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Nigerian Air Force combs Kaduna forests, eliminates bandits

The air component of Operation Thunder Strike has conducted a series of aerial missions across several locations, as reported in operational feedback from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, to the Kaduna State Government.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the armed reconnaissance was conducted over Erena, Kusasu, Kuduru, Kulefe, Kusherki and Shiroro in neighboring Niger State as well as Chikun and environs, in Chikun local government area.

“Bandits were seen fleeing Kaduna State part of Kusasu (in Chikun LGA) on motorcycles. They were trailed by the crew and subsequently neutralized.

“Following this, armed reconnaissance was conducted along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, Olam Farms, Rugu, Akilbu, Polewire Rijana, Katari, Jere and adjoining settlements.

“Normal human activities and free flow of traffic were observed along the highway and rail line. All locations scanned were reported calm with no threats observed.

“Additionally, strike aircraft carried out operations over Jan Birni, Birnin Gwari local government area, which was observed to be active with bandits.

“The targets were attacked by the aircraft, and was subsequently confirmed that some bandits were indeed taken out and the camp set ablaze and destroyed.”

The statement added that a second mission was flown over another identified camp in the area, which was also attacked, set ablaze and completely destroyed by two strike aircraft.

The statement added that, “thereafter, a show-of-force was carried out by the aircraft over the Birnin Gwari general area, Kaduna metropolis and Zaria. Normal human activities were observed along the expressways and rail lines.

“The operations continued as aircraft conducted armed reconnaissance and show-of-force over Birnin Gwari, Kaduna metropolis and Zaria.

“Free flow of traffic was similarly observed along the expressways and rail line. Normal activities were reported within the metropolis as citizens observed the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations without incident.

“Afterwards, a show-of-force was conducted over Gwagwada, Gadani, Chikun, Kusasu, Iburu, Zamba, Shiroro, Kuta, Kwatayi and Erena, spanning Chikun, Kachia and Kajuru LGAs. All locations covered were reported calm with no threats observed.

“These air operations, which include air interdiction, armed reconnaissance and patrols are set to be sustained over the coming days over Kaduna metropolis and other areas of interest in the state.

“Major highways will also be covered, including the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Zaria, Kaduna-Kachia and Kaduna-Afaka roads.

“Receiving the feedback, Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended the crews for the successful missions.”

Ganduje decongests correctional centre, Frees 123 inmates

in his efforts to curb many crimes and also make others repent from their offences in the state, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has yesterday freed 123 inmates from Correctional Centre, Gwauron Dutse.

Dr. Ganduje granted them freedom during his visit to the Centre which has become a culture to his administration during every Eidel-Fitr, to visit and see the inmates so as to give them freedom with the promise of being born again.

“We want to use this opportunity to release judiciously some of you who satisfied certain conditions. “First of all, to those of who behave well, who are born again and who do not wish to go back to former condition,” said Ganduje.

The governor added: “Some of you were fined but could not pay the fine; therefore, you have to continue to be in this house until the period is over.

“So, Kano State Government decided to pay some of these charges and we pay all.”

He also assured the inmates that his administration would continue this programme in order to make the Correctional Home less congested and also to give encouragement to those who want to be good citizens of the country. Dr. Ganduje also urged the inmates that they should be good citizens as “From today, you must be born again.

So we urge you, when you go back to your homes, you must be good citizens of your towns, of your local government or state and Nigeria as a whole.

” He also promised the inmates that during the next Sallah, in 70 days’ times, his administration would be back to release more inmates than 123 that had been released, but they must fulfill certain conditions. “We will be back here again to free more inmates in the next Sallah but you must fulfill certain condition, and the most important condition is that, you must be born again.

“You must to behave well; you most understand that peace and stability is a responsibility to everybody and committing crime is something that we will not accept,” he added.

On his part, Alhaji Suleiman T. Suleiman, the Controller of the Correctional Centres, in the state appreciated the gesture shown by the governor for providing food and other items to the inmates besides the release of some of the inmates at Gwauron Dutse and Kurmawa Correctional Homes.

