The global head of Ifa priests, otherwise called the Araba Agbaye, Chief Owolabi Aworeni, on Tuesday cautioned the Kwara State Governor, Abdualrahman Abdulrazaq, against actions that might incite violence in the state.
Also, Aworeni urged the House of Representatives to halt a bill which sought to institutionalise the use of hijab in the country.
The issue of hijab has spurred heated reactions in Kwara State with Christian mission schools shut down in resistance against the move by the state government to enforce the use of hijab by Muslim students in the schools.
However, the Araba, represented by his deputy, the Araba Oluisese of Ibadan, Ifalere Odegbola, in an interview with journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, said, “We are appealing to the Governor of Kwara State to caution against steps that are capable of turning Kwara State and the entire country into crises.
“Peace will reign supreme if religions generally are given pride of place. Let the Christian schools be, same for Muslim schools and schools for the traditional worshippers, without any religion lording it over the other.
“A traditional worshipper who decides to attend Christian school should imbibe the Christian practices and principles and ditto for a Christian child who chooses to attend a Muslim school. If he decides to attend the school, he has to abide by the practices.
“It is wrong for a child who belongs to another faith to want to force his way through. The governor should desist from acts that can incite violence or civil disorderliness. Academics should not continue to get interrupted as we have it at the moment.
“In the same vein, we are appealing to the National Assembly to drop the issue of use of hijab; we are warning that religious intolerance should not be allowed to polarise us as a people. Nigeria as a secular nation should be receptive to all religions and people should be free to practice their own faith without any interference.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted well-concealed and unaccompanied parcels of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and cannabis sativa being shipped to the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Australia, Maldives and New Zealand.
A statement signed by the agency’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi and made available to NAOSRE stated that a notorious trafficker, Sikiru Owolabi, who is behind at least two of the parcels has been traced and arrested after days of thorough and systematic surveillance by NDLEA operatives. Undercover narcotic agents attached to two international courier companies in Lagos made the seizures.
Sikiru Owolabi, who has made useful confessions during interrogations, was tracked after 1kilogramme of cocaine concealed in cream containers and meant for Dublin in Northern Ireland was intercepted at one of the courier firms in Lagos. This was also followed by the discovery of another 200grammes of cocaine meant for London, United Kingdom in the same courier company.
In another undercover operation, 320grammes of heroin concealed in earrings coming from Congo and going to Australia was seized at a different courier firm in Lagos, just as another 390 grammes of cocaine hidden in men’s clothing and going to Northern Ireland was intercepted in the same company.
While 500grammes of cannabis sativa concealed in automobile parts going to New Zealand was seized at one of the courier companies, 200 grammes of methamphetamine hidden inside an award plaque and going to New Zealand, with another 200 grammes of methamphetamine concealed in a book and going to Maldives, were equally intercepted in another firm.
Beside the arrest of Owolabi, efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other traffickers behind the other unaccompanied illicit drugs packaged as parcels for shipment to Europe.
Chairman-Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has commended the men and officers involved in the operations to frustrate attempts by drug barons and traffickers to ship illicit drugs overseas through unaccompanied parcels. “I ask all our men and officers involved in the various overt and covert operations across the country to continue with the ongoing offensive action until we chase the criminal elements out of their illicit and damaging trade”, General Marwa admonished.
Heritage Bank Plc has joined the rest of the globe to celebrate the World Water Day 2021 with plans to assist a community in dire need of clean water by installing a bore hole.
The theme for this year’s WWD 2021 is “Valuing Water,” which focuses on the importance of freshwater and presses for sustainable management of water resources. According to the United Nations, the day is aimed at raising awareness about 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water resources globally.
“The value of water is about much more than its price.” This day is celebrated keeping in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 6 which is aimed at achieving water and sanitation by all for 2030,” UN stated.
It further explained that global water demand is likely to rise by over 50 per cent by 2040.
To this effect, as part of efforts to implement the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) sustainable banking principle, Heritage Bank Plc has instituted a Corporate Social Responsibility’s (CSR) campaign project to assist a community in dire need of clean water by installing a bore hole.
This campaign project, according to the bank will be executed in two phases; the first involves nominations call for community that is in dire need of water will be put on its social platforms from 22nd March 2021, which will run for 30days.
The bank in a statement signed by the Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Fela Ibidapo, disclosed that thorough research will be conducted on communities that put up for nominations and the most in need will be chosen.
