News
Stop Peddling Falsehood Against Sen.Yayi- CSGGG Cautions Yewa/Awori Youth Network
• Says Senator Yayi’s purposeful representation has no equal
An assemblage of over 180 civil society organization in Nigeria, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG, has warned the socio-democratic group, Yewa/Awori Youth Network, against making false assertions, accusations and inflammable statements capable of denying their district, further benefits from the federal government.
Reacting to a statement made by the network, accusing the Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi of allegedly personalising projects funded by the federal government; the group described the statement as an unsubstantial and baseless finding politically orchestrated and sponsored to bring disrepute to the commitment and milestones attained by Yayi.
The President of the group, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, in a press statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, equally faulted the allegations that the senator had connived with some federal government agencies to portray projects funded by the federal government as one done from his personal coffers. He emphasized that projects introduced or executed by Yayi, should serve as a source of pride not a source of political witch-hunting.
The statement reads: “As watchdog of the society and as first hand observers who were invited by the organizers of the three days empowerment programme of Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola aka Yayi, our attention has been drawn to the recent publications by Yewa/Awori Youth Network, against Senator Solomon Yayi. While it is obvious as usual that political traducers and co-travelers are on the verge of series of campaign of calumny against a performing steward and it may not be too necessary to dignify their action, it is also equally important to put the record straight to avoid the pitfall of a poor public perception of the good intentions of what can be described as the “Mother of all empowerment” as we cannot sit back and allow their fabricated tales gain momentum for even a second.
“Senator Yayi, has never taken personal credit for project executed, in fact if the network did their due diligence without bias or have the interest of Ogun West as they claimed, by keenly recording the empowerment schemes of Senator Adeola, they would have discovered that Yayi, has always, disclosed and given credit to the MDAs where Zonal Interventions Projects are domiciled or facilitated from. Also he openly stated that the projects were facilitated to enhance and improve the district that has suffered lack of major development for the longest time as a result of bad representation and incapable leadership.
“For deeper understanding, in the scholarship and bursary schemes as alleged by the network, Senator Yayi indicated that it was in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), for the ICT training on security, he facilitated for traditional rulers in Ogun West, he mentioned it was done in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), and in the area of empowerment of artisans and various vocational trainings, he categorically disclosed that it was in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research.
“We believe that the Yewa/Awori Youth Network, are just fault finders and puppets to shadow parties, that are invested in diagnosing loopholes in political positions they have interest in. May we reiterate that Senator Yayi’s empowerment programs are unprecedented in annals of National Assembly empowerment initiatives, because it takes only a transparent, committed, visionary and accountable leader like Yayi to carry out such massive initiatives. The network should take pride in the achievements not fight or work to condemn it, because such as we all know can bridge further initiative or benefits.
“Yewa/ Awori Youth Network attack on Senator Yayi, is very inconsequential and also a sheer display of ignorance because the people have come to realize the benefits of complete entrenchment of dividends of quality representation first hand through the Adeola aka Yayi’s empowerment schemes across the five local government areas in the senatorial district. From their watery accusations, it is now a known fact that the network, lack an understanding of the workings of the National Assembly and Zonal Intervention Projects as domiciled in the MDAs.” It added.
- … Endorses Solar Drive, Sets Sights on 2030 Energy Targets
- …Urges Journalists to Support, Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a renewed push for sustainable national development, civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy, commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) for its commitment to powering underserved communities through clean energy solutions.
Under the umbrella of the CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), stakeholders held a press briefing in Abuja themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future: Advocating for a National Shift Toward Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.”
Speaking at the event, CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity, job creation, and climate resilience. He described Nigeria’s energy access gap, where over 85 million citizens still lack electricity as a national emergency that demands bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
“We are here today not just to speak truth to power, but to align with power that works for the people. Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s a tool for justice, equity, and human dignity.”Agbonkpolor said.
The committee particularly commended FG for its strategic initiatives aimed at deploying 4 megawatts of renewable energy in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as a separate plan to deliver 5 megawatts to every local government in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“These projects are not only ambitious, they are necessary. They represent a real chance to lift communities out of darkness, boost local economies, and bring Nigeria closer to its renewable energy target of 30% by 2030.” Agbonkpolor noted.
