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‘7/7′ Day: Police Issue Strong Warning To ‘Black Axe Cultists’

The Osun State Police Command has warned cultists planning to celebrate the July 7, (7/7) Day to Bury such plans.

7/7 is a day set aside by some cult groups known to be members of the Aiye confraternity or Black Axe to celebrate what they call ‘cultism day’, new members are usually initiated and violence occur on the date.

In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, on Tuesday, the police warned that unlawful gatherings or assembly will not be tolerated.

She said: “The intelligence that availed the police command revealed that cultists are planning to mark the 7/7 to celebrate cultism.

“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, Julius Okoro, warned cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to stop the plan or any of such action(s) forthwith.

“Consequently, the command, in collaboration with other security agents and Civilian JTF, will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that will endanger the peaceful atmosphere of the state.

“Any unlawful assembly will not be tolerated, especially during this electioneering period as the plan to mark 7/7 may lead to bloodletting and destruction of properties.”

The statement revealed that marching orders have been given to the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Tactical units to be at alert and nip in the bud any act capable of truncating the peace of the state.

The command also advised parents and guardians to caution their wards to be law abiding, and desist from any act or unlawful gathering/ assembly before, during and beyond the said date.

“The state Police Command will arrest and prosecute defaulters.

“Also, hoteliers, recreation, event centres and landlords/landladies are by this announcement warned not to allow their facilities to be used for any cult related activities/meetings, as owners of such facilities are liable for prosecution.

“The CP advised the good people of the state to go about their legitimate businesses while the Command has taken necessary security measures to forestall any likely breakdown of law and order.

“Citizens are urged to be security conscious, vigilant, co-operate and collaborate with the security agents by giving useful, credible and timely information and report any suspicious movement or activities,’ she said.

The police said citizens can call on 08067788119, 08039537995, 08123823981 and 08075872433 to report any suspicious activities.

Update: Identities of Notorious inmates freed During Kuje Prison Attack revealed

There are fresh indications revealing that the gunmen who attacked the Kuje Medium Security Prison reportedly freed over 90 percent of the inmates.
According to Daily Sun, the heavily armed gunmen invaded the correctional centre around 10.30pm.

The gunmen who bombarded the facility and successfully operated for about one hour unhindered, reportedly freed Boko Haram inmates at the correctional centre.

It was gathered that other inmates used the opportunity of the attack to escape from the Kuje Prison.

A prison staff, who confirmed the attack in a chat with Daily Sun, revealed that after the attack not more than 30 out of the over 1, 000 inmates were found at the correctional centre.

The staff said some of the attackers came from the back of the prison yard, while others arrived with trucks used to evacuate the targeted inmates.

Confirming the attack, the spokesman to the prison service, Umar Abubakar said an armed squad of the service in collaboration with other security agencies responded to the attack.

Abubakar in a statement released in the early hours of Wednesday said calm has returned to the area.

The statement was titled, “Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje attacked by gunmen.”

It reads, “I wish to confirm that at about 2200hrs, some yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, in the Federal Capital Territory.

“However, men of the Armed Squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies attached to the Custodial Centre have responded and calm has been restored to the facility and the situation is under control.

“Other details will be made available soon.”

BREAKING: OPEC Sec-General, Muhammad Barkindo Is Dead

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo has died.

The outgoing Sec-Gen died at about 11p.m on Tuesday at the aged 63.

Mele Kyari, group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, announced his death.

In a post on Twitter, Kyari wrote: “We lost our esteemed Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo. He died at about 11pm yesterday 5th July 2022.

“Certainly a great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC and the global energy community. Burial arrangements will be announced shortly.”

Barkindo’s tenure as OPEC Secretary General was due to end on July 31, Naija News reports.

His death came few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated him for his good service.

Buhari had on Tuesday said: “You have indeed been a worthy ambassador of our country.

“We are proud of your achievements before and during your appointment at OPEC and the proud legacies you will leave behind.

“Your time in charge of the affairs of OPEC has been a very challenging one for the global oil industry.”

Ileya Monday: Gbenga Adeyinka Takes Laffmattazz to Epe

Frontline Nigerian Comedian and MC, Gbenga Adeyinka and his friends will move the train of Laffmattazz Bursting Loose, Nigeria’s number one comedy show to Epe on Monday, 11 July, 2022.

The Ileya Monday show, which will be held at Jubilee Chalets, Epe, will parade stars like 9ice, Small Doctor, Ali Baba, Koffi, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Jumoke Odetola, Omo Baba, Lepacious Bose, Dr Smile, Ajele, Damola is my name, Nepa Bois, Prince Phelar, General Olak, Odogwu, Baba Alariya, Mide Coker, Arkbishop, ATM, Short Family and MC Layo.

Others are; MC Stylo, Aboki Jesu, MC Max, EFCC, Candy Bleakz, Moyo Payne, Chillworldwide and side attraction from GKB Academy. DJ Vinnie will be on the wheel-of-steel.