In furtherance, the community leaders would be engaged, which will herald commencement of the project and handing over the borehole to the community.
Speaking on WWD 2021, the MD/CEO of the Bank, Ifie Sekibo said the adoption of the campaign project shows how Heritage Bank values water and making clean water accessible to the under-privilege, living in urban slums and rural areas.
According to him, to access safe water resources globally, higher value must be given to protecting the ecosystem in ensuring good quality water supply.
Sekibo, who further canvassed for the implementation of Sustainable Banking Principle, tasked stakeholders to continually promote the need for more productive value of water, which would bring about developmental impact to society, while protecting the communities and environment in which financial institutions and their clients operate.
The Federal Government on Monday said Nigerian scientists have produced two local COVID – 19 vaccines and were awaiting clinical trials and certification.
The government also raised the alarm over reported racketeering of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines in some vaccination centres.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19, Boss Mustapha and Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said these during the press briefing Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 in Abuja.
The SGF said, “The disclosure that Nigerian Scientists have produced at least two local COVID – 19 vaccines which are awaiting clinical trials and certification is significant. I call on all relevant agencies to provide the required support and an enabling environment for smooth conduct of the remaining protocols for the certification of these vaccines with a view to encouraging and motivating other researchers.”
The PTF chairman recalled that one year ago on March 21 2020, a total lockdown was declared by the government in some parts of the country due to coronavirus pandemic that hit the nation.
He said, “In the past one year, the socio-economic impact on us cannot be underestimated. Many people lost their livelihood and many people lost loved ones.”
The SGF also said that on Sunday, Nigeria recorded the lowest number of cases so far this year.
He said, “We have also seen a decline in cases in the high burden countries around the African region. This does not call for us to lower our guards as the virus is still potent and virulent. This is the right time to adhere to the full compliance of the NPIs and be vaccinated.”
The SGF said on Sunday, March 21 2021, the PTF received 300,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines from MTN Nigeria.
He commended the organisation and urged other partners to contribute towards the fight against COVID-19.
The PTF boss added that in the past few weeks there were discussions on the KLM and Emirates Airlines services in Nigeria.
He said, “Today, I will like to inform you that KLM has commenced full operations in and out of Nigeria since 15 March, 2021 while operations of the Emirates in and out of the country has been suspended with exemption of Cargo and Humanitarian flights.”
Ehanire, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Abdullaziz Mashi Abdullahi, said the racketeering of vaccines was unnecessary because vaccination had been scheduled in phases such that frontline health workers and those at higher risk of the infection were vaccinated first after registration at the portal.
The Minister also said government met with the AstraZeneca group at the Federal Ministry of Health.
He said, “The outcome of the meeting was a reassurance of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine against Covid-19. We have not yet recorded unusual side effects among those who have received the vaccine which include me. NAFDAC is monitoring the process as part of a global tracking of adverse effects of the vaccine.”
While acknowledging that there has been a reduction in the number of confirmed cases daily even with sustained testing rate and government intend to keep it so, he said that the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria as of Monday morning was 161,737 from 1,727,467 samples tested with a test positivity rate of 9.4 percent.
He, however said that Nigeria recorded 2,030 deaths.
Ehanire said, “In the last week, we have recorded a total of 1,080 cases. This is less than what was recorded daily during the second wave even with sustained testing. While this is good, we shall not on account of this, rest on our laurels for it is still too early to do so.”
Also, the Federal Government has enlisted the support of regulatory and anti-corruption agencies to strengthen vaccine accountability and check cases of vaccine theft and mismanagement, the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, said on Monday.
He added that government had commenced investigation of alleged mismanagement of vaccine in some vaccination centres, including the police clinic in Falomo, Lagos State.
Shuaib, who spoke during the press conference of the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19, assured that the procurement of vaccines would be done with utmost transparency.
He said, “Some of the information reaching us from the states is that there are reports of alleged vaccine mismanagement at some vaccination sites, including the Police Clinic, Falomo, in Lagos state. This is currently being investigated and we understand from the Lagos State Government that a report would be made available today.
“We anticipate that decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable of subverting the vaccination process.
So, we do expect full application of the accountability mechanism. Beyond this case, the Federal Government is following closely on its vaccine accountability framework to ensure that similar cases of vaccine mismanagement and other sharp practices are quashed.
