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The late Nollywood actor, Adedeji Aderemi, fondly called “Baba Olofa Ina,” was laid to rest at his residence in the Wakajaye area of Edeland in Osun on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the burial ceremony of the Nollywood actor commenced at 4:15 p.m. with the arrival of several dignitaries, including politicians, traditional leaders, Islamic clerics, and community sympathisers.
NAN further noted the overwhelming presence of entertainers from the Nollywood industry, both nationally and internationally, who gathered to honour the late actor at his residence.
Among those present at the burial were representatives of the Timi of Ede land, Oba Munurudeen Lawal, and the President of the Theater and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr. Bolaji Amusan, known as Mr. Latin.
In his tribute, Amusan, represented by TAMPAN’s Director of Finance, Mr. Ayo Oladapo, expressed how greatly the deceased would be missed by TAMPAN members, supporters, and family alike. He highlighted the significant role the late Aderemi played in the entertainment industry and how he served as a role model for many emerging artists.
Amusan urged TAMPAN members and acquaintances of the departed to live exemplary lives reflecting godliness, stressing that the late Aderemi was an essential figure in the establishment of TAMPAN and that he was a good person during his lifetime.
He prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
Speaking as well, Mr. Amitolu Shittu, former Osun Amotekun Field Commander and a human rights activist, described the deceased as a humble individual cherished by everyone in Ede town and the entertainment industry.
Shittu noted that the late Aderemi significantly contributed to Ede town’s global recognition through his exceptional character and reputation.
Prof. Siyan Oyewesan, a friend of the deceased, highlighted the great loss suffered by the state and the entire Yorubaland due to the passing of an icon who impacted many lives.
Oyewesan mentioned that the name “Olofa Ina” was adopted by the deceased from the founding fathers of Edeland, contributing to the popularity of Ede town.
He further added that human life is transient, citing biblical references regarding the average lifespan of seventy years and the subsequent reliance on God’s grace and mercy.
NAN reported that Adedeji Aderemi, known as “Baba Olofa Ina,” passed away at the age of 73 after a prolonged illness. (NAN)
Nigerian art student Chancellor Ahaghotu has shattered a decade-old record for the longest painting marathon, completing a continuous 100-hour painting session, the Guinness World Records (GWR) has announced on its website.
GWR stated that Ahaghotu, a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, surpassed the previous record of 60 hours, set 10 years ago by Roland Palmaerts (Belgium/Canada) in 2013.
According to GWR guidelines, for this record, the participant can either work on one large painting or create multiple pieces, but all paintings must depict a recognizable image, not abstract art.
Over four days, Chancellor tirelessly created 106 pieces portraying various subjects, including celebrities, food items, plants, animals, and more.
The report stated that Chancellor mentioned facing fatigue around the 88-hour mark but remained committed to reaching his goal of 100 hours. Initially intending to complete one painting per hour, he prepared 100 canvasses with sketches before the attempt. However, he finished them all ahead of time, creating impromptu still lifes and concluding with a painting of an exhausted figure.
“I came to the United States to pursue my dreams and build up my career as a recognised artist. Breaking the record will boost my recognition as an artist both in my school and the world at large,” Chancellor told GWR before embarking on his record attempt.
“This record helps me feel a very high level of personal achievement, build up my career as a reputable artist, and pay a service to my school and country.
“One thing I love about the paintings I created is that they represent my different moods and how I was feeling when I created them.
“There was joy and celebration when I completed the 100 hours,” Chancellor said.
According to GWR regulations for ‘longest marathon’ records, the participant is allowed a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity, and these breaks can be accumulated if not used immediately.
GWR clarified that these rest periods were the only opportunities Chancellor had to use the restroom, eat, or rest. (NAN)
Leaked Document Suggests Minister Approved Diversion Of N585m
I Followed Due Process – Edu
In a letter that has been leaked to the media, Dr Betta Edu, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation allegedly asked the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to divert N585 million meant for poverty alleviation in four state to a private account.
