The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and Nigeria’s security chiefs are currently meeting at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting is coming over 24 hours after armed robbers attempted to attack the residence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari,
The Presidency announced the meeting via its Twitter handle but did not give details of its agenda.
The meeting, which started at 10 am, is holding place at the Conference Hall of the Office of the First Lady.
“Security Meeting ongoing, at the State House. President @MBuhari
presiding, Vice President, SGF, NSA, Ministers, Service Chiefs, IGP, Intelligence Chiefs in attendance. #AsoVillaToday #SecuringNigeria,” the presidency tweeted.
However, the meeting is expected to review the current security situation in the country.
Before the meeting, there had been previous security meetings on Friday, April 30, and Monday, May 4.
Among others at the meeting are the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; and the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno.
Also attending the meeting are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; Minister of Defense, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Retd.) and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
It was earlier reported there was an attempt by armed robbers to burgle the residence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, early Monday morning.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, revealed this in a two-part tweet on Monday night after a report by a news platform, Peoples Gazette.
He tweeted, “The Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has confirmed that there ‘was a foolish attempt’ to burgle his residence at 3:00am is this morning but it turned out to be unsuccessful.
“Professor Gambari, whose house is on a street next to the Villa has assured that there is nothing to worry about from the incident.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kaduna State Council, has said it will commence a five-day warning strike from Sunday, May 16, 2021, by 12:00 am (midnight) following the sack of over four thousand workers.
It said the resolution to ground activities for five days would be enforced.
The chairman, Kaduna branch of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman and the Secretary, Comrade Christiana John Bawa in a statement made available to newsmen said that the decision was taken during an emergency meeting held in Kaduna with the delegation from the NLC national headquarters.
They lamented that due process was not observed in the recent disengagement of over four thousand workers from the Local Government Service, SUBEB and Primary Health Care Agency by the Kaduna State Government.
According to the NLC, “The proposed withdrawal of services and the protest would be monitored by the National President and the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress.”
NLC assured the workforce in the state that further directive would be given to all civil servants as soon as possible.
The statement called on civil society organizations, journalists, market women and men, Okada riders and well-meaning citizens to support workers in the state at this trying moment.
The Muslim Rights Concern Group has stated that a Yoruba Muslim must be given the 2023 Presidential ticket.
In a statement on Monday signed by its leader, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the group attacked former President, Olusegun Obasanjo over plans to support Akinwunmi Adesina to secure the 2023 Presidential ticket.
Adesina is currently the President of the Africa Development Bank(AFDB). The statement read in part;
“Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly making attempts to draft the current president of the African Development Bank (ADB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, into the 2023 presidential race. We object to this move. Obasanjo wants to waste all the efforts put in place by the Nigerian government to get Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina to that continental position,”
“We remind the former president that as a Yoruba Christian, he has led Nigeria twice. Two other Yoruba Christians have also occupied Aso Rock. Chief Earnest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan was the interim head of state from 26th August 1993 to 17th November, 1993. The current vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, is also a Yoruba Christian.”
The statement added that Obasanjo’s move was an attempt to “rob Yoruba Muslims of the presidential slot”.
“MURIC rejects this grand design to keep Muslims in Yorubaland in perpetual bondage. There are many Yoruba Muslims who are eminently qualified for the post of president.”
“We advise ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to relax his grip on the Nigerian jugular vein. He should stop pushing Yoruba Muslims to the background. Christians are not the only human beings in Yorubaland.” the statement read.
Pop star, 2face Idibia, has reacted after a die-hard female fan of Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, tattooed his face on her butt to felicitate his 33rd birthday.
The die-hard fan had tattooed the singer on her body and shared the photo on the internet.
It is understood that the controversial singer, Naira Marley turned 33, yesterday, May 10th, and most of his fans known as Marlians came all out for him.
Reacting to the photo, The 43-year-old music veteran wrote; ”Wow, crazy love. Power of music”
Naira Marley also shared photos and video of the female fan on his Instagram page. Sharing the video, he wrote; ‘She got HBD Naira Marley. That means every day’s my birthday.’
The video also got social media reeling in mixed reactions after the singer shared the on the internet.
See the reactions below;
@vict.or.i.a wrote; ‘Where una Dey gather this kind mind’
@rojublac wrote; ‘Omo ale oni di jo na’
@abiola.coker wrote; ‘Someone’s future wife’
@sugarpeacee wrote; ‘My question is, how did they draw this thing’
@_finederah wrote; ‘The is really the height of stupid. People sure do know how to be stupid.’
