Latest News
FEATURES
A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State, when a policeman accidentally shot and killed his colleague during an enforcement operation.
The deceased officer, identified as Tanko Emmanuel, was part of a team deployed by the state government to clear traders from Ahmadu Bello Way.
According to a source who spoke to SaharaReporters, the incident took place while the 48-year-old Tanko Emmanuel, who was attached to the Akwanga division, was engaged in an argument with a civilian. In the midst of the confrontation, another officer on the team, led by Inspector Haruna, fired a shot that accidentally hit Tanko Emmanuel.
The source expressed condolences, stating, “May Almighty God give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and may the Almighty Allah continue to protect security operatives from catastrophic incidents like this.”
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to a text message sent to his mobile line.
This unfortunate incident highlights the risks faced by security operatives in the line of duty and underscores the need for proper training and safety measures to prevent such accidents from occurring.
Veteran Nigerian singer, John Odafe Asiemo, aka Daddy Showkey has opened up on his music career.
According to him, he discovered his musical talent while working in a motor park.
The ‘Ghetto Soldier’ crooner disclosed this in a recent episode of ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast.
“I was working in the motor park as a ticketer when someone told me I have a good voice and that I should consider becoming a musician,” he recalled.
“At first, I was sceptical because I didn’t know how to sing but when I attempted it, I discovered that everyone liked it so that was how I became a musician.”
On the controversy of young artists denying music legends contributions to the success of their careers, Daddy Showkey said he wasn’t interested in giving himself any accolades for paving the way for young artists.
He added that it is left for the young artists who benefited from his legacy to admit it.
![FX Crisis: CBN Bans Commercial Banks, Public Officers, Others From Owning BDCs [Full List]](/media/k2/items/cache/1b3fb93443dadc1506c41280395b44bc_M.jpg)
The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a new order.
The apex bank has banned commercial banks, all financial institutions, public officers, non-governmental organizations, non-Nigerian natural persons, non-resident, non-regulated companies, telecommunication services providers, and others from owning Bureau De Change firms in Nigeria amid efforts to defend the naira against the dollar at foreign exchange market.
On Wednesday, the apex bank disclosed this in its latest guideline to BDC operators.
Recall that CBN ordered all BDC operators to reapply for operational licenses in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 (CBN Act) and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.
Further details of the CBN’s guidelines revealed that those not permitted to own or promote BDC in Nigeria were not permitted to do so.
CBN said the following shall not be allowed to participate in the ownership of BDCs, directly or indirectly: commercial, merchant, non-interest and payment service banks; financial holding companies; other Financial Institutions (OFIs), including International Money Transfer Operators and payment service providers; serving staff of financial services regulatory and supervisory agencies; serving staff of regulated financial services providers; government at all levels; public officers as defined in the 5th Schedule Part IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Non-Governmental Organizations;
Others are cooperative societies; charitable organizations; academic and religious institutions; non-Nigerian natural persons; non-resident non-regulated companies; telecommunication services providers; sanctioned individuals and entities; a shareholder in another BDC (whether directly or indirectly); and any other persons that the CBN may designate from time to time.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has mandated all existing Bureau De Change Operators to re-apply for new licenses in their preferred category.
This was announced on Wednesday in a circular issued by the apex bank, which was signed by the Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Haruna Mustafa.
However, BDC operators have rejected the new licensing guidelines, saying it is against best global practices.
However, the CBN noted that those adjustments aimed to streamline BDC operations and enhance financial accessibility.
The apex bank noted that the BDCs were expected to adhere to corporate governance requirements and anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and counter-proliferation financing provisions.
The latest circular comes a day after the Monetary Policy Committee of the apex bank raised the benchmark lending rate to 26.25 per cent to tackle the country’s soaring inflation.
Reading the communiqué of the meeting, the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, said, “Members further observed the recent volatility in the foreign exchange market, attributing this seasonal demand, a reflection of the interplay between demand and supply freely functioning market system.”
The naira has depreciated significantly since the CBN unified the country’s exchange rates, trading between 1,400/$ and 1,600/$ at the official and parallel markets in the last two weeks.
The new guidelines, which are an update on the draft that was exposed earlier in the year, go into effect on June 3.
