim of settling the rift between him and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that Naija News earlier reported that highly placed sources had said that stakeholders in Yoruba land, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, and some influential leaders of thought in Nigeria are making efforts to bring the duo back together.

The reconciliation is said to be paramount for the success of the APC in the upcoming governorship election in Osun State and the 2023 general presidential election.

The source said: “I can say authoritatively that reconciliation efforts to close the rank between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola are underway, and already beginning to yield positive results. I am confident that sooner than expected, the two APC chieftains will embrace each other and continue to work together as brothers.”

New reports have emerged from the palace revealing that the reconciliation is moving foward smoothly and both parties have shown that they are interested in putting their differences aside, Vanguard reports.

The involvement of the monarchs in the situation has reportedly helped in making the situation between the duo better.

House Of Reps Rejects Life Pension For Senate President, Speaker, Others

The House of Representatives has rejected the proposal to grant constitutional life pension to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and their deputies.
Naija News reports that 162 lawmakers voted to knock out the proposal, 28 members voted to grant them life pension while three lawmakers stayed away from the voting exercise.

After the voting exercise, a total of 193 votes by the members of the House of Representatives were recorded.

In a related development, the National Assembly has passed a bill for an Act mandating the President and Governors to submit nominees for Ministers and Commissioners within 30 days of swearing-in.

Ninety-two Senators voted in favour of the bill while one abstained.

In the Green chamber, twenty hundred and eighty-nine House of Representatives members voted in favour of the bill, which was passed.