Category: News

Twitter Ban: “You could have handled it a lot better” – Sanwo-Olu Scolds FG

 

Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwoolu has expressed his views on the current suspension of twitter’s activities in Nigeria by the Nigerian government.

Sanwo-Olu, in a recent interview with Arise TV, explained that dialoguing with Twitter would have been better than an outright ban because of the economic implications of the move. In his words;

“The Federal government can handle this a lot better. Because of the number of eCommerce, the number of youths doing digital stuff on the internet, and we cannot throw that away and say it’s not happening.

“I believe there could be a lot of restraint and better management from both sides,”

It will be recalled that last week, the Nigerian government through its Minister of information, Lai Mohammed ordered the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC to order all telcos to block access to Twitter. The directive was issued a day after the social media giant deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet citing ‘genocidal’ violence against the Igbos.

Sanwo-Olu further argued; “On both sides, there are issues that can be resolved between Twitter and the government and I think what they’ve done is not a ban but a suspension like they said, so in the period of suspension let us sit down.”

“If we have 40 million users of that micro-blogger and another country has five million and they chose to take their investment to a country that have five million compared to a country with 40 million. It speaks to the reason we need to have that conversation with them.” he said.

 

‘Ronaldo won’t be Part of My Plan in 2021/2022 Season’ – Allegri Names Two Replacements

 

Returning Juventus manager, Max Allegri, does not want Cristiano Ronaldo to be part of his 2021/2022 squad, according to Corriere della Sera.

Instead, the Italian tactician has identified two players who can replace him.

One of these is Dusan Vlahovic. The Fiorentina player emerged as one of the surprise packages of the Serie A last campaign.

Allegri’s other target is reportedly Mauro Icardi, who currently plays at Paris Saint-Germain.

Icardi could come back to the Italian topflight, where he enjoyed the most success.

Ronaldois still contracted to Juventus until 2022, but is being linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

 

‘Deactivate your Twitter accounts or Risk sanction’ – NBC Orders TV, Radio Stations

 

All television and radio stations operating in Nigeria have been directed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to deactivate their Twitter accounts or risk being sanctioned.

The order was given by the regulatory agency of the broadcast industry in the country in a circular issued on Monday by the Director-General of the NBC, Mr Armstrong Idachaba.

In the statement, the NBC chief said broadcast stations still using Twitter after the federal government suspended operations of the famous micro-blogging platform in the country, were disobeying the government.

The regulator said it particularly is not happy that TV and radio stations in Nigeria were still using Twitter as a source of information gathering for news and programmes presentation, especially phone-in.

It directed those still doing this to desist from it or be punished, emphasising that their Twitter handles should be deactivated.

“Consequent on the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the federal government over the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission directs all broadcasting stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately.

“In compliance to the above directive, broadcasting stations are hereby advised to de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source (UGC) of information gathering for news and programmes presentation, especially phone-in.

“Section 2(1) r of the NBC Act entrusts the commission with the responsibility to ensure strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations.

“Also, section 3.11.2 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code provides that ‘the broadcaster shall ensure that law enforcement is upheld at all times in a matter depicting that law and order are socially superior to or more desirable than crime and anarchy.

“Attention is also drawn to section 5.6.3 of The Code which requires broadcasters to be mindful of materials that may cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society in the use of a user-generated content (UGC).

“Note that it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information, therefore, strict compliance is enjoined,” the full statement read.

Recall that last Friday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, announced that operations of the US-based firm were prohibited in Nigeria indefinitely.

This action was taken after the company pulled down a tweet of President Muhammadu Buhari for violating one of its rules.

On Saturday, GSM network providers were ordered to block their subscribers’ access to the platform and Nigerians bypassed this using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

This angered the federal government and the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Abubakar Malami, said anyone using Twitter after the ban would be prosecuted.

 

 

USSD Charges: Banks commence N6.98 deductions

 

 

Customers of several banks have been informed that they will be charged N6.98 for each USSD transaction.

Excessive bank charges, on the other hand, may constitute a threat to financial inclusion, according to experts.

According to them, it will promote cash transactions because many bank clients would avoid using the USSD for transactions, and it would discourage the unbanked sector of the population from paying such fees on their little deposits.

A message from some of the banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank and Fidelity Bank on ‘Update on USSD transactions’ stated, “Please be informed that you are now required to pay a fee of N6.98 to your mobile network provider for every banking transaction carried out on all USSD banking platforms.

“This means that when you send money to anyone using USSD, a fee of N6.98 will be charged to your bank account, which is in turn remitted in full by your bank, to your mobile network provider.

“Please note that airtime and data purchases via USSD are exempt from this charge on USSD platforms.”

To avoid paying the costs, the banks advised consumers to use other electronic transactions accessible at the banks.

Dr. Sam Nzekwe, a former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, warned that too frequent bank changes were detrimental to the financial inclusion push, particularly for unbanked Nigerians.

He said people would prefer to walk into the banking hall to make payments.

“There are many charges that the banks charge the customers, even if you don’t do any transaction. Some of these informal sectors will start running away because they cannot understand the many charges. That is why many of the informal sector still do their transactions by cash.