The soar-away show, which has been dubbed a laugh therapy for Nigerians, has consistently been sold out, with high profile performances from the country’s best entertainers.

Gbenga Adeyinka, who enthused that it is now the turn of Epe to experience the greatness of Laffmattazz Bursting Loose, said “I have always wanted to bring out the best of comedy in the South West, knowing fully well that comedy is deeply rooted in this region from the days of our fathers who are without doubt legends of the trade, hence my decision to go on a tour of the region with my friends in the entertainment world.”

Laffmattazz Bursting Loose Tour is powered by Maltina and Goldberg.

Ecobank in Partnership with Basketmouth Premiers “Papa Benji” Season 3

Ecobank Nigeria said its partnership with popular comedian and film maker, Bright Okpochia better known by his stage name Basketmouth on ‘Papa Banji’, a comedy web series, was to avail Nigerians entertainment on the go and to further confirm the bank’s status as the partner of choice for the African entertainment industry. ‘Papa Banji’ is a free to watch comedy web series showing on YouTube and can be viewed across the globe. Season 3 of ‘Papa Benji’ went live last Wednesday, months after season one and two premiered with positive reviews. Papa Benji tells the story of a man, his family, customers, everyone and everything surrounding them and how it impacts the society. It’s depiction of the life of an everyday Nigerian relies on the use of comedy to take one off the heat of daily hassles.

Babajide Sipe, Head Marketing and Corporate Communications at Ecobank Nigeria, said the bank’s decision to bring ‘Papa Benji’ to the screen from inception is to take entertainment to higher level, adding that the show also serves as a platform to showcase the bank’s ubiquitous digital payment platforms, providing people with entertainment whilst showing them how to bank hassle-free on their phones. This is banking at your fingertips which is endearing the Pan African bank to many Nigerians.

Ecobank Digital platforms includes the Ecobank Mobile app, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, and PoS terminals. Also available to customers is an extensive distribution network of over 60,000 agency banking locations spread across the country. Specifically on the pervasive nature of the Ecobank Mobile app, Sipe said the app which is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Playstore makes it extremely easy to bank on the go 24/7, enabling customers to cater to their everyday banking needs anywhere and at any time directly from their mobile device.

“Our Mobile app allows customers manage their accounts, send money, make payments, buy airtime, pay for services, and do other transactions across the 33 African countries where Ecobank is present. The mobile app is secure, reliable, convenient, and available to everyone. At Ecobank, we have just one Mobile App on Google Play store, unlike other Banks with different apps in the respective countries they operate. Our customers are able to send money instantly to the 33 African countries where Ecobank is present; transfer money to other bank accounts both domestic and international; transfer to a mobile money wallet in the same country; transfer money by email and SMS in the same country; and send money to Visa cardholders through Visa Direct. Other unique features, include the opportunity to open an Xpress Account; create and fund a Virtual card; set travel notifications for enhanced card security; block and unblock one’s bank card; attach other bank cards for transactions; as well as being able to add one’s banking profiles from different countries”. He stated.

The web series of ‘Papa Benji’’ first season premiered with 13 episodes in December 2020. It stars actors like Bethel ‘Senator’ Njoku, Onyebuchi Ojieh, Nedu Wazobia, Jemima Osunde, Basketmouth, and a host of other comic stars. The online comedy series follows the life of its eponymous character, Papa Benji, an industrious Igbo man who took a loan to start his pepper soup joint, which attends to many other interesting characters that come into the joint. The series also interjects conversations about current issues of social relevance in a relatable manner.

ZENITH BANK RETAINS POSITION AS NIGERIA’S BEST COMMERCIAL BANK, ALSO SCOOPS BEST CORPORATE GOVERNANCE BANK AWARD AT WORLD FINANCE 2022 AWARDS

R – L: Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc and Paul Richardson of World Finance during the presentation of the Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria Awards to Zenith Bank at the London Stock Exchange

Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2022, retaining the award for a second consecutive year. The bank was also named as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022.

The awards, which were presented to the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenener Onyeagwu at the London Stock Exchange yesterday, were in recognition of the bank’s ability to embrace digital transformation and best-in-class sustainability and corporate governance practices, leading to a stellar business performance in a difficult economic climate.

Commenting on the double recognition, Onyeagwu said that: “These awards reflect our strong business fundamentals, resilience and ability to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the market through our innovative solutions, as well as our commitment to global best practices. As a member and signatory to various domestic and international sustainability frameworks including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles, we continue to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating value for our shareholders, customers, clients, investors, communities and the environment through our practices, operations and investments.”

He dedicated the awards to the Founder and Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, CON, for his pioneering role in building the structures and laying the foundation for an enduring and very successful institution; the Board for the outstanding leadership they provide; the staff for their commitment and dedication; and the bank’s customers for making Zenith Bank their preferred financial Institution.

