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  • If they kill Gov Ortom, you’ll be responsible – Gov Wike to Buhari-led Government

    If they kill Gov Ortom, you’ll be responsible – Gov Wike to Buhari-led Government

    Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike Saturday warned that should his counterpart in Benue State, Governor Samule Ortom be killed, the Federal Government of Nigeria be ready for a civil war.

    The threat was coming after the alleged assassination attempt on the life of Governor Ortom by “herdsmen”.

    “The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government would be held responsible if Governor Ortom is assassinated. If they kill Ortom, they should be prepared that there will be no more Nigeria. It could lead the nation to a civil war and they should be prepared to bury Nigeria.

    “This is not a first, during the 2019 elections the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Major General Jamil Sarham, and APC Chieftains had concluded plans to assassinate me.

    “We have gotten to such a low point where even incumbent Governors are brazenly threatened with death”, Governor Wike lamented.

    Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday condemned the attack on Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, describing it as “reckless” and an “assassination attempt”.

    Governor Ortom was attacked earlier on Saturday by suspected herdsmen while visiting a farm in Makurdi.

    But his security detail was able to repel them.

    Mr Ortom said he ran for “more than one and a half kilometres without stopping” to escape the assault.

    “The party calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to put machinery in motion by ordering an immediate manhunt, arrest and prosecution of the assailants and beef up security around the governor,” the PDP said in a statement signed by spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan.

    “The PDP expresses shock that the assailants trailed Governor Ortom and opened fire on him and his aides along Makurdi/Gboko road, in an attack that by every indication is aimed to assassinate the governor.

    “Our party is worried that this brazen attempt at Governor Ortom’s life is coming on the heels of his outspokenness in exposing those allegedly behind the incessant attacks of communities in the state and demanding that the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility on the protection of life and property in the state.

    “The PDP fears for the life of Governor Ortom and we urge Nigerians to hold the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration responsible over its failure to take a decisive step to check the escalated insecurity and brazen attacks on innocent Nigerians.

    “The PDP however calls on Governor Ortom not to be deterred by the attack but to remain courageous and at alert, at all times while providing leadership to the people of his state.

    “The party also calls on the people of Benue State to be calm and vigilant while providing useful information to security agencies to flush bandits and criminal elements out of the state and other parts of the country.”

  • Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu plays politics without bitterness – Speaker Gbajabiamila declares

    Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu plays politics without bitterness – Speaker Gbajabiamila declares

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has hailed Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as a political player with no bitterness.

    Speaker Gbajabiamila made the comment in a congratulatory statement on Saturday on the occasion of thje 57th birthday of the Enugu Governor.

    He said Ugwuanyi, who was a member of the House of Representatives until 2015, has been a friend worthy of being celebrated.

    The Speaker said despite Ugwuanyi’s membership of a different political party, the Enugu State governor plays politics without bitterness, which is a virtue of a good politician.

    The Speaker recalled with nostalgia Ugwuanyi’s contributions to the development of the Legislature when he served as a member. He congratulated the Enugu State Governor for marking his 57th birthday in good health and wished him more years under God’s protection and guidance.

  • FG Inaugurates Reconstituted National Productivity Order Of Merit Award Committee

    FG Inaugurates Reconstituted National Productivity Order Of Merit Award Committee

    The Federal Government has inaugurated the reconstituted National Productivity Order of Merit Award Committee, for the purpose of selecting deserving awardees for conferment.

    The Committee is tasked with the responsibility of selecting and recommending individuals and organisations for confernment of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award by Mr President.

    Inaugurating the Committee in Abuja, Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, stated that “the reconstitution of this Committee and its inauguration today demonstrate Government’s commitment to issues of productivity and its enhancement in Nigeria.”

    Ngige enjoined the Committee to come up with a list of awardees for 2019 and 2020 for approval for conferment of the 2021 NPOM Award by Mr President.

    He urged the Committee to apply probity and fairness in the discharge of their responsibility.

    He disclosed that the NPOM Award was “instituted by Government to recognize and honour productive individuals and organizations in Nigeria in the year of the award for achievements made in the three preceding years.”

    The Committee has Barrister Ikechi Uko, a representative of the Productive Sector, as Chairman, and Ms A.O Adenugba, a Director in National Productivity Centre, as Secretary.

    The other members of the Committee are Alhaji Habu Adamu Jajere, representing Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr Uche Nwokedi, SAN, representing Nigeria Bar Association (NBA); Senator Adawari Pepple, representing Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Mr Jamiu A. Abdulkareem, representing the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), and Mr Victor Eburajojo, mni, representing Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

    The rest of the members are Mr Jatau Kandu, representing Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity; Hon. Adamu Ali Wudil, representing House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity; Chief Hilary Edime Amodu, representing the Creative Sector; Dr Yerima Peter Tarfa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Dr Kashim Akor, Director General, National Productivity Centre (NPC).