“Throughout the 30 days fasting period, your foundation, that is Ganduje Foundation provided food for the inmates… When I say food, it is not an ordinary food, it is good food with chickens, soft drinks and bottles of water.

“Over 3,000 inmates in the state are happy today because you provide them cows, rice, food and ingredients to celebrate Sallah,” said the Controller General. He similarly thanked the governor for his fashion as he granted amnesty to many inmates by paying their fines which their parents and relatives were unable to pay.

Babcock VC lauds Nigeria’s first set of Church Admin diplomates

President, Church Administrators Society of Nigeria, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji, and Senior President and Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Tayo Ademola during the first graduation ceremony of diplomates of Church Administration (Executive Diploma) recently in Ilishan, Ogun State

The Vice Chancellor and President of Babcock University, Prof. Tayo Ademola, has lauded the 17 pioneer graduates of Church Administration (Executive Diploma) the first of their kind in the history of professional Christian education in Nigeria. He called them first fruits of the university in its collaboration with the Church Administration Society of Nigeria (CASON).

In his address at the graduation ceremony held Thursday in Babcock’s Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State campus, Ademola said, “I wish to congratulate the graduands for sticking to the battle to the end. They are the first fruits of our relationship with CASON in their bid to foster greater professionalism in the administration of churches in Nigeria.”

He further affirmed, “If there is a need for church workers to get or receive more training, the time is now. The world is getting more sophisticated and so are the members of our different churches.”

In his own remarks, CASON President, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji said, “By providence, our partnership with Babcock University was birthed in August 2017, followed by two years of intense preparation and today, we witness the graduation ceremony of the first set of university diplomates in Church Administration; a first in the history of the Church in Nigeria.”

Oladimeji concluded by saying, “The Church is a critical stakeholder in the building and development of a nation; to give direction towards peace and progress. Therefore, the Nigerian Church must rise to the challenges of our country. Hence the need for the upscaled training of church workers and stakeholders.”

The 17 diplomates, sourced by CASON, comprise of general overseers, pastors and career-minded church administrators. Already the second stream of candidates have been admitted for the 2021 Executive Diploma in Church Administration with registration ongoing, while the partners, CASON and Babcock hope to institute an Executive MBA in Church Administration a few years into the future.

Others at the ceremony were the Senior Vice President, Academics, Prof. Philemon Amanze; the Registrar, Prof. Jonathan Nwosu; and the Director, Babcock Centre for Executive Development, Prof. Johnson Egwakhe for the university.

CASON Board members in attendance were the Vice President, Pastor Steve Akoni; Secretary, Pastor Ayo Daniels; Treasurer, Mr. Segun Shelleh; Registrar, Pastor Segun Adegoke; Director of Media & Communication, Dr. Kunle Hamilton and Pastor Sunkanmi Obisesan.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Accelerates Growth, records N199.5 billion turnover in 2020 Annual Results

From left, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat; Chairman Board of Directors, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, OFR; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mrs. Olubukunola Olateru and Executive Director Finance, Mr. Marc Galjaard, at the 48th Annual General Meeting of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC held in Lagos recently

Top dairy company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of premium milk brands – Peak, Three Crowns, Coast, Nunu and Olympic has reported a turnover of N199.5 billion. This was announced at its 48th Annual General Meeting held Thursday, 6 May 2021, in Lagos.

Speaking at the AGM, the Chairman, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, OFR said, “the challenging operating environment in 2020 notwithstanding, the Company’s commercial and financial performance for the year showed considerable improvement compared to the previous year. Turnover increased by 23% in 2020 to N199.5billion from N161.8billion in 2019. This was due to a combined effect of organic and inorganic growth following the acquisition of Nutricima’s dairy business. Profit Before Tax however decreased by 20.3% from N18.8 billion in 2019 to N14.9 billion in 2020 as a result of high input costs and naira devaluation impact.”