The CBN removed the mandatory caution deposit, which the industry players had kicked against.
CBN set up two new categories; Tier 1 and Tier 2 BDC licences.
According to the new guidelines, “A Tier 1 BDC: a. May operate in any State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, b. May establish branches and appoint franchisees in any state and FCT, subject to the written approval of the CBN. c. Shall maintain a minimum distance of one kilometre between its branches, its branch and a franchisee, and between its franchisees. d. Shall exercise oversight on its franchisees. All franchisees shall adopt their franchisor’s name, logo, branding, technology platform and regulatory rendition requirements. 2 Classified as Confidential: e. Shall comply with the franchising standards prescribed in this guidelines.”
A tier 2 BDC Licence allows the operator to operate from only one state of the federation or the FCT, and it is allowed to establish five branches in a state of operation, subject to the written approval of the CBN.
It is also required to maintain a minimum distance of one kilometre between its branches and is not allowed to appoint franchisees.
The BDCs (existing or new) would also be required to meet the capital requirements for their license category within six months.
Meanwhile, the President of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadebe, speaking with The PUNCH said, “The requirement is huge. It is not in line with global practices. Capitalisation in the UK is 50,000 pounds; in Kenya, it is $50,000 and so on. I don’t think it reflects global practice. A BDC is not a deposit taker; it is only buying and selling.
“Also, I’m afraid, we would not go the way of Algeria when they came with such policies and at the end of the day, every other player runs to the open market operations and at the end of the day, Algeria had to look for that open market to even determine their local currency exchange rate. We should be careful so that we will not throw away our experience, capacity and investment,” he warned.
According to the ABCON president, the deadline given to BDCs is short.
“When you are giving other sectors, one year, or two years, why the rush with the sub-sector? The deadline is quite short. It is not feasible and then we should also guide against what we are trying to avoid. The CBN in its mind is checkmating money laundering and we may meet money laundering in the future,” he argued.
According to the new rules, BDCs in the Tier 1 category would be required to have a minimum capital requirement of N2bn, pay N1m as a non-refundable application fee and N5m as a non-refundable licence fee.
The apex bank disclosed that Tier 2 BDCs would be required to have a minimum capital base of N500m, N0.25m as a non-refundable application fee and N2m as a non-refundable licence fee.
The new rules allow BDCs to participate in the Nigerian foreign exchange market as a dealer, following application and approval to the director of the Trade & Exchange Department for an authorised dealership licence.
The CBN said while BDCs could source dollars from individuals, adding, “Sellers of the equivalent of $10,000 and above to a BDC are required to declare the source of the foreign exchange and comply with all AML/CFT/CPF regulations and foreign exchange laws and regulations and customers may sell foreign currencies in their individual domiciliary accounts with Nigerian banks to BDCs. All such sales shall be credited to the BDC’s Nigerian domiciliary account.
“Every BDC shall conspicuously display its buying and selling rates. Such rates shall apply throughout all its branches, and where applicable, its franchisees. Disclaimers or statements by a BDC to the effect that an exchange rate indication is not to be relied on are prohibited. i. A BDC shall not give customers price indications which are misleading or make price comparisons which are not genuine or fair. Every BDC shall maintain adequate records of all its transactions for transparency and compliance with CBN Guidelines, AML/CFT/CPF provisions, circulars or directives,” part of the guidelines stated.
In terms of prudential requirements, the CBN said, “BDCs are required to observe the following prudential requirements: Net Open Position (NOP) limit in foreign currency of the equivalent of 30 per cent of its shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses or as may be determined by the CBN from time to time. Limit total borrowing to 50 per cent of shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses and maintain insurance cover over cash (both naira and foreign currency) in office and in transit, fire, and staff fidelity.”
The federal government has apologised to Nigerians over the economic pains they go through as a result of the reforms embarked upon by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The apology came yesterday from the minister of budget and economic planning, Atiku Bagudu, at a Ministerial Sectoral Update in Abuja
He, however, staunchly defended the policies of the Tinubu-led administration.
Bagudu acknowledged that both foreign exchange rate and inflation figures were still above target levels, putting strain on the economy and the citizens’ pockets.
