NigeriaNews24

Author: Amarachi Evangel

  • Gov. Bello commiserates with Ondo counterpart over mother’s demise

    Gov. Bello commiserates with Ondo counterpart over mother’s demise

    Gov. Bello commiserates with Ondo counterpart over mother’s demiseKogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has commiserated with his colleague governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu over the demise of his mother Lady Evangelist Grace Akerodolu (JP) who passed on Thursday at the age 90years.

    Governor Bello’s in his commiseration which was contained in a press statement signed on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu described a mother’s demise as a pain best understood by those who have felt it.

    He noted that despite being of age, the vacuum such loss creates cannot be filled by anyone, urging the governor to take consolation in the truth that Mama lived a fulfilled life in the service of his creator and humanity.

    Governor Bello similarly extended his commiseration to the entire family of the deceased over the demise of their matriarch while urging them to continue in Mama’s footsteps and preserve her good legacies

    The governor prayed for God to grant Lady Akeredolu eternal rest and for consolation to everyone who has been hurt by her demise.

  • Emefiele, Oramah, others under grill over $300million paid to acquire Union Bank

    Emefiele, Oramah, others under grill over $300million paid to acquire Union Bank

    The Economic Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-graft agencies, has begun investigation on the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele; the President of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Oramah; among others are currently under investigation over the $300million the pan-African multilateral financial institution gave to Titan Trust Bank Limited to acquire 93.4 per cent stake in the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

    Others being investigated are; Aminu Yaro, a Northern business mogul and one Farouk Gumel.

    According to SaharaReporters, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) are all also involved in the investigation.

    “EFCC, DSS and NFIU are currently investigating Oramah over the loan given to Titan bank. Why the loan to Emefiele and others political exposed person? Though we believe nothing will happen to him because of his closeness to Mamman Daura. He just bought a house for Mamman Daura at George street, off Edgware road in London,” a senior intelligence officer told SaharaReporters.

    On June 6 2022, Afreximbank announced that it had disbursed the sum of $300 million to help complement the total amount needed by Titan Trust Bank to finalise the acquisition of Union Bank.

    It noted that the said fund was disbursed under its Intra-African Investment Financing Facility.

    However, the source linked the ownership of the controversial Titan Trust Bank to Emefiele.

    The bank was established on the 12th of December, 2018 and started operating fully as a commercial national bank after obtaining its National Banking license on the 26th of April, 2019.

    In 2019, it recorded a profit of N644 million, and in 2020, its after-tax profit rose to N2.9 billion.

    However, the 2021 audited financial statement of the bank showed it now worth over N3trillion with only two active offices in Lagos.

    “Isn’t it magical that Titan Trust Bank, a small bank with only two bank branches in Lagos swallowed up Union Bank, a 104-year-old bank, in a transaction valued in the region of over $1 billion dollars?

    “The President of Afrexim bank, Oramah, Emefiele, Yaro and others are friends.

    “If you need dollar from CBN today, go through Uba Sanni, the Kaduna APC gubernatorial candidate, Sabiu Tunde or Aminu Yaro. This same Aminu Yaro is one of the shareholders of Titan Bank. He owns 9.07 per cent of Titan Trust’s 58.4 million ordinary shares. His wife works with CBN too.

    “Don’t forget this same Titan bank just bought Union Bank, We all know Emefiele is the actual owner of it, even though he is using Tropical General Investments Limited (TGI) as front.

    “Afrexim is aware that Emefiele, Yaro, and Farouk Gumel are political exposed people, yet granted them loan of such amount to buy Union bank,” the source told SaharaReporters.

    Another source added, “Are you aware Titan Trust Bank’s National Banking Licence is the first that the CBN has granted in the last ten years? Are you aware Emefiele is also among the highest shareholders in Union Bank Plc?”