    The Minister noted that the specific objectives of the NPOM Award are to institutionalize productivity consciousness and excellence in service among workers and organizations in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria; and to recognize and highlight the contributions of the individual workers, as well as organizations, to higher productivity.

    The other objectives of the Award are to reward the most productive workers and organizations in both public and private sectors for diligence, high performance, high productivity and research achievements; encourage and foster the spirit of healthy competition amongst workers, firms and companies in Nigeria, and encourage the spirit of self-reliance.

  • Delta Governor bothered about health insurance for vulnerable Nigerians

    Delta Governor bothered about health insurance for vulnerable Nigerians

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday called on the Federal Government to use 25% of funds expended on fuel subsidy to provide health insurance for vulnerable Nigerians.

    Governor Okowa stated this when he received the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olurunnimbe Mamora at Government House, Asaba.

    “If 25% of the money being used to subsidize today is spent to provide health insurance for Nigerians especially the poor it will help us to reduce maternal mortality in our country,” Governor Okowa said.

    In another development, former Senate President Bukola Saraki was in Detla state on a working visit on the invitation of Governor Okowa, his one-time seat mate at the Senate.

    During this working visit, Saraki commissioned the reconstructed DLA Road and its adjoining streets and the Government Primary School, Junior Staff Quarters in Asaba.

    “I must say, Governor Okowa’s administration’s commitment to the growth and development of Asaba and Delta State is laudable and commendable — as seen through his work in the areas of education, infrastructure and human capital development”, Saraki said.

  • Lekki deep seaport begins operations in 2023, investor assures Lagos govt

    Lekki deep seaport begins operations in 2023, investor assures Lagos govt

    Commercial operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) will begin in the first quarter of 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, Tolaram Group, the frontline investor handling the project gave the assurance on Friday.

    The Governor and members of the State’s cabinet are currently on a two-day working tour of the three free trade zones established in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos.

    The port, which is being constructed by China Habour Engineering firm, is occupying 90 hectares in the entire 830 hectares of land carved out for the Lagos Free Zone, created in 2012 to enhance economic position of Lagos as manufacturing and logistics hub in West Africa.

    The first phase of the seaport project, which is being financed by $629 million facility from China Development Bank (CDB), is at 48 per cent completion.

    After going through the project master plan, Sanwo-Olu said his administration remained committed to delivering project, stressing that the deep seaport and other investments happening in the corridor had the potential to increase the State’s GDP in multiple folds.

    He said: “Given the report I got and what I have seen here, I can say that Lagos Free Zone has made tremendous improvement. We have seen the level of partnership Tolaram Group is bringing in terms of international investment and local brands on this corridor.

    “I commend all stakeholders that are with us on this journey we have found ourselves. With the level of work we have seen, I’m truly excited. It is more gratifying that, we are taking up this assignment with all energies required and we all can see what we can achieve when we work together.

    “Since we signed a loan agreement less than 18 months ago, we have demonstrated strong capability in bringing the project to reality. This is the first quarter of 2021 and we have seen the project in about 48 per cent completion. The investors have given us the commitment on first quarter of 2023 completion date. We will fulfill all our parts to make sure this date becomes reality.”

    Sanwo-Olu, who noted that he had been part of the conversation for the development of the free zones as a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2006, said his administration had recorded significant progress in bringing the projects to reality.

    The Governor said the priority accorded to the construction of complementary infrastructure projects along the corridor was a demonstration of his Government’s fulfillment of its pledge to Lagos residents. He promised the State would work with the timeline to ensure all projects mapped out in the zones are deliver.

    Sanwo-Olu said the size of the deep seaport will allow 18,000 TEU capacity vessels, which are four times bigger than the ones berthing at Apapa seaports, thereby scaling down the cost of container transportation from any part of the world.

    He said: “The interesting part is that, our youths and young women will be the beneficiaries of this project. The project managers have engaged large number of our citizens in the construction parts of the work; all personnel are not expatriates. All the technical work and technology deployed have local component to it.

    “For us a Government, this is the strongest point we have made with the project. I am fully convinced that the delivery of this project will transform commercial architecture of West Africa and bring about quick turnaround time in maritime sector.”

    When it is completed, the deep seaport is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Lagos residents, and serve as alternative in an effort to decongest the Federal Government-owned seaports in Apapa.

    Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Dinesh Rathi, said Tolaram Group, a Singaporean coy, initiated a $2 billion investment in the Lagos Free Zone, out of which the investor committed $950 million to developing manufacturing hub in the zone.

    When the deep seaport is completed, Rathi said the maritime project was expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Lagos residents, and would serve as alternative in an effort to decongest the Federal Government-owned seaports in Apapa.

    Chairman of Lagos Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Biodun Dabiri, hailed the State Government for its commitment towards changing face of commerce in Africa, stressing that all statutory permits, licenses and endorsement for the Lekki port project were already secured.

    “There is strong guarantee that the port will be delivered before time, going by the inflow of capital investment and technical services,” Dabiri said.

    The Governor and his entourage also visited Africa’s second largest manufacturing plant of Kellogg Tolaram, manufacturer of cornflakes, which is built in Lagos Free Zone. The Governor toured the processing unit of the firm and inspected the production chain.

    Also joining the Government’s team in the tour are the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport LFZ, Mr Du Ruogang, and Head of Marketing for LFZ, Ms. Chinju Udora, among others.

    CAPTION:

    PIX 1 L-R: C.E.O, Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Dinesh Rathi; Director, Lekki Port; Alhaji Bode Oyedele; Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande; Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce & Industry, Mr. Oladele Ajayi and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 2 L-R: Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mr. Steven Heukelom; Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang; Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello; Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 3 L-R: Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mr. Steven Heukelom during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 4: Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, pointing to a place of interest on the Lekki Port architectural presentation board during his working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 5 L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce & Industry, Mr. Oladele Ajayi; Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang, presents a pictorial frame of the Lekki Port to Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 6 R-L: Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang; Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande; Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce & Industry, Mr. Oladele Ajayi; Commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako and others during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 7 R-L: Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang and Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mr. Steven Heukelom during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 8 L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC), Mr. Emmanuel Balogun; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director of LFZDC, Mr. Huang Xigong; Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Mrs. Yemi Olusunya; Assistant General Manager, Stakeholders’ Management, Mr. Emmanuel Aguda and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone at Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 9: Aerial view of the ongoing Lekki Port project inspected by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during his working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

     

  • Ogun State: New electoral committee promises credible Local Govt polls

    Ogun State: New electoral committee promises credible Local Govt polls

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday swore-in the Chairman and members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), with a promise to leave behind a vibrant democratic arrangement that would outlive his administration.

    Speaking at the swearing in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun underscored the need for the body to exercise restraint and uphold high ethical standard to midwife a local government system based on the principles of fair, credible and democratic electoral process.

    The governor said the inauguration was a symbolic demonstration of his administration’s commitment to ensure democratic dividends get to the grassroots through electoral processes at the local government level.

    “We on our part, will continue to exert all our inclusiveness approach to fast track socio-economic development and social wellbeing of our people. What we are doing today is a part of that process; rebuilding our electoral system and values as well as strengthening other tiers of government to be at its best.

    “We are determined to leave behind a vibrant democratic arrangement in our State that will outlive this administration. This will ensure that we have good Leadership at all levels which in turn ensure all round development for our State”, he said.

    The Governor described election as an integral part of the norms and values of the modern world political civilization, pointing out that the absence of transparent, free and fair elections has contributed to the instability witnessed in some societies around the world.

    His administration, Governor Abiodun maintained, would continue to provide conducive environment for the conduct of free and fair election at the local government, calling the Commission to put in place an effective machinery to ensure the people at the local government are provided adequate platform to exercise their right in electing their leaders.

    While congratulating the members of the Commission for heeding the call to serve, the Governor reminded them that they should see their appointments as a clarion call to serve, urging them to introduce innovative and resourceful approach for the conduct of free and fair election at the local government level.

    According to him, “the people of our State await your total commitment in sustaining the positive development of the electoral system in line with global best practices. Shun all acts of nepotism, favouritism, corruption and such negative acts which could impart negativity on our duties”.

    Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Commission, Babatunde Adetona Osibodu stated that the commission under his watch would serve with humility, adding that members of the commission recognises the responsibility placed on them and are ready to succeed as a team.

    Osibodu pledged that the Electoral Commission would conduct a free and fair election that would not only be a benchmark for the state, but the country as a whole, stressing that the Commission would carry along all relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a successful local government election.

    Other members of the Commission are; Olatunji Isaac Akoni, Omolaja Tajueeen Soyeolu, Ayodele Bankole, Olugbemisola Onasanya and Remilekun Olaopa.

  • PDP set to regain political leadership in Ogun State – ex-Senate President declares

    PDP set to regain political leadership in Ogun State – ex-Senate President declares

    The reconciliation and strategy committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has successfully resolved the decade-long crisis in the Ogun State Chapter of the once vibrant Party.