The minister said, “I apologise for the pains that they (policies) may occasion, but they are necessary.”
The naira has plummeted from around N460 to a dollar to a staggering N1,480 while inflation skyrocketed to 33.69 percent as of April 2024, up from 22.22 percent a year prior.
Despite the economic crisis, the minister insisted the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” centered around eight priority areas was on the right track to spur growth in the economy.
“Is our strategy right? Absolutely. We believe our strategy is right, but it requires occasional calibration,” Bagudu asserted.
He argued that restoring macroeconomic stability was crucial to attract investment and generate revenues to address underinvestment in sectors such as security, education and social welfare.
The minister portrayed the current economic challenges as pains accompanying an overdue economic restructuring.
“Nothing we do can solve the problem of underinvestment without restoring a macro-economy that can stimulate investment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the current administration has made significant strides in reviving the economy and implementing social programmes to lift the citizens during its first year in office.
Delivering the administration’s one-year progress report at a ministerial sectoral updates session yesterday, Akume highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to unleash Nigeria’s economic potential through major reforms.
“This administration has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilising our economy and fostering sustainable growth,” Akume said.
He pointed to policies that have attracted foreign investment and spurred job creation across various sectors.
According to him, a major economic move was the dismantling of monopolistic control over electricity through the 2023 Electricity Law, allowing states, corporations and individuals to generate, distribute and transmit power.
On the fiscal front, he said the removal of the contentious fuel subsidy was hailed as a “challenging but necessary” step to curb corruption, inefficiency and reduce the annual fiscal burden on the government.
The SGF said infrastructure development has been another key focus area, with the completion of extensive road networks, improved rail systems and modernisation of ports to facilitate trade and connectivity.
Alongside economic measures, Akume emphasised the administration’s people-focused policies through an array of social intervention programmes targeting poverty alleviation and empowerment of vulnerable groups.
“These initiatives have provided financial assistance, skills acquisition opportunities and improved access to essential services,” he explained.
The SGF said investments have also been channelled into healthcare through new facilities and educational reforms to boost human capital development.
However, Akume admitted the first year had its challenges from various angles. But he commended President Tinubu for his “calm, unwavering commitment and resilience” in serving Nigerians with diligence.
Moving forward, the administration remains focused on implementing its “Renewed Hope Agenda” centered on economic revitalization, social inclusion and infrastructural progress for the betterment of all Nigerians, Akume stated.
He called for collective efforts towards unity, peace and realizing Nigeria’s full potential through the government’s vision and policies.
Political activist, Reno Omokri has warned men on the type of woman to marry.
He warned them not to marry any woman disvirgined with urgent N2k.
Taking to his social media page, he wrote:
"When Aliko Dangote's daughter married, her bride price was ₦500,000. Please fact-check me. And the wedding ceremony itself was modest and respectable and demonstrated the moderation that can only come from a highly developed culture.
You are going to marry a woman whose parents live in an uncompleted building in a village, and they are asking you to bring ₦3,000,000 and fulfil a long list of demands as bride price? Reason the matter, my friend.
As a man, if you are getting married anywhere in Africa, and your in-laws are demanding drinks like Martell VSOP and XO, designer wear, foreign exchange and expensive jewellery, just know that that is not a customary or traditional marriage. That is modern-day extortion by criminally minded people, and it is in your best interest to rethink that marriage.
A broken engagement is better than being entrapped by heartless Industrial Money Obtainers. Whatever they are asking you to pay is just a down payment. If you marry that girl, they will squeeze the life out of you with their demands. If someone dies, you pay. Someone is born, you pay. When someone starts school, you must shake your body. You are not an in-law. You are an in-money, and you will not have harmony.
Our ancestors were not that greedy. And the items they are demanding from you are not African items. They are foreign. Mostly from Europe. And, therefore, could not have been part of any native law and custom. These are just opportunists trying to use you for poverty alleviation.
African bride price list should not be more than a reasonable amount of money, and then things like kola nut, livestock, palm oil and agricultural produce, and in the Ghana area, gold (because gold has always been abundant in precolonial Ghana).
Ask yourself this question. If truly the bride price in their custom is running into millions, how come the bride's parents live in a rented house or modest uncompleted building? They ought to be wealthy.
