A former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has said Nigeria would have been a better country if President Umaru Musa Yar’adua had completed his tenure.
Gowon spoke on Monday during a first President Umaru Musa Yar’adua international leadership conference and awards organised by Global Initiative For Leadership Success in Abuja.
Recall that Yar’adua became president in 2007, but in 2010, he died as a result of ill- health.
Gowon said Yar’adua had achieved significant milestones for Nigeria within his short time in office including granting amnesty to the Niger Delta militants as a way of restoring the economy of the country.
He lamented that though Yar’adua admitted that the process that produced him as president in 2007 was flawed and constituted the Justice Muhammed Uwais Committee for electoral reforms, successive administrations failed to continue with his initiative.
Gowon said, “He was a decent man; a man with absolute integrity. He was an honest man. He did very well and he has to be remembered. He was so honest that he said the process that brought him to power was not right. And he set up a committee. But it was not followed by successive leaders.
"However, I believe that one day, we shall have a solution. He was honey and sincere in dealing with any problem, and he was incorruptible. You can not blame him for corruption; he was clean. His various activities including the amnesty programme that he brought to the Niger Delta ensured our economy was protected.
“His illness and death, I believe if God had allowed him to complete his years in service, I believe Nigeria would have been better. A lot of things would have been better because he meant well for the country. So continue that love for the country and love for one another to make Nigeria great.”
Gowon also decried the spate of insecurity in the country and called on government and security agencies to fish out perpetrators of violent killings, abductions of schoolchildren in the North, and kidnapping for ransom in other parts of the country.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Global Initiative For Leadership Success, Gen A.B Mamman, said, “The blatant refusal to adopt and implement in whole this Uwais Committee report is consequential on the ever-faulty governance leadership recruitment system in Nigeria till date, accounting yet for her to remain in doldrums.
"Most public office holders continue to appear at the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), or the Independent Corruption Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) office to answer questions on their tenure and so many reasons.”
Nigerian singer/songwriter, Harrysong has accused a yet-to-be-identifed person of allegedly using witchcraft against him.
This is coming following messy split from his estranged wife, Alexer following series of leaked chat where Harrysong urged his wife to get an ab*rtion for constantly birthing female children.
Taking to his Instastories, Harrysong bemoaned being played by an unidentified person who forced themselves into his peaceful life.
According to him, this individual tore down his world with their charm and witchcraft.
The singer vowed to expose the person because the world deserves the truth.
In his words: “You played me, forced yourself into my peaceful, beautifully blessed world with your juju,charm and witchcrafty,only to tear it Down? Is that how much of a threat I am to your evil devilish kingdom? Jesus Christ. The world deserve to know the truth about you. I’ll expose you.”
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Veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo has introduced his first son, Clinton Onyeze to the Nollywood industry.
He did that before the commencement of a movie shoot.
The popular actor addressed the crew and formally introduced his son to everyone, announcing his roles as Assistant Production Manager and Personal Assistant.
He emphasized the importance of treating his son as a fellow crew member rather than showing favoritism, as he would be compensated for his work.
In his words: “We resumed filming today. My son, Clinton, Onyeze Mbaise, joins us as Assistant Production Manager & my Personal Assistant. He is an intern to understudy Film making and Management before proceeding for further studies. We should let our children work in our organisations or other establishments to appreciate industry. Kudos Onyeze. Welcome on board Simpliciter Associates Productions”
Read some comments below:
prime_talis said: “Onyeze don’t worry. The fear of KOK is the beginning of sacrifice. You’re covered. ???”
bukasvlog_ said: “Hin say don’t spoil my son for me ???”
iam_rhema noted: “You’re playing a good fatherly role????”
number1_chic_fitness wrote: “Pls don’t end up like yul edochie???”
ugovin_nollywood stated: “Well said senior colleague! You are a god”
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The House of Representatives Joint Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in the price of cement in Nigeria has presented a report which compared the exorbitant cost of the commodity in Nigeria to other countries including its African counterparts.
Naija News recalls that on March 13, 2024, the House made a resolution to investigate the continuous rise in the price of cement.
This decision was prompted by the motion co-sponsored by Gaza Gbefwi (SDP, Nasarawa) and Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos).
On February 13, the Federal Government and cement manufacturers reached an agreement to set the price of a 50kg bag of cement between ₦7,000 and ₦8,000.
