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.
Former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, now Senatorial aspirant for Lagos East.
A former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Adetokunbo Mukail Abiru, Wednesday officially joined the race for Lagos East Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abiru was on Wednesday received at the APC Secretariat along ACME Road in Ikeja by Lagos State Chairman of the party, Babatunde Balogun, and other executive members.
The former banker, who’s also a former Commissioner for Finance under the then Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, used the opportunity to address the party leaders on his legislative agenda and plans for Lagos East Senatorial District, the Centre of Excellence and Nigeria.
The slot for Lagos East Senatorial District became vacant following the death of Senator Adebayo Osinowo, who died of complications arising from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on June 15 at the age of 64.
Abiru signalled his retirement from Polaris Bank on August 24 effective from August 31.
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has tendered unreserved apologies for referring to a journalist, Eyo Charles, as “stupid.”
“I met with my advisors till late last night and I wish to say the following. I hereby withdraw the word ‘stupid’ which I used in my encounter with a journalist in Calabar. I have many friends in the media who I offended by losing my cool and using such words. I hereby express my regrets for doing so.
“I do, however, wish to state categorically that no threat of physical harm was ever made to the journalist in question and neither did I send anyone to threaten him. Anyone that says otherwise is lying and I challenge them to bring the proof.
“I would never seek to physically harm a journalist. For the last 30 years I have defended and worked with journalists and fought for the right of freedom of expression,” said Fani-Kayode on his Twitter handle on Wednesday.
The former minister had come under heavy criticism for calling the reporter ‘stupid’ during a press conference in Calabar, Cross River State.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Fani-Kayode attacked a Daily Trust reporter for asking him a “stupid question.”
The journalist was said to have asked Fani-Kayode who bankrolled his recent tour of several southern states.
However, the former minister, who was infuriated by the question, said the journalist was stupid.
Fani-Kayode said: “I am saying this on live TV. What type of stupid question is that? Bankrolling who? Do you know who you are talking to? I will not take any questions from this man. What type of insulting question is that? Which bankroll? To do what? Who can give me money for anything? Who do you think you are talking to? Go and report yourself to your publisher? Please don’t insult me here. I don’t want to take any questions from this man.
“I could see from your face before you got here, how stupid you are. Don’t ever talk to me like that. Who do you think you’re talking to? Bankroll who? You think I am one of those ones you…from who, when, how? You have a small mind, very small mind. Don’t judge me by your own standards.”
As a follow up to revelations that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) had never received funding as contained in the 2004 National Assembly Acts, the Nigerian Senate has directed the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure remittance of 1% from the federation account into the coffers of the NASENI.
The Senate gave the directive in line with the extant laws with effect from September this year.
NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna revealed FG’s underfunding when he made submissions on revenue projections of the agency for the 2021 budget before the Senate’s Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning.
According to Professor Haruna, the agency had never received 1% remittance from the federation account as provided for by the 2004 National Assembly Acts.
The Act establishing the agency provided that NASENI shall draw from the federation account, 1% revenue accruing to the Federal Treasury beginning from the year 2000 yet the agency had never received a dime from the federation account as stipulated by the law.
Alarmed by the revelation, the joint committee led by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola ( APC Lagos West) ordered the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) Ahmed Idris, to commence the disbursement of 1% allocation from the federation account into the covers for NASENI from September this year.
“The Act setting up NASENI was the Act of the National Assembly and the Accountant General of the Federation could not be allowed to flout the law.
“Therefore, since the AGF is here, please ensure that the executive starts implementation of the law from September this year because NASENI has potentials to develop and industrialise the Nigerian economy through the core mandates given to it by the extant laws,” he said.
Tramadol tablets intercepted by the NDLEA in Apapa. PHOTO: NAN
Less than month that Police detectives in Apapa Area Command of Lagos State had intercepted a 40-foot container laden with drugs suspected to be and codeine on Aug. 6, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted another 607 cartons containing 11, 785, 800 tablets loaded with in Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman, Muhammad Abdallah disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, in a statement by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Jonah Achema.
According to reports by NAN, further investigation of the initial smuggling earlier in August revealed another 40 foot container and a joint examination also revealed 255 cartons of different types of and other banned medicines on Aug. 19.
Abdallah noted that the interception and investigation was with the assistance and cooperation of the Customs Area Command, Apapa.
“This was discovered in another container number TCNU 9465832 belonging to the same suspect transferred to NDLEA by the Police.
“This is making it 3 containers used to carefully conceal illegally imported and other medicines to Nigeria,” he said.
While enjoining other security agencies to collaborate with the agency in its ongoing investigation, Abdallah assured that the NDLEA would do everything within its powers to get to the root of the drug trade.
He observed that the recent discovery of more using the same route from Pakistan Asia – Hamburg, Europe – Nigeria showed the dynamic system of operation by the drug cartel to beat security operatives.
“This discovery is a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal importation of into Nigeria”, he added.
File photo: Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche Photo: twitter
Nigerian Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have shot dead two suspected bandits and arrested 150 others in Bukuyyum and Anka councils of Zamfara State.
This was made known by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, during a press briefing at the Nigeria Army Special Super Camp IV in Faskari Council of Katsina State.
