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Ecobank Announces First Set of Weekly Beneficiaries in Super Rewards Season 2

Ecobank Nigeria has announced the names of the first set of weekly beneficiaries of N25,000 each in the second edition of its Super Rewards campaign. The Super Rewards campaign which successfully ran for four months in its first edition was relaunched in October 2021 and is expected to run till January 2022. During this period, 50 winners will win N25, 000 each in every week for the next 16 weeks.

Overall 800 customers are expected to win N25,000 weekly from now till January 31, 2022. At the end of the campaign, four millionaires will emerge in each of the four regions of Lagos, FCT/North, Mid-West/South West and South South/South East regions, by winning the grand prize of N1, 000, 000 each. A customer can however be rewarded more than once provided they fulfil the conditions for eligibility. In addition, a referral scheme has been introduced to this current season, enabling customers of the bank to earn money when they refer other people to open accounts.

Announcing the winners in Lagos, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Super Rewards scheme is part of the bank’s loyalty initiatives, noting that the beneficiaries are spread across many customer segments and geographical locations in the country. She noted that the winners have since been contacted.

Further, Mrs. Demola-Adeniyi reiterated that participation is open to both new and existing customers of the bank, advising the public that this is the perfect time to open an Ecobank Savings or Current Account or reactivate and fund a dormant account to qualify for the reward and enjoy a first-rate banking experience. She enjoined existing customers to earn referral commission by introducing family members, friends and colleagues as new customers to participate in the campaign.

The Ecobank Super Rewards Campaign requires new customers to open an account with a minimum of N5,000 and maintain the deposit for a 30-day period; the same condition applies to existing customers, who only need to fund their active account with a minimum of N5,000 or reactivate their dormant account with a minimum of N5,000 and maintain the deposit for a 30-day period. Customers can withdraw funds from their account during the campaign period but will only qualify for the reward if they maintain a minimum balance of N5,000 in their accounts. Other details of the campaign are available at www.ecobank.com/superrewards

LITF Lauds UBA’s Contribution To Growth Of African Economies

….AfCTA Present Limitless Opportunities, GDP of $3.4 trillion.

President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI; Mrs Toki Mabogunje; Group General Manager, United Bank for Africa, Mr Muyiwa Akinyemi, and Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda at the Africa Day Celebration themed ‘Boosting Intra-African Trade’ at the on-going 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair which UBA is the Headline Sponsor held in Lagos on Wednesda

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commended Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) for its contribution to infrastructure development and growth of trade in the 19 countries where it operates, which is why the bank remains its preferred partner for the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF).

The President, LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, said this while delivering a welcome address with the theme: ‘Boosting Intra Africa Trade ’during the Africa day celebration, held at the ongoing 35^th edition of the Fair in Lagos.

She explained that the Africa Day was implemented because of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement which is a long term dream and a long term goal, adding that; “To this end we have started taking first steps and are doing a lot of sensitization and awareness especially for the MSMEs.”

Mabogunje who took time to appreciate UBA’s efforts as headline sponsor, appreciated the bank’s consistency and support rendered to SMEs through making available windows of opportunities for businesses to thrive during and after the Fair.

She said, “Partnering with UBA is significant because it is an organisation that has its footprint in 20 countries and that is a big feat, it is not easy to achieve that. As Partners we are thinking in the same way and working together. UBA is also making it possible for us to successfully deliver LITF to the Nigerian and international public, and based on this fact we are profoundly appreciative and satisfied that we have a competent partner.”

UBA’s Head, Commercial & Corporate Banking, Muyiwa Akinyemi, while speaking at the event, said UBA realises that SMEs are the fulcrum of growth in any economy and is therefore dedicated to helping them thrive.

Akinyemi noted that boosting Intra-Africa trade is pertinent if Africa must truly attain self-reliance and economic development, adding that Africa and indeed Africans, must own the narrative for the economic emancipation of the continent.”

Akinyemi said, “The Theme of this year’s event resonates with our mission to create value for our stakeholders by supporting businesses across Africa, which led to our rapid expansion from Ghana in 2005 to 18 other locations in Africa within a space of five years. AfCTA is a transformational journey that we must all embrace and encourage, because it presents us with opportunities that will lead to creating a market of over 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion. Hence the possibilities of growth and prosperity on the continent are endless.”