     

  • You are rife with rumours, betrayal, cover your face in shame – IMC tells Hon. Taofiq

    You are rife with rumours, betrayal, cover your face in shame – IMC tells Hon. Taofiq

    The Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, on Wednesday, reacted to the rumour peddled against the Secretary General of the Association, Mr Mohammed Ibukun Abubakar by the erstwhile Chairman of Kogi State, Hon. Isa Taofiq on social media and other platforms.

    The IMC in a statement signed by Head of Media, Mr. Farouk Salawu, described Hon. Toafiq recent actions, as a move made by a con-man to justify the bribe collected and crimes committed behind closed doors.

    According to the IMC, as against Taofiq allegations, Mohammed is not the person who asked him to opt out of Hon. Kolade Alabi’s led faction, infact he choose to by himself leave after discovering that the latter stole funds while also impersonating leadership of the association.

    “Our attention has been brought to the shenanigans of Hon. Isa Taofiq against the IMC and Mr. Mohammed Ibukun Abubakar on social media platforms and other platforms. It is no news that Hon. Taofiq is a typical example of “Anywhere wey belle face na front”, grease his palms with money, he would sing your praises unending. This statement is to caution him and his unsubstantial rantings, because it is now on record that he shamelessly returned back to his vomit.

    “We wish to categorically emphasise that Taofiq joined the IMC willingly and vowed after leaving Hon. Alabi’s camp sometime last year that he would ensure that the latter faces the full wrath of the law for diverting over 5.2bn funds belonging to the 774 constitutionally recognized local government areas cut across the federation through First Bank account no: 2034749191 in the name of the association. Taofiq rather than addressing the issue at hand especially of his betrayal to the IMC, has degenerated to fighting Mohammed Ibukun’s political career, the same Mohammed that helped him even during his lowest of all moments.

    “We do not believe in giving a dog a bad name in other to hang it, but this will serve as a final warning to Isa Taofiq to desist from peddling crazy rumours, failure to do so, would warrant us bringing to limelight all the rumours and bad name he tagged his governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello and his deputy Chief Edward Onoja, even after betraying him during the last presidential primaries. He (Taofiq) addressed a press conference to the Attorney General of the Federation, anti-graft agencies calling for the arrest and investigation of Alabi and co for impersonation and diversion of funds.

    “On the current certificate rumour, specifically Mohammed Ibukun’s primary school certificate peddled by the same Taofiq against the former as regards his political ambition to contest for the Senate representing Kogi West constituency area, permit us to reiterate that those are gimmicks employed by the latter to divert attention and forestall reprimands of his act of betrayal against the IMC. Mohammed Ibukun Abubakar, made himself available to INEC, EFCC, DSS and even part for proper screening and vetting and was not in any way whatsoever found wanting.

    “Hon. Taofiq privy to information against Alabi led faction after diversion of 5.2bn funds, led a team of chairmen to court to sue the same man, now he claims that his signature was forged by the IMC because he has gone back on his words, renegotiated with the accused and collected few amount of naira’s. The question is if his signature was forged, was his passport which he took almost immediately in presence of some persons also forged? We are not shocked at Taofiq’s action because if he can betray his governor, he can as well betray anyone else.

    “It is therefore on the above premise, that we pose this questions to Taofiq, 1) Can he prove to chairmen, that Alabi his new paymaster is now a chairman of any of the local government areas in Nigeria? 2) Has Alabi denied diverting the sum of 5.2 billion naira belonging to the 774 lga’s? 3) Was he not sent by the same Alabi to dialogue with Mohammed for settlement with offers running into millions and was that offer not rejected? This questions, clearly needs urgent answers from Taofiq.” the statement reads.

    However, the IMC while attaching a copy of the mandate of diversion of funds by Hon. Kolade Alabi and Hajia Binta Bello, challenged the Kogi State Chairman to tender evidences backing his allegations on the person of Mohammed Ibukun Abubakar stating that henceforth no campaign of calumny against his political ambition, would be tolerated.