A civil society organisation, New Era for Sustainable Leadership & Accountability Initiative (NESLAI) has berated the federal government for proposing the reduction of civil servants’ salaries.
NESLAI executive director, Comrade Edwin Olorunfemi during a press conference on national issues held in Abuja on Monday said what federal government should concern itself with is how to cut cost of governance.
“The wastage is what they should cut and not the salary of civil servants which is not even enough in the first place,” he said.
While speaking on appointment of permanent secretaries, Olorunfemi said, rather than the conduct of examination, appointments as permanent secretary should be based on experience and competence.
He said, appointing non career civil servants as permanent secretaries should be discouraged as it dampens the morale of the civil servants that have grown through the ranks and put in most active parts of their lives in service diligently.
He noted that appointing non career civil servants will deprive core civil servants of getting to the peak of their career which could invariably lead to inefficiency and dereliction of duty in the civil service.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s government has been mocked by Nigerians over the attack on Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari’s residence.
The Presidency on Monday night confirmed that there was a foolish attempt to burgle Gambari’s residence.
This is coming at a time where there are concerns in the country about the rising insecurity in the nation.
The recent attack at Aso Rock has stirred reactions from Nigerians who mocked the government over its failure to secure the Presidential villa.
According to them, this is proof that there is no security in the country and that nowhere is safe in Nigeria.
Some Nigerians hoped that the government would act fast on insecurity in the nation following this recent attack.
Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST from Twitter:
@Leodasilva, “Insecurity is getting closer to you all. Maybe your government will do something about it now?”
@FakhussHashim, “The COS to the President was attacked in the most secure part of Abuja, that’s the ultimate indictment of the state of insecurity in this country. However reductive, Garba Shehu chooses to phrase the incident. Is inconsequential. No one is safe.”
@Ukemeukut, “The fact that they even attempted it should be scary for us.”
@SirChuks, “This is proof that we don’t have security in the country. Failed government.”
@Tutsy22, “Foolish attempt? You are trying to cover up the seriousness of insecurity in Nigeria.”
@TrueNaijaboy, “If you can’t keep yourself safe in ASO Rock there is trouble on the mountain. Buhari should do the honourable thing and just go.”
@Angela201, “I hope we will not wake up one day to be told Aso Rock has been stolen?
@Blessonate, “The fact that there was an “attempt” makes it a big deal.”
@Oluwaseun_top, “That attempt shows a failed system. A place that ought to be one of the most secure in the country. Evidently, we need divine and willing power to get things right. What is the government doing about attacks on security architecture. My major concern! Security operatives are not encouraged.”
@Sir Mubi, “Arrant nonsense. If an attempt can be made within such vicinity then name one place that could be said to be safe in Nigeria.”
@Kingsley, “Aso Rock? No CCTV and alarm systems? So you guys took your chronic incompetence to the villa? Jesus!”
CarloGambino, “Do you cokeheads by any chance even understand the gravity of this supposedly “attempt to burgle” the house of General Buhari’s Chief of Staff? Oh I 100% believe it was successful.”
A man who claims to be a Yoruba film actor, Olumide Olajide, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding traders in Ibadan, Oyo state capital with fake bank alerts.
The actor was paraded alongside his partner, Wemimo Adeyanju, a Higher National Diploma student of Purchasing and Supply at a polytechnic in the South-West at the state police command headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
On how he generated the fake bank alerts, Olajide said he would ask for the account numbers and names of the sellers after buying goods from them, after which he would use the information to generate their details by dialling the USSD code of his bank.
After generating the recipient’s name, he said he would alter the old bank alert sent to him by his bank and change the date and the amount, and resend same to the recipient. According to him, the fake alert sent will show on the recipient’s phone as a genuine alert from his bank.
“I did it just three times before I was arrested. After seeing the alert, they would allow me to go away with the goods paid for with the fake bank alert. I went to another shop and a woman recognised me through the display photograph on my WhatsApp and raised the alarm.” The undergraduate also disclosed that he went out with the prime suspect.He admitted that Olajide used the fake bank alert to purchase some items on an occasion that he accompanied him.
One of the key metrics that well defines a truly 21st century brand beyond profit making is its ability to connect with customers and stakeholders as a complete enabler, touching on vital aspects of their lives, creating exciting memories and enabling them to access more enjoyable and convenient lifestyle, in shopping, studying, working, traveling, family living, entertainment and aspirations.
