Testimony Jaga: Winning Souls for God with Music, Charity
As far as gospel music goes, Testimony Jaga, one of that genre’s contemporary torchbearers, is a non-conformist. All over the world, gospel music is about the pure and the holy, sublime, soothing, spiritual, and soul-stirring. But away from the old, predictable style of gospel music, Jaga has taken the road never travelled to be the purveyor of feel-good and spirit-filled gospel music while imprinting his name in the sands of time.
A multiple-awards winning singer, instrumentalist, and producer, Jaga’s infusion of Fuji, otherwise considered backstreet music, to his craft caught on like wildfire and has turned him into a bona fide music star with a rich repertoire including the very popular ‘Biggie Biggie,’ ‘Not Normal ft Akpororo,’ ‘My Style,’ ‘My Evidence ft Frank Edwards,’ and ‘Power in my praise’ among many others.
The Ogun State native whose real name is Salau Aliu describes his style of music as Fuji-pop. His debut Extended Play record titled ‘Jesus is Here, Jaga is Here,’ is a seven-tracker that underscores his versatility as he seamlessly blended Fuji, afro beats, R n B, highlife, and dancehall to give Christendom an invaluable musical gift. The EP, a reflection of his life’s journey delivered via uplifting lyrics, features collaborations with other gospel singers like Adeyinka Alaseyori, Henrisoul, and Neon Adejo.
Finding Christ at a most vulnerable time in his life, Jaga, a street-savvy boxing buff, has now gone back to the streets but this time as the founder of Street Gospel Movement, an evangelical outreach that employs the twin forces of music and social welfare to win souls for God. According to him, so much is hidden in poverty and that for any man to even want to listen to the gospel; he must have quenched raging hunger.
Also, the convener of the One Jesus, One Church, One Hallelujah, Jaga, a protégé of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy, had been stomping Lagos streets under the auspices of what he terms Radical Prayer through which he reaches out to the unemployed, youths, and widows. Jaga added, “I am passionate about impacting the lives of as many people as possible. The essence of Christianity is actually to spread love, which are the principles I live by. Spreading the gospel to the streets and the ‘unchurched’ (people who don’t attend churches) through my Street Gospel Movement.”
Jaga said he is motivated to do all that he does because he is a product of the streets and had experienced bare-faced poverty growing up. “When people come to our program, we feed them with soul-lifting music, the word of God, and empower them. I believe in making an impact in people’s lives. So far, we have reached out to over 20,000 people since we started. Apart from giving out interest-free cash grants ranging from N100,000 to N250,000, we have given out cars, tricycles, and mini-buses among others,” he said.
Last Christmas, with support from Pastor Oyakhilome, Jaga gifted food items including rice, eggs, and chickens to hundreds of Lagos residents. On January 12, 2024, he will hold his annual mega outreach in the Alagbado area of Lagos, and he said there would be so much more to empower people with while encouraging them to accept Jesus as their Lord and saviour.
No plan to hike fuel price, NNPCL assures Nigerians
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Wednesday, declared that there was no plan to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol.
NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said in a statement that Nigerians should disregard rumours of a possible hike in petrol price.
The oil firm further urged motorists not to be involved in panic buying, as it stressed that the company had no plan to raise the cost of the product.
The statement read, “NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.
“NNPC Ltd urges Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assures them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS price.
“Motorists nationwide are advised against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.”
Some Nigerians had expressed fear following the revelation by oil marketers that the cost of petrol should be around N1,200/litre if it was not being subsidised, considering the cost of the commodity in other climes.
But the NNPCL insisted that there was no more subsidy on the product, stressing that it was now recovering its full cost on the importation of PMS into Nigeria. NNPCL is the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria.
Trains to Commence Night Operations in Nigeria – NRC
The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has concluded plans to launch night operations before the second quarter of 2024.
The Managing Director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
He started, “What is limiting us is the night operations, and that is not the way trains should operate. The train is meant to operate at all times. People may like to travel in the evening, but because of the security situation in the country, we limit ourselves to the daytime.
“We intend to bring back passenger and freight trains from Port-Harcourt to Aba, Lagos to Kano, and Kaduna because of the dry ports,” Okhiria said.
According to the NRC DG, this simply means that the corporation will begin six train trips daily on the standard gauge train across the board.
He said, “We are going to increase the number of train trips to six on Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Abuja-Kaduna, which means the trips will be three times to and three times fro, making six trips in a day.