The truth is that the father married her mother with ₦5, and now they want you to marry their daughter with ₦3,000,000. To them, they are negotiating a business, not a marriage.
If this were a virgin, then perhaps ₦3,000,000 could be demanded. But ₦3,000,000 bride price for a girl that was disvirgined with urgent ₦2k? Tufiakwa!
Do not be too desperate to marry that you do not see the trap you are entering and the alternatives at your fingertips. You are a successful young man. Your type is rare. There are more beautiful young women than there are successful young men. Sit back. Take your time and marry where you will have peace, not where your in-laws want a piece of your wealth!"
Mosun Filani, the Nigerian actress, has disclosed that she took a break from her acting career to prioritize raising her children, underscoring the swiftness of time.
She said that business was never a priority for her.
After many years off-screen, the movie star recently announced her return to the industry.
In an interview with Oyinmomo TV, Mosun explained that she prioritized her children’s upbringing over her career.
She noted that once a child gains admission to the university, they are no longer under their parent’s care.
Mosun added that she wanted to ensure she raised her kids well, especially considering the influence of social media.
She wrote: “Business was not my priority. I decided to take that break. I took a long break for the kids to grow up. For how long do they stay with us? When a child is in University, he or she is no longer under the parents’ care, take it or leave it.
So, how many years do you have to spend with your children? To train them?
“Some people are even alleging that they are the ones releasing their s3x tapes, just to have followers. Let there be a scandalous post about anyone and see the massive growth that will happen to his/her Instagram page. That aspect bothers me a lot.”
Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman in police custody.
Trial Justice Mobolaji Olajuwo issued the remand order after the defendant pleaded not guilty to a five-count cybercrime charge the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, preferred against him.
For instance, police, in one of the counts in the charge, alleged that the defendant posted videos on his Instagram handles ‘verydarkblackman’, containing information that was “grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.”
People Talk: On sale of new Naira notes at Nigerian parties
0:00 / 1:00
It told the court that the defendant alleged that one Iyabo Ojo was having indecent sexual relationship with her daughter, even though he knew that the information in the video he posted on Instagram was false.
Police further alleged that the defendant, in another video he shared on social media, falsely published that an actress, Tonto Dike, was accused of criminal conversion of the proceeds of crowd funding for #JusticeforMohbadMovement, and equally alleged that she was the person behind a controversial gossip blog, Gistlover.
It maintained that the defendant made the publication “for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to the person of the said King Tonto Dike.”
More so, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, in another video he posted on social media, falsely alleged that top police officers and Senators were having sexual relationship with a now convicted male cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Police told the court that the defendant added that Bobrisky was pimping young boys for Senators and Senior Police Officers to sleep with, which statement he “made for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, injury.”
The defendant was said to had by his actions, committed the offence of Cyberstalking, contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.
Meanwhile, following the defendant’s plea of innocence to the charge, his lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to release him on bail, pending the determination of the case against him.
Adeyanju noted that the charge contained bailable offences, stressing that the defendant ought to enjoy his right of presumption of innocence as guaranteed under by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
However, police said it would need time to respond to the defendant’s bail application.
Even though the prosecution counsel applied for the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of his bail request, trial Justice Olajuwon ordered that he should remain in police custody.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter till next week Wednesday, May 29.
It will be recalled that Verydarkman was in March, arrested and detained by the police over the same allegations.
Verydarkman was later released on administrative bail after various human right activists mounted pressure on the police.
Margaret Oyibo Atayi, a Nigerian woman, has reportedly committed suicide in Nasarawa State.
The woman killed herself over her failed marriage.
The mother of two from Ugbokolo Local Government Area of Benue State was found dead three days after she was declared missing by her family members.
She was last seen around City College Of Education, Abacha road, Mararaba, Nasarawa State at about 3am on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Since then, all efforts to locate her whereabouts proved abortive until her sister, Ochanya Chelle, confirmed that she was found dead on Monday, May 20.
According to her father, Mr. Patrick Atayi, she committed suicide after falling into depression due to her marital crisis.
“Margaret was a mother of two children. She has been in depression for some time now due to mistreatment by her husband," he explained.