During the public hearing held on Tuesday in Abuja, organized by the House Joint Committee, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Gaza Gbefwi, emphasized the urgent need to address the price of cement in the country.
He highlighted that in many African countries, the price of cement is significantly lower compared to Nigeria.
The lawmaker said: “Our findings showed that the price of cement is 69 per cent higher in Nigeria than in India, 39 per cent higher in Nigeria than in Zambia and 29 per cent higher than in Kenya given the official exchange rate.”
During his address at the event, the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, reassured the manufacturers that the public hearing was not meant to target them, but rather to provide a platform for finding solutions to the issues impacting the housing sector, specifically the high cost of cement nationwide.
Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has disclosed that the three lawmakers that were suspended on Monday were involved in diabolical activities to cause chaos in the house.
The speaker announced the suspension of Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo II), Bright Iyamu (PDP Orihonmwon South), and Adeh Isibor (PDP Esan North-east I) on Monday.
Speaking during the plenary, Agbebaku accused the lawmakers of trying to change the leadership of the House through diabolical and other nefarious means.
The speaker alleged that the suspended lawmakers brought a spiritualist into the Assembly complex and dropped fetish items in the middle of the night.
He also claimed that the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the Assembly premises exposed the spiritualist and the lawmakers who hired him.
He said: “They are being influenced to cause chaos in this house by planning to change the leadership of this house. But to God be the glory, they were exposed.
“They brought in a spiritualist into the Anthony Enahoro complex and dropped fetish items.
“They brought a herbalist into this house of assembly premises to plant some charms in the compound by 1am in the morning without knowing that the CCTV cameras will expose their nocturnal act.”
A Lot Of Single Ladies Are In Love With Someone That Won't Marry Them - Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo
AFOLABINigerian clergyman and relationship coach, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has opined that some single ladies are in love with people that would not marry them.
According to him, these ladies give negative and unavailable vibes to the guys that want them, thereby prolonging their singleness.
"A lot of single ladies are in love with someone that won't marry them. And by that, they are giving negative & "unavailable" vibes to the guys that want them thereby prolonging their singleness," he wrote in a post on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
"I know most of you are dreaming of marrying your favorite single worship minister or preacher but reality is that he will marry ONLY ONE woman
"No amount of fasting, desire or prayer will change that, I encourage you to start showing interest and answering the chats of the brothers around you
“I just said I should tell you.....oh and please why is your page private again...I thought you are single and searching not single and hiding.”
See Post Below;
First Lady, Remi Tinubu Receives First Female Nigerian-British Military Academy Graduate In Aso Rock
AFOLABIFirst Lady, Sen Remi Tinubu has applauded Second Lt. Oluchukwu Owowoh for achieving a major feat as the first Nigerian female cadet to graduate from the Royal Military Academy (RMA) in Sandhurst, United Kingdom.
Mrs Tinubu received Owowoh, who was led by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochia, at the State House on Monday.
The First Lady described Owowoh’s achievement as outstanding and divine, adding that her story is that of aspiration, resilience and determination.
She said: “Your story is that of aspiration, resilience and determination, really, your case is divine; it is not because you studied very hard but because God selected you for a purpose.
“It is going to be from glory to glory, that is why we are here to celebrate you for what you have done, and I know that you still have more worlds ahead of you.
“I pray that goodness and mercy will continue to follow you. The nation would continually celebrate you because of what you have done.”
The wife of President Tinubu also commended the Nigeria Army for giving a female, the chance to excel.
She added: “I want to thank the Nigerian Army for giving you that opportunity, for realising that this is your time and you did not disappoint them.
“You have opened doors for other women so that they can look at them and given them a trial.
“I pray that God will teach you every step of the way, how to behave and you will bring joy to your generation and generation unborn because you have become a reference.”
Mrs Tinubu further encouraged the nation’s youth to emulate Owowoh’s resilience and cautioned them to desist from being destructive, lousy and problematic.
She, however, recommended Owowoh for a national award and encouraged her superiors to encourage her to become a youth advocate for others to learn positively from her.
Miss Owowoh, a 23-year officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces, graduated from RMA in a colourful sovereign parade on April 12.
She was a member of 70 Regular Course before she proceeded to the RMA for training.
Miss Owowoh passed out as second lieutenant alongside 24 other International Cadets with honours and was recognized for her exceptional performance during her time at the RMA.
Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo has lamented the rate of film piracy in Nigeria.
He called for the issue to be immediately addressed.
Adebayo took to his instagram page, @femiadebayosalami, on Tuesday, to narrate his ordeal and how he recently came out victorious in his fight against piracy on one of his movies.
He noted that the dividend of the business of filmmaking had not been maximised due to the illegal activities of movie pirates.
Adebayo said: “The Nigerian film industry has experienced exponential growth over the years, but we haven’t been able to maximise the true dividends of this business because of dare devil pirates who benefit where they didn’t sow.
“This is a major reason why investors find it hard to commit their funds to filmmakers. However, through persistence and the use of the legal framework covering intellectual property, we can bring their activities to a gradual halt.
“Several times, I have been a victim of movie pirates and I never spared them. I recently concluded a legal battle with a notable media company that owns a big radio station and also engages in Youtube content distribution.
“During the cinema run of “Survival of Jelili” in 2019, my movie was gathering good numbers at that time. They decided to use my movie poster and title to promote a movie on their platform, thereby deceiving fans and diverting revenue accrued to me.
“It took 3 years, but my trust in the legal and justice system remained unwavering. With the dedication of our legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, who are seasoned professionals with wealth of experience in handling such cases.
“They presented undeniable evidence, put up a strong argument, and took the case to trial. Their promptness, efficiency, and attention to detail played a huge part in the direction of the case. We won and were awarded a total of twenty-five five million Naira.
“This isn’t just my win as a filmmaker and content producer, but a win for all of Nollywood.”
According to him, filmmakers must be ready to fight intellectual property theft and piracy at all levels.
“Every win brings us closer to protecting and getting the true economic value of our works,” he said
I Appreciate Wike's Role In My Emergence As Governor But It's Not Enough To Worship Him – Gov Fubara
AFOLABI
Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State has stated that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike played a huge role which led to his win during the elections but it is not enough reason to worship him.
Fubara made the declaration on Monday when he received the Bayelsa State delegation of political and traditional leaders, led by former governor of the state, Henry Seriake Dickson, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara noted that God uses humans as helpers, and there is nothing wrong with helping another person, but that does not mean the helper should take the place of God.
He further acknowledged the roles of the state leaders, especially the immediate past governor of Rivers State, in his political career and emergence as governor, but that is not enough to worship him.
He said, “God can do anything He wants to do when He wants to do it. It is only for us to realise that. God will not come down from Heaven but will pass through one man or woman to achieve His purpose.
“So, for that reason, when we act, we act as humans; human vessels that God has used, and not seeing yourself as God.
“I want to say this clearly that we appreciate the role our leaders, most especially the immediate past governor, played. But that is not enough for me to worship a human being. I can’t do that.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has debunked a viral report alleging that an unidentified lady allegedly got a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME score without participating in the exercise.
DAILY POST reports that an online platform had reported how a Facebook user, Gozie, raised an alarm, alleging that a lady who did not sit for the UTME examination got her scores.
According to the report, Gozie alleged that the girl, who was supposed to take the exam at 7 am, but all the systems at her centre were faulty, mysteriously got scores for her examination.
Reacting, JAMB in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, said the report was fake, describing it as malicious and a calculated attempt to undermine the integrity of the Board.
JAMB urged the general public to disregard “such irresponsible publications”.
“In investigating some of these allegations, the board discovered that some of these mischief makers copy results sent to other candidates, edit the details sent to themselves and then parade this as emanating from the board.
“The board challenges any candidate, parent or anybody with such a claim or information to prove it wrong by coming forward with the details of such claims and the phone number with which such results were conveyed.
“The attitude of these mischief makers would only propel the Board to further tighten the process of checking its results to make it more personalized and sure would be stringent when it should actually be a simple and straightforward exercise.
“The board reiterated that neither its results nor any of its processes have been compromised. Hence, it will continue to protect the integrity of its systems against such malicious actors, who are hell-bent on creating confusion where none existed”, JAMB added.
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The Nigerian government has ordered all point-of-sale operators in the country to register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission in two months, which aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s requirements.
According to a recent statement from CAC, the decision was reached on Monday after a meeting between Fintechs and the Registrar-General CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, in Abuja.