“What an average customer wants is to show me why you should charge me. But you are charging me for many things and at the end of the month you will still charge me again.”

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Aregbesola is a frustrated agent trying to impress those he serves —Yoruba group

Aregbesola is a frustrated agent trying to impress those he serves —Yoruba group
A Yoruba self-determination group, Ilana Omo Oodua, has blasted Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over comments credited to him where he allegedly reprimanded those seeking for secession and calling them foolish.

The group said the minister is “a frustrated agent of the caliphate”, and that the Yoruba would soon achieve success from those “Aregbesola is trying to impress,”

Aregbesola, at a function on Saturday, reportedly called those who are agitating for Yoruba and Biafra nations ”foolish” and “the problems of Nigeria.”

“Any right-thinking person should know that any problem against Nigeria will result in calamity and retrogression.

“Those calling for secession are just being foolish,” the Minister was quoted to have said.

But in a statement on Sunday by the Media Communications Secretary of Ilana Omo Oodua, Maxwell Adeleye, the group described Aregbesola as “a frustrated agent of the Caliphate whose Interior ministry is in charge of the Department of Immigration under whom foreign herdsmen invaded our land with impunity.”

“For Aregbesola to call the age mates of his father foolish shows that he lacks the much-coveted Yoruba Omoluabi ethos,” the statement reads in part.

“He (Aregbesola) threatened Yoruba people with war and within hours, Igangan, Ibarapa Zone of Oyo State, was invaded by murderous herdsmen leading to scores of Yoruba people being killed and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.

“The power of the people is the ultimate in a democracy. No dictator has ever defeated the collective will of the people. Aregbesola and his cabal will fail.

“Was he saying that the Osun State people that he governed and who are currently at the forefront of the Yoruba Nation agitation are foolish?

“We were in Osogbo, Osun State, and the crowd of people that received us was so huge. Was Aregbesola saying those people are foolish?

“We in Ilana Omo Oodua know that we are not foolish and that the people who Aregbesola governed in Osun State are not foolish.

“Aregbesola is a frustrated man and will keep wallowing in the web of frustration until the Yoruba people decisively achieve their independence from the hegemony of those who Aregbesola is trying to impress,” the group noted.

 

Popular Nigerian footballer, drowns in Belarus lake

 

Kelvin Odenigbo, the Nigerian footballer who plied his trade with at FC Vitebsk in Belarus, has been found dead after drowning in a lake.

The Belarusian Premier League club confirmed the demise of the 20-year-old striker in a statement on its website.

In the statement, the club said Odenigbo drowned and was found dead on Saturday by the lake Beloye, a tourist destination in the Vitebsk region.

“We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the football player. The football club Vitebsk reports that on June 5, 2021, on the lake Beloye, in the area of the tourist base Verasy, OSVOD employees found the drowned Kelvin Odenigbo,” the statement read.

The club also promised to release more details to the public when available.

“We will publish all official information as it becomes available. We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the football player, as well as to all the fans of the team,” the statement added.

Odenigbo recently joined the club on loan from NAF Rockets FC, the Nigerian National League side, at the end of last season before making the switch permanent for the 11-match-old 2021/22 season.

He featured for sixth-placed Vitebsk this season, assisting one goal in four appearances.

 

Igangan Attack: A Reprisal From Seriki’s Boys – LG Boss Reveals

 

But for the timely intervention of men of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, in Igangan, more casualties would have been recorded in a midnight invasion carried out by bandits suspected to be fulani herdsmen, Lateef Akorede, chairman of Ibarapa North local government has revealed.

He also said the police also supported the vigilante and local militias who resorted to self-help to salvage their town from the invaders.

It was understood that the council area consists of three major towns – Ayete, Igangan and Tapa.

This newspaper had, early Sunday morning, broke the news of how the bandits invaded the community, killing more than 20 people and burning the palace of the Asigangan, Adolak filling station, several cars, shops and houses in the process.

Akorede, who was recently inaugurated alongside others as council chairmen across the state, spoke on Crossfire, a weekly political programme on Fresh 105.9 FM anchored by Mayor Isaac Brown.

According to him, the attack was a reprisal On then community and his people.

OYOINSIGHT.COM had reported how last December’s murder of Dr. Fatai Aborode, led to the eviction order issued by Sunday Igboho. The situation drew applause and counter-applause as the people were helpless. Seyi Makinde, governor of the state, had to sleep over in the town to douse tension. But before that, Seriki, who was accused of being behind kidnapping in the area, had fled the town.

Speaking further, the council boss confirmed that the perpetrators came with motorcycles. He revealed that one of the those killed was an aide of the Seriki’s son.

He revealed that the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, who hails from neighbouring Ibarapa town of Eruwa town and Makinde’s special adviser on security, Fatai Owoseni and other stakeholders are in town.

This was just as he revealed that locals, together with security agents, are combing the bushes.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened. We knew there would be reprisal and we were prepared. Where they entered, we still don’t know. Our vigilante men just returned from an operation last night and had barely settled down,” he states, assuring that the monarch, whose palace was razed is in good condition.