    Sèe Documents:

  • Gov. Yahaya Bello salutes Boss Mustapha @66

    Gov. Yahaya Bello salutes Boss Mustapha @66

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has saluted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha on the occasion of his 66th birthday, while describing his life as that of devotion to God and commitment to nation building

    The governor who conveyed his greetings to the celebrant in a letter signed by him and made available to the media on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary Muhammed Onogwu said that his birthday marked several decades of uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision and exemplary leadership to the nation, and such substantial accomplishments have earned him widespread acclaim, including theirs.

    He said “On behalf of the Government and the good People of Kogi State, I felicitate with you, my brother and friend, Mr. Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha on your 66th Birthday”

    “In your current office as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and in your past roles at NIWA and in numerous other capacities you have never failed to demonstrate the quintessential attributes of the ideal public officer – selfless service, admirable rectitude, smart cum hard work and a charming disposition” the governor added.

    Governor Bello said he was delighted to celebrate with the SGF and no doubt, the future was brighter for him than anything thus far, while he prayed that the Almighty God would grant him many more decades to serve Him and humanity in good health and good conscience.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NASC targets improvement of seed system through demand estimation, forecasting

    NASC targets improvement of seed system through demand estimation, forecasting

    • Flags off 3-day capacity building session for stakeholders on seed planning
    • Seed breeders’ battles lack of information on estimation of seed- Ojo

    National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in collaboration with Avisa, Syngenta Agra, other important partners, officially flagged off its three-day capacity building session on seed planning for industry stakeholders using the regional electronic model platform today in Abuja.

    The Director General of the council, Dr. Philip Ojo Olusegun, in his opening address, revealed that the session would change the face of the seed system as lack of information especially attaining the accurate estimation of seed demands, has at times, thrown the seed enterprises and breeder seeds producing units into utmost disarray.

    The event had in attendance private and public sector key stakeholders, experts who shared insights, experiences on general seed demand, planning and forecasting.

    According to Ojo, seed estimation plays quite a very important role in management decision making both by the government and general seed growers, hence there are ideas which stands in as a prerequisite for making decisions in various aspects of seed supply management.

    He said: “One of the key elements of a seed system is how actual demand is estimated considering factors like weather, market, farmers’ skills to maintain Seed and Sources of Seed. A Fair demand assessment is crucial for actors engaged in the system including government, producers, importers, and distributors.”

    “Today we have a situation where the proportion of revealed seed demand over supply shows considerable shortage of supply, paradoxically, seed companies and dealers complain of leftovers each year.”

    The DG however revealed that in order to reduce the seed supply and demand gap through accurate seed demand estimation and forecasting, the recent electronic-based tool for seed planning and demand forecasting will be practical in making projections of the potential and actual seed demands to support both the public seed sector and private seed companies’ decision making.

    On seed demand forecasting, Mr. Steve van der Merwe, a facilitator from South Africa, stated that being a process of making projections of demands for products by examining past and present performance levels,  from the seed producers’ point of view demand forecasting, is a necessary tool that will not only determine the amount of seed by each crop and variety, plan production and distribution accordingly, design popularization program for their varieties but also design mechanisms that expands their market share for specific crops/varieties.

  • ALGON: You compromised on oath taken, promises made- IMC blasts Hon. Taofiq

    ALGON: You compromised on oath taken, promises made- IMC blasts Hon. Taofiq

    ..Accuses chairman, others of withdrawing 5.5bn case against Alabi

    The Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON has criticized Hon. Isa A. Taofiq chairman Ijumu lga- Kogi State, for betraying and compromising on upholding the mandate of the IMC months after promising to join hands to restore the association which was hijacked by the Alabi led faction.

    Addressing the situation on Monday, in a statement signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Mohammed Aliyu, chairman representing Edu local government area, Kwara State, the IMC registered displeasure at the recent action of Hon. Toafiq while reiterating its zeal to restructure and restore the association to its status quo.