    According to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is the chair of the committee, said Thursday evening that: “Now, PDP is set to re-establish itself as the party that will take control of Ogun State from 2023”.

    The crisis that has lingered on for the past ten years between the groups led by late Buruji Kashamu and Hon. Ladi Adebutu has had each of them instituting different court cases, obtaining injunctions and dissolving executive committees.

    The former Senate leader lamented the toll of the crisis on the party’s fortune in the State.

    “These actions have combined to weaken the party in the state and made many people to believe that the differences would never be resolved. As a matter of fact, the crisis is responsible for the loss of the PDP in the state during the past three general elections.

    “Today, both parties have resolved to work together and withdraw all pending court cases. They agree that PDP remains the best umbrella under which the unity and development of Nigeria can be achieved, sustained and guaranteed. They have all signed an agreement to that effect.

    “We appreciate the magnanimity, maturity, patriotism and the give-and-take spirit displayed by both parties — as well as other leaders in the resolution of this issue.

    “We are inspired that if, with the support of Almighty God, we have achieved success in Ogun PDP — which was one of the most difficult and complex — then, as we move from state to state, we will continue to make tangible progress”, Bukola Saraki said.

     

  • Monopoly gets association as Lagos inaugurates sports board

    Monopoly gets association as Lagos inaugurates sports board

    LASG has inaugurated the newly reconstituted Boards of Sports Associations in a brief ceremony on Wednesday, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

    Speaking at the inauguration, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu urged the newly reconstituted Boards to elevate the status of sports in Lagos State by taking it to the next level.

    He also revealed that three new Associations were added to the existing 40 Sports Associations in the State, bringing the total number to 43 with 277 individuals, as part of the Government’s plans to reposition Lagos as the hub of Sports in Nigeria.

    According to him, the new Sports Associations are Monopoly, (joined with Scrabble to form the Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association), Lagos State Netball Association, Lagos State E-Sports Association and the Cheerleading Association.

    Dawodu implored members of the Sports Association Boards to work assiduously and collectively in order to come up with series of sustainable programmes.

    The Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, disclosed that the new Board members were painstakingly selected to refocus and change the face of Sports in Lagos State.

    He stated that perception about Government being the sole financier of sporting events had to change, urging the new Sports Associations to work independently to source private sector financing and sponsorships for organising at least two sporting events per quarter.

    The Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Oluwatoyin Gafaar, charged the newly inaugurated Board members to develop, drive and sustain sports in Lagos State.

    He gave an assurance that the Lagos State Sports Commission would give all the necessary support to make sports development at the grassroots in Lagos State a success, expressing optimism for tremendous improvement from all Associations.

    Responding, Mrs. Abimbola Lawal, Chairperson, Lagos State Traditional Sports Association, also a member of the Board of Sports Commission, assured that all members would do their best to achieve the mandate given by the State Sports Commission.

    The Chairmen of Sports Associations such as Athletics, Handball, Basketball, Taekwondo, Hockey, Gymnastics, Golf, Deaf Sports and Cricket retained their positions, while the Lagos State Football Association will adhere to FIFA Election Statutes to decide fresh members.

  • Telcos suspend withdrawal of bank transfer service as CBN, NCC okays N6 per transaction

    Telcos suspend withdrawal of bank transfer service as CBN, NCC okays N6 per transaction

    Planned withdrawal of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) short code service that enables bank transfer from mobile device, has been suspended by telecommunications operators in the country.

    The withdrawal of the said suspension of service, which was to take effect from Monday, March 15, came as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced that bank customers would begin to pay N6.98 kobo per USSD transaction as against N4.

    The telco’s decision to suspend the USSD bank transfer service was justified by the failure of banks and other financial service providers to remit the sum of N42 billion debts incurred by banks in the last eight months through the use of the service.

    But at a meeting of stakeholders on Monday evening in Abuja by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, the telcos agreed to suspend service withdrawal.

    All parties at the meeting on Monday agreed that effective March 16, USSD services for financial transactions conducted at DMBs and all Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed institutions would be charged at a flat rate of N6.98 per transaction. The agreed new price regime now replaces the current N4 per session billing.

    The Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Osita Nwanisobi, and the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, said in a joint statement that the new approach will ensure transparency and same cost, regardless of number of sessions per transaction.

    With the new USSD price structure, there is now a flat fee per USSD session however long or whatever the number of messages making up the session.