The meeting was held in compliance with COVID-19 pandemic protocols, ensuring the health and safety of all stakeholders involved. The meeting was broadcast live for shareholders and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the proceedings in line with the “Guidelines on Holding of Annual General Meetings (AGM) of Public Companies Using Proxies” as established by the Corporate Affairs Commission.

All the resolutions submitted for shareholder approval were adopted, including the approval of a total dividend payout of N6.74 per N0.50 share.

As underlined by the Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat, during his presentation on the financial results, “2020 was shaped by the Company’s continued focus on sustainable business processes. We leveraged our brands and superior commercial expertise to deliver impressive volumes during the year. FrieslandCampina WAMCO continues to be committed to nourishing Nigerians with quality dairy nutrition. Our Board and Management will continue to take necessary steps to ensure that the growth momentum is sustained.”

Explaining the Company’s response to COVID, Mr. Langat said, “From the very first signs of the Covid-19 pandemic, our Company defined three absolute priorities; protecting the health and safety of our employees; doing all that is necessary to ensure business continuity; and supporting Nigeria to manage through the crisis, therefore, a donation of N500 million was made to the COVID Relief Fund while over N100 million worth of products were donated to low income communities during the lockdown.”

Following its expansion drive, FrieslandCampina WAMCO acquired Nutricima factory in Ikorodu during the year under review. The acquisition underlines FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s continued commitment to contribute to the development of the Nigerian dairy sector and satisfies the need for additional production capacity for FrieslandCampina WAMCO to meet the growing consumer demand for locally produced dairy.

Under its backward integration strategy, the business aggressively expanded its activities to

strengthen the dairy value chain in Nigeria. Significant to this was the establishment of the Center for Nigerian Dutch Dairy Development, Nigeria’s first national expertise Center for dairy, committed to unlocking and developing homegrown dairy expertise across the value chain. The business also established the Value4Dairy Consortium, a formidable partnership of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, URUS, Barenbrug and Agrifirm, committed to accelerate self-sufficiency in Nigeria’s dairy sector.

A look at Q1 2021 activities indicates continued economic headwinds in a volatile and uncertain business environment. However, FrieslandCampina WAMCO remains positive about the future of its business in Nigeria. The business is confident that our brands, which are well known, will continue to grow on the back of our strong business fundamentals and unique route-to-market strategy to achieve our business ambition.

Adebola Sanni: Fin-Tech, solution to financial inclusion problems in Africa

Financial inclusion and provision of sustainable energy is at a turning point in Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria. With a population of over 200 million, about 50 per cent of the total population live in rural areas, and only 39 per cent of those living in rural communities have access to electricity. This is in addition to over 40 per cent of the entire population who are financially excluded or underserved.

However, the proliferation of digital financial services in Nigeria – powered largely by growth in fin-tech companies – has catalysed an unparalleled increase in the current number of people with access to formal financial services, while further opening up opportunities to address power supply challenges across rural communities; a major feat instrumental towards achieving the broad Sustainable Development Goal 7. With over 200 fin-tech companies in operation within its borders, Africa’s largest economy has found a way to target and capture over 40 per cent of its financially excluded or underserved population.

In a conversation with Adebola Sanni, co-founder, Infibranches Technologies and the Group Head, Business Development & Partnerships at Swifta Systems and Services, she highlighted the growing awareness of the transformative power of fin-tech and how if properly harnessed can help address both problems of financial inclusion and the more pressing sustainability challenges in the area of affordable and reliable power supply needed to drive the growth of local economies.

“Fintech has increasingly provided innovative ways to address existing gaps in the availability, accessibility and use of finance particularly among the unbanked population. By leveraging the proliferation of technology, agent banking and mobile money solutions now offer affordable, instant, and reliable transactions, savings, credit across rural communities where no bank had ever established a branch. Similarly, about 75 million Nigerians who mostly fall within the financially underserved or excluded demography live without reliable electricity access as the existing electrical grid serves largely the country’s urban population.”