    “This is to address the recent turn out of event in the leadership of the IMC, one of our own recently compromised on his words and towed a path of no return in a bid to further maraud the leadership of the Interim Management Committee. Hon. Isa Taofiq, was a chairman of the Financial Committee of the NEC before going back to his vomit. The former left the Alabi’s camp sometime last year, after discovering that the later who is not a chairman of any LGA, hijacked the leadership of the association through lies and dubious means.

    “Hon. Taofiq joined the IMC, promising to assist in restoring the association, he even championed a suit against the Alabi led faction after it was discovered that over 5.5bn funds belonging to the 774 constitutionally recognized local government areas in the Federation, was hijacked by the later and his cronies. We are bewildered that the same Hon. Taofiq, who had enough evidence against Alabi having worked with him overtime, would make a drastic U-turn to join the same camp he had left earlier because of mere amount he received from the accused.

    “Judging from how Taofiq condemned Alabi, one would feel that he’d fight to see that justice is served, but then again, the saying that everyman has his price, has indeed come to play. Perhaps Taofiq’s earlier grievance against Alabi was because the price wasn’t right then; the same man he condemned and vowed to fight, was exactly the sponsor of his son’s recent wedding held in Kogi.

    “Judging from his recent act of betrayal, we weep indeed for the future of the country as a whole, how long can we continue to ignore and indulge corrupt leaders? why would a man withdraw a suit he spearheaded against a corrupt leader, if monies haven’t exchanged hands? Hon. Taofiq, should be made to answer to these questions, there is a need for clarification for why a chairman who knows the constitution binding the association, should be the one tearing its peaceful veil by assisting hijackers to continue impersonating and diverting funds meant for the development of the association and the 774 LGAs.” it added.

    The IMC, however called on Governor Yahaya Bello, to checkmate and caution the excesses of his chairman, as the recent action from him, poses as an eyesore and bad reputation to the government of Kogi State.

    See Documents of suit:

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • PYEM PDP Elders forum endorse Hon. Maren for third term

    PYEM PDP Elders forum endorse Hon. Maren for third term

    Hon. Solomon Bulus Maren, member representing Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency, was today, endorsed for a third term by the PYEM PDP Elders Forum in Plateau State.

    The leadership of the forum, Hon. Shikben S. Isa, a former Mangu local government area Chairman, disclosed the forum’s intent to endorse the lawmaker during a courtesy call to the former at his abode.

    Isa in his opening speech, congratulated Hon. Maren for attaining victory during the primaries, while assuring him of the forum’s unalloyed support ahead of the 2023 general election.

    ” It is with great honour and pleasure that we extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes on your victory at the PDP House of Representatives Primary Election for Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency.

    “Your victory did not come to us as a surprise, considering your antecedents and your vision for developing our constituency. We assure you of our support and cooperation in the forth coming campaign and pray that God will crown our efforts come 2023.May Almighty God bless you and family.” he added.

  • Gov. Bello greets Sen. Shettima at 56, describes him as an outstanding leader

    Gov. Bello greets Sen. Shettima at 56, describes him as an outstanding leader

    Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has greeted the All Progressives Congress’ 2023 presidential running mate and former governor of Bornu state, Senator Kashim Shettima on the occasion of his 56th birthday anniversary.

    The governor’s felicitation which was contained in a Press statement signed on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu described the former governor as an outstanding leader whose capabilities were backed up by great intellect.

    He added that Sen. Shettima was in the class of leaders who have proven their mettle in the private sector and public service achieving tremendous results in both sectors.

    The governor acknowledged that the celebrant remained a very bold, selfless and courageous leader who led his state in the most difficult times but despite the state being under the siege of the dreaded Book Haram insurgents, his administration spearheaded giant strides in the education sector, alongside other laudable achievements in the state.