    Before this new rate, a session usually last 20 seconds, meaning that for each session N4 is charged, even if the transaction is not completed or failed along the line. But in this new rate, 20 seconds session has been abolished, and no cost implication until a transaction is completed.

    According to CBN’s Nwanisobi and NCC’s Adinde, the new USSD charges will be collected on behalf of MNOs directly from customers’ bank accounts. It pointed out that banks would not impose additional charges on customers for the use of USSD Channel.

    On the N42 billion USSD service debt owed by banks, stakeholders came to terms on settlement plan for outstanding.

    The statement restated DMBs and MNOs’ commitment to strategies that lower cost and enhance access to financial services.

    “With the above resolutions, the impending suspension of DMBs from the USSD channel is hereby vacated. Therefore, DMBs shall no longer be disconnected from the USSD channel.

    “The general public is hereby reminded that the USSD channel is optional, as several alternative channels such as mobile apps, Internet banking and ATMs may be used for financial transactions.

    “The CBN and NCC shall continue to engage relevant operators and all stakeholders to promote cheaper, seamless access to mobile and financial services for all Nigerians,” the statement read.

    A source at the meeting told The Guardian that the two sectors agreed on N1.63k price and N4.50 price cap while a flat fee of N6.98k will be for the transaction.

    According to the source, banks will now charge customers for the USSD transaction done on their accounts and settle the telecom operators.

    He said the two parties also agreed to work together to deepen and expand digital financial inclusion of the Federal Government and come out with modalities and strategies on USSD.

    Stakeholders who attended the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability Central Bank Of Nigeria, Aisha Ahmad, who represented the CBN Governor, Godwin Emfiele; Access Bank Group MD, Herbert Wigwe, Chairman of the Committee of Bank CEOs; MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola; Airtel Nigeria CEO, Segun Ogunanya; 9mobile Executive Director, Abdulrahman Ado; the EVC of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta; and Executive Commission, Technical Services, NCC, Ubala Maska and among several banking and telecom stakeholders.

  • Joshua and Fury to fight for undisputed world heavyweight in new deal 

    Joshua and Fury to fight for undisputed world heavyweight in new deal 

    Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will clash for the title of undisputed world heavyweight champion after signing a two-fight deal, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said on Monday.

    The locations and dates for the much-anticipated all-British showdowns are yet to be announced.

    Confirming the agreement, Hearn told ESPN: “The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper.

    “But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.”

    Hearn said a venue for the fights, in which Joshua’s WBA, IBF, and WBO titles and Fury’s WBC belt will be on the line, is set to be confirmed: “within the next month”.

    According to reports, Saudi Arabia, where Joshua won a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, is the frontrunner.

    But Hearn told ESPN he “already had approaches from eight or nine sites” across the Middle East, Asia, eastern Europe, and America.

    “We’d like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month,” he said.

    Both Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are expected to earn £100 million ($139 million) each, with the purse split 50-50 for the first fight and 60-40 for the rematch in favour of the defending champion.

    Since avenging a shock defeat to Ruiz, Joshua has defended his titles against Kubrat Pulev in London in December.

    Fury has not fought for more than a year since defeating Deontay Wilder in February 2020 to claim the WBC title.

    Joshua previously stated he hoped the fight could take place as early as June.

    “(The coronavirus pandemic) is getting close to things being normal. We’re working on a date for around June,” the former Olympic champion told Sky News.

    “I’m ready. I’m really looking forward to competition — all I want to do is fight, fight, fight.”

    Fury has consistently made jibes at Joshua’s expense, claiming in January that he would knock out his fellow Brit within two rounds.

    However, last week the self-styled “Gypsy King” said he had stopped training after becoming tired of waiting for the fight to be agreed upon.

    “I’m not training anymore,” Fury told ESPN. “I’m taking some time away from the game at the moment, because, like I said, I’ve been ready to fight since I beat Deontay Wilder last year. I’ve had no success in getting another fight.”

    – Four belts –
    All four belts will be contested in a heavyweight bout for the first time.

    The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Britain’s Lennox Lewis, from 1999 to 2000. A boxer is now required to hold the WBO belt to be recognised as an undisputed champion.

    Joshua has 24 wins and one defeat from 25 professional bouts. He lost his three world titles in a stunning defeat to Ruiz Jr in June 2019.

    Fury is unbeaten in his 31 professional fights. He was controversially denied victory in a draw with Wilder in 2018 before winning their rematch in February 2020.

    He beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to win the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts before nearly three years out of the sport, during which he battled depression, drink, and drug problems.

    Fury was cleared to fight again in December 2017 by UK Anti-Doping after accepting a backdated two-year ban for testing positive for steroid nandrolone.

    • The Guardian