“She went out on that fateful Friday morning by 3am without the knowledge of anybody. Her body was discovered in the late hours of Monday, and every available evidence confirmed that she committed suicide.”
A close source who confirmed the incident to Idoma Voice Newspaper said; “This is very unfortunate. In an effort to search for her, I reached out to her father and discovered that she was a mother of two children and that she went into depression for some time, which led to her going out that Friday night at 3 am without anyone’s knowledge, resulting in this unfortunate incident.
"Please, no one should die in silence, no matter the situation you find yourself in. Please speak out; you could be helped and overcome it. Nothing is worth taking your life for or dying for. Above all, embrace God and enjoy the peace of God."
The Trade Union Congress, TUC, said the proposed N54, 000 by the Federal Government falls short of what Nigeria should be paying.
The President of TUC, Festus Osifo stated this in an interview with Arise Television.
People Talk: On sale of new Naira notes at Nigerian parties0:00 / 0:00
Recall that the Federal Government had previously proposed the sum of N48,000 for minimum wage.
This was rejected by the trade union because it was “ridiculous,” leading to a meeting on Tuesday for a new proposal where the sum of N54,000 was suggested.
Speaking on the development, Osifo said the Tuesday meeting was held with the expectation that the proposal will be “something reasonable.”
He said the N615,000 was a negotiation strategy by the union, saying that “you don’t go into negotiation with your barest minimum, after looking at all factors then you add markup to it so you have room for adjustment. The N615,000 submitted was a strategy.”
Osifo highlighted the remarkable difference between the minimum wage of 18,000 naira in 2011, and the suggested 54,000 naira in 2024, using the value of dollar and consumer purchasing power.
He said, “2011 when N18,000 was passed as the minimum wage, what was the value of USD? In 2011, N18,000 using an exchange rate of about 140-145 will give you about $125, which when converted today will get you close to N200,000.
“What that means is what N18,000 could buy in 2011 you will need almost N200,000 to buy it today.”
Osifo said one of the reasons the meeting held today made no progress and was rescheduled, was due to the absence of the 6 state governors, and lack of mandate by 2 who were represented.
“We asked them if they had any mandate and they said no, so we adjourned the meeting to 4pm on Wednesday,” he said.
He urged the governors to be present for the meeting on Wednesday and recognise that they “are not here to play and the Nigerians workers are waiting for the outcome of this conversation.”
Osifo said regardless of the presence of the governors at the meeting tomorrow, “as long as the federal government is seated we are going to move forward but not with the N54,000 they have presented to us.”
More...
A university in the United Kingdom, Teesside University, has sent some Nigerian students packing following their inability to pay tuition fees, as a result of forex shortages.
The university has ordered the affected students to discontinue their studies and leave the UK.
The students were blocked from their studies and reported to the Home Office after the value of Nigeria’s naira plummeted, wiping out their savings.
According to report monitored on the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, some of the students said they felt suicidal as they accused the university of taking a “heartless” approach to those who fell into arrears as a result.
A university spokesman said failure to pay was a breach of visa sponsorship requirements, and that it had “no choice” but to alert the Home Office. The Home Office said visa sponsorship decisions rested with the institution.
Nigeria is currently experiencing serious economic crisis, which is having a significant impact on Nigerian students at some UK universities.
Average inflation is almost 34%, and the situation deteriorated due to some policies introduced by the government.
Before beginning their studies at Teesside, affected students were told they had to show proof of having enough funds to pay tuition fees and living expenses.
However, those funds were significantly depleted because of the crisis in their home country.
A group of students, some of whom shared their names with the BBC, began pressing the university for support after several people who defaulted on payments were frozen out of university accounts and involuntarily withdrawn from their courses.
Some were reportedly also contacted by debt collection agencies contracted by the university.
Adenike Ibrahim was close to handing in her dissertation at the end of two years of study when she missed one payment and was then kicked off her course and reported to the Home Office.
She subsequently paid the outstanding fees but said she had not been re-enrolled and was told she must leave the country, along with her young son.
“I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and I went to all of my classes,” she said.
“I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students.”
She said the experience was “horrendous” and she did not know what was happening with her qualification.
“It has been heartbreaking for my son especially, he has been in so much distress since I told him,” Ms Ibrahim added.
