cover Archives - Page 460 of 632

PIB: Senate President, Lawan Finally Reacts To $10 million Bribe Allegation

Nigeria’s Senate President Ahmad Lawan has finally spoken an an alleged $10 million bribe offered to members of the House of Assembly to pass the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill.

Lawan debunked the report while addressing State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.

He expressed dismay at the way and manner that some citizens had been spreading fake news and misinformation against the NASS and the government.

Sahara Reporters had reported that the leadership of NASS had been allegedly accused of taking bribe to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill.

According to Sahara Reporters, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila were paid in dollars to ensure the passage of the PIB which was signed into law on Aug. 16 by President Buhari.

However, the senate president said: “People say anything or everything about the President, about the administration, about members of National Assembly, they call us names and this is part of the intangible dividends of democracy.

“But we are determined to ensure that the space is wide open for everybody to say whatever he wants to say.

“But I will advise that don’t say things that are bad because people are in the habit of…and recently somebody said 10 million dollars was given to the Speaker and the Senate President to give to members of the National Assembly to pass three per cent host community development fund.

“That is funny, but also very serious.

“I really want to take this opportunity to take exceptions to those kinds of unwarranted, false and fake information being fed to the Nigerian public and the danger people will face with this is you cause unnecessary damage to the reputation of people.’’

Lawan recalled how he filled legal suit against someone (name withheld) who allegedly spread similar falsehood against him.

“I had an occasion to take someone to court because of this kind of thing about three months ago.

“But Nigerians are better judges than anywhere else. So, the freedom of expression is there, probably more than anywhere in the world, but I want to caution that Nigerians should always think positive about their leaders, administration and governments.

“And if they have issues they feel very strongly about, let them speak the truth and we are prepared to tell corrections, and that we feel should be able to make us do better,’’ he added.

On the massive surrender of Boko Haram insurgents, Lawan expressed satisfaction with the new strategies adopted by the armed forces and other security agencies in tackling insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country.

He said the massive surrender by members of the Boko Haram sect was a clear indication that the war against insurgency would soon be over.

Primate Ayodele Empowers Church Members With Tricycle, Hair Dryer (Video)

The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Ayodele has surprised church members with another round of empowerment.

During the church service yesterday, a young lady who is passionate about her hair dressing business was called out suddenly to take custody of a brand new hair dryer to support and enable her grow.

In the same vein, a male church member was shockingly handed the key to a brand new tricycle while the service was going on to his greatest astonishment, all in courtesy of the popular man of God whose impact is being felt all over the world.

Just two Sundays ago, a crippled young man who has been struggling to replace his wheelchair was given a brand new modern wheelchair worth millions of naira during the church service.

Primate Ayodele is one of the men of God who has made giving sacrificially a lifestyle with the kind of antecedents he has when it comes to philanthropic works.

His annual Thanksgiving Day; February 14 needs no introduction anymore because he has defined it as a day of philanthropy with the massive gifts he churn out to the public without any form of segregation.

During the most recent thanksgiving which was on 14th of February 2021, two people were given cars, many were given tricycles, youths were empowered, several individuals were given house rents, academic scholarship was awarded, relief materials were given out, to mention a few.

No doubt, Primate Ayodele is a force to reckon with in the prophetic ministry yet he has continued to fulfil the message of Jesus Christ which talks about loving one another without regarding any form of differences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLf4uQXBRVg

Access Bank launches awareness campaign to combat E-banking fraud

As part of its continued commitment to educate and protect customers from e-banking fraud, Africa’s largest retail bank, Access Bank Plc, has launched an awareness campaign aimed at sensitizing customers on measures they can take to protect themselves.

The Access Bank campaign, themed ‘Banks Don’t Ask’, focuses on three key activities that account for most fraud incidents in Nigeria, phishing, SIM card fraud, ATM fraud and POS fraud.

From all indications, the rates of phishing, SIM card fraud, ATM fraud and POS fraud in the country has tripled in the past few years. Also, the sophistication with which these activities are carried out has evolved, resulting in unsuspecting customers being highly susceptible to these criminal activities.

Victor Etuokwu, ED Retail Banking Access Bank stated, “In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the rate of internet-based and technology-perpetrated fraud”. He added “We want to ensure that our customers are not only protected but are also aware of the tactics employed by fraudsters. Access Bank will never request for personal banking information such as your 16-digit card number, password, PIN, BVN, CVV or One-Time Password (OTP). So, customers are also advised to never share this information with anyone even if they claim to be from the Bank”.

To report suspicious activities (phone calls, emails or text messages), customers can call Access Bank on 01- 2712005 or send a mail to contactcenter@accessbankplc.com. To prevent SIM card fraud in cases of lost or stolen devices, customers can simply *901*911# from any phone deactivate their USSD profile.

FIRSTBANK’S SPONSORED ”FIRST CLASS MATERIAL” CONTINUES TO EMPOWER AND CELEBRATE THE NIGERIAN YOUTH.

FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and leading financial services provider has again reinforced its commitment to Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship through its sponsorship of the docuseries ”First Class Material” from the stables of Linda Ikeji TV

Arguably Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand, FirstBank continues to pride itself as indeed the Bank of many firsts. First Class Material is a docuseries designed to celebrate Nigerians who are excelling in various fields of endeavour whether academic or non-academic. It is a programme that aims to chronicle the success stories of Nigerians who are distinct and exemplary in their achievements and importantly, a testament to the greatness of the West African country. This docuseries aims to make education, vocational training and skill acquisition trendy, attractive and fashionable to the nation’s human capital by celebrating and rewarding innovators and trailblazers in various sectors. First Class Material is a celebration of notable Firsts by Nigerians which underscores what FirstBank stands for. The essence of the programme is to have many more people informed and encouraged by the successes, thereby having these feats emulated in their chosen endeavours.

First Class Material aims to change the narrative about Nigeria and Nigerians by highlighting the great work Nigerians are doing in different fields, including Academics, Technology, Arts, Music, entrepreneurship, and many more. It also aims to inspire others to aspire to excellence and to see hard work, legitimate work, and diligence as something rewarding and deserving of emulation. FirstBank was the official sponsor of the maiden edition of First Class Material by Linda Ikeji TV and based on its success, the Bank is now also sponsoring Season 2 which will commence 3rd week in August.

This innovative partnership would have viewers exposed to Nigerians across the globe that have carved a niche for themselves by being exemplary and influential in their chosen endeavours and career path. Success stories of notable firsts and trailblazers would be highlighted, with viewers encouraged to go beyond limits and leave no stone unturned at making their dreams a reality. Like the first season, which showcased exceptional individuals, the forthcoming season promises to share truly inspiring stories of great feats and accomplishments by some of the most unassuming Nigerians, in the country and dotted around the world. FirstBank’s goal is to inspire the youth and encourage them to make informed choices, critical to securing their future whilst impacting mankind and society at large.

FirstBank, historically, has had diverse interventions in promoting thought leadership and promoting initiatives that will stimulate the advancement of skill acquisition and capacity building for the Nigerian Youth to equip them for a bright future. The Bank’s sponsorship of the Programme is in tandem with the noble objectives of the bank which includes building and instilling values into its customers. FirstBank’s core values of people, passion and partnership very much align with the vision of the First Material towards building the youth to become tomorrow’s leaders. With over 127 years of continuous banking operations, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) is giving a good account of itself in this regard not only as a true financial powerhouse but also as a life enabler, helping Nigerians live better and achieve their dreams.

Apart from the First Class Material initiative and in the furtherance of the Bank’s long term commitment to promote youth development, professional excellence and education, FirstBank has also in the past and currently actively supporting various activities and initiatives in the youth segment. The bank partners with Eventful Nigeria Ltd for Fashion Souk, a platform that creates an opportunity for players in the fashion industry to exhibit and sell their wares to the thousands of event participants. The bank, also in a bid to ensure the sustainability of the industry, recently introduced fashion design loans specifically designed to offer financial support to the participants in the textile industry.

Through its First@arts initiative, FirstBank consolidates all its efforts in the arts, supporting the entire value chain of the creative arts, providing much-needed financing and advisory support, showcasing and facilitating the successes of the industry, and enabling customers to explore and access the wealth of opportunities the creative industry has to offer.

Achieving these and a host of many others have been implemented through strategic partnerships with organisations like the British Council, Duke of Shomolu Productions, Live Theatre Lagos, Freedom Park, Terra Kulture, and the Cross Rivers State Government (Calabar Festival), among others.

With the sponsorship of similar socio-cultural initiatives in the creative arts industry like Moremi, Makaliki, Oba Esugbayi stage drama, October 1st (a movie), the Calabar Festival and the recently concluded, The Voice Nigeria (Season 3) the Bank remains exemplary to expose the youth to a wide range of opportunities that are integral to the realisation of their dreams, as they contribute to the continued socio-economic development of their immediate environment and the country at large.

Indeed, FirstBank remains a noble brand close to the heart of the youths and the deliberate efforts made by the bank has indeed been a catalyst of socio-economic growth of Nigerian youths and the nation as a whole.

Culled from Nairametrics

BREAKING: Court suspends Uche Secondus as PDP National Chairman

The leadership crisis currently rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, worsened on Monday as a High Court in Rivers State has restrained Uche Secondus from parading himself as the National Chairman of the party.

The order was given by Justice O. Gbasam at the State High Court sitting in Degema local government area of the State on Monday.

The judge who gave the order, also approved the suspension of Secondus as a member of the party pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

The order followed a complaint brought before the court by some aggrieved members of the party.

More to follow….

State Governor Approves Jail Term For Anyone Caught Blowing Nose Without Handkerchief

A new law has been passed in Nairobi which prohibits blowing of nose without hankerchief or tissue in public.

The new rules and regulations which are aimed at keeping Nairobi clean and hygienic, also applies to when you are caught urinating in undesignated spaces, spitting on the streets, sleeping in kitchens or food stores, among other misdemeanours.

Defaulters risk being fined anything between ksh10,000 and ksh500,000 or an imprisonment term of between six to 12 months.