“We have established a collaborative partnership with regulatory and anti-corruption agencies to further strengthen vaccine accountability.
“We have also instituted mechanisms to ensure that the roll out of the COVID – 19 vaccines in all the states is equally free from corrupt practices. Therefore, any information of vaccine mishandling and mismanagement will be handled using stringent measures and appropriate sanctions.”
Speaking on concerns raised on the safety and efficacy of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine presently used for vaccination in Nigeria, Shuaib reiterated that the World Health Organisation was unequivocal in urging countries in Europe and globally to continue its administration.
“Furthermore, results from the long-awaited US trial of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine confirm it is both safe and highly effective. It is 79 per cent effective at stopping symptomatic COVID-19, 100 per cent effective at preventing serious illness.
He said that out of the 122,410 people who have been vaccinated with the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine, “no Nigerian so far has developed any known severe side effects following vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.”
…Thumbs up mobile banking (FirstMobile) and USSD (*894#) platforms
Dr Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said technology, innovation and enhanced capabilities have become necessary to achieve significant business growth in the post-COVID-19.
Adeduntan made this remark on Thursday during a Digital Disruption Series webinar organised by the Surrey Business School of the University of Surrey, England.
The webinar was themed: “Digital Disruption: How Can Companies Thrive in Africa Post-COVID-19.”
According to the FirstBank boss, it is about studying the environment and leveraging the digital space to proffer solutions tailored to suit emerging challenges
Adeduntan cited FirstMobile, the Bank’s mobile banking and *894# USSD platforms as some of the digital disruptions that had impacted positively on the financial institution, the banking industry and the financial ecosystem as a whole.
“We have the largest bank agents – close to 90,000 – of them spread across the country, helping to bring in people that were financially excluded into the financial system,” he said.
On barriers to growth in creating innovative and indigenous knowledge, the CEO cited capital constraint, social infrastructure and cultural approach as some of the limiting factors encountered by businesses in Africa.
“In Nigeria, to solve the capital constraint, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Banker’s Committee contribute certain percentage of our profit to a pool of fund to serve as equity for entrepreneurs,” he said.
According to the FirstBank CEO, absence of social infrastructure in African countries has denied citizens the ability to lead better and quality life, thus leading to the migration of many young and brilliant minds from the continent.
He said the bank evolved a deliberate approach in its employment, remuneration, exciting work roles and talent development to inspire and retain its young workforce.
Dr. Adeduntan added that there were significant opportunities in Africa, with over one billion population, while noting that opportunities were available for young and innovative people willing to work smart and hard.
The FirstBank boss noted that the bank had been in existence for 127 years, and had been strategically positioned for exponential growth through its ability to leverage innovation to reinvent itself.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, Thought Leader, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, said COVID-19 had unravelled the need to realign Africa’s institutions, and convert challenges to opportunities.
Amaeshi said African governments should evolve more favourable policies and incentives that would encourage renewed innovation, increase investment in education, research and development and intellectual property protection.
“As much as we want to celebrate technology development in Africa, we need Africans to participate and contribute to the knowledge going on in the digital space,” he said.
frscThe Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps has in a quick response to a distress call, rescued passengers by arresting a drunk driver who was spotted driving so recklessly in such a manner that could lead to road traffic crashes.
According to Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, the drunk driver was arrested in Kyakyama, Ogere, Ogun State at about 1335HRS when the Sector Commander received a distress call from a passenger who noticed the dangerous way the driver of the vehicle she boarded was driving.
The passenger, one Mrs Matina reported that few minutes into their journey, they noticed that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol which prompted the passengers to caution him against his recklessness. She revealed that it was when the driver refused to hid to the warning from all the passengers that the passengers got the FRSC call line from the internet and hurriedly put the call through to the FRSC for rescue.
Kazeem stated that upon receiving the call, the Sector Commander ordered a patrol team from RS2.24 Ogere Unit Command immediately to effect the arrest of the driver and ensure the impoundment of the vehicle, whuch was reported to be a white colour Toyota Hiace bus with the following registration details FKJ 991 YA.
Upon arrest and impoundment of the vehicle, the driver was subjected to BAC test and the result was 0.18%, which is extremely higher than the 0.05% permissible by road traffic regulations.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi while thanking the passengers, expressed joy over the bravery. He noted that the conduct did not only prove that they were observant enough to discover the recklessness of the driver, but also proves that that Nigerians are also courageous to report dangerous road use behaviour.