The ministry and the NSIP have been mired in controversy as President Bola Tinubu recently suspended Halima Shehu as National Coordinator and CEO, National Social Investment Programme Agency over alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of N44 billion.
She was later questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. At the same time, the former minister in charge of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq is also wanted for questioning by the anti-graft commission.
Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, National N-POWER Programme Manager, was appointed in an acting capacity as NC/CEO, pending the conclusion of the investigation after Shehu’s suspension.
In the latest controversy, the minister in a response to the stories published by an online medium alleging the payment of the funds into a private account owned by Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, a project manager, has send due process was followed in making the payment.
The funds are meant to be paid as grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun.
N219,429,750.00 of the funds was meant for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom State; N73,828,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Cross River State; N219,462,250.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Lagos State while N72,468,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Ogun State.
In its reaction, the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation noted with dismay, on a memo from the Ministry to the Accountant-General of the Federation approving for payment, of the sum of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups for four states, which is currently being circulated in the social media.
Rasheed Zubair, special adviser on media and publicity to the minister said it is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA. These elements, he said, have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure.
This latest vile effort, he said, is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.
He said, “For the avoidance, the said N585,198,500.00 was approved, and it is meant for the implementation of Grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. We must, however, note that GVG was first launched in the Kogi state where recipients testified.
“Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023, Kogi in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.
“The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the federal government, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.”
He said Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the Department of Finance and it is Legal in civil service for a staff, the Project accountant to be paid and use same funds legally and retire same with all receipts and evidence after project or Programme is completed.
Zubair said the evil motive of the mischief-makers behind the circulation of the memo is well-known and should be ignored.
And of note, he said, is the fact that since assumption of duty about five months ago, the minister has religiously visited different parts of the country like Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT, Lagos Cross River among others and this is done to ensure she delivers on her mandate and she has remained focused, unbiased and committed to duty.
Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, has said that the refusal of the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to compromise on her principles has helped in exposing the alleged N44 billion fraud at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Recall that on Tuesday, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) flooded the Maitama office of NSIPA shortly after reports of the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the agency, Halima Shehu, over alleged financial malfeasance.
The EFCC is currently investigating ₦44billion allegedly moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons suspected as fronts.
Ugochinyere, in a statement, hailed the anti-graft agency’s ongoing efforts in ensuring that the culprits were caught, tasking the EFCC to ensure that those found guilty are prosecuted.
The federal lawmaker also commended the Minister, Betta Edu, for leading reforms in the ministry within a short span of time.
He described as spurious allegations of involvement of the minister in the alleged N3 billion NSIPA fraud, saying that it was rather her stance not to compromise on her principles that helped in exposing the alleged N44billion fraud at NSIPA.
‘Nigerians Now Feeling Unsafe After Yobe, Zamfara, Plateau Attacks’ – Amnesty International Hits Tinubu
AdminRights Group, Amnesty International says that Nigerians are now feeling more unsafe, after the recent attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, and Yobe communities.
Expressing its concern in a tweet via its official X handle on Friday, the right group said that the development was an indication of the utter failure of the President Bola Tinubu led government in protecting the lives and properties of citizens.
Naija News reports that the group lamented that whatever security measures that the Nigerian authorities had put in place was not working.
The post by the group read, “Alarming escalation of attacks on rural areas of Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger and Yobe have left people feeling more unsafe, showing utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties.
“Fresh horrific attacks on rural communities in Kauru and Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state show that whatever security measures put in place in southern Kaduna are not working.
“From December 2022 to April last year, over 100 people were killed and hundreds were displaced in southern Kaduna.”
Plateau Massacre: Women Burn Down Bokkos Traditional Ruler’s House
Meanwhile, the home of the district head of Bokkos town in Bokkos local government area of Plateau State, Michal Monday Adanchi, was set on fire by protesting women on Friday afternoon.
A local source told DailyTrust that the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
The source added that the traditional ruler’s home and administrative office were set on fire by the ladies after some community members were arrested for their suspected roles in the recent massacre in the area.