Its ability to also give back to the community through tangible corporate social investment programs that significantly translate to improved living and not just mere formality and publicity stunts is also pertinent.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) is giving a good account of itself in this regard not only as a truly financial powerhouse but also as a life enabler, helping Nigerians live better and achieve their dreams.
In retrospect, banking, decades ago, was essentially about providing financial services and products to merely aid customers’ financial transactions. However, the smart ones are indeed changing the game. Not only is the envelope being pushed to ensure that the unbanked are banked through financial inclusion offers even to the remotest villages, FirstBank has taken banking to another level. Backed by superior technology firepower and capacity, it is assisting not only adults but also Nigerian youths to live better and fulfil their dreams.
The Nigerian nation and the most populous black nation of the world indeed has a youths bulge as observed by many experts with a growing army of young and vibrant people below 25 years of age constituting over 60% of its 200million population! While an unrelenting rate of unemployment, weak economy, soaring inflation and despair appear to dominate the national mentality, many youths are finding solace in entertainment, breaking the ceiling with their creative ingenuity, shunning out award winning hits and in fact making global headlines in music and other entertainment offshoots like movies, comedy skits and contemporary dance.
Nigeria’s 29 year old singer, Damini Ogulu popularly called Burna Boy in March shocked the world winning the world’s most coveted Grammy Award in the Best World Music category during the 63rd annual edition in Los Angeles Atlanta while another 30 year old Nigerian artiste, Ayo Balogun aka Wizkid was also a co-winner in the Best Music Video category for Beyonce’s Brown Skin Girl. These young Nigerian global music icons were raised and honed their skills in the suburbs of Nigeria through home grown competitions and platforms.
Music reality shows have also unveiled and nurtured music and entertainment talents like Timi Dakolo, Iyanya, Praise, Omawumi and other A-list musicians in Nigeria. This is why FirstBank’s intervention and sponsorship of a music and youths talents harnessing platform like The Voice Nigeria is strategic and instructive, and quite capable of helping to harness and nurture music and entertainment talents into celebrated musicians, make global stars of Nigerian youths, and truly help them achieve their dreams. Obviously, Firstbank has been a prominent force visibly empowering talents and the nation, and without the much-needed lifeline, many young talents would be taking to crime or other vices.
For over 127 years, the premier bank has been at the forefront of nation building; supporting through resourceful partnerships to build the Nigerian creative industry value chain which contributed 2.3 per cent (N239 billion) to Nigeria’s GDP in 2016 (NBS).
The bank’s support for the Voice Nigeria is also a demonstration of its commitment to contributing to the projected revenue of US$86m by 2021 from the Nigeria’s music industry aimed at promoting a diversified economy in line with the Federal Government’s diversification policy.
The bank assured that it has given voice to Nigerians for the past 127 years, and will continue to give voice to Nigerians by creating employment, economic empowerment in the country through its products, services and initiatives and it remains committed to strengthening the creative industry which is fast growing into a multibillion-dollar business, with potential to be a leading contributor to Nigeria’s GDP in the near future.
In fact, FirstBank has the network; reach and digital capability to enable the Voice. With its agent banking network across the nooks and crannies in country, it is helping in the search for the talent that will become a true inspiration to all.
True to the name, the Voice Nigeria has lived up to its promise, as it offers exciting and relaxing entertainment to families, music lovers, and other entertainment loving Nigerians who look forward to fresh seasons and episode of the well-crafted music program.
Now in its season 3, the Reality TV show has been a masterpiece in the last six episodes of the current season as viewers are serenaded by several awesome performances and display of raw talents on the show’s blind auditions which ended on Saturday, May 1. The episode ended with raging emotions, exhilarating sensations and blistering anticipation as the four judges – Falz The Bad Guy, Waje, Yemi Alade and Dare Art Alade had one final opportunity to forge their winning team.
So far, the coaches, hosts, producers and amazing talents have been a great delight to watch. They have been awesome with their good-natured banters, hilarious drama, top-notch fashion, electrifying opening performances, talent courting speeches, and chair turning and bell thumping spectacle. The optics is exciting! The expectation on the show has been so intense; you could cut with a butter knife. The coaches’ approach at winning talents over to their team has been fun and a fine blend.