He therefore called on the motoring public to emulate the actions of the passengers, emphasising that road safety is a collective responsibility and every body’s business. As such all road users must play their role to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.
He also said that the FRSC toll free numbers 122 is always available 24/7 for emergency and prompt rescue services.
The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa Police Command, Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, has gone on the offensive against kidnappers and robbers in the State, vowing to ensure that criminal activities are completely rooted out of the State.
This is contained a statement signed by DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje,
Police Public Relations Officer of the Command and made available to NAOSRE.
In the statement, the Command stated that on March 20, it apprehended three suspects responsible for the kidnapped of Engineer Elan Jobbo, a principal of VTC Jabbi Lamba, Alhaji Jauro Mamburso and Alkani Zumbe, all of Girei and Song Local government Areas, sometimes May, 2020.
According to the Command, the suspects are 40y ears old Usman Sale, a resident of Muleng, Song Local Government Area; 37 years old Lawali Sale, a resident of Bah Usman Village, Fufore Local Government Area and 36 years old Yerima Alhaji Dadi, a resident of Bah Usman Village, Fufore Local Government Area.
The Command stated further that they were apprehended at their various hideouts in Muleng and Chigari Villages of Song and Fufore Local government areas , following credible information and intense search by the Police and Vigilantes of Song Division.
DSP Nguroje added that investigations so far revealed that the suspects do participate in armed robbery and kidnappings activities across the border between Nigeria and Cameroon Republic.
The Commissioner Police CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, while commending the DPO of Song and his men for making it difficult for those criminals to escape arrest , he equally directed further investigations into the case to bring up more human and material evidences for proper prosecution.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts at tackling criminal activities and other related offences, the CP , working in concert to deepen intelligence and strengthen security in the State, has deployed Rapid Respond Team (RRS) and Anti Kidnapping unit of the Command to go after the kidnappers in their hideouts everywhere within the State .
Guaranty Trust Bank plc has released its Audited Financial Results for the year ended December 31, 2020 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.
A review of the result shows improved performance across all key financial metrics in the face of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the quality of past decisions and reaffirming its position as one of the best managed financial institutions in Africa.
The Group reported Profit before tax of ₦238.1billion, representing a growth of 2.8% over ₦231.7billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2019. The Group’s Loan book (Net) grew by 10.7% from ₦1.502trillion recorded as at December 2019 to ₦1.663trillion in December 2020, while Customers’ deposits increased by 38.6% from ₦2.533trillion in December 2019 to ₦3.509trillion in December 2020.
Guaranty Trust Bank’s Balance sheet remained well structured, diversified and resilient with Total assets and Shareholders’ Funds closing at ₦4.945trillion and ₦814.4billion respectively. Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very strong, closing at 21.9%, while Asset quality was sustained as NPL ratio and Cost of Risk (COR) closed at 6.4% (Bank: 5.9%) and 1.2% (Bank: 1.0%) in December 2020 from 6.5% (Bank: 6.2%) and 0.3% (Bank: 0.2%) in December 2019 respectively.
Commenting on the financial results, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “2020 was arguably the most challenging year that the world has faced in decades. In such unprecedented times, we sought to live out the full extent of our values; safeguarding lives and livelihoods for our people, our customers and across the communities where we operate.
We were on solid footing going into 2020; the strength, scale and liquidity of our balance sheet, coupled with the quality of our past decisions and the efficacy of our digital-first customer-centric strategy gave us the resilience and flexibility to navigate the economic shocks and market volatility that dominated the year.”
He further stated that; “Amidst the many challenges that persist, we remain ardent believers in Africa’s growth potential. Our world is increasingly digital, and we see it opening new and exciting opportunities for empowering people and uplifting our communities. With our commitment to deepening customer relationships and intense focus on delivering innovative financial solutions, we enter 2021 well-positioned to lead this new world.”
Guaranty Trust Bank plc continues to post the best metrics in the Nigerian Banking industry in terms of all Financial Ratios i.e. Post-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 26.8%, Post-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 4.6%, Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 21.9% and Cost to Income ratio of 38.2%.