One of Nigeria’s conglomerates, BUA Group, has debunked claims that its headquarters was raided by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday.
There were reports that EFCC operatives stormed the office of BUA cement in relation to an investigation on the forex transactions of the company.
The reports followed a raid by the anti-grant operatives at the headquarters of BUA’s competitor, Dangote Group of Companies, in Lagos State.
According to the reports, the EFCC besieged the BUA Towers located at PC 32, Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State, around 3pm on Thursday and began a search.
But in a statement on Thursday released via its social media platforms, BUA management said claims that its headquarters was raided were false and misleading.
The company, therefore, advised the general public to disregard the rumours being peddled by somee online publications and shared via Whatsapp broadcasts.
The statement reads: “BUA wishes to clarify that its premises were not visited by EFCC today, Thursday, January 4, 2024, neither was it raided, as has been alleged in some online publications and being shared via whatsapp broadcasts. The general public is hereby advised.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has summoned some officials of the Dangote Group to Abuja to come along with detailed documents on foreign exchange transactions by the conglomerate covering the last nine years.
Operatives of the EFCC had on Thursday stormed the headquarters of Dangote Industries Limited in Ikoyi, Lagos, in furtherance of the ongoing investigation into the alleged abuse of the foreign exchange allocations by the immediate past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The anti-graft commission is probing the alleged preferential allocations of forex to the Dangote Group owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote and 51 other companies under the Emefiele-led CBN.
It was gathered on Friday that the operatives carted away some documents from the group’s head office on Thursday, but they did not cover all the transactions, hence the decision to summon the officials to bring the documents to Abuja on Tuesday.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that Dangote was not in Nigeria when the operatives of the commission stormed the headquarters of his conglomerate as he was said to be in the United States of America. However, sources said he would return to Nigeria next week to personally sort out the problem.
It was also gathered that he was aware of the demands of the anti-corruption agency, but it could not be confirmed if he was informed before the EFCC sent its operatives to his company.
But a highly placed EFCC official said senior executives of the company had been mandated to supply the commission with what he called “detailed and unambiguous documents on the demands by the commission.”
It was gathered that the officials would be expected at the agency’s office on Tuesday.
“Yes, they (Dangote officials) asked for time to enable them to get all the necessary documents, which was granted. The idea is not to be seen to be witch-hunting anyone. What the commission wants is to get evidence and details of how government funds were allocated and that is all,” the EFCC official, who spoke to one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media on the development, said.
An official of the Dangote Group also confirmed that some key personnel of the conglomerate were currently gathering the documents requested by the EFCC to clear the company of any wrongdoing.
The source noted that the firm had sent some documents and key members of staff to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja in respect to the ongoing investigation, adding that it was shocked that the anti-graft agency still stormed its Lagos office on Thursday.
The official stated, “Yes, we were aware of the ongoing investigation by the EFCC and our people were at the headquarters in Abuja with some of the requested documents as of the time its operatives invaded our Lagos office in what I will describe as a show-off.
“We are a law-abiding group, but it is difficult to get all the documents covering the tenure of Emefiele at once, but our people are working at night to get all the relevant documents, which will be sent to the anti-graft agency next week.”
The source added, “As of the time of the raid, our people were in Abuja. We have been sleeping in the office to make sure that we get all the documents the EFCC requires for the investigation.
“We are talking about documents from 2014 to June 2023. It is a lot of documents and it will take time to get all of them readily available. We have, however, sent the ones we have at our immediate disposal and they are with the commission.
“The raid was just a way of embarrassing us and an act of show-off. We are law-abiding people running a legitimate business and we are cooperating with the investigation.”
The source also added that Dagote was in the United States and was worried about the development.
Before the raid, Dangote Industries had in November 2023 refuted allegations that it was involved in forex malpractices and money laundering involving $3.4bn allegedly facilitated by Emefiele.