No right of appeal
The Home Office told students, including Ms Ibrahim, that their permission to enter the UK had been cancelled because they stopped studying at the university.
The letters, seen by the BBC, offer a date by which the student must leave the country and say they do not have a “right of appeal or administrative review against the decision”.
Since receiving his letter, one master’s degree student – who did not want to be named – said he had seriously considered suicide and was not eating or drinking.
The university said it had made “every effort” to support affected students, who had now been offered individual meetings with specialist staff and bespoke payment plans where requested.
Esther Obigwe said she repeatedly tried to speak to the university about her financial struggles but received no response, until she too was blocked from her studies and received notice to leave the country.
“I attended all of my classes and seminars, I’m a hell of an active student,” she said.
“It is disheartening, I am now on antidepressants and being here alone, I have nobody to talk to.
“For over two months, I’ve barely eaten or slept, and I don’t understand why this is being meted at us, we didn’t do anything wrong.”
She added that most of the students had “spent a lot of money to be here”.
Jude Salubi, who was studying to be a social worker, was midway through a placement when he was told his access to the university was suspended and he would have to leave the country.
Prior to that, he travelled from Teesside to Liverpool each weekend to work 18 hours to pay off the outstanding fees.
“As of now I have paid £14,000 and have a balance of £14,000,” he said.
“I am willing to come to an agreement as to how I will make this payment, but I need guarantees that I will be re enrolled into school and my visa restored.”
A university spokesman said: “Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its obligations regarding visa issuance and compliance.
“These strict external regulations ensure that the university fully supports a robust immigration system and is outside of the university’s control.”
The spokesman added it was “aware of the challenging financial situation faced by some students” and had “actively offered bespoke payment plans where requested”.
“This option has been taken up by many of our international students; however, some students have still defaulted on these revised payment plans,” he said.
The Home Office said a decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship rested with the sponsoring institution.
A spokesman said wherever a visa was shortened or cancelled, individuals should “take steps to regularise their stay or make arrangements to leave the UK”.
THE President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Publisher of the 98- page 10th Senate Magazine that has been launched to bridge the gap between it and the citizenry.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs and the Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, APC, Ekiti South made the public presentation of the magazine titled “10th Senate Magazine” during plenary.
Adaramodu said, “We gather here to witness a groundbreaking moment in the history of Nigeria, a moment that marks the birth of a new era of communication between the Senate and the citizenry.
“For the first time in the annals of our great nation, the Senate has bestowed upon us the 10th Senate Magazine.
“It is a platform that will bridge the gap between the Senate and the people it serves. This visionary initiative of the leadership of the 10th Senate is deliberately intended to foster transparency, understanding and engagement, as we strive to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.”
The Senate Spokesperson who noted that the Senate stood as the upper chamber of the National Assembly, representing the interests of the diverse Nigerian populace, said, “It is here, in the hallowed halls of legislation, that the voices of the people find resonance and their concerns are addressed through thoughtful deliberations and legislation.”
Adaramodu who explained that the magazine, the senate’s beacon of progress, was an embodiment of the senate’s commitment to open dialogue and effective communication with Nigerian people within and outside, said, “within its pages, you will find a tapestry of stories, insights, and ideas that reflect the rich chronicle of our nation.
“It will serve as a platform for the senate to share its legislative achievements, initiatives and aspirations, while also providing a voice to the diverse voices of our citizenry.
“As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the power of knowledge and dialogue. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the bond between the senate and the people, as we work hand in hand towards a brighter future for our beloved nation.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Senate who himself is the Publisher, distinguished senators and the editorial team who have contributed to the birth of the 10th Senate Magazine.
“Your dedication and commitment have brought us to this momentous occasion, and we stand united in our pursuit of a more informed and engaged society.
“Together, let us build bridges, foster understanding and create a legacy of progress that will resonate for generations to come.”
Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide has finally revealed the secret behind his church's exceptional success.
He spoke during a recent church service.
According to Bishop Oyedepo, the prosperity witnessed by his church is as a result of its longstanding commitment to humanitarian works.
With a congregation numbering over 20 million worldwide, the Living Faith Church has emerged as one of Nigeria’s largest Christian congregations.
