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CAN Condemns Murder Of Catholic Priest

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The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of the Catholic priest of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kaffin Koro, Very Rev fr. Isaac Achi in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

It called for investigations into the attack, saying the culprits must be brought to book.

The state CAN Chairman, Most Rev Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, in his reaction signed by his media aide, Daniel Atori, condemned the dastard act.

“Enough of the attacks and wanton killings of innocent Nigeria citizens,” he insisted.

He prays for the repose soul of very Rev. Fr Achi and the souls of all the faithful departed; rest in peace.

The CAN chairman called on the government, the police and other security agencies to double their efforts in tackling Banditry and insecurity, maintaining” one of the primary responsibilities of government is to protect lives and property of the people you govern”.

The cleric condoled with the Catholic Diocese of Minna, parishioners and the entire Christendom as well as the immediate family of the slain priest.

Recall in the early hours of today (Sunday), the bandits got to the community, shooting sporadically, set ablaze the Catholic Parish house, killed the Parish Priest and injured his assistant.

Until his death, he was the CAN Coordinator of Paikoro LGA, the Dean and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Kaffin Koro in Minna Diocese.

Heritage Bank Emerges First Institution To Win CBN’s Best Supporting Bank With ABP Information

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Heritage Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s most innovative service providers, has emerged as the first financial institution in Nigeria to win the “Best Supporting Bank with Central Bank of Nigeria’s Information on Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).”

The apex bank recently awarded Heritage Bank at the Bankers’ Award Night organized and held by the CBN Bankers’ Committee in Abeokuta for its robust publications of information in the media space on the several feats around the ABP. The CBN also noted that Heritage Bank has continued to be a key financial partner that is creating economic linkages with small farmers and reputable large-scale processors, with a view of increasing agricultural output and significantly improving the capacity utilization of processors.

Commenting on the recognition, Managing Director of the Bank, Akinola George-Taylor said, “The award reflects our strong business fundamentals, resilience, and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value-chain. With the support of the bank, we have helped farmers boost the production of commodities and stabilize inputs supply to agro processors which has helped in addressing the country’s food insecurity.

“As a strategic partner that is complementing the efforts of CBN and other stakeholders in the agric sector, we have continued to communicate the broad objectives of ABP.  The bank has focused on increasing finance to the agricultural sector, the creation of new generations of farmers/entrepreneurs, and growing employment rates. This has led to the reduction of agricultural commodity importation and conservation of external reserves, and the assistance of rural smallholder farmers to grow to commercial production levels, amongst others.”

Heritage Bank has remained the pioneer Bank in financing the first ever large-scale rain-fed wheat production in Nigeria and is a prominent participating financial institution (PFI) under CBN’s ABP scheme. Heritage Bank Plc in partnership with CBN has also disbursed N41billion to farmers from 14 states for the expansion of wheat production.

Gunmen Attack Imo INEC Office Kill One

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Unknown gunmen suspected to be Eastern Security Network, ESN, militants have attacked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Imo State, killing one in the process.

It was gathered that the gunmen, who were about 20 in number, operated with two SUVs, one blue-coloured Lexus and an ash-coloured Highlander.

Dressed in ESN regalia, the shooters stormed the INEC office at Ahiazu Local Government Secretariat in search of staff distributing Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.

The dead body of the slain guard has been deposited at the morgue.

When our correspondent contacted the Imo Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, he said he was yet to resume duty but asked to reach the former PPRO, Mike Abatam, who refused to comment on the development.

HURIWA Slams Christian Leaders Over Killing Of Catholic Priest, Abduction Of 35 Katsina Christians