The company denied the claims that the money was channelled to its non-Nigerian subsidiaries, prompting illicit financial flows and round-tripping.
Dangote noted that its investment undertakings were sourced from the interbank market, with all transactions supported by Letters of Credit in line with international standards.
The search of the Dangote headquarters on Thursday, it was gathered, commenced around 3pm and lasted several hours.
During the raid, the operatives ransacked offices and carted away several financial documents related to forex allocations to the group from 2014 to June 2023, when Emefiele was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu.
It was further gathered that the commission had asked the 51 firms under probe to submit Form A and Form M detailing the forex allocations to them between 2014 and June 2023.
But while some companies complied with the directive, several others were said to have asked for time to get the documents.
The Special Investigator on the CBN and Related Entities, Jim Obazee, had reported to the President how Emefiele allegedly lodged public funds in foreign currencies in no fewer than 593 bank accounts in the United States, United Kingdom, and China without the approval of the apex bank’s board of directors and the CBN Investment Committee.
Obazee found that the ex-CBN governor allegedly lodged £543, 482,213 in fixed deposits in UK banks without authorisation, adding that he allegedly manipulated the naira exchange rate and committed fraud in the e-Naira project.
The investigator in a report submitted to the President on December 20, 2023, recommended that Emefiele, who is being prosecuted for alleged N1.2bn procurement fraud, should face fresh charges over the handling of the naira redesign policy and alleged illegal issuance of currency under Section 19 of the CBN Act.
He also recommended that the ex-CBN governor should be prosecuted alongside Tunde Sabiu, a former aide and nephew to former President Muhammadu Buhari, and 12 top directors of the CBN.
Emefiele denied the indictments, describing the content of Obazee’s investigation report as “false, misleading, and calculated to disparage my person, injure my character, and serve the selfish interest of the private investigator.”
A top EFCC official revealed that the EFCC was probing the preferential foreign exchange allocations allegedly made by Emefiele in defiance of extant financial rules and regulations and the CBN Act.
The official claimed, “The EFCC is investigating the Dangote Group over the preferential foreign exchange allocations made by the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, in defiance of extant financial rules and regulations and in disregard to the CBN Act.
“There are about 51 other big companies under probe over the development too, and the commission discovered that the allocations were not approved by the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so it was more of a means for the former CBN governor and his cronies to launder money through forex and Bureau De Change operators.”
The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed the N2.2tn 2024 Appropriation Bill presented to it by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The budget was passed on Friday at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, according to a statement by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele.
“A bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of N952,430,566,998 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,315,545,553,871 from Development Fund for Capital Expenditure thereby totalling a budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the year ending 31st December 2024 be passed into law,” the Speaker said on the floor of the House as the budget report was read a third time.
The speaker appreciated the lawmakers’ commitment and teamwork in the quick passage of the Appropriation Bill.
Additionally, the speaker instructed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to send a copy of the approved budget to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his approval.
The PUNCH reports that Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, presented a budget estimate of N2.2 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
The budget was entitled “Budget of Renewal”, and was presented at the Chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the the security chiefs to ensure that there is conclusive victory against the myriad of security threats facing the country.
The president stated this on Friday while addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu said while good progress was being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success would ultimately be defined by a final conclusion to the multi-dimensional menace.
He said a $1 trillion economy target in the next few years would be undermined without finally wrapping up progressive onslaught against enemies of progress.
The president, who further warned against a repeat of avoidable bombing of civilians in Kaduna State, lauded the current synergy among the security agencies.
“We have too many investments that we need to make now in soft and physical infrastructure, in social security, in MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers. We are pursuing a $1 trillion economy in the next few years, and our efforts will be undermined if we do not finally wrap up our progressive onslaught against enemies of progress. Be encouraged. The confidence of our people in your capacity is rising, and they are appreciative of the sacrifices of our men and women.