“The trips will commence before the second quarter of 2024. Right now, they are running four trips—two up and two down across the board.
How Standard Chartered Bank Ineptitude Operations Cost Customer Multibillion Business Deal
An innocent customer of a frontline Nigerian bank, Standard Chartered Bank has been dealt severe blows by the otherwise prestigious bank.
According to a statement released to our reporter by Strict Attorneys, the legal counsel to the of Chief Hakeem Adebayo Shobande, a client of the bank who was denied a visa for a trip to Italy by reason of the bank’s ineptitude.
The information made available was that the bank denied the existence of Hakeem Adebayo Shobande account upon request from them by the Italian embassy in Nigeria via email dated 10th October 2023 and thereby costing him a time based appointment in Italy where he had committed a substantial non refundable amount.
All on the premise of the bank’s gaffe where his existence was bluntly when the Italian embassy contacted them about the duly signed account statement he collected from the bank which was presented as part of required documents for his traveling process.
With the damage and loss he incurred because of the denied visa Chief Hakeem Adebayo Shobande because of the bank claimed ignorance which made the embassy to initiated a criminal investigation against the honest businessman thereby occasioning the confiscation of his International Passport by the Nigerian Police Special Fraud Unit. By extension, he could not get entry visas for other countries that were ready to issue same to him, thereby scuttling his business and leisure travel plans.
According to Mr Taiwo Onayinka, a partner in the law firm of Strict Attorneys, Chief Shobande has instructed his lawyers to seek redress for the bank’s wrong doing in a competent court of law.
Just In: Ondo State Gov. Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu is Dead
The 67 years old Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, is dead.
Recall that Akeredolu had applied on December 12 to go on another medical leave as a follow-up to his medical treatment.
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state said arrangements were being concluded to swear in his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The state government has yet to speak on the matter.
Though there has been no official confirmation from the state, a top government official disclosed that the state is still waiting for an official statement from the family of the governor.
Another official from the state, disclosed that some top officials who travelled to Germany yesterday night are heading toward the hospital to confirm the development.
He said” We are expecting the report from the people any moment from now.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Richard Olabode, did not take his calls nor respond to text messages sent to his phone by one of our correspondents.
Also, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, did not take her calls when contacted her on the matter.
AAS CEO Jesam Michael Praise President Tinubu for Lifting Ban on Cryptocurrency… Advise Nigerians to Embrace AAS Token
Leading Fintech expert in Nigeria, Jesam Micheal has applauded the President Tinubu Led government for the official lifting of the ban by the CBN on Cryptocurrency in Nigeria and charged the Nigerians generally and the youths, in particular, to take advantage of this and buy into the Afriq Arbitrage System which is the leading global cryptocurrency platform in Nigeria.
Interestingly, Like a financial prophet, Jesam has been at the forefront of the push for the Nigerian government to embrace cryptocurrency which is the trending financial system in the world. While receiving an award presentation from the Nigeria Media Masters a week ago as the Fintech Expert Of the Year,, he said God’s kind of money and government paper kind of money is no longer in vogue but the people’s kind of money which is crypto is the most viable form of financial empowerment everyone should embrace now.
He reiterated this stance when the Presidency of NANS inducted him into the Hall of Fame and also awarded him the Icon of Hope. He charged the youths and the Nigerian government to embrace cryptocurrency which is the antidote to global economic inflation.
Interestingly, the Nigerian government listened to his voice as the Central Bank of Nigeria changed its stance on crypto assets in the country and asked banks to disregard its earlier ban on crypto transactions.
This is according to a circular dated December 22, 2023, with reference number FPR/DIR/PUB/CIR/002/003, and signed by the apex bank’s Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Haruna Mustafa.
The circular is titled ‘Circular to all Banks and other Financial Institutions Guidelines on Operations of Bank Accounts for Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPS).’
The apex bank stated that current trends globally have shown the need for crypto regulation.
It said, “The CBN, in February 2021 issued a circular restricting banks and other financial institutions from operating accounts for cryptocurrency service providers in view of the money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks and vulnerabilities inherent in their operations as well as the absence of regulations and consumer protection measures.
“However, current trends globally have shown that there is a need to regulate the activities of virtual assets service providers (VASPs) which include cryptocurrencies and crypto assets. Following this development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2018 also updated its Recommendation 15 to require VASPS to be regulated to prevent misuse of virtual assets for ML/TF/PF.
“Furthermore, Section 30 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 recognizes VASPs as part of the definition of a financial institution.