The Chairman, Trade Promotion Board of the LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, agreed with the possibilities that AfCTA presents and said it was one worthy of committing too. He also applauded UBA and the LCCI President as well as all members of the Executive Committee and Council for the tremendous support given which has been instrumental to the success of the fair thus far.

L-R: Commercial Secretary, Embassy of Egypt, Amr Altantawy; Consul General, Ghana Consulate General, Lagos, Ms. Samata Gifty Bukari; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI; Mrs Toki Mabogunje; Group General Manager, United Bank for Africa, Mr Muyiwa Akinyemi, and Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda at the Africa Day Celebration themed ‘Boosting Intra-African Trade’ at the on-going 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair which UBA is the Headline Sponsor held in Lagos on Wednesday

L-R: Commercial Secretary, Embassy of Egypt; Amr Altantawy; Consul General, Ghana Consulate General, Lagos Ms Samata Gifty Bukari; Group General Manager, United Bank for Africa, Mr Muyiwa Akinyemi, receiving Plaque of Appreciation from the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry(LCCI), Mrs. Toki Mabogunje ; Vice President, LCCI , Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, and High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda, Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi, at the Africa Day Celebration themed ‘Boosting Intra-African Trade’ at the on-going 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair which UBA is the Headline Sponsor held in Lagos on Wednesday.

21-Yr-Old FUTA Final Year Student Shot Dead By Armed Robbers In Lagos

A 21-year-old final year student of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Jimoh Victor Eyitayo, has died after he was shot by armed robbers in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The robbers reportedly took his phone and other belongings.

According to a source, “He was shot on the lap along Ota-Ona, in Ikorodu. He was rushed to the General hospital but they demanded to see a police report before they could administer treatment on him.

“He died on transit from Ikorodu General Hospital to LUTH.”

Navy denies alleged students’ brutalisation by instructor in Abeokuta

The Nigerian Navy (NN) has denied a video trending online concerning a student who was allegedly brutalised by an instructor in Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta.

The Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Suleman Dahun, made the denial in a statement in Abuja.

According to Dahun, the video was sent to the management of the school by a concerned parent who declined to specify when the incident took place and the person involved.

The director added that preliminary investigation revealed that the incident took place two sessions ago and was handled administratively.

“For the avoidance of doubt, further investigation is ongoing on the matter and parents are advised to avoid recycling these sorts of materials to create tension and ill feelings.

“The service is committed to providing top-class education in its schools under a conducive atmosphere.

“The NN is also not unmindful of the need to uphold standards and discipline in its schools without recourse to the unorthodox method of achieving these goals.“

Ondo: Akeredolu Appoints Son As Head Of Agency

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has appointed his son, Babajide Akeredolu, as the new Director General of the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit, Governor’s Office (PPIMU).
This was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, on Tuesday.

Ojogo added that the governor nominated 14 new commissioners-designate whose names will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.

“Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has nominated 14 new commissioners-designate and seven special advisers,” the statement read.

“The commissioner nominees are as follows: Mrs Bamidele Ademola Olateju (Akoko South East), Otunba Adefarati Gboyega (Akoko South West), Rt Hon Olotu Fatai (Akoko North East), Dr. Julianah Oshadahun (Akoko North West), Otunba Dele Ologun (Akure North), Mr. Sunday Adekunle (Idanre) and Engr. Razaq Obe (Ifedore).

“Others are Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka (Ilaje), Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan (Irele), Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju (Odigbo), Mr. Femi Agagu (Okitipupa), Hon. Akinlosotu (Ondo East), Hon Omolola Fagbemi (Ondo West) and Chief Olayato Aribo (Ose).

“Those nominated for the position of Special Advisers include the following: Chief (Dr) Victor Ategbole, Dr. (Mrs) Wunmi Egbayelo Ilawole, Hon. (Barr) Tobi Ogunleye Felix, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye, Mrs Olamide Falana, Dr . Francis Adedayo Faduyile and Mr Oyeniyi Oseni.

“In the same vein, the governor appointed Mr. Babajide Akeredolu as the Director General, Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU).

“The names of the nominees, especially the position of commissioner, will be forwarded to the House of Assembly for screening, clearance and confirmation.