“The success you are recording is undeniable. Nigerians are seeing it, but the avoidable errors, as witnessed recently in Kaduna, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated. I am pleased that coordination between all agencies has dramatically improved over recent months, but there is no room for celebrations until we can end this; until we can bring our troops back to their own localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme,” the president in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
He charged the security agencies to sustain the momentum, stating that “Failure is not an option under my leadership.”
President Tinubu also stressed that the armed forces must deliver on his objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day, including condensates, within the first quarter of 2024.
“I do not play with my intelligence reports. I have multiple lines of sight. The Navy and sister branches must step up their game to achieve our aims for the benefit of all Nigerians. All malign actors will be aggressively uprooted from our midst. Those working against the national agenda from within and without will meet justice. Your task is clear. We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership,” he warned.
The president also commended the Commander of the Presidential Air fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and his Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO) for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments, which has earned them a promotion.
Speaking at the decoration of the PAF Commander, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, with his new rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force; Commander, BoG, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, who was promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General; and the Police CPSO, Usman Musa Shugaba, who is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being promoted from his prior rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, President Tinubu said he was very impressed by the officers’ “loyalty and dedication to duty”.
The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President who was assisted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja; and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.
The event was witnessed by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the Service Chiefs; Heads of Intelligence Agencies, as well as presidential aides.
Speaking on behalf of the officers, AVM Olayinka thanked the President for the promotion of the officers and for the privilege to be of service to the nation. He assured the Commander-in-Chief of their continued loyalty and commitment to duty.
The federal government has approved only three airlines for the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2024 hajj exercise.
The approved airlines are Airpeace, MaxAir and FlyNas.
A statement by the The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Assistant Director on Public Affairs, Farima Sanda Usara, on Friday said, “the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially granted approval to three distinguished airlines to serve as exclusive carriers for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, they are Air Peace Ltd., FlyNas and Max Air.”
Usara stated that the government also approved three other air cargo companies that will airfreight pilgrims’ excess luggage. “They are Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd, Nahco Aviance and Qualla Investment Limited.”
She stated that the approval reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage experience for Nigerian intending pilgrims.
She said, “Consequently, the Federal government concurrently approved allocation of pilgrims from various states to each of the approved airlines as follows: Air Peace is to transport intending pilgrims from: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Imo, Kwara, Ondo and Rivers States.
“FlyNas will airlift Muslim pilgrims from Borno, Lagos, Osun, Ogun,Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe and Zamfara States.
“Max Air with the highest allocation will be responsible for moving pilgrims from: Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Oyo, Taraba, Kaduna, Armed Forces, Gombe, Jigawa and Plateau States.”
Usara stated that the allocation of pilgrims to the airlines was in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on airlift of pilgrims under government quota.
“However, state governments may choose to designate any of the approved freight companies to convey their pilgrims’ excess luggage. Should any state enter such exclusive arrangement, the decision should be communicated to the Commission accordingly.”
She added that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, is set to lead a delegation from NAHCON to partake in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage on 7th January 2024.
“The Chairman of the commission Malam Jalal Arabi congratulated the approved airlines on their selection and called on them to gear up to facilitating smooth pilgrimage in 2024 season. NAHCON remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards in pilgrimage organization, with a focus on the safety and satisfaction of pilgrims,” she said
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is concerned with the recent hike in the price of drugs and the recent scarcity of essential medicine in the country.
Speaking with reporters after the official commissioning of a new clinical complex at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebutte Metta, Lagos, the minister revealed that the president was having sleepless nights over the current situation detailing that the high cost of drugs and the exit of some multinational pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria were key issues the president was working tirelessly to address.
Recall that multinational British pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation, GlaxoSmithKline made the announcement that it was leaving Nigeria in August of 2023.
In the aftermath of GSK’s exit, prices of medicine produced by the company went up as their products became scarce.
Naija News reports that the minister stressed that the president was determined to build sustainable, durable and comprehensive healthcare systems for Nigerians.
He said, “Mr. President is having sleepless nights on this drug scarcity. He has discussed with us what we need to do. What President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants for this country is sustainable, durable, comprehensive health care. He just doesn’t want us to scratch the surface.
