A group of young men who said they are Niger Delta ex-agitators have released a video where they promised to work for and “deliver” for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and an aspirant in the 2023 presidential election.
In the 1 minute 17 seconds video, the armed men were on the water. All of them were masked and apparently understands the terrain of the water.
It is not yet clear when and where exactly the video was made.
“2023, we the Niger Delta, the ex-agitators , from Akwa Ibom, Rivers State, Cross River, down to Bayelsa, to Delta, and Ondo State, and Edo State, we, the person ‘wey we wan work for’ we deliver from the coastal line, na the person of Ahmed Bola Tinubu. ‘Na him we wan work for’. We go deliver. If Asiwaju leads, we follow,” one of the masked men said.
Not less than 10 Northern States will receive bags of rice for sallah celebration as free gifts from frontline aspirant for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Bola Tinubu.
Sallah celebration culminates a month-long fasting of Muslims where the faithful engage in intense prayer for the remission of sin.
Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State (1999-2007), is known for sharing foods and other items during Muslim periods of celebration and like other politicians usually dole out foods and items during political campaign.
According to aides, not less than 10 states in the North of Nigeria will benefit from this largesse with each state billed to receive 3,000 bags of rice.
Already, Nasarawa State, where the party’s National Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Adamu, comes from has received its share on Friday with 3,000 shared across the state for the Sallah feast.
Some states billed to receive the bags of rice are Katsina, where the President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari comes from, Kebbi, where the Chairman of APC governors’ forum, Mr Atiku Bagudu comes from, Yobe where the former caretaker Committee of the APC, Mai Mala Buni comes from and Kaduna State, one of the states with the highest voters in the north.
However, an aide told THE WHISTLER “the bags of rice are basically for Holy month of Ramadan and not for political reasons.”
Tinubu, who was represented by the Nasarawa State Coordinator of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Yusuf Omaki, while distributing the bags in Lafia, urged the beneficiaries not to sell the rice but to use it for the purpose it was meant for.
He said it was a gesture that was aimed at improving on their standard of living.
“This gesture is to provide succour to the people, especially the less privileged in Nasarawa State, ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“I want to also use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to scout out for competent leaders ahead of next year’s general election so as to curb the socio-economic challenges undermining the development of the country.
“So, I am soliciting the support of the APC members and all Nigerians to enable me succeed in my presidential ambition.
“The 3,000 bags of rice allocated to Nasarawa State would be distributed to socio-cultural organisations, religious bodies, professional groups and the APC party stalwarts.”
It could be recalled Tinubu had distributed specially branded bags of rice in Kano in 2021 and followed that up with further distribution in Lagos, Katsina and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
Former governor of Edo state Adams Oshiomhole has spoken on his purported 2023 presidential aspiration.
Recall that it was earlier reported that the former governor had stated on Facebook that he would be declaring on national TV.
The post had read: “Special Invitation. Dear Sir/Madam.
“I wish to specially invite you to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s public declaration to contest for the office of President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the 2023 general election, under the platform of the APC.”
Social media invites had also being sent to some journalists and other stakeholders on Friday morning, asking them to attend Oshiomhole’s presidential declaration at the Federal Capital Territory FCT Council for Arts and Culture in Area 10, Abuja.
Posters of the former labor leader also lined major streets.
Some of his supporters who visited the venue were however told that the event would no longer hold.
When Vanguard contacted the former governor he said: “it must be a mistake”, adding, “I will not declare on the pages of Newspapers. If I will declare, it will be to people”.
President Muhammadu Buhari will receive visitors for this year’s Sallah homage at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
This was confirmed in a statement made available to our newsroom on Friday evening by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.
According to the presidential spokesperson, the traditional Sallah homage was cut off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant risks.
But now with infection rates at a very low rate and still falling, there would be a controlled return to the pre-COVID practice of receiving Sallah visitors.
The presidential media aide however pointed out that all those who have been identified and received invitation as part of those to be part of the Sallah visit to the President must undergo the linear Covid-19 test at the State House Conference Centre and obtain a negative test result before they can be admitted to the actual venue which is the State House Banquet Hall.
