Executive Chairman of Atlas Petroleum and Oranto Petroleum, Arthur Eze, has categorically denied recent news report of his involvement in a partnership with ADM Energy on the ongoing Marginal Fields Bidding Round in Nigeria.
On August 3, ADM Energy announced its successful pre-qualification in the Nigerian Government’s 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round, as the exclusive technical partner of Nigerian company, Oilbank International.
But, Eze on Thursday accused Oilbank International of fraudulently using his name and presented him as its Chairman, leading to media reports stipulating his partnership with ADM Energy.
“The misuse of my name and reputation is a blatant fraud. I am not involved in any shape or form in the management of Oilbank International, nor do I serve as its Chairman of the Board.
“Consequently, neither I nor my companies Atlas Petroleum International and Oranto Petroleum have ever had in any way, shape or form, any discussion about a potential partnership with ADM Energy,” said Eze.
While the Nigerian Marginal Fields Bidding Round is expected to attract a lot of international partnerships to inject necessary capital and technology into the country’s marginal acreages, it’s the duty of foreign partners to do their due diligence before partnering with local entities.
“If Atlas Petroleum International wants to acquire and operate a marginal field, it can do so on its own rights and does not need partnership with small companies like ADM Energy or Oilbank International to pursue such an opportunity.
“This is further demonstration that all stakeholders must adhere to President Muhammadu Buhari’s call to end corruption and promote sound and transparent business practices and corporate governance standards across the energy sector,” Eze added.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, have congratulated President of African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, on his re-election for a second term in office.
Buhari, who felicitated with Adesina on behalf of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians in general, explained that the news of the victory came during the Council of State meeting, which was attended by former heads of state, Senate President, governors, some ministers, and senior government officials.
Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, applauded reelected president’s versatility, experience at both national and international engagements, saying he believed that Adesina would “further deploy these qualities to energise the pan-African financial institution.”
He urged him to remain “focused and steadfast in pursuing the noble goals of making life better for Africans through various development plans, already captured as High 5s.”
The statement explained that the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, announced the good news of Adesina’s reelection to which Buhari led a round of applause immediately, saying: “He (Akinwumi Adesina) deserves it.”
The Nigerian President extended appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of Adesina much earlier, and to shareholders of the bank who worked tirelessly to ensure the return of the visionary leader.
Buhari rejoiced with family, friends and professional colleagues of Adesina over the re-election, while commending members of staff and Board of Governors of the bank for their consistent support for the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and his management team.
While pledging full support of his government to ensure a successful tenure for the bank’s leadership, the Nigerian President prayed God to continue to strengthen Adesina and his team for greater good to the continent.
In his congratulatory message to Adesina, who hails from Ogun State, Abiodun described his reelection as a blessing to Nigeria.
“On behalf of the good people of Ogun State, I congratulate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on his re-election as President of the African Development Bank.
“It is not surprising, and it is indeed a blessing to our great nation, Nigeria to have retained leadership of the regional institution, when one considers the many developmental contributions by the bank to member countries.
“I wish him a successful new term that will steadily continue to take the African region to greater heights,” the governor said.
Cascais, 10 July 2018 – The first edition of the EurAfrican forum held under the High Patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic and the Government of Portugal, is a one-day exclusive High-Level Forum. With the theme “Crafting Coalitions for Change, this action-oriented platform aims to foster stronger collaboration between Europe and Africa in order to promote a shared green and inclusive growth, to uncover new business opportunities and to create synergies between innovation models.
For the first time, EurAfrican Forum would be held exclusively online between September 3 and 4, bringing together personalities from the public and private sectors, and also representatives of civil society, entrepreneurs, activists and scientists.
This year’s edition would focus on challenges and common points, with the theme: “In Search for a Common Ground in a Post COVID-19 World.”
The programme would focus on five panel discussions, including: Perspectives on AU-EU relations; Matrix Energy Just Transition Made in Africa; Emerging and Fast Track Business; African Culture Feeding the World; and Connecting the Unconnected Due to the Global Public Health Crisis.
Many international conferences have been cancelled or postponed due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but at a time of risk and uncertainty, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Portuguese Diaspora, Filipe de Botton, believed that it’s a crucial moment for us to be together.
“The only way to respond to a global crisis is to reestablish links, not only with political and private decision-makers, but also with civil society, in order to acquire a collective vision and establish global solutions.