“He (Tinubu) is very real and very truthful to Nigerians. He wants to fix the healthcare system, and he is working to deploy his time and resources of the country into our healthcare system. I know things are hard, but Nigerians should bear with us. Things will be turned to get better in the not-too-distant future.”
“It is a multifaceted solution that we have to provide to this problem. Number one, we have the problem of counterfeiting as well. We are working with NAFDAC and Customs to reduce the importation of counterfeit drugs into our country. We are also working with some of the local pharmaceutical companies to increase production.
“And some of the companies that are planning to leave, we are talking to them to bear with us not to leave. We are also working on various forms of integrations where we can encourage local manufacturing in our country.”
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The Surulere Federal Constituency I bye-election notice has been officially published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State.
The INEC Public Affairs Officer in Lagos State, Adenike Oriowo, who confirmed the development to journalists on Friday, said the notice had been displayed at the commission’s headquarters in Sabo-Yaba for public viewing since Thursday.
According to her, the notice had also been posted at the INEC Surulere Local Government Area Office, adding that the electoral commission had already commenced the implementation of activities and the timetable for the upcoming elections.
Oriowo emphasized that INEC’s preparations were in full swing to ensure strict compliance with the relevant laws and guidelines governing the poll.
She assured that the commission was committed to delivering a credible bye-election in the constituency.
It could be recalled that INEC had announced the schedule for re-run and by-elections in nine states, including Surulere Federal Constituency in Lagos State, to take place on Feb. 3, 2024.
As per the poll timetable, the party primary elections, along with the resolution of any disputes arising from them, will be held between Jan. 5 and Jan. 9.
The public campaigns conducted by political parties will begin on Jan. 18 and conclude on Feb. 1, Naija News understands.
The vacancy in the Surulere seat occurred due to the resignation of the former occupant, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was appointed as the Chief of Staff by President Bola Tinubu after his victory.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Friday called on the people of the state not to allow their ethnic, political, and religious differences divide them.
He also stressed that as a people, their strength lies in their unity.
Mutfwang spoke during the presentation of staff of office to the new Ngolong Ngas, at the Pankshin township stadium, Pankshin LGA of the state.
“I charge all Plateau people not to allow our ethnic, political, and religious differences to divide us.
“Like I have often remarked; our strength is in our unity and there is no force no matter how formidable a united people cannot overcome,” he stressed.
Earlier, the governor said, “It is my privilege to address you on this long-awaited occasion of the coronation and presentation of the staff of office to the new Ngolong Ngas, His Royal Highness Nde Jika Golit, on First Class status.
“This occasion is unique and very dear to my administration, as we all know the traditional institution is vital to the preservation of our cultural heritage and the promotion of our co-existence as a people who share a common identity.
“We value the continuous maintenance of the norms, traditions, and practices that serve the greater interest of the people.
“You are all aware that almost a decade ago, God the creator in His divine way called home the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong of blessed memory, to eternal glory to join his ancestors.
“This loss created a vacuum and by the special grace of God, a successor who will take over from where he stopped emerged in a peaceful process.
“Today, by the grace of God, he will be crowned and presented with the staff of office to continue the good works of his predecessor.
“I therefore wish to congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancour-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state.
“Let me say at this point that it has become very expedient for us to hold this remarkable occasion at this crucial period of our collective existence.
“As you are aware that a week of mourning was declared in honor of our beloved people who were gruesomely murdered during the cruel Christmas Eve attacks and the days that followed, in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
“Therefore, this occasion is low key and won’t involve the usual processions, glamour and celebrations, as it should be the case, in observance of the week of mourning. May their souls rest in peace and may the Lord comfort us, most especially those directly affected.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it will complete test runs at the Port Harcourt refinery this month.
Femi Soneye, NNPC’s spokesperson, in an interview with Reuters on Thursday, said testing will be concluded soon.