The committee also addressed the ongoing ₦10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa. While acknowledging growing media interest and public scrutiny of the initiative, CBIAMEC clarified that its position is not one of opposition but of constructive engagement.
“We had a fruitful interface with the Director General of ECN where detailed clarifications were provided on procurement procedures, project scope, and transparency mechanisms. The Commission assured us that all steps are being taken in line with the Public Procurement Act, including competitive bidding and regular performance audits.” Agbonkpolor added.
The group pledged to serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring the implementation to ensure the solar intervention truly benefits the people and delivers value for every kobo spent. “We will be vigilant, objective, and fact-driven in our oversight role.”
Meanwhile the Committee also raised concerns over what it described as “media trials” that could derail public trust and investment in renewable energy projects. It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and avoid sensationalism that may hinder national progress.
“We are not calling for silence, we are calling for responsibility. The media has a powerful role to play in this transition, not as saboteurs, but as storytellers of change and partners in development.” he restated.
The briefing concluded with a five-point call to action, encouraging households to explore solar home systems, innovators to invest in green technology, communities to support mini-grid projects, policymakers to prioritize renewable energy in national planning, and the media to amplify success stories in the sector.
- …Sets the stage for a future of more possibilities
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially marked the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Celebrated as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank was founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited; an institution that has now evolved from a single-branch operation aimed at empowering indigenous Nigerians into a formidable force that continues to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s banking and financial industry.
From bridging gaps in access to finance for underserved Nigerians to empowering businesses with insightful financial solutions and support, providing a platform for other industries to thrive and proactively delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of every Nigerian, Wema Bank has built a legacy of impact for 8 decades. With millions of customers and global presence via 150+ branches and the ALAT App, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in customer-centric innovation and impactful banking.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the Bank’s stakeholders, Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue going above and beyond in service of its customers in the decades to come. According to him, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone”.
“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present, and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank. We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you. It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary has taken the world by storm, with a major highlight being the Wema at 80 Gala Night scheduled to hold in Lagos at 6 p.m. on Friday May 2nd, 2025. Headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal sensation Yinka Davies, 9ice and a star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and stakeholders; the night promises to be one for the books, convening 8 decades of generations in a glamorous ceremony themed ‘Timeless Elegance’.
Anyone can be a part of the Wema at 80 Gala Night by tuning in live at 7 p.m. to the Bank’s YouTube Channel as well as select national TV stations.
The Africa Trade Consortium, a premier platform for promoting intra-African trade, is set to host its 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” on May 14th, 2024, at the Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja. This annual event, organized by PR Times Africa Media Ltd, aims to boost trade relations within the continent and explore new business opportunities.
*Key Highlights of the Event:*
– *Date:* May 14th, 2024
– *Time:* 10:00 am
– *Venue:* Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja
– *Theme:* “Tea Break Edition”
– *Objective:* To promote intra-African trade, strengthen economic cooperation, and unlock new trade opportunities in the tea industry and related sectors.
*This Year’s Focus:*
The 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” will bring together top decision-makers, businessmen and women, and diplomats from diverse regions of the continent to discuss the tea industry as a business opportunity and explore related trade prospects. The event will also address key challenges facing trade within the continent, including trade barriers, border challenges, security, and weather-related issues.
*Quotes from the Organizers:*
“The Africa Trade Consortium is committed to fostering economic growth and development within the continent by promoting trade and investment,” said the Lead Consultant of PR Times Africa Media Ltd and Convener of the Africa Trade Consortium. “We believe that the tea industry has immense potential for growth and we look forward to exploring new trade opportunities with our partners from across Africa.”
*About the Africa Trade Consortium:*
The Africa Trade Consortium is a trade initiative launched in Abuja, Nigeria in 2022. Its primary objective is to promote trade between Nigeria and other African countries, fostering economic cooperation and collaboration among nations on the continent. The consortium brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private enterprise, and civil society, to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
For more information, please visit (link unavailable) or call +234802422404.
CSOs Back Nigeria’s Clean Energy Push, Applaud ECN’s Commitment
Wema Bank Celebrates 80 Years of Impact