“All nominated/appointed persons will be sworn in at a date to be announced later after the necessary legislative processes.”

#EndSARS: Releasing Panel Report Publicly Was Wrong – Defence Chief

The Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has faulted the procedure adopted in the release of the report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution For Victims Of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters.

Speaking after a courtesy visit to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, the Defence Chief said the report ought to have been submitted to the convening authority.

“I am sure those of you in the media must have seen a report that was released through, in my view, a wrong channel, that is making the rounds in the social media,” the CDS said.

“Whether it is a true report, I can’t tell. But I’d like to indicate that the normal procedure is to have such a report submitted to the convening authority. And then there will be a white paper that will be presented, based on which one can make informed comments.”

General Irabor also stated that the Nigerian armed forces are committed to their constitutional mandate and would not engage in ignoble acts as alleged in the report.

“I’d like to indicate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional armed force. We are peopled by Nigerians and we remain committed to the constitutional mandate. So we will not at this point think that Nigerians should make disparaging remarks regarding the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in the sense that we are a professional armed forces. If there are issues, of course, we address them within the ambit of the provisions.

“It would not be right to disparage men and women who have worked so hard to ensure that the territorial integrity of this nation is kept intact. So in the meantime, until I see the full extent of the report.

“I can assure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are well-disciplined and we do not engage in any ignoble acts. If Nigerians do not trust us, then we won’t be doing what we are doing, and in any case, it is the Armed Forces of Nigeria; we are not talking of the police. So when the Armed Forces are called out, it is because there is a need; there is no one who doesn’t desire to live in peace.

“We need to understand that the Armed Forces are there to keep the peace, to provide the ambiance that will enable each Nigerian to live his or her desires in peace and harmony. So let us not make inciting comments that will put the entire space on fire. That’s not right.”

Recall that the panel alleged that operatives of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force shot directly at unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in October 2020, with the aim to kill them.

The panel likened what played out at Lekki to a “massacre” resulting in 48 casualties – 11 deaths and 37 others who sustained gunshot injuries, missing presumed dead, injured, assaulted.

Popular Instagram Comedian, Cute Abiola Declared Missing

Popular Instagram comedian, Ahmed Gafar, known as The Cute Abiola has been declared missing.

This was made known by a fellow comedian, Mr Macaroni on Tuesday evening.

Mr Macaroni shared the news on Twitter and also attached a Whatsapp message he received.

From the message, it was alleged that the last time Cute Abiola’s wife and associates heard from him was on November 15.

While it was stated that no one has heard from him since then, it was also alleged that he was locked up in a Nigerian navy cell and nobody knows the offence he committed.

The message read; “Ahmed Gafar is popularly known as The Cute Abiola left his house for office at Navy Town at 06:00Am on the 15th November, 2021 and got to the office at about 07:00am or thereafter. While he got to the office, he called his wife and associates that he had gotten to the office.

“Subsequently, his wife and other associates have made several attempts to contact him but to no avail. Since he last communicated with his wife and associates that he already got to the office, he has not returned to his family and no one has heard from him till this moment.

“It was subsequently gathered from a reliable source that he has been locked up in the Nigerian Navy cell since he got to the office yesterday morning till the time of posting this information without being fed and no date has been stated for his release from custody.

“The most frustrating part is that nobody is talking anything as to the offense he has committed, but that he’s been detained on an order from the Nigerian Navy Headquarters.

“This unfortunate situation has rendered his wife emotionally tortured and traumatized as the Cute Abiola is an Ulcer patient. Hence, not feeding an Ulcer patient as punishment for an undisclosed offense is something to be worried about with the view to avoiding unnecessary circumstance with regards to the health of The Cute Abiola”

See All Yoruba Obas Supporting Tinubu For 2023 Presidency

Former Minister of Works and National Chairman of the South-West Agenda for Tinubu, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, has said prominent Yoruba traditional rulers are baking Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to win the 2023 presidential election.

Although Tinubu has yet to make his aspiration public, the moves he has been making suggest he is interested in contesting the poll on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Adeyeye, who is a former spokesperson for the Afenifere, on Tuesday while inaugurating SWAGA in Gbongan, the headquarters of Aiyedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, said the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Adedotun and over 300 other monarchs in the South-West were routing for Tinubu.