“We understand how pivotal the provision of sustainable power is to driving growth of local economies in rural communities and by extension the need to boost financial services penetration across these communities. These are both enablers for catalysing positive transformation and driving sustainable economic progress across the country.”

Adebola, a leading business strategist and technology consultant also said, “To address these challenges, we believe distributed energy solutions that leverage digital payments will open up opportunities to reach the underserved market at low cost.”

We partnered NGOs, including Shell Foundation, USAID, to extend agent networks together with off grid energy providers in 2019 where we set up about 200 agent locations across Nigeria, identifying communities across the rural and peri-urban regions with needs for both power and financial services. We also partnered renewable energy companies such as Green Light Planet (Sun King), D.Light Solar, Sosai, PAS BBoxx, Konexa to set up payment points necessary to expand access to highly subsidized power for such communities.

“This solution provides affordable home solar systems to rural communities with an affordable and convenient payment structure where beneficiaries pay as low as N500 (less than $2 dollar a month) which allows for people to pay off the cost in a year to fully own the solar equipment.”

Till date, over 400,000 people have been impacted across 22 States and 108 local government areas in Nigeria through various initiatives supporting energy access especially in rural areas. The addition of the ‘Solar Power Naija project’ by the Federal government initiative under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) and managed by REA, for off-grid communities, will further expand energy access to 25 million individuals through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) or connection to a mini grid. This is a good initiative to help expand energy access faster.

One of the success stories underpinning how providing innovative energy solutions can transform communities is the Havenhills mini-grid project in Kigbe community located in Kwali Local Government Area Council, Abuja. Before executing the project, the Kigbe community with geographical limitations had no electricity as they were completely off-grid. The project upon completion delivered a 20KW solar enabled mini-grid through 3km 3-phases and 1-phase grid lines to 145 homes, enabling them to power basic electrical appliances such as light bulbs, fans and TVs. The project also supports 5 local businesses including a barbing salon, grocery store and viewing center.

As part of creating sustainable economic empowerment, Adebola Sanni, who has strong passion for financial inclusion and energy access, has facilitated the implementation of a pioneer digital infrastructure that supports micro insurance, pension and savings providers and the first API infrastructure that aggregates renewable energy products and services making them accessible to any payment service providers, banks and other financial and non-financial institutions.

She is vastly experienced in driving growth, creating market focused products and providing innovative solutions to businesses in Financial Technology, eCommerce, Telco and Private/Publics sectors as well creating partnership opportunities for growth.

Meeting Davido Four Years Ago Has Made me Stopped Going to Church – Peruzzi

Popular musician, Peruzzi has revealed that he has not gone to church since he met his boss, Davido four years ago.
Although the musician revealed that he believes in God and that his music career started in Assemblies Of God chuch as he was the keyboardist, but have not been to church in a while.
He made it known that long before he became popular, He has always seen himself as a star.
‘’Yeah, Assemblies Of God. Choir, play keyboard, that P. At Assemblies of God, Acappella. If you’re not playing instruments, acapella.
“If you’re playing instruments, it has to be the full thing. Everybody is singing; backing up, harmonizing.
“Treble, alto, tenor, bass. Everybody is doing everything. I learnt to harmonize everything, I learnt to make music sweet. So that was where it (melodies) came from. Childhood experience is the foundation of my whole life.

“I haven’t gone to church since I met David. I haven’t been to church in like four years. But yeah, I believe in God.

“…I’ve always seen myself as a star before I met anybody in this industry, I used to act like ‘people are watching me.’ I didn’t have no drip, but I’d make sure that I’m not wearing any fake Gucci, I’m not wearing any fake Versace.

“I’m wearing plain white shirt. I had my way that I’m going to be something. I didn’t know how, but I knew, ‘guy, I’m going to be something.’ I was already acting like I was. When David met me, I was branding myself already.

“He knew there was a wave. It’s been like that because I always felt like if you know you want to get somewhere, just start preparing yourself for it. [It] wasn’t really fake-fake, ’cause I didn’t rock no fake sh*t. But I faked being a star.”