Onyeuko who noted that the troops also recovered ammunition, including AK-47 rifles and Dane guns during the operation, added that the 150 suspects were arrested at an illegal mining site in Bukuyyum Council, reportedly used as a hideout. He said following the arrest, one of the suspects tried to escape, but was shot in the process.
The mining site is suspected to be harnessed and proceeds used to finance activities of bandits in the state, he added. His words: “On August 23, 2020, troops conducted a well-coordinated intelligence-based operation leading to the raid of an illegal mining site along Gadan Zaima/Zuru road in Bukuyyum, which also serves as bandits’ hideout.
“During the operation, troops arrested 150 suspects and recovered 20 locally-fabricated Dane guns. One of the suspects was neutralised while trying to escape.”
He said further that preliminary investigation reveals that aside sabotaging the nation’s economy, banditry is being financed through illegal mining activities.
“During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised while others escaped. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles from the fleeing bandits,” the army chief stated.
A collage photo of former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba and the logo of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
Following the demise of its late Chairman, Ismaila Isa, the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Tuesday named a former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, as its new Chairman.
Members of council in session unanimously adopted the former governor at its meeting, after the Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Sam Amuka, introduced him as the new chairman of the council.
According to the minute of the meeting by the Acting Registrar, Patricia Kalesanwo, the meeting presided over by Osoba, was also attended by the President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nduka Obaigbena.
Osoba is occupying this position 30 years after he served as the council chairman. The council said its decision to appoint the former governor for the position again is to “ explore his wealth of knowledge, administrative skill, professional depth and goodwill to reposition the institute in this era of technology driven communication industry.”
Besides, the meeting appointed a former president of NPAN, Ray Ekpu, as the Deputy Chairman of the Governing Council and incorporated the chairman of NIJ Alumni Association into the council in ex-officio capacity with no voting rights, saying this was to enable the old students to appropriately contribute to the repositioning of their alma mater.
With the tenure of the incumbent Provost, Gbemiga Ogunleye, expiring at the end of this month, the council constituted a committee to place advert and screen suitable candidate for the office of the provost immediately.
President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d'ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja assured Nigerians and the international community that his administration will use the remaining years in office to improve access to quality education, health care and enhance productivity, while listing nine priority areas.
The President, who received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors/High Commissioners of eight countries at the State House, said efforts were being made to sustain Nigeria’s position as profitable investment destination with unequalled incentives in all sectors, especially large market and flexible tax system which investors from various countries can take advantage of.
The Ambassadors/High Commissioners who presented their Letters of Credence are: Hocine Latil of Algeria; Luong Quoc Thinh of Vietnam; Dr Benson Alfred Bana of Tanzania; Traore Kalilou of Cote d’Ivoire; Abakar Saleh Chahaimi of Chad; Jamal Mohammed Barrow of Somalia; Brahim Salem El Mami Buseif of Sahrawi Arab Republic and Mohammed Alibak of Iran.
The President told the diplomats about Nigeria’s priority, and the need to streamline on people-focused policies.
“In our efforts to achieve a realistic domestic and foreign policy, as well as national development, we have identified the following nine priority areas to guide our policy directions over the next few years.
“Build a thriving and sustainable economy; Enhance social inclusion and reduce poverty; Enlarge agricultural output for food security and export; Attain energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products and expand transport and other infrastructural development.
“Expand business growth, entrepreneurship and industrialization; Expand access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity of Nigerians; Build a system to fight corruption, improve governance and create social cohesion; and improve security for all.’’
Describing Nigerians as the “nation’s most prized assets’’, President Buhari said the nine priority mandates were already reflected in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, a medium-term initiative pioneered by the government to restore economic growth and development while leveraging the resourcefulness and resilience of the citizens.
The President urged the diplomats to use the opportunity of working in the country to improve relations with their governments and people.
“I have no doubt that you might have prior and in-depth knowledge of Nigeria’s huge potential which you will hopefully see for yourselves. I therefore, urge you to go around the country, see things for yourselves and report to your home governments. This is important as you all are representatives of both your sending and host states.’’
President Buhari said Nigeria will remain steadfast in pursuing deeper and valuable relations among nations, without discrimination.
“Nigeria strongly supports joint action to ensure a democratic and fair world order based on strict respect for the norms of international law, the United Nations Charter, recognition of the unquestionable value of cultural diversity, national sovereignty, and the right of all countries to decide their future freely, without external pressure.
“Nigeria does not divide its partners into big and small; we value and respect every country, and with every country we are ready to pursue dialogue, as well as build cooperation on the basis of equality and constructive mutual respect.
“These include our cooperation in strengthening regional, continental and global peace and security, resolving complex issues, settling conflicts, as well as addressing dangerous threats to mankind, among which include terrorism, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, cybercrimes, poverty, communicable diseases and epidemics.’’
Speaking on behalf of the Ambassadors/High Commissioners, the Ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria said each of the diplomats brings greetings and agenda from their home governments, but the bottom line remains to enhance cooperation and seek advancement in mutual areas of interest.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we thank you for receiving us. We know that your schedule is tight. As the giant of Africa, you are always focused on resolving conflicts in the continent, while taking care of your domestic issues as well.’’
The Algerian ambassador said the African ambassadors will leverage the opportunity to further enhance implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and learn from each other.
Photos:
President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020
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