Adeyeye said, “You are representatives of SWAGA and you must continue to advocate for Tinubu’s ambition. By God’s grace Tinubu will emerge as the president of this country in 2023.

“All the traditional rulers in Yoruba land are supporting Tinubu, over 300 of them are backing Tinubu including the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo and Alake of Egbaland.

“They are stressing that he is the best candidate in Yorubaland to occupy the seat. Everybody is backing him. Asiwaju (Tinubu) will bring development to the country and Osun. You will all benefit from supporting him. Great things will happen in his time.”

Adeyeye, who is also a former spokesman for the Senate, said Tinubu was the right person for the job, saying as a highly detribalised politicians with proven track record of performance, he would bring his wealth of experience to bear to transform the country..

A former member House of Representatives/ SWAGA coordinator, Osun State, Mrs. Ayo Omidiran, urged SWAGA members in the state to work for the re-election of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, saying that would make Tinubu to win convincingly in the state and.beyond

‘Buhari Will Retire To Prison, Not To Duara – Reno Omokri Blows Hot Over EndSARS Panel Report

A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has called Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari names. This comes after the Lagos panel report indicted the Nigerian Army and Police on the Lekki Massacre.

He wrote; “When I called Buhari an oloriburuku, some people said I was being rude to the President. Do you know what oloriburuku means? A person with a wicked and useless head. Where is the lie? Go and read the Lagos #EndSARS panel report to see how he wasted human lives during #LekkiMassacre
“
Recall that the Federal Government through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, had consistently denied reports of a massacre at the toll gate.
However, the Panel in its report submitted on Monday disclosed that not less than eleven people were killed at the Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020.

The panel in the report titled, ‘Report of Lekki Incident Investigation Of 20th October 2020’, noted at least 48 protesters were either shot dead, injured with bullet wounds or assaulted by soldiers.

He had earlier said he will make sure that Buhari ends up in prison.

Read his words below; “Can everybody who doubted and insulted me when I said that the Satellite Sentinel Project was able to prove that the Nigerian Army, under the DIRECT command of Buratai and Buhari, killed innocent, peaceful, and unarmed protesters during the #EndSARS #LekkiMassacre now apologise to me? Go back and watch or listen to my video on the very day the massacre occurred. The Lagos State Panel on SARS has vindicated me. Muhammadu Buhari, as long as I am alive, you will retire to prison, not to Daura. Cowardly man like you that only has balls when you have a gun. Murderer. Olodo without WAEC! May God punish you and Buratai”

PDP Rendered Homeless In Lagos State As Landlord Evicts Party Over Unpaid Rent

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been evicted from the property which houses the party’s secretariat in Lagos State over unpaid rent.

It was learnt that the landlord of the property located at 56A Adekunle Fajuyi Road, GRA, Lagos claimed the party is owning rent running into several millions of naira.

However, in its immediate reaction, the Lagos PDP has described the development as sad and a grand plan to embarrass them.

The party in a statement through its state publicity secretary, Taofik Gani claimed they just recently paid N8m with an agreement to settle the balance soon.

The statement added that they are unaware of the court process ordering their eviction, and vowed to take up the matter legally saying its all part of attempts to destabilize the PDP in Lagos.

He said, “To the best of my knowledge, I know there were demands for outstanding rent and infact some payments made with balance to be paid soonest, but not aware of any court process to evict at all.

“This must not be a ‘kangaroo’ process aided to embarrass and destabilize the main opposition in the state.

“All sensitive documents of the party must have been destroyed or deliberately taken away to break our strategies towards 2023. This is Vendetta.

“We shall put in all legal efforts to get justice.”

Meanwhile, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh has called out the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Senator Andy Uba, telling him to bury his thought of going to court to challenge the outcome of the election.

Umeh said the people of Anambra State have openly chosen the leader they want based on the outcome of the November 6 election which produced Charles Soludo of APGA.

The APGA chieftain further chided Umeh over his threat to challenge the election result in court by telling the APC candidate that ‘Anambra is not Imo’ where a candidate who came fourth at the polls eventually became the State Governor through a court order.

He mocked Uba, reminding him that he didn’t win any of the 21 local government areas in the state, hence his claim of a ‘stolen’ mandate is not sensible.