Bishop Oyedepo emphasized that the ethos of giving freely has been pivotal to the church’s growth and widespread acceptance.
See reactions and video below:
@vivian__idu said; “Reality that the world don’t want to know about this church.”
@empresspowei said; “We don’t announce it… Grace keeps showing.”
@antonyx001 said; “What will you say about the Catholic Church. The whole Winners does not even give up to half of what the Catholic church in Germany gives yearly. Let me just keep mute.”
@lobajewelries said; “Have a heart of giving.”
@tommy_standard said; “I nor see those wen dey criticise churches for dis comment oo, as una nor like beta tin so.”
@steve_chuks__ said; “See as the comment small … people don’t like positivity for real.”
@doctor_gospel said; “Some ignorant folks who will never say anything good about the body of Christ won’t see this and spread it to their fellow unbelievers.”
@arcartist_simeon said; “This kain news no dey go far, but if it’s to bash pastors or church. Everywhere go full. Very ignorant generation.”
If one has the power to challenge fate, many people would have asked why they are treated very unfairly. But Henry Miller would say: Destiny is what you are supposed to do in life. Fate is what kicks you in the ass to make you do it. So we can’t challenge fate.
Mrs. Nkechi Clement Ugo, a native of Oshigbe Community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, would have been one of those to challenge fate if the opportunity had provided that. Fate has indeed kicked her in the ass with the precarious situation she finds herself in.
A blind widow with six children, who lost her husband some years ago, struggling to take care of her five bind children, has been very difficult, especially with the present economic situation of the country.
At the Ebonyi Remand Home located at Mile 50 in Abakaliki, where she and her blind children are currently taking refuge, Nkechi said out of her six children, five are blind like her.
The eldest of her children is 13 while the youngest is 5 years old. She explained that her first child is in the School for the Blind at Opefia in Ezzi Local Government Area of the state.
According to Mrs. Ugo, her ordeal started at a tender age when she woke up one morning to discover that she could not see any longer and all efforts made by her father to enable her regain her sight proved abortive.
“My world came to an end when l lost both parents to the cold hands of death”, she lamented.
However, according to her, succour came her way when a man approached her for marriage despite her condition. But as if she was created for ill luck, her life was further stretched when she lost her husband years ago leaving her and her blind children in a world full of loneliness, suffering, and an uncertain future.
She said that life has been unbearable as her condition makes it difficult for her to engage in any meaningful activity to earn a living. “As you can see, l am blind and all my children except one, are blind. My first blind daughter is currently in the School for the Blind at Opefia through the help of good-spirited individuals. The only one who is free from blindness cannot go to school regularly because she is our eyes and legs as of now, so anytime she is not around, we would be crippled until she comes back”, she narrated.
Mrs. Ugo lamented her inability to train her children in school and recalled how she had the ambition of raising world-class men and women who would contribute to the development of the larger society and wished she could have her children regain their sights.
Mrs. Nwifuru to the rescue
But all hopes seem not lost for the family as the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru has located her and commenced the construction of an ultra-modern bungalow for the blind woman and her children as well as donation of food items, clothing, and cash gifts to cushion the effect of the present economic hardship on the blind woman and her children.
Mrs. Nwifuru got information on the pathetic circumstances of the blind family during her tour of the 13 Local Government Areas of the state for the inauguration of her pet project, “Better Health For Rural Women, Children, And Internally Displaced Foundation”, BERWO.
Touched by the plight of the family, the Governor’s wife who couldn’t hold back tears after seeing and hearing from the blind woman, pledged to take care of the family. She promised that a greater part of her life would be committed to humanitarian services, adding that her foundation would always be at the forefront of the activities geared towards the well-being of the downtrodden in society.
She disclosed that her foundation has enrolled over 4,750 pregnant women across the state into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme aimed at ensuring safe delivery and adequate health care for the women among other projects.
Responding, Mrs. Ugo thanked the governor’s wife and also appealed to other good-spirited individuals who could come to her aid to further assist her blind children go to school and have quality education like their peers and earn a living without having to depend on people through street begging. “I can’t question God for what He has made me and these children be; we are His creatures and we are grateful to Him”, she said.