“In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2022 issued Rules on Issuance, Offering and Custody of Digital Assets and VASPs to provide a regulatory framework for their operations in Nigeria.
“Given the preceding, the CBN hereby issues this guideline to guide to financial institutions under its regulatory purview in respect of their banking relationship with VASPs in Nigeria. “
The apex bank noted that this new guideline supersedes its old ones referenced FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/06/010 of January 12, 2017, and BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/014/001 of February 5, 2021 on the subject.
It also affirmed that banks and other financial institutions are still prohibited from holding, trading and/or transacting in virtual currencies on their own account.
It added that all banks and other financial institutions must immediately comply with its new guidelines.
In its circular with reference number BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/014/001, dated February 5, 2021, the apex bank reminded banks that dealing in cryptocurrencies or facilitating payments for cryptocurrency exchanges was prohibited.
At the time, it asked banks to identify persons or entities transacting in or operating cryptocurrency exchanges within their systems and ensure that their accounts were closed.
It would be recalled that in Nigeria’s financial landscape, a transformative force is quietly reshaping the investment horizon. Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) led by the visionary CEO Jesam Michael, a beacon of innovation in the country’s investment space, wielding tokenized digital currency with profound impact.
Michael’s vision for AAS speaks to a modernized approach to investments. “Our platform embodies the marriage of technology and finance, offering an accessible avenue for a broader spectrum of individuals to participate in the crypto investment market,” shares Jesam Michael. “The utilization of smart contracts and blockchain technology empowers our users to engage in a decentralized and secure ecosystem that transcends boundaries.”
Underpinning AAS’s prowess is its automated and sophisticated trading system, incorporating advanced AI algorithms. “Our system,” Michael explains, “is designed to navigate the complex landscape of crypto exchanges globally, seamlessly executing trades with precision and efficiency. The deployment of high-frequency trading algorithms ensures optimal execution, minimizing risks and maximizing potential gains for our users.”
Furthermore, the platform’s low entry threshold underscores its commitment to inclusivity. “With a starting point as low as $20,” says Michael, “AAS positions itself as a welcoming space for novices and seasoned investors alike. Our aim is to democratize the investment space, making sophisticated digital currency trading accessible to a broader demographic.”
The impact of AAS extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders. Its global presence, spanning over 200 countries, underscores a commitment to facilitating international trade and investments. Michael envisions a future where AAS evolves into a significant global player. “We’re laying the groundwork for an autonomous token and blockchain,” he notes. “This strategic move will not only redefine the landscape in Nigeria but also make our mark on the global stage.
“The prelaunch of the AAS Token is scheduled to commence between late November and early December 2023. This prelaunch phase offers an exclusive opportunity for early adopters and investors to acquire the AAS Token at a discounted rate, ensuring a strategic advantage in the evolving digital currency landscape,” Michael elucidated.
AAS’s innovative blend of technology and finance signals a paradigm shift in investment landscapes. The platform’s focus on blockchain technology and tokenized digital currency represents a secure and potentially lucrative avenue for investors, navigating a space rife with volatility and uncertainty.
The evolving investment narrative in Nigeria finds its mettle in the rise of tokenized digital currency, pioneered by AAS and guided by Jesam Michael’s forward-thinking strategies. As the platform continues to grow and expand, it represents a compelling vision for the future of investments in Nigeria and globally.
The Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC, Limited, with a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, commenced operation on Wednesday, in fulfilment of the promise made by this administration.
According to a video posted on X by one Pastor Okezie under the handle @ONsogbu, the refinery’s flare which indicated the commencement of oil refining was shown while people congratulating themselves was heard.
The development comes months after the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri said in August that the Port Harcourt refinery will commence operation in December 2023.
According to the Minister, the objective is to ensure the country stops importing fuel.
Corroborating Lokpobiri’s stance, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, declared that importing petroleum products into the country will cease by December 2024.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, said, “I can confirm to you that by the end of December this year, we will start the Port Harcourt refinery; early in the first quarter of 2024, we will start the Warri refinery, and by the end of 2024, Kaduna refinery will come into operation.
In March 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5 billion to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Accordingly, data showed that the Nigerian government has spent N11.35 trillion ($25 billion) in the past ten years on fixing the country’s three refineries.
Meanwhile, with the commencement of Port Harcourt Refinery, stakeholders in the downstream sector said the price of fuel, which is over N617/litre, may drop.