“Thus, we made the decision to hold the EurAfrican Forum Digital, so that we can play a role in the recovery of our economies” said Botton.
The forum would bring together the biggest protagonists of change on the African and European continents, namely businessmen, activists, leaders and public and private decision-makers and all those who have been contributing to the construction of a positive dialogue between the two continents.
Talks would continue, and the Digital Forum would provide the necessary tools for working together to find common ground in a post-COVID-19 world.
EurAfrican Forum 2020 is an independent platform that brings together all those who are building a positive dialogue between Africa and Europe, including entrepreneurs, activists, researchers and policy makers.
In a bid to reposition the Amnesty Programme, President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday approved the appointment of Col. Milland Dixion Dikio (rtd) as Interim Administrator with effect from August 21.
This followed the President’s approval of the disengagement of Prof. Charles Quarker Dokubo from Office as the Coordinator, Amnesty Programme with immediate effect.
Dokubo has been directed to hand over all official matters to the most senior officer of the Programme.
Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, appreciated the services of Dokubo to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best in his future endeavours.
It would be recalled that the President had suspended Dokubo in February based on the recommendation of a caretaker committee set up to look into allegations and petitions against him.
The committee was asked to ensure that allocated resources are properly utilised in consonance with government’s objective of alleviating problems in the Niger Delta region.
File Photo of African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.
Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina has been re-elected for another 5year term as President of the Africa Development Bank by its Board of Governors.
Adesina’s election was disclosed by a Social Media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, who confirmed the news in a congratulatory tweet on Thursday.
The AfDB is currently holding its 55th Annual Meetings in Côte d’Ivoire virtually, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
A clearance by an independent panel, led by Former President of Ireland and ex-United Nations Human Right Commissioner, Ms. Mary Robinson, which absolved Adesina of any breach of ethics paved the way for his re-election.
File photo: African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina.
Adesina is the first Nigerian to hold the post of the bank’s President.
The AfDB, founded in 1964, is geared towards spurring “sustainable economic development and social progress” among member African countries.
Nigeria is the AfDB’s largest shareholder with 16.8 percent of rights, while Germany and the United States own 7.4 percent and 5.5 percent respectively.
On Wednesday, Adesina had made a case for his re-election to the AfDB’s Board of Governors, noting that he wanted to fulfil “his sense of duty and commitment.”
“Five years ago, right here in Abidjan, you elected me president of the African Development Bank. It was a huge responsibility to shoulder. I promised that I would work tirelessly to accelerate Africa’s development. My vision, focused on the High 5 priorities, was my commitment, my promise, my compass,” Adesina said during a virtual session at the start of the Bank’s 2020 Annual Meetings.
“Time has passed so quickly,” he added, citing the Bank’s achievements in the five years of his presidency.
Some 18 million additional people now have access to electricity, 141 million people have received more advanced agricultural technology to improve food security, 15 million people have access to financing, 101 million now have access to improved transport, and 60 million people have gained access to water and sanitation, Adesina argued.
“Dear Governors, these Annual Meetings are my opportunity to offer you my services and seek a second term as President of the African Development Bank,” he said. “I do so with humility. I do so with an acute sense of duty and commitment. I do so to serve Africa and our Bank.”
Nigerian-born Canadian, Kaycee Madu, appointed by the Canadian Government as Justice Minister and Solicitor General of Alberta.
A Nigerian-born Canadian, Kaycee Madu, has been appointed by the Canadian Government as Justice Minister and Solicitor General of Alberta, a province in Canada.
The 47-year-old, who was born and raised in Southeast Nigeria, replaces Doug Schweitzer, who is now Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.
The University of Lagos 2001 law degree graduate was first elected as a Minister in Alberta In the April 2019 general election.
In a tweet, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) stated that “Madu is the first Black Man to occupy either Provincial or Federal Justice positions of the Justice Minister, Attorney General or Solicitor General”.
Madu, who has practised law in both Nigeria and Alberta was before his appointment a member of the Legislative Assembly of the province, representing the district of Edmonton-South West after winning the 2019 Alberta general election.
In his reaction to the appointment, Madu stated that the importance of carrying the new ministry forward amid difficult social and economic times weighs heavily on his mind, especially when there is expectations to make a significant impact on the current state of affairs in the province.
Part of those expectations include that Madu spearheads the changes in the Police Act, and provincial election finance laws proposed by the Select Special Democratic Accountability Committee.