The Commission said the action was equally backed by Section 863, Subsection 1 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA 2020, and the 2013 CBN guidelines on agent banking.
Magaji said the timeline for the registration, which will expire on July 7, 2024, was not targeted at any groups or individuals but genuinely aimed at protecting businesses.
“The Corporate Affairs Commission and fintech companies in Nigeria, better known as PoS operators, have agreed to a two-month timeline to register their agents, merchants, and individuals with the CAC in line with legal requirements and the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“The Corporate Affairs Commission and fintech companies in Nigeria, better known as PoS operators, have agreed to a two-month timeline to register their agents, merchants, and individuals with the CAC in line with legal requirements and the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“The agreement was reached today during a meeting between Fintechs and the Registrar-General, CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, in Abuja,” the statement reads.
According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, merchants and individuals nationwide deploy over 1.9 million PoS terminals.
The development comes amid the surge in fraud in Nigeria’s financial industry.
A recent report by NIBSS said fraud in the financial sector increased by 496.96 per cent from 2019 to 2023 amid the rise of electronic payments.
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has relieved some staff members of their jobs days after its annual general meeting (AGM) which was held in Lagos.
Multiple sources told Nairametrics that over 40 staff members of NGX Group were affected, with top shots in the organization asked to go.
The affected staff members, according to sources, include regulatory officers, compliance managers, audit managers, the investment team, the chief finance officer, and the general counsel of NGX, among others.
The overhaul was led by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a multinational professional services firm, Nairametrics understands.
The PwC carried out a staff audit and made recommendations to Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr Temi Popoola, who implemented the downsizing, a source said.
- “Mr Popoola knew that he was in a position to be the next Group CEO when Oscar Onyema (former NGX Group CEO) left. So, as soon as he assumed office, he contracted PwC to overhaul NGX Group,” an affected senior staff member told Nairametrics.
- “However, several times, PwC asked about job responsibilities from the Human Resources (HR) Department. In preparation for the AGM, as Holdco managers, we were in charge of organizing the AGM and we did a lot of leg work to ensure that we got enough proxy shareholders so as to secure enough percentage required to rectify Popoola as GMD.”
The ex-staffer said after the AGM, same day around 5 pm, a virtual meeting was held with all staff members of the group, where the Group Managing Director said that he had got feedback from PwC and that he was going to scrap offices and allow staff members that were no longer relevant to the organization to go.
Mr Popoola noted that he was going to send termination letters to affected staff the same day and have their emails blocked for access, the ex-staff member said.
- “He didn’t give the affected people the opportunity to ask questions. He said consultants did a transparent job but he did not show the results of the review to anybody,” another affected ex-staff member said.
- “We didn’t know the criteria that were used to come to the conclusion of the sacks. That aside, we have a high staff attrition rate, not to forget that the payout to the board level is extremely high.”
Another affected staff member said the decision of the NGX to downsize was greeted with pessimism, noting that there were no clear criteria for the dismissal.
Currently, the affected staff members are demanding reinstatement, emphasizing their contributions and lack of justification for their terminations.
Some are seeking financial compensation, while others are advocating for reinstatement.
The NGX Group did not comment on the downsizing.
More Insights
- The NGX will not be the first Federal Government-led institution to downsize.
On April 8, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sacked five to eight directors. Those affected were in Trade and Exchange Department, Securities Department, Development Finance Department, as well as Purchasing and Support Services Department, including the Public Affairs Department, Nairametrics earlier reported. The regulator equally retrenched 32 staff members the same day, striking fear in the staff.
- So far, the apex bank has sacked 117 staff members across its 27 departments, multiple sources said.
- There are fears that more members of staff will lose their jobs at the CBN, as Governor Yemi Cardoso plans to consolidate his position as a radical central banker.
No big deal
Downsizing not new as it is common in several organizations. Recruitment experts say downsizing is sometimes necessitated by economic downturns, lack of productivity, and redundancies, among others.
- “Downsizing is not always a big deal,” said a recruitment expert, Dan Agim.
- “It is forced upon organizations when there is low productivity or over-recruitment. Sometimes, it is caused by economic downturns, but that is mainly for corporates.
- “At times, it is driven by disloyalty for a new sheriff in town or when a new CEO feels that those around are loyal to the previous CEO. It may also be caused by the perception of imbalance, such as when it is perceived that the majority of people in the organization are from one religious, ethnic, or religious group,” he said.