Renowned for its forward-thinking approach to financial services and customer engagement, GTBank was recently ranked Africa’s Most Admired Finance Brand in the 10th-anniversary rankings of Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, the pre-eminent survey and ranking of the Top 100 admired brands in Africa. The Bank was also awarded the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney Magazine for a record-extending tenth time and the Euromoney Excellence in Leadership Africa Award for its swift reaction in responding to the Covid-19 crisis and for addressing the impact of the pandemic on its customers and communities.
The leader of INRI Evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued strong warnings to some African presidents in a newly released prophecy.
He gave this prophecy during a live service in his church, while making it known that some selected presidents need to seriously seek the face of the lord concerning their health and administration.
He made it known that foresee them having trouble with their health, and if precautions are not taken, the unexpected may happen before the end of their terms.
‘These presidents should be watchful of their health; President Paul Biya Of Cameroon, Denis Sassou Nguesso Of Congo Brazzaville, President Yoweri Museveni Of Uganda President Alassane Dramane Ouattara Of Ivory Coast, President Patrice Talon Of Benin Republic.
I want them to be very watchful of their health, anything may happen, they must pray for good health and long life, they should pray against uprising. These presidents need to handle their health and take necessary precautions so there won’t be trouble as regards their health to avoid the unexpected from happening before the end of their term’’
He also revealed that another dangerous terrorist group will rise up in Africa which will call the attention of the African union to come and check the security state of the African borders.
‘The AU will come to check security in various borders because I foresee a new terrorist like Boko Haram in Africa. It will come from Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin Republic, Nigeria and Chad, these are the places they want to attack’
On Nigeria’s insecurity state, Primate Ayodele again slammed President Buhari, and asked him to be incharge of his government because He is already incapacitated.
He made it known that the President is tired, and that the service chiefs need to seek the face of the Lord to solve the crisis.
‘’President Buhari must sit right so that this security thing will not cause APC problem in 2023, Nigerians will vote out APC if they don’t do what is right, this will also affect the election and bring out a third force.
Buhari must not give incompetent people government to run, He is not the one ruling, he knows nothing about what is going on in his government. He needs prayers because he is tired, and fed up. He doesn’t understand anymore, He doesn’t know those working with him. They are taking advantage of Buhari’s incapacity.
The service chiefs, DSS, NPF should seek the face of God, the insecurity will become worse, and it will affect the rich. They should come up with local security to also battled this insecurity.
We need to pray so we won’t see the death of any supreme court justice again. With the way insecurity is going, religious and ethnic crisis will come up’’
Furthermore, He released prophecies about other countries, Presidents, and political parties.
– In Congo, there will be a lot of security trouble. Congo will have a political turmoil, there will be a gangup against the President coming back as the president, and it will be hijacked by opposition.
– South African president will lose a prominent person in his cabinet, there will be crisis in his party, he must handle Covid-19 well
– Ghanaian President will finish his term without any fear of death as long as he gets closer to God.
– Africa still needs pray so they wont lose another president in the next one year.
– PDP will be confused in order to get the right person for presidency 2023
– People decamping to APC are those who will ruin them, they need to restrategize.
– Malawi president must be careful of political tension, he will try his best, but there are people who will gang up against him.
– I see unrest in Benin republic, the president will begin to fight opposition, he must pray for good health, and pray against Terminal illness. The president will not have rest, he will be troubled with misconduct, political tension, unnecessary killing and burning of houses.
Donny van de Beek is looking to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, according to reports.
The Netherlands international was signed in a £40 million deal from Ajax last September but has struggled to make an impact since his arriving at Old Trafford.
Van de Beek has started just two games in the Premier League and only 11 matches across all competitions. According to the Daily Star, Van de Beek is concerned over his long-term future and is now looking to move on this summer.
The report also claims that his lack of playing time has harmed his chances of winning a place in the Netherlands squad for their European Championship campaign.
It’s claimed that Van de Beek will speak with United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward before the season finishes to determine his next move and why he has been overlooked by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The United manager had urged Van de Beek to be patient after he was given little playing time at the start of the season.
But the midfielder was used only sparingly across the winter period when United’s fixture schedule was heavily congested. ‘I wouldn’t say that Donny is happy,’ Solskjaer admitted in January.
‘Of course, he wants to play more, but he gets about his job in the right manner.
‘We are doing well and have got players who are playing really well in his position.’
Van de Beek has not featured for United since February 14 and is currently sidelined with a muscle injury.