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Prominent civil rights advocacy group-HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) said Christian leaders in Nigeria have so far failed to speak out sufficiently and has not adopted effective steps including boycotting all consultative meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari to compel the Federal government to check the increasing waves of jihadists targeted attacks.
HURIWA spoke specifically on the attack on Sunday morning at the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Paikoro which led to the burning to death of  Reverend Father Isaac Achi of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Paikoro local government area of Niger State, the abduction on Saturday night of the Parish Priest of Saint George Catholic Church Omu Ekiti in Oye LGA of Ekiti State Reverend Father Michael Oloinlade and the invasion and subsequent abduction of 35 worshipper at the New Life for all Church in Kankara LGA of Katsina State on Sunday morning.
HURIWA which classified these serial attacks as coordinated Jihad against Christian faith in Nigeria, expressed disappointment with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the Christian Association of Nigeria for over indulging the President Muhammadu Buhari even in the face of his government’s deliberate failure to crush the terrorists who for the past seven years have specifically targeted Christians and have succeeded in destroying hundreds of Churches, kidnapping many Christians on gunpoint and killing hundreds of Christians just for exercising their fundamental freedom of religion. HURIWA said the last year’s vicious attack by ISWAP at the Catholic Church in Owo Ondo State which left over 50 worshippers dead is still fresh just as the Rights group said the Christian leaders have failed to hold the President to account.
HURIWA which condemned these attacks and killings of members and Priests of the Christian faith, faulted both the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria for continuing to do business with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari who has consistently failed to stop the systematic attacks of Churches and the killings of Christians just as the Rights group said it was inexplicable how the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja accepted a national award from President Muhammadu Buhari and the Catholic Bishops have only recently held a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and were seen sharing banters and smiling broadly.
HURIWA recalled that the Police Command in Niger State North Central Nigeria, has confirmed an attack on the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Paikoro, Rev. Father Isaac Achi of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, in Paikoro Local Government Area of the State.
A statement by DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson of the Police Command in Niger State, says “armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of the Rev. Father and set the house ablaze which consumed the Rev Father “.
DSP Abiodun equally said a colleague of the Rev. Father, Father Collins was equally shot on the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene.
He said the lifeless body of Father Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment when the Police tactical teams attached to Kaffin-Koro Division stormed the scene.
“The hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the team.”

At Least 40 Killed As Plane With 72 Passengers Crashes

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At least 40 people were killed when a domestic flight crashed in Pokhara in Nepal on Sunday, January 15, 2023, an aviation authority official said.

Hundreds of rescue workers were scouring the hillside where the plane carrying 72 people from the capital Kathmandu, went down.

Yeti Airlines, which operated the flight, said there were 72 people onboard – 68 passengers and four crew.

According to an airport official, the foreign nationals on board included: one Australian, one French, one Argentinian, four Russians, five Indians, two South Koreans and one person from Ireland.

“We expect to recover more bodies,” said an army spokesperson, Krishna Bhandari, said. “The plane has broken into pieces.”

The plane crashed between the old and new Pokhara airports in central Nepal.

Footage shared on social media, which appeared to be shot just after the crash, showed raging flames on the ground and black smoke billowing into the sky from debris strewn across the crash site.

Another unverified clip shared online showed a plane flying at a low altitude over a residential area banking sharply to the left, followed by a loud explosion.

The wreckage was on fire and rescue workers were trying to put out the blaze, local official Gurudutta Dhakal said.

Responders have already reached there and trying to douse the fire,” Dhakal said. “All agencies are now focused on first dousing the fire and rescuing the passengers.”

The twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft was flying from Kathmandu, the Himalayan country’s capital, an airport official said. After news of the crash broke the country’s prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, called an emergency cabinet meeting.

The weather was clear, said Jagannath Niroula, spokesman for Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Local TV showed rescue workers scrambling around broken sections of the aircraft. Some of the ground near the crash site was scorched, with licks of flames visible.

“The plane is burning,” said police official Ajay K.C., adding that rescue workers were having difficulty reaching the site in a gorge between two hills near the tourist town’s airport.

The craft made contact with the airport from Seti Gorge at 10:50 a.m. (0505 GMT), the aviation authority said in a statement. “Then it crashed.”

“Half of the plane is on the hillside,” said Arun Tamu, a local resident, who told Reuters he reached the site minutes after the plane went down. “The other half has fallen into the gorge of the Seti river.”

Khum Bahadur Chhetri said he watched from the roof of his house as the flight approached.

“I saw the plane trembling, moving left and right, and then suddenly its nose dived and it went into the gorge,” Chhetri told Reuters, adding that local residents took two passengers to a hospital.

The crash is Nepal’s deadliest since March 2018, when a US-Bangla Dash 8 turboprop flight from Dhaka crashed on landing in Kathmandu, killing 51 of the 71 people on board, according to Aviation Safety Network.

At least 309 people have died since 2000 in plane or helicopter crashes in Nepal, – home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, including Everest – where the weather can change suddenly and make for hazardous conditions. The European Union has banned Nepali airlines from its airspace since 2013, citing safety concerns.

At least 40 killed as plane with 72 passengers on board crashes in Nepal (photos/video)At least 40 killed as plane with 72 passengers on board crashes in Nepal (photos/video)

At least 40 killed as plane with 72 passengers on board crashes in Nepal (photos/video)At least 40 killed as plane with 72 passengers on board crashes in Nepal (photos/video)

Bandits Burn Catholic Priest To Death In Niger State

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The parish priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-koro in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Rev Father Isaac Achi, has been burnt to death by armed bandits.

It was gathered that the bandits who invaded his residence at 3 am on Sunday, January 15, 2023, also injured his colleague identified as Father Collins.