There were no holds barred, as the judges were very warm, animated, upbeat, inspiring and full of energy. They were definitely not a team of avuncular examiners waiting to pass judgments. They brought much gusto and effect to the big stage! While Falz threw up his magical comic card severally, Dare maintained the cool dude posture while Yemi and Waje both brought on the alluring feminine appeal with Waje sometimes speaking in Igbo to convince a talent. In all, they fared well, each getting a fair share of talents to mentor and their combination depicted a perfect combo.
The talents on their part have not disappointed viewers. They came in different shades across both genders, with varying voice textures, mix and pitches – smooth, silky, velvet, shrill, husky, coarse or simply rough. And to the best of their abilities, they did justice to many songs, including some classic tunes and old hits. The creative fusion of multiple genres of music by some smart talents who beautifully delivered unique blend of music made good impressions which won the judges hearts. The awful looks on the faces of those who the judges would simply not behold, having failed to captivate their attention with the voice. The uncontrollable joy of those who got the bell ring and standing ovation and the incredible looks on their loved ones who came to show support. Not forgetting the jazzy presence and reassurances from the co-hosts including Toke Makinwa and Nancy Ikime which also complimented the soothing potpourri.
Interestingly, FirstBank made some smart moves on the show, with the bold inscription of “This is the moment you have been waiting for, Time to put You First”, clearly displayed at the entry of the contestant for the stage performance. This reinforces the bank’s thrust as an inspiration to motivate the talents and youths at large to excellence. It has also promised viewers mouth-watering prizes just by watching the show regularly and following updates on FirstBank verified social media handles.
Now that the Blind auditions stage has come to an end, it is game on! The next phase of the show is the highly anticipated Knockout Stage which starts on May 8. In this stage, the coaches will select the most outstanding talents to proceed to the battles. In this stage, there is so much to come and fans will certainly not be ready for all that is in store.
More than ever, the show’s fans are hopeful that the knockout stage will even be more entertaining but that will certainly not be a challenge with the dexterity of the handlers so far.
With all that has been seen so far, it is difficult to believe that this is only the beginning; it is certain that there is so much more to come.
L-R: Olawale Akoni (SAN), Managing Partner, Babalakin & Co; Olusegun Akanji, Divisional Head, Strategy & Business Solutions, Heritage Bank Plc; Ife Fashola, Group Chief Executive of KADARI Capital; Tunde Fagbemi, Chairman, Dukia Gold; Akin Akeredolu-Ale, MD of Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) and Olusoji Elias, Council General, Dukia Gold, during the LCFE-Dukia Gold media parley held yesterday at the LCFE Trading Floor in Lagos.
Heritage Bank for being part of valuable private sector collaboration with Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refining Co. Limited is set to unlock the over N344trillion market worth of gold investible instruments in the solid minerals sector with the concluded plans of being listed on the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE).
This move that will entrench expand revenue in the non-oil sector through diversification, by stimulating growth in solid minerals in line with the objectives of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) will also put Nigeria on the global map with regards to standardized gold tracing, sourcing procurement and trading it.
In summary, this was disclosed at the LCFE-Dukia Gold media parley held yesterday at the LCFE Trading Floor in Lagos.
Speaking at the parley, the Chairman of Dukia Gold, Tunde Fagbemi who commended Heritage Bank as the project financier and for its other pertinent supports, said Heritage had so far been the banker’s bank for playing key role in backing to promote the first solid mineral listing on Exchange in West Africa.
Specifically, he explained that the instruments which would be in the form of Exchange Traded Notes (ETN), Commercial Papers (CP), and other gold-backed securities would enable the company to deepen the commodities market in Nigeria. He added that it would increase capacity, generate foreign exchange for the government to diversify external reserves and create massive employment across the metal production value chain.
“We are proud to be the first gold company whose products would be listed on the Lagos Futures and Commodities Exchange. The listing shall enable us facilitate our infrastructure development, expand capacity and create fungible products.
“This has potential to shore up Nigeria’s foreign reserve and create an alternative window for preservation of pension funds.
“As a global player, we comply with the practices and procedures of London Bullion Market Association and many other international bodies. “Our refinery will also have multiplier effects on the development of rural areas anywhere it is located. “There must be constant power supply, good road network and other social amenities, apart from employment opportunities for the rural dwellers,” Fagbemi explained.
He also noted that with its current 25 production capacity pound and further room for expansion, Dukia Gold has the ability to meet both local and international demand through its gold refinery services to smelt melts.
Commenting on the collaboration, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo said that the partnership was one of the many initiatives of the bank’s foundational objectives of wealth creation, preservation and transfer across generations.