According to him, his fundamental belief in equal access to justice has always informed his legal work, and that will never change.
“I spent my entire professional career fighting for those who lacked means, including at Legal Aid Alberta, Labour, Immigration, and Human Rights Tribunals, and in the courts.
“My views on the application of justice and equality will always be integral to who I am as a father, husband, citizen, lawyer, and politician.
“I am determined to make sure our justice system represents all Albertans in a way that is fair and accountable. In particular, I believe Modernizing the Police Act will be a necessary step towards ensuring equality for marginalised people before the law, and I look forward to that important work ahead,” he noted
CBC News reported that Madu and his wife relocated to Canada in 2005.
On April 30, 2019, he was appointed to the Executive Council of Alberta as the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Madu, a member of the United Conservative Party, is the first Nigerian-born cabinet member in Alberta.
Premier Jason Kenney on Tuesday said the appointment of Mr Madu makes a powerful statement at a time when Albertans have grown more sensitive to racial prejudice.
“Madu is a man who has experienced racial prejudice firsthand and can bring that sensitivity to this important role,” Mr Kenney said.
President Muhammadu Buhari receives ex-President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House Abuja, Tuesday August 18, 2020. Photo: Femi Adesina
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday says the priority in Republic of Mali now should be securing the country, which is largely occupied by terrorists.
According to a statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesiyan, the President spoke Wednesday when he received briefings from ECOWAS Special Envoy to the West African country, former President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The meeting came ahead of an extraordinary virtual summit by ECOWAS heads of state and leaders, scheduled for Friday.
In Adesina’s statement, President Buhari stressed: “About two-thirds of Mali is occupied by terrorists, and it makes common sense to secure the country, rather than pursuing individual interests.”
He said the sub-region would take a common position on the issue when the leaders meet on Friday, hoping that an amicable and generally acceptable position to all interested parties would be arrived at.
In his brief to the President on dialogue with the military coup leaders, who are seeking to stay in power for three years, before holding elections, Dr Jonathan said:
“They call themselves National Committee for the Salvation of the People. We asked them to allow ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to return to his personal residence, where he would be given tight security, but they said he could travel abroad, and not return to answer questions they may have for him,’’ the Special Envoy said.
“We also told them that what would be acceptable to ECOWAS was an Interim Government, headed by a civilian or retired military officer, to last for six or nine months, and maximum of 12 calendar months. The Interim Government would then organize elections to restore full constitutional order.”
Dr Jonathan disclosed that his team was allowed to meet with the ousted President, who confirmed that he resigned voluntarily, adding that he was no longer interested in returning to his former position.
He added that the military leaders want ECOWAS to lift sanctions put in place, as it was already affecting the country, “but we told them that the authority to do such was only in the hands of ECOWAS heads of state.”
Commissioner, representing Lagos State at the Federal Character Commission, Abdul Wasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah and
Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Tayo, Bamgbose-Martins
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has said it would soon commence a review process for issuing state of origin documents to individuals, just as specific steps would be mapped out to follow due process before the documents are given to anyone.
Speaking through his Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Tayo, Bamgbose-Martins, the governor called on those who issue letters of indigeneship to non-indigenes and those procuring same to desist from such untoward acts, as it’s a disadvantage to the real indigenes of the state.
Bamgbose-Martins, who disclosed this during a meeting with the members of the Federal Character Commission in his office at Alausa in Ikeja, expressed his displeasure at the rate by which some government functionaries arbitrarily issue the state of origin document to non-indigenes in order to secure federal appointments.
“There have been verified reports that non-indigenes procure state of origin documents from different unauthorised sources in Lagos, sometimes at the local government level or even from some traditional rulers as attested to by the Federal Character Commission. This is quite unfortunate that people can descend so low to commit such despicable acts,” he said.
The commissioner assured that, henceforth, his ministry would work more closely with the Federal Character Commission to appropriately address the issue and ensure that indigenes of Lagos State are no longer deprived of their place in federal appointments and placements.
“Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations is ready to collaborate with the Federal Character Commission to curb this impropriety. We will review the process of issuing state of origin documents and map out specific steps to ensure that due process is followed before the documents are issued,” he explained.
Earlier, the commissioner, representing Lagos State at the commission, Abdul Wasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah, stated that the focal point of the meeting was to strengthen the collaborative efforts of the state and the Federal Government so that indigenes of Lagos State have equal representation they deserve for federal appointments.