The terrorists were said to have attempted to gain entrance into the catholic parish house and in the course of having difficulty in gaining entrance set the parish house ablaze, and waited until it burnt to ashes with him in it.

Father Collins was shot on the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene.

Spokesperson of the Niger Police Command, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, who confirmed the incident, said effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants.

“On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of one Rev. Father Isaac Achi of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, along Daza road, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro LGA,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, the bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seemed difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt dead.

“A colleague of the Rev. Father identified as Father Collins was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene. Police tactical teams attached to Kafin-Koro Div were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams

“The lifeless body of Father Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Ogundele Ayodeji had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced.”

 

Bandits burn Catholic priest to death in Niger State

Bandits burn Catholic priest to death in Niger State Bandits burn Catholic priest to death in Niger State

Bandits burn Catholic priest to death in Niger State Bandits burn Catholic priest to death in Niger State

We Get Consumed By Political Power – Jonathan

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that most politicians get blinded when they get political power.

Speaking during a book presentation/reception that ended week-long activities that marked the retirement of the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, Jonathan advised politicians not to be blinded by the power they wield.

He also urged judicial officers to strive to be impartial and courageous in upholding the rule of law, which he noted was significant in the delivery of justice.

Jonathan said; “I advise politicians that while in office, let us not try to blackmail the judiciary because it is conservative. When we get political power, we get so blinded. Politicians should know that society is changing.

“Today, we are celebrating our retiring Chief Judge because she has served meritoriously. In 2015, she left Bayelsa for Rivers to perform the swearing-in of the governor thereby averting anarchy. It appears that the judicial arm is more functional than the executive.”

Accident On Lagos-Ibadan Road Claims 10 Lives

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At least 10 people have died in an accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The accident involving a Mack truck and a Toyota Hiace bus occurred in the Oniworo area.

The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Mr Ahmed Umar, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.

Umar explained that the accident occurred at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Umar added that the accident was caused by road obstruction on the part of the trailer and also excessive speed and loss of control on the part of the driver of the bus.

He explained that the Toyota bus marked KLD 539 XA lost control and ran into the truck with no registration number at the rear.

He said: “A total of 19 people were involved in the crash which comprised 13 male adults and six female adults.

“Two male adults sustained injuries while seven male adults, two female adults and one female child died in the accident.”

Umar stated that the injured victims were taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere for medical attention while the deceased were deposited at the Ipara morgue.

The sector commander urged motorists to always put on the headlamp when the weather is poor. He cautioned motorists, especially truck drivers, to always display caution signs whenever there is a breakdown on the road.

 

Two Victims Of Edo Train Attack Rescued

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The Edo state government on Friday, January 13, announced that two more victims of the train attack in the Igueben area of Edo State have been rescued.

Recall that 20 travellers were abducted last Saturday January 7, while waiting to board a train from the Igueben Station to Warri in nearby Delta State.

The state’s Commissioner for Communications and Orientation Chris Nehihkare in a briefing in Benin City, said one of the rescued victims include the President of the Igueben Area Customary Court Precious Aigbonoga.

Sterling One Foundation Wins Big At the ECOSEA 2022 Awards

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The Foundation became the pioneer winner of the ECOSEA Award for Most Outstanding Foundation in Environmental Sustainability.

The Environmental Sustainability Conference, Expo, and Awards (ECOSEA) hosted by Brand Communicator, a leading brand and marketing publication, and Impact Report Africa, a fast-rising CSR, and Sustainability platform recognized the Sterling One Foundation for its strides in combating climate change in Nigeria with the Most Outstanding Foundation in Environmental Sustainability award.

At their 1-day event themed; “Only One Earth: Building A Safer Environment,” the host organizations commended Sterling One for designing what it described as grassroots interventions that are leaving a positive footprint.

The event which was curated as a convergence of public and private sector stakeholders in the environmental sustainability space, as well as development agencies, was geared towards developing a blueprint of solutions tailored to address some of the challenges peculiar to Africa, with emphasis on Nigeria.

According to the organizer, the event is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy; Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; Goal 14 – Life Below Water, among others.

The Convener of ECOSEA, Joshua Ajayi, revealed that the outcome of the conference would help promote the achievement of environment-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and assist in the formulation of policies that will enhance their realization in the country.

At the end of the event’s conference segment, sustainability professionals and organizations were recognized for their environmental sustainability contributions in the country. Sterling One Foundation was recognized for its contributions towards recycling and better waste management in a bid to build a sustainable environment​.

The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, who was also one of the panelists at the event themed; “Net Zero Emissions: The Journey To 2060”, shared her thoughts on steps to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases highlighting that its partner institution, Sterling Bank is set to launch Africa’s first fully solarized building by a financial institution, a move she believes others can adopt to help clean energy become commonplace.