    He alluded that the celebrant’s profile as an honest individual has been portrayed at different times in his political journey particularly in very critical turning points for the state noting that he had the worthy and qualified credential to serve the nation in bigger capacity.

    Governor Bello joined family, friends, associates and well wishers to celebrate Sen. Shettima as he attained a new age, praying for God to grant him many more years in good health and sound mind.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Hon. Maren felicitates with Sen. Jang over court victory

    Hon. Maren felicitates with Sen. Jang over court victory

    The Hon. member representing Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency has felicitated with former Plateau State Governor, Sen. Jonah Jang over his victory at the Plateau State High Court Jos.

    The victory is coming on the heels of several corruption allegation levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Recall, Jang was discharged and acquitted by Justice Christy Dabup.

    Maren reacting to the event during a chat with newsmen today in Jos, described it as a devinely orchestrated victory as he expressed confidence that the popularly known Plateau Dara Jang, who was sustaining bail charge’s, is innocent of all allegations, having worked closely with him for years.

    The Hon. member, also hailed the Nigeria Judicial council for its fairness and Justice in the course of the trial, stating that there’s indeed hope for the common man.

  • ALGON IMC spit fire, discredits purported meeting by Ex-members, Alabi

    ALGON IMC spit fire, discredits purported meeting by Ex-members, Alabi

    The Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Government of
    Nigeria ALGON under the leadership of Hon. Abdullahi Shuaibu Maje, the executive Chairman Suleja Local Government Area council in collaboration with some
    Electoral Committee members, on Wednesday, released a joint statement after its National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, discrediting plans of purported NEC meeting in Lokoja, Kogi state.

    In a statement signed and made available to newsmen by its head of media Mr Farouk Salawu, the IMC reacting to the recent turn out of events, raised an alarm that the dissolved Alabi led faction of the association is currently using ex-members to hijack the IMC and sellout the association.

    The IMC also distancing self from the activities of Hon. Taofiq, others, disclosed that contrary to belief that a crisis existed in house, it has rather upon exit of some members, restructured itself and a leadership with effect from the aftermath of election slated for mid-September 2022, will emerge to effect a more idealistic realization of the mandate of the association against the one hijacked by the Kolade Alabi led leadership.

    The Statement reads; “Our attention has been brought for the umpteenth time plans made by the Alabi led faction to hijack the leadership of the IMC through some compromised members of the Interim Management Committee during their purported meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State. Credible Information at our disposal, has it that the above movement is spearheaded by Hon. Isa Taofiq, Kogi State Chairman. We are beyond surprised that Hon. Isa Taofiq who voluntarily left the Alabi’s camp on the basis that the said Alabi is not member of the constitutionally recognized 774 local government area; joined the IMC as the chairman of the Financial committee, and even took the mandate of the IMC to his governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello would make a U-turn in spearheading such Kangaroo meeting in the same state against the same IMC under the nose of the governor. The big question; Is Governor Yahaya Bello aware of the current gimmicks, plans of his chairman, Hon. Toafiq? Is Kolade Alabi now a member of the 774 LGA? Because this was the same reason he had left the camp earlier. Perhaps so many waters have indeed gone under the bridge, because what could be the reason for this change if not for financial benefit since our little parrot has it that the said Alabi sponsored and attended his son’s wedding sometime last month.

    “As against a publication notifying the general public of the two-day meeting, The IMC by right of this statement, condemn in all entirety the alleged meeting and hereby ask the public to disregard, because the said Alabi who is to chair and head the meeting of the executives and elected chairmen of the 774 Local Government Areas, is not even a Chairman of any local government area, rather a chairman Bariga LCDA. It would be great disservice to duly elected chairmen of local government areas if a man who isn’t a chairman take the mantle and make defining decisions for them.” It added.

    The IMC however commended the President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs Gorge Akume, for approving full autonomy for the local government, stating the development would address the rising insecurity, poverty at the grassroots and spur effective and efficient local government administration.