“I quit acting due to Kissing roles”- Toyo baby reveals

Popular Nollywood actress, Juliana Olayode, popularly known as, Toyo Baby, has revealed why she stopped acting. Nigerians have disagreed with her as they said she stopped acting because she isn’t a good actress.

Toyo Baby rose to stardom after being featured in a popular comedy sitcom, known as, “Jenifa’s Diary.” During an interview, Toyo revealed why she had to stop acting.

According to her, she stopped acting due to kissing roles. She continued by saying that she’s only going to kiss her husband and not just kissing anyone. She didn’t condemn those who kiss in movies, but it isn’t for her anymore.

Evil Forces Are behind Misfortunes plaguing Buhari’s Government – Femi Adesina

As bandits and unknown gunmen run riot across Nigeria, Femi Adesina has blamed evil forces (aiye) for the misfortunes plaguing President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime.

Mr Adesina, the president’s media aide, the regime, and the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, have often blamed the major opposition party for the country’s problems until now.

“When you are high-flying, the centrifugal forces will come against you, and it would only take the grace of God for you to attain,” said Mr Adesina. “Yoruba people call those forces Aiye. When Aiye is on your case, as it was against Man City, and it is against the Buhari government, you need God, and God alone.”

Expatiating his point, he stated, “Aiye (meaning ‘the world,’ if freely translated) is the negative part of mankind. The pernicious, baleful, sly and scheming part of humanity. If Aiye gets on your matter, you need God and God alone.”

According to the presidential spokesman, just as some forces worked against Manchester City last season, some forces are working against Mr Buhari regime’s success.

“Recall what happened in the 2019/2020 season. Man City was eyeing a treble. Three back-to-back seasons as champions, and a record in English football. But the adversaries knew the record that was to be set, so they arrayed themselves against the team,” Mr Adesina asserted.

“Just as some forces knew the record that was to be achieved by Muhammadu Buhari as Nigerian President,” he claimed, “and which he had begun to show since 2015 when he got into office, and they (adversaries) positioned against the government.”

Though Mr Adesina provided no evidence to back up his claim, in 2015, former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati had in an article claimed that there were spiritual forces in Aso Rock.

Davido’s Daughter, Imade Signs Multi-Million Naira Deal With Eva Soap

Society gazette reports that Davido’s daughter, Imade has just bagged a multi-million naira deal with Eva Soap.

This medium gathered that Imade signed this deal yesterday, as shared by her joyous father, David Adeleke.

He shared on his twitter page and explained that he won’t be able to rest again, as the daughter will always talk about the deal

Atorise Gets Lexus 2020 SUV Gift On Birthday

Good things begot good things and is another year for Olanrewaju Teriba also known as Atorise as he received the gift of Lexus Gx 460 2020 model. today, being his Birthday.

The SUV is courtesy of a long time friend and Fan, Sunday Shoyinka the ceo of shoyinmacs motors alausa Ikeja aka Apoti Sunday.

Apoti Sunday has been a friend for over fifteen years when they both had nothing and helped each other in various ways.

In his words Atorise said he is short of words that his plan was to celebrate this year’s birthday in a very Low key due to the situation of the country with killings, kidnapping and Bandit invading towns and villages coupled with covid-19 pandemic.

He added the his plans was to get a New Civilian Coaster Bus for his co-workers for easy movement adding that he is expecting the delivery of the van anytime soon, only to get a wonderful gift of a SUV this morning from Apoti Sunday

Recall that Atorise gave his band bus to the Blinds when they came to minister on his mountain some months ago as a seed even as he is getting a harvest of that seed in the form of a SUV barely six months after.

Atorise was full of praises to God Almighty for another Year among the living and pray for all his Fans, friends, Family and we’ll wishers home and Abroad that God will see ”us through all our difficulties in the name that is above all other names and it shall be well with Nigeria in Jesus Name” he concluded.