While being awarded, some of Sterling One Foundation’s achievements were brought to the fore, which included the adoption of 4 beaches in Lagos where plastic recycling is being implemented with the help of community volunteers, and capacity building for youths to help them tap into the potentials of the circular economy.

In her remarks to the press, Mrs. Olapeju shared that the Sterling One Foundation has the vision to plant 200 million trees before 2030 with its partners and plans to start by planting 10,000 economic trees across the 6 geo-political zones in partnership with the Unity Schools Alumni in 2023.

“We will establish tree planting clubs in partnership with the school’s alumni association to groom students who will not only plant these trees but support nurseries to birth more trees for other schools,” she said.

Iran Executes British Man Over Alleged Espionage

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Iran has executed British-Iranian national, Alireza Akbari, after sentencing him to death on charges of spying for Britain.

The Islamic regime went ahead with the killing just hours after British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned them not to execute Akbari, a former Iranian deputy defence minister.

Britain had described the death sentence as politically motivated and called for his immediate release.

‘Alireza Akbari, who was sentenced to death on charges of corruption on earth and extensive action against the country´s internal and external security through espionage for the British government’s intelligence service … was executed,’ Mizan said in a tweet.

It accused him of receiving 1,805,000 euros, 265,000 pounds, and $50,000 for spying.

In an audio recording broadcast by BBC Persian on Wednesday, Akbari said he had confessed to crimes he had not committed after extensive torture.

Iranian state media broadcast a video on Thursday January 12, they said showed that Akbari played a role in the 2020 assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, killed in a 2020 attack outside Tehran which authorities blamed at the time on Israel.

In the video, Akbari did not confess to involvement in the assassination but said a British agent had asked for information about Fakhrizadeh.

Earlier this week, Mr Akbari’s wife Maryam said an official asked her to visit her husband in prison for a ‘final meeting’ before the state killing.

He was transferred to solitary confinement, a sign that the execution was imminent after the death was sentenced and issued by the Revolutionary Court.

An audio message received by BBC Persia from Mr Akbari prior to his death claims he has been tortured and forced to confess on camera to crimes he did not commit.

He says he was forced to take psychedelic drugs and was interrogated for ten months.

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence described the politician as ‘one of the most important agents of the British spy service’.

He previously worked in Iran’s military and security institutions and has joint citizenship of Iran and Britain.

He then served as the international deputy of the Ministry of Defence under two-star general Ali Shamkhani, who served from 1997 to 2005.

Police DPO Slumps, Dies Inside Office

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The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Seme Police Division in Lagos State, SP Mojeed Salami, slumped and died in his office on Tuesday, January 10.

Police sources say the deceased had complained of headache on the said day and had visited the hospital. He returned but was still feeling unwell. He asked his orderly to tell the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) to come to his office, as he wanted to leave, but not without handing over official proceedings to the DCO. It was reported that the orderly returned to meet the deceased on the floor gasping for breath. He was rushed to the Badagry General Hospital where he was confirmed dead.

Confirming the passing, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said,

“He died on Tuesday. It was shocking to everybody because there was nothing serious about his health. They said he just complained about a minor headache, went to the hospital, came back, commenced work and died shortly afterward.”

Tribunal Adjourns For Judgement In Osun Guber Case

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The Osun State gubernatorial election petition tribunal has adjourned for judgement after counsels to the parties argued their final addresses.

Justice Tertsea Kume, who chaired the tribunal, said that a judgment date would be communicated to all the parties.

Lead Counsel to former Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, Lateef Fagbemi, in his address, held that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) erred in its synchronised report which he described as contradictory.

Fagbemi also stated that the Electoral Act, 2022, did not take into account synchronisation.

According to him, “To allow INEC to have its way by the concept of synchronization, that means they can declare election one day and come the following day that result has not been synchronized and thereby decide who wins and not the electorates.

“The issue of result is different from accreditation. What is required is updating of result and not updating of accreditation.”

While urging the Tribunal to nullify the declaration of Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the July 16, 2022 gubernatorial election, he alleged that he had forged certificate.

“The testimonial says it was issued in 1988 about three years before Osun State came into existence when nobody knew that the State would be created in 1991,” he said.

INEC, the 1st respondent, through its lead Counsel, Paul Ananaba argued that the petitioners were not accurate with reports of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

In his words, “The BVAS reports tendered by the petitioners were incomplete because the INEC server had not completed the synchronization process when it was issued to them.”

On the basis of claims of over voting using the BVAS machines as a basis, Ananaba urged the Tribunal to dismiss the claims of the petitioner, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Lead Counsel to the 2nd respondent, Ademola Adeleke, Onyechi Ikpeazu in his submission noted that none of the requirements allowed by the Electoral Act to prove over voting provided such evidence.