This is a developing story, more details later…
[Nairametrics]
Despite the constant uncertainty surrounding basic needs, Nigerians face their challenges with a characteristic grin and an ingrained resourcefulness. This unwavering positivity stands as a testament to their unyielding spirit, a guiding light in these tumultuous times.
However, a harsher reality lies beneath the surface. Nigerians are entangled in a web of relentless shortages, a constant strain that threatens the very foundation of their lives. Every day feels like a precarious balancing act, a continuous negotiation with a system teetering on the brink.
From essential commodities like petrol and food to critical services such as power supply and security, Nigerians struggle daily with a crisis that undermines their livelihoods and well-being. The scarcity is not a sporadic occurrence but a persistent state of affairs, haunting the nation with each passing quarter.
Q: “From essential commodities like petrol and food to critical services such as power supply and security, Nigerians struggle daily with a crisis that undermines their livelihoods and well-being.”
The scarcity of petrol, in particular, epitomises Nigeria’s woes. Despite being an oil-producing giant, the country struggles to ensure a consistent supply of fuel, leading to interminable queues at petrol stations and crippling economic activity. This chronic shortage not only inconveniences citizens but also stifles businesses, exacerbating the already dire economic situation.
The plight of Nigerians is exacerbated by the greed of petrol hoarders, who exploit the scarcity to profit at the expense of the masses. The government’s failure to intervene effectively only perpetuates this cycle of exploitation, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt of skyrocketing prices and dwindling resources.
The recent surge in transport fares due to fuel scarcity is a stark reminder of its impact on everyday life. As commuters grapple with exorbitant prices, the cost of living soars, pushing many families to the brink of poverty. Yet, amidst this hardship, the government remains largely indifferent, failing to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of its people.
Moreover, Nigeria’s energy crisis compounds the nation’s woes, with power supply remaining unreliable despite tariff increases aimed at improvement. Frequent blackouts plunge homes, businesses, and industries into darkness, hindering productivity and exacerbating reliance on costly alternatives like generators.
The government’s response to these challenges has been woefully inadequate, with promises of reform often amounting to little more than empty rhetoric. The lack of tangible solutions only deepens the sense of despair among Nigerians, who continue to grapple with scarcity on a daily basis.
In addition to fuel and power shortages, the soaring cost of food further compounds the plight of ordinary citizens. Inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related challenges have driven food prices to unprecedented levels, pushing millions of Nigerians into food insecurity.
Meanwhile, the scarcity of security poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of citizens nationwide. With criminal activities on the rise, Nigerians are forced to live in fear, bearing the burden of securing their lives and properties in the absence of adequate protection from the state.
In light of these challenges, it is imperative that the Nigerian government take urgent and decisive action to address the root causes of scarcity and alleviate the suffering of its people. This requires a comprehensive approach that tackles corruption, inefficiency, and neglect head-on while prioritising the needs of ordinary citizens above all else.
Only through concerted efforts to address these systemic issues can Nigeria hope to break free from the cycle of scarcity and realise its full potential as a nation. Unifying the government, private sector, and citizens behind a clear roadmap for reform is crucial.
Investing in infrastructure, tackling corruption, and fostering economic diversification are just a few steps on the path to a more secure and prosperous future.
The time for action is now before the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people is pushed to its breaking point. By harnessing their collective resilience and directing it towards solutions, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more hopeful than ever before.
[BusinessDFay]
South African club, Kaizer Chiefs have been put away by the heavy price tag of Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
Chiefs, according to reports in South Africa have keen interest in the shot stopper but can’t afford his R30m (approximately £1.3m) transfer fee.
Nwabali has been linked with several clubs since his impressive performance for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations early this year in Cote d’Ivoire.
Saudi club, El-Ettifaq and Sky Bet Championship outfit, Queens Park Rangers are among the clubs which have been linked with the goalie.
“Kaizer Chiefs, once showing strong interest in Nwabali, are rumoured to have stepped back from any potential deal due to his hefty R30 million price tag.
“However, if Amakhosi are genuinely committed to reshaping their fortunes and bolstering their squad with notable talent, they should consider investing in players like Nwabali, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Itumeleng Khune’s future,” Goal.com writer, Celine Abrahams, noted.
The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his contract with Chippa United.
[DailyPost]