The Humanity Development and Empowerment Organisation (HDEO) has asked the federal government to pay back N12 billion borrowed by civil servants.

Speaking at the weekend in Abuja, Osita Nebolisa, outgoing national president of HEDO, also known as the Lenders Association, said the government had deducted the loans from the workers, but had failed to remit to the creditors.

Nebolisa, founder of Visa Microfinance Bank, said Dele Apanisile, the incoming president of the association, and his team should work towards resolving the issue with the office of the accountant-general of the federation (OAGF).

“One of our most pressing challenges remains the recovery of over N12 billion,” the outgoing president said as he handed over to the new executive council.

“The incoming leadership, consisting largely of experienced members from the current team, brings valuable continuity to this effort.

“To those few who may have reservations, I appeal for unified support of their strategies to retrieve these funds and prevent future losses through the IPPIS deduction system.”

Nebolisa said under his leadership, the association – made up of commercial, microfinance banks, and finance companies – provided more than N6 billion in loans to over 2,000 civil servants.

He added that a service level agreement (SLA) was signed in 2023 with the OAGF to provide a framework for further equitable access to credit and protect stakeholders’ interests.

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso said the federal government spent N6.2 trillion on foreign exchange subsidy in 2022 alone compared to N4.5 trillion spent on fuel subsidy.

Cardoso disclosed this in a recent 59th annual Bankers Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, in Lagos.

According to him, in the past years, FX subsidy losses have been a bigger problem for the country’s revenue than fuel subsidies.

“In 2022 alone, the potential revenue total revenue lost due to a less reflective FX regime is approximately N6.2 trillion compared to 4.5 trillion from fuel subsidies.

“We have all been complaining about the loss of government revenue from fuel subsidies, yet the loss from the past FX subsidy regime far exceeds that of fuel.

“The real elephant in the room is the losses from the FX regime.”.

Recall that in June last year, the Nigerian government had announced Naira floating and fuel subsidy removal.

The twin policies had a lag impact on Nigeria’s economy as inflation stood at 33.88 percent and the exchange rate at N1672.69 per dollar from 22.41 percent and N463 between May and June 2023.

Princess Chineke, a Nollywood actress has joined the U.S. Army.

The former beauty queen who represented her state in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN, pageant has traded her crown for a soldier’s uniform, making a surprising career shift.

The Nation reports that this makes her the first Nollywood actress to join the U.S. Army.

Princess once modelled for several television commercials, billboards and runways.

Princess Chineke’s decision to enlist has shocked many of her fans, who remember her for her captivating performances on screen.

Some of her works include; Battleground, Forever in Me, Last Flight to Abuja, Super Story, Papa Ajasco, Tales of Eve, Ada Mbano, To Love a Sister, Amaonyebuoneye, Give it Up, Masters at War, Give it Up, 2broken, Airline Bases, Mmeso, Royal Maid, Professor Johnbull, Ay show Skit etc.

However, the actress who was also a former Miss UNIBEN has expressed her passion for serving her adopted country.

“I love the prestige that comes with the American military,” Princess Chineke said. “As a citizen of this great country that has done so much for me, I feel it’s my turn to give back. God bless America.”

Popular Nigerian content creator, Egungun of Lagos’s private video has surfaced on social media.

The viral video was reportedly leaked by a lady Egungun of Lagos was having a secret affair with.

The tape captured the content creator opening his boxers to show off his private organ, while on a video call with the lady.

The lady also on the other end showed her privates.

Reacting to the development on X, Egungun’s wife accused the unidentified lady of trying to blackmail her husband.

The General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has lamented the arrest of one of the church’s pastors abroad.

He said the pastor was arrested for addressing those in attendance at a programme “Ladies and gentlemen.”

According to him, the statement was considered discriminatory because it did not capture all of the genders identified by their culture.

The pastor made this known during the church’s monthly thanksgiving service at the RCCG’s Throne of Grace in Lagos State on Sunday.

His sermon, which was broadcast to all parishes of the church, was titled “My father’s house.”

“The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call. One of my pastors abroad was arrested for simply addressing a gathering as ‘ladies and gentlemen.’