“The petitioner did not bring any document in prove of forgery and no witness from the institution to disown the documents that were allegedly forged,” he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counsel, Alex Izinyon stated that the issue of forged certificates had been settled.

Another Celebrity Marriage Crashes, As Ireti, Patrick Doyle Announce Divorce

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Actress Ireti Doyle Confirms Divorce From Husband
Actress, Ireti Doyle, has confirmed that she and her ex-husband, Patrick Doyle, a broadcaster, are officially divorced.
The Nollywood veteran made this known during a chat with Chude Jideonwo on his show #WithChude.
In a clip from this interview which she shared on Friday via her Instagram page, the actress said, “We are officially divorced.”
Ireti also said that she had no business being married at the time she did.
The couple got married in 2004.

7 Facts About Lekki Free Trade Zone You Don’t Know, By Dennis Isong

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What does a free trade zone mean?

A free trade zone is an area within which goods may be landed, handled, manufactured, reconfigured, and re-exported without the intervention of customs authorities.

It is a region where a group of countries has agreed to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, the basic objective being to enhance foreign exchange earnings, develop export-oriented industries and generate employment opportunities for the host country.

During the former governor of Lagos state administration, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lekki free trade zone was initiated and put into progress. When he left, the next governor, Babatunde Fashola, continued the project and after his regime, Akinwunmi Ambode seemed to give more attention to it. Right now, with Governor Jide Sanwoolu’s regime, it is more pronounced.

What you should know about the Lekki free trade zone…

  1. Area size

Lekki free trade zone covers a total area of about 155 square kilometers in the Ibeju Lekki local government area, Southeast of Lagos, Nigeria, about 50 km from the city center. This zone has been designed to become a new Lagos and has been granted a series of preferential policies and incentives, and designated as a special economic zone inside Nigeria.

Lekki’s free trade zone has provided an ideal platform to open up the diverse markets for all investors and enterprises in the world. It is already a unique landmark of the future development of Lagos state and Nigeria as a whole.

  1. Profitable collaboration

Lekki’s free trade zone is a major catalyst for the development of Lagos state brought about by a collaboration of the Chinese and Nigerian governments. Currently, the zone is under the management of the Lekki free zone development company.

  1. History making

Lekki free trade zone is the first private free trade zone in Nigeria and is known to be the biggest in West Africa.

  1. The frontier of tomorrow’s enterprise

By the time all the infrastructure that is planned starts operation, Lekki free trade zone is going to become the leading hub and major driver of the Nigerian economy and west Africa as a whole.

  1. Fast attracting investors

By having great transportation conditions both by land, sea, and air as well as its unique geographical and regional advantages, the zone serves as the best platform for any investors and enterprises who desire to open up to markets all over Africa, Europe, and the USA.

Already, the integrated agrochemical factory built by Candel FZE, a leading agrochemical company, has been commissioned. There are several other multi-billion dollars investments driven by various Chinese companies.

  1. It is a fastest-growing zone

According to a world bank report, Lekki free trade zone is the fastest free zone in the world.

  1. Lekki free trade zone will turn out a massive job opportunity

Lekki’s free trade zone project alone is expected to churn out 300,000 direct jobs and 600,000 indirect jobs with the Dangote oil refinery expected to create employment for 235, 000 people.

Just imagine how people will be coming into the zone both within and outside the country, you can only see this as an opportunity if you are smart.

With the construction of the; Lekki deep sea port, the new international airport, the Dangote oil refinery, pan Atlantic university, St. Augustine university, eleganza industrial city, different beach resorts, the proposed 4th mainland bridge, and other amazing infrastructure, it is obvious that an investment in the land around Ibeju-Lekki will reap massive returns a few years from now.

Power oil and Indomie factories are already set up in the area. So, whether you are buying land for residential buildings or selling when the price comes up, you are on the right track.

Dennis Isong Writes From Lagos 

BREAKING: Fire Guts Spare Parts Market In Ibadan

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Fire has gutted a section of Araromi spare parts market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital

Reports have it that the fire started early this morning in one of the shops before spreading to other parts of the market

We understand that the market is one of the major markets in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

General Manager of the State Fire Service, Rev. Canon Yemi Akinyinka, said that men of the command were able to quench the fire around 5 a.m. on Saturday.

Akinyinka said:  “Our men are at Araromi Market Agodi Gate since 2:30 a.m. where they are putting off the fire caused by indiscriminate refuse burning.

“The fire was suppressed at 5:00 a.m. Cooling down operation is ongoing to suppress reignition. On my way for on the spot assessment.

“I cannot say specifically the number of shops now, you know it is an emergency. It started in the night. About 45 shops”.