World Finance is a leading international magazine providing comprehensive coverage and analysis of the financial industry, international business and the global economy. The editorial combines award-winning reportage, covering a broad range of topics from banking and insurance to wealth management and infrastructure investment, with contributions from some of the world’s most well-respected economists and theorists as well as consultants in government think tanks and the World Economic Forum.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with these latest accolades coming on the heels of several recognitions including being voted as 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 three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, by the Ethical Boardroom; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards; and Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020. 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.

BREAKING: Inmates Escape As Kuje Prison Under Heavy Bombardment

The Kuje Correctional Center is said to be under heavy bombardment by unidentified gunmen.

A source who spoke to THE WHISTLER on telephone said “they are unleashing bombs.

“We don’t know who is carrying out the attack but we can hear heavy sounds bearing the hallmark of bombs.

“Everywhere is under lock and key.”

This is coming few hours after the advanced team of President Muhammadu Buhari came under heavy attacks by terrorists, according to a statement by the president’s special assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Tuesday evening.

A source confirmed to our Correspondent that the first explosion, which she said was likely a high capacity bomb, went off around 10.25pm.

She further confirmed that soon after the second and third blasts went off, sporadic gunshots followed.

It was gathered that there was a security report, which alerted the prison officials that the center which is a Medium Prison would be attacked.

Attempts to speak with the Public Relations Officer of the prison, Francis Enobore, proved abortive as his phone rang out unanswered.

But a source in the prison said the attack was carried out from the back of the building and is still going on as of press time.

“The attack is still going on as we speak and the inmates are escaping. I can’t report any casualty but I can confirm some inmates are leaving because the back is now open and exposed.”

Obama Calls For More Access To Abortion In US

Former United States president, Barack Obama has stated that increased access to abortion is one of the signs that the American democracy was growing.

He lamented on Tuesday that there is still work to do in areas of abortion rights, gun control and LGBTQ rights, among others.

He wrote on his official Facebook page:

“If we want democracy to flourish, we will have to fight for it. We’ll have to nurture it. And we will have to demonstrate its value, again and again, in improving the lives of ordinary people.

“That includes looking at the shortcomings of our own democracies—not the ideal, but the reality of our own democracies. From advocating for increased abortion access to protecting LGBTQ+ rights to tackling gun violence and so much more, we have a lot of work to do. Only then will we be able to tell a better story of what democracy can be, and must be, in this rapidly changing world.”

The former president’s remark is believed to be his opinion pointing towards the country’s independence Day celebration on July 4 .

Also, his remarks comes after the US Supreme Court removed abortion from list of federal rights.

The Supreme Court verdict drew outrage from a number of US citizens but was hailed by several churches.

US president Joe Biden described the verdict as being against the constitutional right of Americans.

JUST IN: Fifty APC Leaders Withdraw Support From Governor Oyetola 11 Days To Osun Election

The Osun governor election slated for Saturday, July 16, may not be a walk in the park for Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The reason is that some APC members, even leaders, have diverted their support to Akin Ogunbiyi, the candidate of the Accord Party (AP), The Nation reports.

Not less than 50 influential APC chieftains who are leaders in various capacities have thrown their weight behind Ogunbiyi ahead of the election, describing him as the one who truly possesses the qualities of a good leader and has an enviable vision for the state.

Confirming this new development, the AP gubernatorial candidate¡¯s media aide, Seun Adeoye, disclosed that the APC bigwigs in the state made their position known when they paid his principal a visit in Osogbo recently.

Reacting to the support he was assured of by the APC leaders, Ogunbiyi noted that he will not fail them. A statement released by Adeoye quoted Ogunbiyi as saying: ¡°I promise to lift this state out of the monolithic economy as a ¡®civil servant state¡¯ by making use of its abundant resources in agriculture, mineral resources, and the large human capital deposits.

¡°I will fully engage in all sectors of agriculture including crop production, livestock, forestry, and fishing, and make the state the food basket of the entire Southwest. ¡°Agriculture is a multi-billion dollar investment.

We can produce another Awolowo, somebody who has the intellect, capacity, and experience to develop something little to something bigger. I will go all out to be that person.¡±

JUST IN: Winner To Get N100m Prize As Big Brother Naija Season 7 Begins July 23

Multichoice Nigeria has announced that season 7 of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show will commence on July 23, 2022.

The winner of this season will walk away with N100 million prize at the end of the show.

The anchor, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, also confirmed the news in a tweet: ¡°Yes, we are back, season 7 is finally here, we can¡¯t wait for you guys to see all the amazing stuff coming this season. Trust me if you think you know Big Brother, this season is about to take things up another notch.¡±

Recall that the grand prize in the sixth edition of the BBNaija show was N90m, which was won by Ikechukwu Hazel Onyeze, popularly known as Whitemoney.