The Nigerian Army Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, has warned individuals, communities of the implications and dangers of collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and other criminal elements in the society
The warning was contained in a press statement issued by Colonel Ado Isa, the Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole on Friday and made available to National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE.
The Nigerian Army said that some ‘unscrupulous elements’ engage in help service, collaboration and support, ranging from providing information and intelligence on troops and law abiding citizens, to logistics supply and trading with the terrorists.
According to the Command “In particular, certain communities in the general areas of Benisheik, Jakana, Mainok, Magumeri, Gajiram and Gubio, all in Borno State have been identified as harbouring these unpatriotic and heartless criminal elements. This account for high level of terrorists activities and general insecurity that results in casualties in those areas.
“Consequently, the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole wishes to inform all those involved in these dastardly acts to stop it forthwith. Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law as we will not tolerate anyone sabotaging our concerted counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts through collaboration with the Boko Haram terrorists.
“We may also be compelled to come out hard on any community or groups that support or collaborate with terrorists in any way or form. or act as buffer or harbour zone to these criminals”.
The command further warned groups or communities who fraternize with Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, assuring them that the military will deal with anyone found wanting.
“We also wish to warn all groups or communities hobnobbing with Boko Haram/ISWAP to sever such relations or the military takes drastic action against such defaulters,” he stated.
Distinguished Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, representing Kebbi South and Senate Committee Chairman, Air Force is billed to deliver a key note address at the December 11 National Association Of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, 2020 Annual Dinner/ Discourse Programme.
The Annual Dinner / Discourse Programme is NAOSRE’s annual evening of get-together, in a convivial environment, to review security issues and re enact media strategies in playing crucial role of professionally bridging the gap of information between security agents and the public.
The annual event is billed to have in attendance practitioners from print, online and electronic media.
Other notable personalities expected at the event which holds at Oriental Hotel, Lagos include billionaire businessman, Honourable Prince Ned Nwoko and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
Speaking about the event, President of the media association, Mr. Oyewale Femi emphasized that “This end of year security get-together is planned to significantly strengthen the communication fabrics between security operatives and citizens for a safer Nigeria,” he said.
Representatives of service chiefs and key players in the corporate security sector are also expected at the event.
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited Abdulrashid Abdullahi Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), today, 3rd December, 2020, to Nigeria from Niamey, Niger Republic, where he was arrested having been declared wanted by a court of competent jurisdiction over a pending criminal trial against him.
Recall that Abdulrashid Maina was arrested on 30th November, 2020 through the collaborative efforts of the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, INTERPOL NCB, Abuja and their Nigerien counterpart. The team from INTERPOL Nigeria, led by the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, CP Garba Umar, having completed the necessary documentation requirements and other extradition processes, flew the wanted former Pension Boss, Maina into Nigeria aboard an NPF Jet 5N-HAR and landed at exactly 1417Hrs (Nigerian Time).
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni while applauding the trans-national/inter-agency collaborations that led to the successful arrest and extradition of the wanted fugitive, assures that necessary legal actions will follow immediately.
It was joy galore as Prophet Joshua Iginla, who is arguably a line crosser and a barrier breaker in the ministry, celebrated the 14th anniversary of Champions Royal Assembly amidst pomp and pageantry as dignitaries stormed Abuja for the ceremony which held between Monday, 23rd of November to Sunday, 29th Of November 2020.
Popular gospel musicians such as Eden and others added colour to the glorious event on Sunday, November 30th,2020 inside the ministry’s 80,000 capacity auditorium at Kubwa, Abuja. Tagged “Unstoppable Enlargement”, the gifted Prophet, quoting from Isaiah 60 vs 22 revealed that the ministry has entered a tremendous season of enlargement, a session whereby no matter the attack of the enemies, their enlargement and advancement is unstoppable.
Interestingly, there was a great move of God’s presence with abounding testimonies of deliverances, healing, fruit of the womb session and torrents of prophetic ministrations.
Several activities were set out to mark the 14th anniversary that include free medical check up by United States medical practitioners, sporting activities, ministers conference, spiritual activities that withnessed miracles and wonders, to mention a few.
The wife of the Prophet, Prophetess Stella Joshua Iginla also ministered to the women powerfully during the International women conference where lives were transformed.
Also, the likes of Gospel musicians Eben, performed at the anniversary by leading the congregation to spiritual worship in songs. The presence of God was felt mightily during their ministrations.
For every attendee of the anniversary ceremony, one thing that could be deduced from them is that spirit of God was mightily felts throughout the week of the anniversary as the sick were healed, the lame walked, the blind could see, the broken-hearted, it was indeed a time of massive testimonies.
Champions Royal Assembly started many years ago during the early days of the ministry of Prophet Joshua Iginla. The ministry has no doubt stood the test of time judging by the tough days that was faced by the ministry when it started.
No doubt, God’s hands is on the ministry looking at the progress that has been made in 14 years. The ministry which started under a canopy now boasts of an edifice that can comfortably contain 100,000 congregation at once.
Also, the ministry’s tentacles have spread across board as a replica of the 100,000 seater auditorium, commonly referred to as ‘City Of Wonders’ is currently being erected in South Africa.