”The Palace was targeted because of the burnt palace of the Seriki. That was why everything beside it was also razed,” he added.

President Buhari Celebrates Alhaji Erogbogbo At 95

 

The true fortunes of human life are less than a handful: freedom, long life and prosperity. To have all three in almost equal measure is the blessing of multiple lifetimes. This is the defining quality in the life of AlhajiAshafaAjibolaErogbogbo. At 95 years of age, the man has built the kind of legacy that even presidents do not dare to ignore.

President Muhammadu Buhari was one of the first federal-level characters to send warm felicitations and goodwill messages to AlhajiAshafaAjibolaErogbogbo on his 95th birthday. While the message was filled with praises and prayers, it also demonstrated that there are a few Nigerians out there whose services to humanity continue to be felt even though they themselves have retired from the public scene.

AlhajiErogbogbo has indeed made laudable contributions to Nigeria and the part of Lagos State most renowned for enjoying the Erogbogbo legacy—Ikorodu. It could be said that the city enjoys the visitation of outsiders and the accolades of informed Nigerians due to AlhajiErogbogbo, his late wife, AlhajaSadiatAbekeErogbogbo, and their nest of influential children.

AbikeDabiri-Erewa is the most notable of the Erogbogbo children, and her determined personality reflects the celebrated unshakeable character of both her parents. But the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairman is not the only one that inherited this strong personality. The others include KofoKassim, YomiErogbogbo, RotimiErogbogbo, AjokeGbeleyi, Moji Williams, Sola Erogbogbo, Yetunde and FolakeErogbogbo, not to mention the ones that are Erogbogbo by blood. The achievements of these great people have added to the reputation of AlhajiErogbogbo.

Nevertheless, AlhajiErogbogbo has rocked the social and corporate scene on his own merits with a career spanning the oil industry, aviation, customs and several other notable sectors. Moreover, his welcoming and noble personality is responsible for his being a strong member of Ansar-ud-Deen society, an accomplished statesman, and the sharpest, happiest, friendliest and funniest 95-year-old grandpa to all and sundry.

Thus, on AlhajiErogbogbo’s 95th birthday, folks did not hold back in truly celebrating him. However, everything was in moderation, considering that his wife of 70+ years, AlhajaSadiatAbekeErogbogbo, passed away only a few months ago. Consequently, he marked the day with family prayers and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at his feet.

It is truly remarkable to have a long life and a legacy that is the most radiant in a generation. No wonder President Buhari spared no words in hailing the half-step centenarian.

PHOTOS: Tears flow as members of Synagogue Church mourn TB Joshua

 

Members of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) are mourning the death of TB Joshua.

 

The pastor died on Saturday according to a statement released by the church management.

He had stroke two months ago and was flown by air ambulance to Turkey for treatment, TheCable understands.

The pastor returned to the country after treatment.

When TheCable visited the church located in Ikotun area of Lagos, members were seen crying, screaming his name and sharing testimonies of the good deeds of the late pastor.

 

Trouble Looms In ibarapa As Gunmen Kill 20, Burn Palace, Petrol Station In fresh Attack

 

No fewer than 20 people have been allegedly killed in Igangan, one of the towns in Ibarapa North local government, as unknown gunmen opened fire on Saturday night.

The Palace of the Asigangan as well as a popular petroleum station were not spared as they were razed by the suspected bandits numbering 50, who were said to have invaded the town around 11 pm in more than 20 motorcycles.

This is coming few days after the chairman Oyo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps, General Kunle Togun (rtd) alleged that foreign Fulanis have encamped the entire Southwest region and may strike if nothing is done urgently.

A former caretaker chairman of the council, Tunji Omolewu, who confirmed the attack to journalists said he had to rush down around 5 am this morning (Sunday).

According to him, ”People had barely retired to bed when they said they sighted motorcycles entering the town. Before our people could know what was going on, they had started killing people. I got the call around 11 pm. We were on our way from Ekiti where we had gone to do the Yoruba nation rally.

“I got to Ibadan around 12 am and when the calls did not stop coming, I decided to come home. I have counted more than 20 dead bodies. The palace of our monarch was torched. Adolak filling station too was burnt. We are assembled here” he said, almost breaking down in tears.

A former caretaker chairman of neighbouring Ibarapa Central, Yemi Akinlabi, who is holidaying in the United States, said his phone was bombarded with calls.

”It is so sad. Only few days ago, our people got intelligence report and forwarded it to the appropriate quarters for actions but here we are today. Are we going to continue to live in fear in our land? I have spoken to General Toogun about last night’s incident and we would want him and his team to do something. Our people must not be allowed to resort to self-help,” he added.

It could be recalled that last Wednesday, during the tour of project to mark his two years in office, Governor Seyi Makinde had disclosed that insecurity in Ibarapaland has been the most challenging and that his government has put in place several measures, including the creation of a Base for Operation Burst in the area and deployment of more Amotekun corps, among others.

He said that these measures have yielded positive results in the last few months.

 

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