 

Supreme Court Affirms Jigawa’s Deputy Governor APC Guber Candidate

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The long-drawn legal battle on the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Jigawa State was on Friday laid to rest by the Supreme Court with the affirmation of the incumbent Deputy Governor, Umar Namadi as the lawful candidate.

The apex court in a unanimous judgment prepared by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun upheld the primary election conducted on May 26 which produced Namadi as the winner.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa on behalf of the court, the appeal filed by Farouk Adamu Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives was dismissed in its entirety.

The five justices of the court who heard the case unanimously agreed that it lacked merit and substance.

Namadi, through his counsel, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, had won the legal battle at the Federal High Court in Dutse as well as at the Court of Appeal in Kano.

I Will Coach Nigeria Again On One Condition – Oliseh

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A former Super Eagles International and Coach Sunday Oliseh, has given the main reason why he will return to the dugout as the National Team’s Head Coach.
He disclosed in an interview with the Punch that he’s willing to return Nigeria back to the top where they belong.
“I will handle the Super Eagles again if the person employing me has the interest of Nigeria at heart. My priority is to get Nigeria back to the top, but things must be done the right way,” he told Punch Editor Johnny Edward in an interview.

Re-Stamp Duty Trillions: Emefiele Vs His Boss, Buhari, By Chris Otaigbe

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Obviously, the dust surrounding the Stamp Duty trillions may not be settling any time soon; as individuals and groups are set to fight on behalf of the fleeing CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Groups and individuals from the South South, particularly, appear to be championing this UNHOLY, IMPURE cause.

They should KNOW that the STUPID, home grown concept of ‘he is OUR THIEF, LEAVE HIM FOR US’ won’t WORK this time; not in this Emefiele story.

As they say, when you see a goat dancing in the market square, its drummer is behind somewhere.

These people cannot on their own, in today’s Nigeria, start jumping up and down to fight for their ‘brother’ without the BROTHER, his agents or relatives funding their agitation.

So, Nigerians understand the game. As we say, in local parlance, ‘we know as e dey go.’

Among those fighting for Emefiele’s cause, one particular YouTube comment caught my attention.

Titled, ‘ALL EXPOSED FINALLY EMEFIELE OPENS UP SPEAKS ON WHY CABAL…(written as is), and anchored via a voice over commentary on the Emefiele crisis, the female voice speaking fairly fluent English, with Warri accent, reads a note allegedly written by the exiled CBN Governor on his witch hunt by Buhari’s cabal.

In the letter, the young lady states that Emefiele is being witch hunted by the cabal in Mohammadu Buhari’s government to FURTHER deepen the NORTHERNIZATION agenda by Buhari.

In the letter, Emefiele reveals that all the agencies under the CBN are HEADED by the Fulanis; besides the usual ones controlling Nigeria’s security apparatus and strategic Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

In the letter, Emefiele claims Buhari wants to replace him with another Fulani person; this time, a woman; to COMPLETE the FULANIZATION hold on the country.

My take…

First, the alleged Northernization or FULANIZATION agenda is NO NEWS to Nigerians.

As a matter of fact, we are used to it and have resigned to fate; on the matter.

Nigerians are merely counting days for those dark nepotistic days to end; as they prepare to welcome a new government come May 29.

From the point, the mainstream and most online media began, editorially, SLANTING the DSS’ JUSTIFIED chase of the CBN Governor as ‘HARASSMENT’ and witch hunt, I knew we are getting close to where the matter is getting to today.

Today, the media war appears to be PITCHING Emefiele AGAINST Buhari and his alleged cabal.

That the fleeing CBN Governor has not found it fit to DISSOCIATE himself from the ADVOCACY the media and INDUCED civil society groups are pushing in his favor against the President, it means he is not only aware, bit in FULL SUPPORT; of the attacks on the president; from quarters SYMPATHETIC to the CBN Governor’s cause.

Well, I have news for him and his support groups; Nigerians are NOT BUYING that!

Nigerians are INTERESTED in how he managed the Stamp Duty money; whether they are in billions or TRILLIONS!

Rather than spending his time, in exile, enjoying the UNHOLY and IMPURE sympathy; he is getting, he should LEVERAGE the opportunity he has; staying away from the RELAXED reach of the DSS; to EXPLAIN; CONVINCINGLY, the true story concerning the stamp duty trillions.

Otherwise, he may just be SQUANDERING the rare but LIMITED opportunity he has now; because the DSS WILL get him at some point; wherever he may be on the planet.

If they can get a hitherto, INVINCIBLE Nnandi Kanu of IPOB, they can get him; it is just a matter of time.