They are contained in the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Bill, 2021 that has now been signed into law. Acting Nairobi Governor, Ann Kananu said Nairobi residents should familiarize themselves with the new law to avoid being caught offside.

The new law prohibits discharge of dirty water, sewer or effluent into streets or water channels, discharge of oils into roads or water channels, obstruction of roads or streets, and also prohibits residents from allowing trees and hedges in their homes or places of work to obstruct streets or footpaths.

The new law also criminalises riding motorcycles or driving on footpaths, playing loud music, and smoking in undesignated places. A person found flouting the new law will be liable to a fine of anything between Sh10,000 and Sh500,000, and imprisonment of six to 12 months depending on the offence committed.

Kananu said;

“Nairobi is the face of Kenya. We all need a clean and hygienic environment to live and work in.”

County executive member for Environment, Energy, Water and Sanitation Larry Wambua thanked Riruta MCA Kariuki Kiriba for coming up with the bill at the assembly and ensuring that all stages were well articulated and now signed into law.

Wambua added that he will work tirelessly in ensuring that all is achieved as ordered by acting Governor Kananu.

FG Releases Shortlisted Candidates For N-Power Batch C

President Muhammadu Buhari-led government on Monday released shortlisted candidates for N-Power Batch C.
The National Social Investment Management System, (NASIMS), disclosed this in a statement released on it website.

NASIMS directed all applicants to update their profile and take tests for possible shortlisting to the next stage of the N-Power application process.

It noted that all successful candidates would be forwarded a mail on how to go about the next step, while candidates that are not selected can re-apply for the next batch.

Recall that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, last Thursday said the ministry would ensure that the registration, verification and other process would be done online.

Farouq further stated that as part of measures to make the selection process transparent, a portal, NASIMS, had been launched for ease of coordination, deployment and management.

Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, Former Nigerian First Lady Is Dead

A former Nigerian First Lady, Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, has been pronounced dead, Naija News has learned.
It was gathered that the wife of the late Nigerian Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, died on Monday morning at the age of 97.

She was born on the 21st of November 1923 and got married at the age of 16 to the late Nigerian leader as a student of Holy Rosary Convent School, Okigwe in 1953.

The late first lady was also a former Commissioner of the Local Government Services Commission in Abia State.

Recall that Major General Aguiyi -Ironsi, who was the Supreme Commander of the National Military Government for six months, was overthrown and killed on July 29, 1966, after a counter-coup in Ibadan.

More to come…

‘Earphones, airpods are devilish, It Will Block Your Way Forward’ – Bishop Oyedepo Warns youths

The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo has banned youths with earphones from entering the Church.

Bishop Oyedepo explained that youths with earphones are not ready to hear God’s words, hence they should not be allowed into the Church.

He pointed out that earphones are designed by the devil to block youths from moving forward in life.

The clergyman spoke while addressing his members during Sunday’s Service at the Church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.

According to Oyedepo: “We live in a very rowdy time. Young generation, please listen to me: all these things you plug in your ear will block your way forward. It is designed by the devil to block your way forward.

“No time to hear from God. Many have never heard anything from God. They even plug it in anywhere, on the streets: noise, noise, noise! Zero access to divine guidance. Noise in the morning, afternoon, night.

“We had a situation in South Korea, I saw it in one publication. Now 10,000 Churches were said to close down within 10 years, an average of 1,000 Churches per year. Why? Children, young people will sit down in Church (with earphones): don’t hear nothing Sir.

“I know they don’t do that here because CCU (Crowd Control Unit) is here, you plug something in your ears, while you are in Church? Never. Go somewhere else. Never, you sit down tight, hear the Word or stay on the road. Life is about discipline. I started understanding the Word from the age of 16. I was responding accordingly.”

Drug Dealer Arrested In Lagos Church Excretes 68 Heroin Wraps

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a suspected drug dealer, Stephen Ikeanyionwu, who was declared wanted for allegedly attempting to export 69 kilograms of cocaine, heroin and cannabis to the United Kingdom.
Naija News reports that he was said to have tried doing this through the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was traced to a popular Pentecostal church at Ojodu Berger in Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday, August 15, 2021, when he was arrested soon after he stepped out of the service.

Babafemi, in a statement issued on Sunday, also said the arrest followed the interception of a consignment of illicit drugs weighing 69.65kg going to the UK through the Lagos airport on Thursday, August 12, 2021.

According to him, “the illegal baggage had been sent to the airport for export through a freight forwarding company, which in turn gave a driver to deliver at the NAHCO export shed.

“Following the arrest of the driver, follow up operations and investigations later revealed the true identity of the actual owner of the consignment, Stephen Afam Ikeanyionwu, who was arrested three days later in a sting operation.”

Also at the Lagos airport, operatives of the NDLEA arrested an Italy-bound passenger, Abibu Miminu, during the outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airways flight to Italy via Addis-Ababa for allegedly ingesting illicit drugs.

While under observation at the agency’s facility between Saturday, August 14, and Sunday, August 15, 2021, the trafficker reportedly excreted 68 wraps of heroin in three excretions, all weighing 800grams.