He further disclosed that the bank offer the gold commodity market three focal contact point in partnership, knowledge and perspective sharing, which ensure that every transaction was auditable to protect investors.
Sekibo who was represented by the Divisional Head, Strategy and Business Solutions, of the Bank, Olusegun Akanji, said the bank had created a buying centre for verification of quality and quantity of gold and reference price to ensure price discovery in line with the global standard.
Speaking, the MD, LCFE, Akin Akeredolu-Ale, who also commended Heritage Bank for its critical role in aiding the fundraising and the financier institution for the Dukia Gold’s diversified financial instruments, affirmed that this would enhance the company credibility rating and put Nigeria on the global map.
He noted that the LCFE was ready to support all the stakeholders in the gold sector in the areas of market creation, price discovery, and dissemination of market information, among others.
Gbenga Awe, Divisional Head, Agribusiness, Natural Resources & Project Devt., of Heritage Bank noted that one of the benefits of this initiative was that the local miners could now trade their gold at the bank’s designated experience centers, as solid foundation had been created for market, price and asset discovery.
Akintola noted that the firm had the capability, technicalities and the necessary accreditation to operate in the gold value chain.
He stated that the listing on the Lagos Commodities would raise awareness of performance of Dukia Gold to the investing world and position it as foremost number one Precious Metals Refining Company in Nigeria
Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has rewarded 10 of its loyal customers with a total sum of N10m in the quarterly draws of the ongoing UBA Savings Promo.
This promo, which is held every quarter, is intended to appreciate loyal customers of the bank, who have stayed with the bank over the years, and offers fresh opportunities for potential and intending customers to join the growing number of UBA millionaires who have in the past benefitted from several Promo.
The virtual and transparent electronic draw which was held on Friday was transmitted live via zoom and the Facebook platform in strict compliance with social distancing rules as directed by the Federal and Lagos State Government.
UBA’s Head Personal Banking, Osita Ede, who addressed participants just before the draws, said there is no better time to give back and delight customers than this challenging economic period where people need all the support, they can get to make life more meaningful.
He said, “As a bank, UBA has been rewarding customers, we have been doing this for several years now; from the Wise Savers Promo, Bumper Draws, and now this. We have been doing this to touch lives and to show appreciation to our customers to tell them we are grateful for their business. This is also an opportunity to reward them for their loyalty to the bank.
Ede added that the promo is also a way of encouraging savings in a bid towards promoting financial inclusion, as statistics show that a lot of Nigerians are still largely underbanked.
“Our key objective is to encourage our customers to save regularly. We are here to support them and encourage them to save and ultimately grow as well, because we are aware that they are invaluable to all that we do;” Ede explained.
A representative of the National Regulatory Commission, Peace Ibadie, who witnessed the draws, congratulated the 10 winners and commended the bank for its efforts at rewarding loyal customers especially in the tough economic and business environment.
“Congratulations to all the winners, I am glad to be a part of this; UBA is always transparent in their promos and we can fully attest to this. It is important that the bank is also actively encouraging the savings culture. Again, I say congratulations,” she said.
The winners who cut across all the zones of the country are Emeka Onyemauche; Ezeigbokwe Oluebube Purity; Omoniyi A Jaiyeola; Olawale Omotayo Idowu; Zaharadeen Yandaki Umar; Aliyu Yaro Bakari; Samuel Enan Esua; Joseph Eze; Deborah Folusho Adebayo and Lucia Chinyere Adim.
When contacted via their mobile phone, the winners expressed their gratitude to the bank as they said the winnings will go a long way in meeting their pressing needs especially in these trying times.
One of the winners, Samuel Enan Esan, who was delighted at the news that he just won N1m, was full of praises. “Thank you UBA,” he stated.
Aliyu Yaro Bakari. who was extremely excited at the news, said, “Oh I am very happy, UBA is the best, you are the best, thank you very much,” he remarked when he learnt he was also one of the beneficiaries of N1m.
To qualify for the promo, new and existing customers of the bank are expected to make a one-time deposit of at least N30,000; before each draw date. Savings account holders eligible for this draw include Target, Bumper, Next Gen, Savings, Teens & Kiddies.
Apart from the savings promo which is held every three months, the bank also has the UBA Bumper Promo which is held monthly, where the first three winning customers are rewarded with N2m, Rent for a year at N1.2m and N500,000 respectively; with 20 others winning N100,000 each as consolation prices.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London and Paris, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.