Apart from that, the ministry also has a Television, Champions TV that boasts of millions of viewers across the world. Prophet Joshua Iginla is renowned for the philanthropic activities he has done over the years
The General Overseer of Champions Royal Assembly, Prophet Joshua Iginla showered Encomium on his wife during the 14th anniversary celebration of his ministry in his Abuja church. He also revealed the heroic role she played in his life.
Prophet Joshua Iginla poured out eulogies on his wife, Prophetess Stella Joshua Iginla while he was about calling her to the altar, where she spoke to thousands of congregation.
The popular prophet explained that He once had suicidal thoughts but His wife was the one who saved him from committing suicide during his trying times.
He made it known that several people have misconceptions about her but she is a gift people don’t see, and the secret of his well-being.
“Before I bring the woman of God to the altar, I want to say this to her. Prophetess Stella Joshua Iginla, some may have misconceptions about you, some may be hypocritically celebrating you, some may be genuinely celebrating you.
” You were there when I felt like committing suicide, you were a gift that others didn’t see. Others may have misconceptions about you, you were the hero to my health. Each time I look at you, you remember me that I would have been 6 feet down”, he said before calling her to take the day’s sermon.
Prophetess Stella also live up to the inspiring words the man of God had showered on her when she mount the pulpit charged the women to discover their identity in God and to fulfill their purpose
In a reaction to the recent announcement by the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) that beneficiaries of remittances can now receive their transfers in Dollars or opt to have funds paid directly into their domiciliary accounts, Ecobank Nigeria has assured its customers that it will put the necessary processes in place to make this happen seamlessly.
Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, in a chat with the Media in Lagos said Ecobank is taking steps to see the immediate implementation of this policy. He encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora and their loved ones here in Nigeria to take advantage of the policy by opening the Ecobank domiciliary account or reactivating their inactive domiciliary account with the bank.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that our customers instantly receive their transfers as cash (USD) or transfers into their domiciliary accounts. Our customers have the flexibility to choose the mode of receipt that suits them. It is strictly on their terms.” he said.
He went on to say “Our proprietary money transfer platform, Rapidtransfer, available on the App Store and Play Store, makes it possible for Nigerians abroad to remit home instantly at very affordable charges. We have also just launched a new version, Rapidtransfer International, specifically for Nigerians living in Europe. The functionality of both apps is being enhanced to meet this new requirement.”
Ecobank also stated that it is collaborating with other remittance partners (Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, Small World etc.) on this new development in a bid to deliver maximum value to its customers.
In the same vein, Olukorede Demola-Adeniyi,Head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Nigerian diaspora community makes significant contribution to the economy and Ecobank is committed to supporting them by providing advisory services, remittance solutions, investment options and financial planning.
To lend credence to this, Ecobank recently held a Diaspora Summit with major stakeholders in commemoration of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
The Second Edition of the Nigerian Army Spiritual Warfare Seminar is scheduled to hold on Thursday 3 December 2020 by 8:00am, at Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, in Abuja.
The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army spiritual warfare seminar is a programme organized by the Chaplain and Islamic Directorates of the Nigerian Army in the year 2019.
The programme is expected to sensitize and mobilize religious/spiritual leaders to enlighten and educate their followers on the true and correct tenets of islamic and Christian religions so as not to be easily brainwashed by the devilish and wicked teachings of Boko haram’s ideology. The seminar is also intended to stimulate renewed vigour to finding ways of curtailing and tackling Boko haram’s extremism and recruitment drive using counter narratives, knowing fully well that terrorism is about battle of inner consciousness/the struggle for winning the hearts and minds of the people.
Ecobank Nigeria has emerged the winner of “Agric Lender of the Year” award at the prestigious Business Day’s Bank and other Financial Institutions Awards (BAFI). The bank was winner among other strong contenders to clinch the coveted award over the weekend. According to Publisher of Business Day Newspapers, organisers of the event, Frank Aigbogun, Ecobank emerged winner from more than six strong nominees that were vetted, from which three were selected for the judges’ final choice. He stated that Business Day analysts spent over four weeks assessing the performance of Ecobank and its peers to arrive at its decision. He lauded Ecobank’s support for financing rural farmers for food sufficiency, providing employment, creating awareness to showcase the potentials in the sector and partnering government agencies, local and international development partners to develop the agric sector.
Receiving the award, Segment Head, Public Sector/AgriBusiness, Mojisola Oguntoyinbo said the award was well deserved, stating that Ecobank has been at the forefront of financing the entire value chain of agriculture thereby supporting the emergence of new entrepreneurs in the sector. According to her, “As a bank, we are glad that our efforts at developing the agriculture sector of our country are being recognised. This is an encouragement that we should step up our support for the national economy.”
According to her, “Earlier in the year, we announced Agriculture Businesses Finance Scheme which will see us commence the disbursement of agriculture loans to practitioners in different value chains in the sector within the next two years. We have Agric Schemes to support over 70,000 farmers with special loans to increase their capacity and yields in support of the CBN 2020 wet season programme with the Maize Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MAGPAMAN). We are also in partnership with the Nigeria Incentive-based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and other developmental partners to double the amount of credit provided to the agricultural sector over the next two or three years.”