Breaking News
Port-Harcout Refinery is Alive
Congratulations to the Good People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ZENITH BANK MAKES WORLD FINANCE 100 LISTING FOR 2023
Zenith Bank Plc has been listed in the World Finance 100 2023 released by World Finance Magazine, achieving the feat as the only Nigerian company in the prestigious and exclusive listing. Zenith Bank’s inclusion in this elite list underscores the bank’s outstanding achievements and resilience in a dynamic and competitive global market.
The World Finance 100 celebrates companies that have reached the pinnacle of achievement across a wide variety of fields of expertise. Each year World Finance compiles the list of 100 companies, purely based on excellence in their field. The list presents the new business elite, made up of those whose vision and enterprise shapes the conceptual landscape of finance, business and technology. Notably, Zenith Bank stands as the lone Nigerian company and one of just three African companies to earn a place on this esteemed list for 2023, alongside industry titans such as Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet.
Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, remarked, “It is with great pride that we acknowledge this feat as the exclusive Nigerian company in the World Finance 100 2023. This accolade is a testament to our unwavering dedication to our valued stakeholders, our innovative spirit, and sustained growth, all achieved amidst the complexities of a challenging economic climate. This honour further attests to our status as a leading financial institution that continues to set the industry standard in financial performance, good corporate governance and financial stability.”
He expressed his profound gratitude to the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership and foundational role in shaping a resilient and thriving financial institution. He also acknowledged the board for the outstanding leadership they provide; the staff, whose drive and commitment sustains the exceptional performance; and the bank’s customers for their steadfast trust in the Zenith brand.
Zenith Bank continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development and remains dedicated to providing cutting-edge financial solutions to its diverse clientele. The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has earned the brand numerous awards, with this latest accolade coming on the heels of several recognitions including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.
Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 and Retail Bank of the Year, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
“Onne Port records revenue of N301 billion from January to date” – Nigerian Customs Service
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the Onne Port ( Area 11 Command), has recorded N301 billion as revenue from January 2023 to date.
The Comptroller of the Onne Port, Baba Imam, made this disclosure on Wednesday during an end-of-year recognition/award presentation to officers, consignees, and stakeholders.
According to Imam, the N301 billion that the Command had generated so far represented 90 per cent of its revenue target for the 2023 fiscal year.
“Our revenue target for the year is about N336 billion and as of today, we have been able to secure N301 billion representing about 90 per cent of our target,” Imam disclosed.
The Onne Port Comptroller further revealed that the Command had taken steps to tackle smuggling through the port.
Imam noted that the measures that have been implemented in Onne Port taken by the Area 11 Command would continue to serve as a deterrent to offenders of import laws by ensuring that there was conformity to import guidelines.
Furthermore, he disclosed that about 39 containers containing contraband items were seized by the Command from January to date.
“Notably, amongst the nature of imported items which contravened import guidelines were; used clothings, tyres, Concealments of hard drugs, pistols and the likes which were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities,” he added.
Also, Imam pointed out that the training and re-training of officers and consignees were parts of the achievements recorded by the Command in 2023.
In his remarks, Mr Mike Ebeatu, who serves as the Onne chapter Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), commended Baba Imam for providing an enabling business environment through consistent synergy and sensitization of consignees.
Ebeatu further praised the comptroller for promoting serenity within the Command, which he noted led to the ambience experienced within the Onne Port.
Adron Homes announces 50% off on all it’s properties to media partners nationwide
……Gifts Media partners Car, Apple Macbook, Apple Iphone as appreciation
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The African giant property firm, Adron Homes in it’s usual bid to uplift Nigerians has announced fifty percent off on all it’s properties across Nigeria for media partners on Sunday 17th of December 2023.
The Group Managing Director, Aare Adetola Olaniyi Emmenuelking made the announcement during the media parley and end of the year party organised for over 200 media companies in Nigeria.
The announcement was borne out of philosophy gesture of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing to journalists to get their own properties while doing what they believe in which is keeping people informed about happenings around the world.
During the party, the first runner up was presented with a Toyota Camry, while the second runner up was presented with an Apple Macbook, then third position was given an Apple Phone to encourage their consistency and to gear up other media partners to enable them promote the brand across their social media platforms.
Also, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking announced the theme of Adron Homes in the year 2024 which is “We are the Strongest” to the media partners after noting that the company will maintains its level of integrity and delivering of incredible housing units to it’s customers at affordable prices.
In the same vein, the Group Managing Director reitarated his commitment to the welfare and promotion of the media partners through seminars, workshops to build them personally and improve their profession in line with the digital world.