“Some people reported him for discrimination, asking, ‘What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen?’” he stated.

The clergyman also recounted another disturbing story of a woman who referred to her dog as her husband.

He shared how, when asked about her spouse, the woman claimed, “I took him to the vet before coming. He doesn’t talk,” describing her “husband” as a dog.

Adeboye expressed concern about the erosion of moral values worldwide, viewing these incidents as signs of the end times.

“Those of you already in Christ, take this matter seriously. Do not let anyone weaken your stand. God is holy. Those still playing church—singing, clapping, and enjoying things without genuine commitment—remember, Jesus is coming back. The devil wants to harvest you, but you must not give him the opportunity. I want to see you in my Father’s house,” he noted.

Adeboye, known for talking about national issues and the dealings of the church especially about incorporating alien cultures into its branches across the world recently faulted men with braided hair and women sporting false eyelashes and heavy makeup.

Expressing his discontent with the trend among church workers, Adeboye made it clear that such styles will no longer be tolerated on RCCG altars.

In an address at the church’s 72nd annual convention held in August, his comments highlighted his disbelief at the rising trend of these fashion choices among church members.

Pastor Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, has stated that Nigeria needs divine intervention to overcome its challenges.

The clergyman said that prayer is the only weapon that can be used to resolve the problems in Nigeria.

The MFM leader who was at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, during its 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies said;

''There is only one weapon that can kill any problem, and it is prayer. No matter how strong the problem is, prayer can dismantle it.

“What we need in Nigeria is divine intervention. Let God intervene in what we are doing. Divine intervention is greater than human intellect.

“From what is happening in the world, you can see that God is showing mankind that they are helpless.”

Olukoya also attributed the high school fees and the cost of energy required to run these institutions.

“It is not the fault of those proprietors. I am one of them. I am always supportive of the poor because I know how difficult it was for me to get to the university. My parents didn’t have the money.

But the current situation is that if you cannot pay good money to lecturers or professors, you won’t get good teachers.

And if you run a private university and are paying less than federal universities, you will not get good professors.”

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Jesutega Onokpasa, has expressed his disappointment with President Bola Tinubu over the current state of the nation under his leadership.

The politician described the hunger crisis in Nigeria under Tinubu’s administration as embarrassing, especially since the former Governor of Lagos State had promised to eliminate hunger if elected.

Onokpasa, while appearing live on the Arise News programme on Monday, recalled that Tinubu had assured Nigerians that his government would produce food massively.

“What Asiwaju promised us is that if we help him get to power he is going to produce food massively to feed Nigerians.

“We didn’t envisage this bizarre level of comfortability with prices just skyrocketing out of control”, he said.

Onokpasa added: “I don’t know what happened to Asiwaju, in fact I’m a catholic and I will book masses for him. Whatever is happening let God deliver him from it.

“How can you be a president and prices of food are skyrocketing? if we can’t reduce the price of fuel can’t we feed people?

“Why is Asiwaju so reluctant to invest in Agriculture, he asked.

“Nigerians are hungry and it is shameful that President Tinubu seems detached from the reality of the people”.

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has invited 30 home-based players for training as the Nigeria Football Federation emphasizes its commitment to qualifying the Super Eagles B team for the upcoming African Nations Championship finals.

The 8th edition of the tournament, exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues under standard contracts, is set to take place in February 2025 across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Among the notable players invited is the experienced midfielder Rabiu Ali from Kano Pillars, who has made a significant impact this season with eight goals. He is joined by Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United’s defender Steven Mayo, and the promising forward Sunday Megwo from Abia Warriors.

Additional players include Enyimba FC’s goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, wing-back Ismail Sadiq from Remo Stars, Kazeem Ogunleye from Enugu Rangers, and Anas Yusuf, a forward from Nasarawa United.

The squad also sees the inclusion of Nasarawa United’s Victor Collins and Adamu Abubakar from Plateau United, both of whom were previously called up for last month’s AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

All selected players are expected to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, as they prepare for the crucial first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, scheduled for December 22 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The second leg will be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on December 28.