He added in the statement that it is compulsory for the about 100 persons invited to use face masks at the event.
“Two years after the world’s biggest lockdown to slow the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Sallah homage to the President by the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja returns to the Aso Rock Villa,” Shehu said.
He added in the statement that “Although this is a sign of the return to normalcy as infection rates fall to their lowest, those coming on invitation are still required to wear face masks and undergo the linear Covid-19 test at the State House Conference Centre to obtain a negative test result as condition for admittance to the event.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is set to receive the visitors, numbering about 100 at the New State House Banquet Hall at 3:00pm on Sallah Day (Sunday or Monday), itself to be determined by moon sighting to be announced by Islamic authorities in the country.
“Invited Guests for the event, led by Muhammed Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service, the Senator and House members from the territory, leadership of the FCT Judiciary, Members of the Cabinet, Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies, Muslim and Christian leaderships in the FCT, Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers and others who received invitations as listed on the manifest.”
Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday in Abuja purchased the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC’s) nomination and declaration of interest forms for the 2023 presidential election.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that some of Tinubu’s close associates including House of Representatives member from Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke; member representing Agege Federal Constituency in the green chamber, Babatunde Adejare; and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, represented the former Lagos State Governor at the APC National Headquarters. Tinubu is presently in Saudi Arabia, performing the Islamic lesser hajj.
Award winning Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy, has been blessed by a female fan underwear as he performed at his ‘One Night In Space’ concert in Madison Square Garden, New York.
The Afrobeat singer is seen holding a red brassiere as he performs in the concert.
He goes ahead to thank the fan who gave it to him while asking that they give him more of their lingerie.
Accepting his demands, some female fans went ahead to hand him more brassiere.
Burna Boy is the first Nigerian artiste to headline New York’s prestigious Madison Square Garden which has a seating capacity of 20,789.
Burna recently opened up on the reason he believes no woman is capable of loving him.
The singer expressed his love for his grandmother via his Twitter account maintaining that she is the reason he believes no woman is capable of loving him.
“She’s the reason I don’t believe any girl loves me.
“My Everything!! She is probably the reason I don’t believe any girl loves me. I know what true love feels like.. Grandma’s Love,” he wrote in a tweet.
ZENITH BANK REMAINS NIGERIA’S BEST BANK BACK-TO-BACK FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS IN THE GLOBAL FINANCE BEST BANKS AWARDS 2022
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance Magazine’s Best Banks Awards 2022, retaining the award for a third consecutive year. The Bank was among other banks from 36 countries in Africa recognised as the prestigious Global Finance announced its 29th Annual Best Bank Awards Winners.
The editors of Global Finance made the selections after extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers and banking consultants, and analysts worldwide. Global Finance considered factors that ranged from the quantitative objective to the informed subjective in selecting the top banks. Objective criteria considered included: growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in products. Subjective criteria included the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and others involved in the industry.
Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu said: “This award is a testament to our tenacity despite a very challenging macroeconomic environment. Indeed, being recognised, for the third consecutive year, is an acknowledgement of the resilience of the Zenith brand as the leading financial institution in Nigeria.” He lauded the contributions and efforts of the Bank’s key stakeholders – the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CON, for his pioneering role in building the structures and laying the foundation for an enduring and successful institution, the Board for the outstanding leadership they provide, the staff for their commitment and dedication as well as the Bank’s customers for their unwavering loyalty and support.
Global Finance’s “Best Banks Awards” are recognised amongst the world’s most influential banking/finance and corporate professionals as the most coveted and credible awards in the banking industry, with winners chosen in 150 countries and territories across Africa, AsiaPacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.
Founded in 1987, Global Finance regularly selects the top performers among banks and other financial services providers, and the awards have become a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community. Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, said: “With the financial world in a state of turmoil from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, corporate leaders face a new set of challenges concerning the choice of their banking relationships.” According to him, “following on the enormous difficulties wrought by the pandemic, these changes demand increased attention to global commercial relationships. Our awards support decision-makers in selecting the best financial partners.”
Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has earned the brand numerous awards, including being voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2021, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020, and Best in Corporate Governance ‘Financial Services’ Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2021 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.
Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.
The Group saw significant growth across all metrics. Group Gross Earnings increased to N111.2 billon in 2021, from N75.3 billion in 2020. Profit Before Tax increased to N27.99 billon, from N1.6 billon. Profit After Tax recorded in 2020 was N3.8 billion, while 2021 saw an increase by N23.8 billion and total assets grew to N416 billion in 2021 from N319.2 in 2020.
Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu expressed his delight in the positive performance, across all sectors within the Group.
“Shareholders, I am sure you will share with me the considerable satisfaction of knowing that our company has continued to surpass its past performance, despite the macroeconomic difficulties. Our priority in 2022, is to continue optimising our existing assets and pursuing growth opportunities. This is critical to ensure sustainable growth in an ever-changing operating landscape.”
He continued by underlining the Group’s corporate responsibility to its communities. “At the core of Transcorp’s purpose is a commitment to building socially responsible and impactful businesses, in key strategic economic sectors that serve our diverse stakeholders. Transcorp, as a responsible corporate citizen, has consistently embraced and sustained a corporate culture and social commitment by driving the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria in all aspects of the business’ dealings and investment decisions. As a Group, we remain unwavering in our commitment to sustainable growth, driven by a mission to delivering long-term value and good to all our stakeholders.”
The Chairman showed appreciation by thanking shareholders, for their valuable support during the year. He also thanked all members of the Transcorp Group for their utmost dedication towards the vision of creating sustainable value for their stakeholders.
The President of Transcorp Group, Mrs. Owen Omogiafo, also spoke to the Group’s innovation in the hospitality business demonstrated by the launch of its digital hospitality platform, Aura by Transcorp Hotels in 2021, and highlighted the ongoing investment in assets in 2022, with the commissioning of a best-in-class Spa, and a 3,000 person capacity multipurpose hall, both at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
“We are optimistic about the Group’s strategic direction and ability to deliver value. Our performance underlines the success of our long-term strategy of sustainable growth, diversifying our revenues, and accessing new business opportunities to deliver superior returns to all our stakeholders.” Omogiafo said.
The shareholders also approved the change of the company’s name to Transnational Corporation Plc to reflect its new commitment to expanding its impact beyond Nigerian.
A bullion van conveying on Thursday, was attacked by gunmen at Ogbor, Nguru, in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
It was gathered that the gunmen double-crossed the van coming from Ahiazu to Owerri and started shooting at it thinking it was loaded and conveying cash.
An eyewitness said the unknown gunmen shot sporadically and the driver of the van with two other persons in the bid to escape at high speed tumbled severally and ran into about four different vehicles packed at the spot where it happened.
It smashed the vehicles as well as destroyed the windows, doors, and windscreens of the vehicles.
Reacting, the Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Micheal Abttam, said: “Sketchy information revealed that the bullion van was returning after delivering money and was attacked by hoodlums. The driver on noticing it tried to escape unfortunately, his vehicle capsized. No money was carted away.”
Fire has destroyed the tomb shelter of the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet Temitope Joshua, in the Agodo area of Ikotun, Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the fire started around 6.30pm on Wednesday.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no one could tell if anybody died in the incident.
He said, “The affected property is on Ajisebiri Street, Agodo. The house started burning around 6.30pm and as I speak with you, fire service officials are trying to put out the fire.
“The compound of the house is big, so nobody can see what they are doing inside. Also, officials putting out the fire didn’t allow anybody inside.”
The Acting Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, who also confirmed the incident, said the fire had been put out.
He said, “The incident happened at a building belonging to the late pastor. The late pastor usually went there to relax and meditate. Federal fire service officials moved in to put out the fire.”
The Head, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Margaret Adeseye, said the fire affected the shelter covering the late pastor’s tomb.
She said, “It is confirmed that a section around the tomb of the late pastor TB Joshua caught fire. A shelter was built to cover the tomb because it is an open place, so, it was the shelter that caught fire. But we were able to curtail it and it did not spread beyond where it started from. We have yet to identify the cause of the fire.”