Allowing all these SPONSORED noise or support against Buhari and the  DSS, is further WORSENING his situation.

Here is why Emefiele DOES NOT DESERVE SYMPATHY…

Yes, Nigerians are not happy that Buhari has FULANIZED his government; but a tiny few ‘elite’ Southerners and especially Emefiele, have been ENJOYING that agenda; as beneficiaries.

So, he cannot come up, now that his ALLEGED CRIME has put him in danger, to EXPECT his Southern brothers and sisters, he NEVER recognized or respected when the going was good, to BAIL him out, today.

You see, this current situation captures what we all have always known.

When the going is good, CORRUPT ELITE Nigerians from North and South are UNITED in looting the country; but when any of them falls out of favor from the realm, they RESORT to ETHNIC and RELIGIOUS blackmail.

This is the current twist in the tale of Emefiele and the MISSING STAMP DUTY TRILLIONS.

Second reason, why Emefiele should be ALLOWED to face the music, is that this year’s budget will be largely FUNDED on BORROWED money.

At over  N11 trillion deficit, the government is set to borrow to fund the budget.

Meanwhile, we are INFORMED that the Governor of the CBN knows where over N89.1 trillion in Stamp Duty revenue is being kept; no one is talking about it!

Is that not madness? As my people will say; ‘Nor be JUJU be dat?’

Over 18 items make up the Stamp Duty revenue window; among which include, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Joint Partnership Agreement and so forth.

In other words, besides the N50 being remitted on every transaction above N1,000, anytime anyone gets a C of O, or engages in a Joint Venture financial transaction among others, stamp duty is collected.

These transactions occur every day in the country.

So, you can UNDERSTAND why the money is in trillions of naira.

In the end, fighting or allowing his SYMPATHIZERS to take on Buhari will not help him.

As a matter of fact, now that he knows the GAME IS UP for him, he should SPILL it all out; and let the chips fall where they may.

He should name ALL his collaborators in the government. After all, a man who is DOWN, fears NO FALL!

This is where he is; presently; flat on the FLOOR of shame. He can only but try to regain what is left of his HONOR by letting the world know his story in truth and all with him.

Lastly, Nigerians should also know that the Stamp Duty trillions is and can NOT be HEAPED on Emefiele alone.

One other VERY MAJOR PERSONA in this missing stamp duty trillions story is the DEPUTY GOVERNOR of the CBN, Folashodun shonubi.

He was the managing director of the Nigerian Inter bank Settlement System (NIBSS); from 2012-2018, when he was appointed to his current job at CBN.

He even REPRESENTS the CBN Governor on the board of FIRS; the government Tax agency, who are mandated to collect the Stamp Duty.

So, you can now understand what Nollywood People calls CONTINUITY happening here; in this context (if you know what I mean; lol).

NIBSS took over the collection of Stamp Duty revenue in 1993; on behalf of the banks; in criminal VIOLATION of the Stamp Duty Laws

I want to BELIEVE DSS has been summoning all these people; because to have an idea of those involved, directly (by virtue of their position, role and responsibilities) concerning the Stamp Duty trillions.

I am CONVINCED a Shonubi will have a great idea of what Hon. Gudaji Kazaure is talking about.

All the talk about the figure involved being too BIG to be real is NOT CONNECTING with LOGIC or TRUTH.

As a Nigerian, with stake in this country, I am COMMITTED to seeing to the end of this matter; and so should you.

Regardless of what happens to me, as God gives me the grace, I will continue to feed you the information you need to ACT; when the time comes.

So, stay tuned for MORE; from my corner.

Meanwhile, Emefiele needs to do himself a favor; he should come CLEAN.

Then, let him see if his brothers and sisters will not fight for him; should Buhari not PROSECUTE any of his own people Emefiele may mention as one of his COLLEAGUES in the UNHOLY COLLECTION of the Stamp Duty trillions.

 

Why Peter Obi Must Be Nigeria’s Next President – Adebanjo

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Elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, the apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, affirmed that the passion Nigerians have for Peter Obi of Labour Party is incomparable to that of other candidates.

Adebanjo made the claim while fielding questions on Arise Television’s State of the Nation news programme on Thursday.

He reiterated that it is the turn of the South East to produce the president, saying he was the first person to cry out about that.

Adebanjo said, “Well, I believe those who have love in following the trajectory of the Nigerian election must know why we are supporting Peter Obi. Of course, you must remember I was the first person to cry out that it was the turn of the South East. The parties had not done their primaries at that time, but I was just thinking about the constitutionality, logicality and equity of the situation of Nigerian politics from the time of independence.

“I think all passion for Obi cannot be compared with others. It is historical, philosophical, logical and constitutional, and even a question of inclusiveness if you are sincere about keeping Nigeria together.”