He disclosed that the survey carried out by the commission indicated that most of the candidates, who presented state of origin documents during recruitment, are non-indigenes of Lagos State but had procured such documents from dubious sources, hence, there’s a need to call the attention of the state government to it.
Bawa-Allah maintained that the commission would no longer accept documents that do not emanate from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, adding that traditional rulers and local government authorities who issue such documents should be duly informed and educated on the implications of such actions.
According to him, “We will work with Lagos State to educate the traditional rulers, through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, so that whatever they are issuing comes with the conscience and consideration of the future of Lagos. From now on there will be a need to obtain final clearance from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations.
“The final papers must come from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations. Whatever paper we see from the ministry is what we will recognise as the state of origin document for any federal position.”
A file photo of the African Banker Awards 2018, which held in Busan, South Korea.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Access Bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe; Governor, Central Bank of Seychelles, Caroline Abel; former Chief Executive Officer of Agusto & Co., Vivien Shobo; among others have emerged winners of the 2020 Edition of the African Banker Awards announced Wednesday at a virtual Awards ceremony on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings ongoing in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
The Awards are considered the Oscars of the African banking community and given the impartial selection and judging process, the Awards have been adjudged to be the most respected in the field.
Wigwe won this year’s African Banker of the Year. The financial institution is ranked as one of Africa’s top-tier banks and Wigwe has been at the helm of the bank’s growth and expansion, including the oversight of the takeover of Diamond Bank, a bank that was much bigger than Access Bank less than 15 years ago.
Access Bank also won Agriculture Deal of the Year, as a result of its singular role to help Olam develop rice operations in Nigeria.
The Central Bank Governor of the Year went to Abel from Seychelles, while the Finance Minister of the Year went to Ahmed.
The organisers noted that despite difficult circumstances Nigeria’s Minister of Finance had managed to push through a set of difficult reforms as well as successfully engaging international partners to help the country navigate an extremely challenging economic environment.
Tunisian businessman and financier, Ahmed Abdelkefi, won the Lifetime Achievement Award. He’s the founder of numerous businesses operating in leasing, brokerage and investment banking. He also founded private equity group, Tuninvest, and then launched Africinvest, without doubt one of Africa’s most successful Africa-owned PE firms.
Trade and Development Bank (TDB) won Bank of the Year. Incidentally, its CEO, Admassu Tadesse, won Banker of the Year at last year’s ceremony.
The organisers added a number of awards this year to reflect the African Development Bank’s High Fives Agenda.
The Energy Deal of the Year went to a renewable energy bond structured by Nedbank and Infrastructure Deal of the Year went to the Port of Maputo in a transaction led by Standard Bank. The SME Bank of the Year went to Nigeria’s Bank of Industry.
Other awards include: Investment Bank of the Year won by Citi; Award for Financial Inclusion went to Kenya Women Microfinance; Socially Responsible Bank of the Year was grabbed by Equity Bank of Kenya; Innovation in Banking went to Ecobank; Deal of the Year (Equity) was won by MTN Nigeria IPO – Chapel Hill Denham; and Deal of the Year (Debt) went to Bank of Industry €1 billion syndicated senior loan facility – Bank of Industry/Afreximbank/Credit Suisse.
Regional Bank of the Year Awards went to Equity Bank (East Africa); Coris (West Africa); CIB, Egypt (North Africa); Moza Banco (Southern Africa); and BGFI, Gabon (Central Africa).
Speaking on this year’s awards, Publisher of African Banker Magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, said: “It’s been a momentous year in every sense. Banks will have to play a lead role in kick-starting post-COVID-19 growth and sustaining the real economy.
“Governments and regulators have done an excellent job with limited means and both our winners Caroline Abel and Zainab Ahmed have demonstrated strong leadership there.
“Banks will need to work with institutions and partners to ensure liquidity doesn’t dry up. To quote our Lifetime Achievement Winner: Keep moving forward: adapt, innovate, take risks. That’s your job. Today’s crisis is neither the first and it will not be the last.”
The awards, which were held under the high patronage of the African Development Bank, were sponsored by the African Guarantee Fund as Platinum Sponsor, the Bank of Industry as Gold Sponsor and Moza Banco as Associate Sponsor.
African Banker is a quarterly magazine dedicated to banking and finance in Africa. It taps into the growing demand for information about Africa’s banking and financial world, a sector that is consolidating rapidly and reshaping the economy of the continent.
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