“Testing will conclude shortly, ensuring the refinery’s efficient operation. That phase will be completed this month,” he said.
The Port Harcourt refinery, which was shut in 2019, is among the state-owned refineries that have remained moribund for years.
The federal government, in March 2021, approved the sum of $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the plant.
In December 2023, the NNPC said it completed the mechanical phase of the turnaround maintenance at the Port Harcourt refinery.
Speaking on the timeframe of operations, Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), said production would commence after phase one of the rehabilitation of the refinery is completed.
“This is just to announce to Nigerians that in fulfilment of our pledge to bring on stream phase 1 of the PH refinery by the end of 2023 and the subsequent streaming of phase 2 in 2024, we heartily announce the mechanical completion and flare up of the refinery on the 20th of December 2023,” he had said.
Lokpobiri, in August 2023, had said the Warri refinery would also come on stream by the end of the first quarter (Q1) of this year, promising that Kaduna refinery will also come on board towards the end of 2024.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the launch of the Nigerian naira (cNGN) stablecoin.
The cNGN, which will be launched on February 27, 2024, is powered by the Africa Stablecoin Consortium (ASC), a consortium of Nigerian financial institutions, fintechs, and blockchain experts.
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies specifically designed to maintain a constant value. They are often pegged or tied to another currency, commodity or financial instrument.
In a statement on its website on Thursday, the ASC said the cNGN stablecoin has met the regulatory standards and requirements as established by the CBN, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The ASC said it is committed to enhancing secure and compliant financial interactions, revolutionising the way people transact and engage with their money securely and seamlessly.
“This ushers in a new era of financial fluidity, bridging the Nigerian Naira with the global market through blockchain technology,” the statement reads.
“Backed 1:1 by Naira reserves held in designated commercial banks, the cNGN Stablecoin transforms the Naira into a dynamic tool for worldwide remittances, commerce, trade, and investment.
“More than just a currency, cNGN shortens settlement times, enabling payments that traverse the globe swiftly, mirroring the speed of a text message and at a fraction of the cost.
“This breakthrough paves the way for instantaneous financial transactions, seamlessly connecting Nigeria’s vibrant economy with international markets and offering unprecedented efficiency in both domestic and global financial interactions.”
WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE NAIRA STABLECOIN
According to the ASC, people can pay for anything, anywhere, and at any time. With a seamless tap, users can shop the world and pay in naira without the traditional challenges of currency conversion and hefty international transaction fees.
The consortium also said “supporting your loved ones back home becomes as simple as a quick tap on your phone” with the new innovation.
“No more standing in lines. With cNGN, funds land directly in their wallets within seconds, ready to fuel their dreams and brighten their days. No more distance, no more delays, just the magic of compliant virtual assets bridging the gap between hearts,” the ASC added.
“Cut out the red tape and sky-high fees of traditional international trade. With cNGN you can send and receive payments across the globe instantly enabling you to transact with national & international partners in any stablecoin currency, fueling economic growth and global success.
“Get paid, anywhere, instantly. Ditch the limitations of location and outdated payment systems. With cNGN, you can freelance for the world, right from your desk in Nigeria. Your talent knows no borders, so why should your income? Skip the bank queues and paperwork.”
The unveiling of the cNGN is coming over two years after digital currency transactions were banned by the apex bank.
In February 2021, CBN directed deposit money banks (DMBs), non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and other financial institutions (OFIs) to close accounts of persons or entities involved in cryptocurrency transactions within their systems.
The regulator further warned local financial institutions against dealing in crypto assets or facilitating payments for crypto exchanges, citing money laundering (ML), terrorism financing (TF), cybercrime, and the volatility of cryptocurrencies as reasons for the ban.
However, the apex bank on December 22, 2023, issued fresh operational guidelines on virtual assets service providers (VASPs) to all banks and OFIs — signalling a shift from its initial position which restricts crypto transactions.
VASPs are entities that conduct exchanges between virtual assets (cryptocurrencies) and fiat currencies and transfers of virtual assets.