Ecobank has been actively leveraging entrepreneurship as a strategy to tackle poverty and growing unemployment in Nigeria through the creation of relevant platforms. One of such platforms is the Ecobank Xpress Point, the bank’s Agency Banking proposition which enables Agents carry out financial transactions on behalf of Ecobank and earn commission on transactions processed. Ecobank popularly referred to as the digital bank is also using its various platforms including PoS, Omnilite, Omni, ATM, Mobile banking, Ecobank Mobile app, EcobankPay and Ecobank Online, among others to facilitate ease of transactions for customers.
The BAFI Awards is adjudged the most rigorous, prestigious and transparent awards programme in the Nigerian financial industry. Since its inception, Business Day has implemented an audit based approach in the evaluation process, meticulously reviewing shortlisted company’s financial reports, commissioned customer perception surveys, and analysts’ opinions to determine winners in the different award categories.
The leadership of the Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, an association made up of the finest hands in Nigeria’s security reportage, has confirmed December 11, 2020 for its dinner.
The dinner with a topic 2021 NIGERIA SECURITY: ISSUES,FUNDING AND PROSPECTS, is organized for the discuss of security issues in Nigeria.
In a statement in Lagos, the President of the association, Mr. Oyewale Femi stated that the ANNUAL DINNER- DISCOURSE PROGRAMME is the association’s annual evening of get-together to review security issues and re enact media strategies in playing crucial role of professionally bridging the gap of information between security agents and the public.
The statement added that the events holds on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, at 5pm prompt.
“It is going to be an evening of security review and strategies ahead of safer Nigeria from 2021,” he said.
Oyewale added that “the annual security dinner event is a fulfillment of NAOSRE’s commitment to promoting effective communication between citizens and security agents for a secured Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee Chairman on AirForce, Senator Ibn N’Allah, former House of Representatives member and business mogul, Honourable Prince Ned Nwoko, Security agencies in the country, as well as other notable Nigerians are expected to grace the event.
… Wins Best Bank of the Year, International Bank of the Year
l-r: Head of Media and Media Relations, UBA Plc, Ramon Nasir; Deputy Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, Liadi Ayoku, President, Nigerian Institute of Taxation, Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice; and Managing Director, BusinessDay Newspapers. Mr Ogho Okiti at the BusinessDay Bank and other Financial Institutions Award (BAFI) where UBA won Bank of the Year and International Bank of the Year Awards, held in Lagos at the weekend.
Pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, carted two highly coveted laurels at the BusinessDay’s Bank and other Financial Institutions Awards (BAFI) winning the Bank of the Year and the International Bank of the Year at the glamorous event held over the weekend.
The bank beat other strong contenders – Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank and First Bank – to clinch the two top categories in a well-attended ceremony comprising of Bank CEO’s, Captains of Industries and Senior financial executives.
UBA won the ‘Bank of the Year’ in recognition of UBA’s consistent effort in outperforming its peers using a composite of financial metrics, strategic foresight, execution discipline, world-class governance and global vision.
The Bank also won the award for ‘International Bank of the Year’, a keenly contested category, that pitches Nigerian financial institutions that have expanded on the continent against their international peers operating across Africa.
UBA’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Liadi Ayoku, who received the awards on behalf of the bank, expressed his delight on the recognition from BusinessDay.
He said, “These awards mark another milestone for UBA Group and is a testament of the diligent execution of the bank’s strategic initiatives on customer service. Being recognized as Nigeria’s best bank complements positive feedback from customers and is a recognition of our improving efficiencies, service quality and innovation. I therefore dedicate it to our growing loyal corporate and retail customers, who are our essence. Given our heritage commitment to Africa’s development, we continue to impact lives through our service as well as funding to individuals, businesses and government,” he noted.
Ayoku pointed out that the bank remains focused on its goal of democratizing banking in Africa, leveraging on new technologies and emphasised its determination to change the narrative of financial services in Africa.
Publisher of BusinessDay Newspapers, organisers of the event, Frank Aigbogun, noted that UBA has excelled in the key areas of prioritising customers, which according earned the bank the double honours.
While explaining the rationale behind UBA winning the two prestigious categories in its December issue, Aigbogun noted that the bank stood out in prioritising customers as has been evident in the significant rise in Customer Deposits which leaped by 35.7 % to N5.2trillion up from N3.8 trillion at the end of the last financial year.
He noted that even though Africa’s economic landscape has been unpredictable in recent times which resulted in recession in Nigeria and some of Africa’s best performing economies, the bank still found its rhythm and excelled.
Deputy Managing Director, Ayo Liadi with the Bank of the Year Award won by UBA at the BusinessDay Bank and other Financial Institutions Award (BAFI), held in Lagos at the weekend.
He said, “In these conditions only the most diversified and innovative of regional banks can prosper. And this is precisely why UBA has scooped the BAFI 2020, Best Bank of the year and International Bank of the year, a testament to hard work, resilience. For one, the lender registered impressive top- and bottom-line growth over the review period.”
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-one million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries. With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.