Historically, Ghana has presented challenges for Nigeria, having prevented the Super Eagles from reaching the African Nations Championship finals in both 2009 and 2023. In past encounters, Nigeria faced setbacks despite strong starts, and they are determined to turn the tide in this upcoming qualification series.

Below Are The 30 Home Based Players Eguavoen Invited For Training

Goalkeepers:

– Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC)
– Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
– Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)

Defenders:

– Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars)
– Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City)
– Imo Obot (Enyimba FC)
– Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United)
– Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)
– Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)
– Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
– Steven Mayo (Rivers United)

Midfielders:

– Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars)
– Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
– Saviour Isaac (Rangers International)
– Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)
– Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United)
– Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
– Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)

Forwards:

– Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)
– Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)
– Osy Martins (Lobi Stars)
– Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
– Temitope Vincent (Plateau United)
– Samuel Ogunleye (3SC)
– Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars)
– Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance)
– Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC)
– Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)
– Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors)
– Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars)

The Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has declared total support for the tax reforms proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

He submitted that most Governors who are opposed to the tax reforms are lazy and unwilling to work to build the internally generated revenue of their states.

Shinkafi made the submission on Monday while speaking as a guest on Arise News.

He argued that most of those against the bill have not studied it, nor do they understand the content.

He further dismissed claims that the tax reforms are anti-north, clarifying that the new revenue-sharing formula prioritises performance-based allocation.

“Because of how the monies are going to be shared based on your performance, based on your contribution, that is why they are complaining. Most of these states are lazy, most of them are not ready to develop the state to generate the revenue, that is why they are complaining,” he said.

In defending the bills which are before the National Assembly, Shinkafi also defended the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the legislative session in which the bill was debated by the lawmakers.

He submitted that opposition to the bill is politically motivated and based on misinformation.

“The attack by the Northern Youth Assembly is uncalled for.

“All the attacks, blackmail, [and] mischief-making are politically motivated against the Deputy Senate President,” Shinkafi stated.

Shinkafi further submitted that Northern Governors who are against the bill do not understand its content.

“If they have gone deeply into it, the governors will not be crying foul… These governors are responsible for the economic failure, insecurity, chronic unemployment, acute poverty, and educational backwardness in the northern region,” he argued.

He listed some of the benefits of the tax reform bills and why all stakeholders should embrace it.

“Small businesses with turnover not exceeding ₦50 million are exempted from paying annual taxes. Pharmaceutical products, food items, educational materials, agricultural equipment, and export goods are also exempted from VAT,” Shinkafi stated.

He added that the reduction of income tax for small businesses from 30% to 25% is a significant advantage.

Shinkafi also dismissed speculations that the tax reforms are skewed in favour of Lagos State, and attributed such narratives to misinformation.

“People are being misinformed on the new tax bill against the presidency… The most important thing is for you to be upright in your decision and very transparent and accountable,” he said.

As a solution to the controversies surrounding the bill, Shinkafi called for public hearings to enlighten the public on the contents and merits of the bill.

“The issue of attribution and derivation is clear. With public hearings, all these would have been avoidable,” he noted.

Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have launched a strike just three days before the completion of terminal exams, protesting the failure of area councils to implement the new minimum wage of ₦70,000.

As a result of the industrial action, students who showed up on Monday to continue their first-term exams were sent home.

The strike has disrupted the education of primary school pupils in the FCT, who have already experienced multiple work stoppages by their teachers this term.

The latest strike follows a similar one on September 18, which lasted for 14 days before being called off on October 7, leaving students at home for almost three weeks.

Comrade Ameh Baba, Chairman of the Nigeria Teachers’ Union (NUT) in the Kubwa chapter of the FCT, explained that the strike was prompted by the continued non-payment of arrears by the area council chairmen.

He stated, “And now the ultimatum of December 1st deadline given by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for any state to comply with the minimum wage of ₦70,000 has come into effect. Hence, we don’t have any option but to comply.”

Baba noted that while the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had approved the minimum wage and arranged for the first payment with the November salary, teachers under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) had not received this adjustment.

He added that primary school teachers in the FCT are also still waiting for the ₦40,000 peculiar allowance and ₦35,000 wage award that have been owed to them for up to a year, leading them to continue their strike until the issues are addressed.