Stories Of New Bank Notes Untrue – CBN

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has described rumours trailing the new naira notes as unreal, revealing that the notes are of international standard.

There have been rumours of the new notes being weak, dyed, and also substandard. This has led to most traders rejecting the notes for transaction, insisting on the old ones.

The branch controller, CBN Awka, Mr Benedict Maduagwu stated this on Thursday, during a sensitization event at Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, to bring traders up to speed about the decisions of the bank, regarding the new notes.

He said the rumours were untrue, and also gave reasons for the redesigning of the notes, including defacing, counterfeiting, and illegal storage of the old notes outside the banks.

Onitsha Main Market is reputed to be the largest market in West Africa.

Maduagwu said: “Statistic shows that 84.71 percent of currency in circulation are outside the vaults of commercial banks, with only 15.29 percent in the Central Bank and commercial banks’ vaults.

“Second, is the worsening shortage of clean and fit banknotes with attendant negative perception of the CBN and increased risk to financial stability.

“Third, there is increasing ease by criminals and risk of counterfeiting, evidenced by several security reports received at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The benefits of the currency redesign to the Nigerian economy are enormous. This policy will help to control inflation as the exercise will bring the hoarded currency into the banking system, thereby making monetary policy more effective.

“It will also help with better design and implementation of Monetary Policy as we would have much more accurate data on money supply and monetary aggregates. We believe that this exercise would help in increasing financial inclusion, moving towards a more cashless economy, and ensuring greater formalization of the Nigerian economy.”

He also added: “The currency redesign would assist in the fight against corruption as the exercise would rein in the higher denomination used for corruption, and the movement of such funds from the banking system could be tracked easily.”

The chairman of the market, Mr Innocent Ezeoha complained that despite the short deadline, commercial banks are not dispensing the new notes yet, to customers.

The state director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Charles Nworji said the agency is set to move into communities to sensitize rural people about the new notes. NOA, he affirmed, will spend two weeks on the task to ensure that traders deposit their old notes on or before January 31, which is the deadline.

BREAKING: DSS Arrests Doyin Okupe

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Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of the Peter Obi, Datti Presidential Campaign Council, has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Servcies, DSS

Okupe was reportedly arrested on Thursday at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Tolu Babaleye, his lawyer, made this known to news men on Thursday, January, 12, 2023

“The information reaching me now is that Dr Doyin Okupe has been arrested at Lagos Airport by the DSS on his way to London.

“The reason, according to the source, is that he was asked to produce evidence that the Federal High Court Abuja had freed him from the case in which he was convicted and paid a fine to the knowledge of the whole world and was allowed to go home,” he said.

BREAKING: Supreme Court Grants Jailed Senator Nwaoboshi Respite

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja granted a reprieve to the jailed Senator Peter Nwaoboshi by reversing the downward hearing date in the appeal challenging his seven years imprisonment for corruption.

Though the hearing date in his appeal against the conviction was slated for November 24, 2024, it was, however, on Thursday brought down to February 9, 2023, by the apex court following an application to that effect.

Nwaoboshi, through his counsel, Kanu Agabi SAN, a former Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, had made a passionate appeal to the Supreme Court to fast-track the hearing of his case against his imprisonment.

Agabi, while arguing the application, informed the panel of justices of the court led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola that his client is a current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The senior lawyer pleaded for a quick hearing of his client’s appeal challenging the seven years of imprisonment slammed on him on July 1, 2022, by the Court of Appeal in Lagos.

Agabi predicated his fast-track hearing request on the ground that the convicted Senator may be made to complete the jail term before his innocence or otherwise could be decided by the apex court.

Also, Nwaoboshi was said to be a senatorial candidate for Delta North in the February National Assembly election.

He cited cases of some Nigerians whose convictions and jail terms were set aside after they had completed their terms of imprisonment, adding that such cases are worrisome.

However, following the no objection to the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and other parties, the Chief Justice in a brief ruling, reversed the earlier November 24, 2024, to February 9, 2023, to determine the innocence or guilt of the Senator in the corruption charges against him.

Nwaoboshi was, on July 1 last year, hauled into prison for seven years by the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.

The senator, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, was convicted on a two-count charge of fraud and money laundering.

The court also ordered that his two companies, Golden Touch Construction Project Limited and Suiming Electrical Limited, be wound up in line with Section 22 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2021.

2023: Peter Obi In Enugu For Rally

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has arrived in Enugu for a political rally.

Obi disclosed this in a post via his verified Twitter handle on Thursday.

“I just arrived Enugu metropolis for the Enugu rally,” he wrote.

The former Anambra State Governor was recently in his home state on Tuesday, where his mammoth crowd of supporters welcomed him.

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