Unity Bank Commits Over N30m To Empower NYSC Members

Nigerian lender, Unity Bank Plc has committed over N30 million to empower National Youth Service Corps  (NYSC) members through the Bank’s flagship Youth entrepreneurship development initiative known as Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge.

The sum includes N4 million won by beneficiaries on four separate editions across four states and N10 million won by beneficiaries across the ten states in the latest edition.

The Corpreneurship Challenge, specially designed to targets corps members has produced no fewer than 48 winners across 14 NYSC camps in 13 States and the Federal Capital Territory since inception in 2019.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim in a recent meeting with the Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun commended the bank for providing financial grants to the corps members.

He said the pilot project of the “Corpreneurship challenge” had created opportunities for self-employment and wealth creation and would reduce the number of unemployed graduates.

“My appeal to you is to be determined, remain focused and fan into flame the training that you have acquired for your empowerment, as it would later translate to societal development,” the DG has said. “Be prudent in your spending, avoid indolence and be committed to what the Unity Bank has done for you,” he added.

The initiative was piloted across four locations – Lagos, Ogun, Edo and Abuja – but has now expanded to six other locations including Akwa Ibom, Kano, Sokoto, Enugu, Sokoto and Osun. 

Each of the locations produce winners of business grants of N200,000 for the second runner ups; N300,000 business grant for the first runner ups and a star prize of N500,000 for the overall winners.   

The initiative has attracted massive interests and participation among the corps members, as over 10,000 applications have been received over the period.

The contestants’ business plans which usually come from any sector such as fashion, fish production, poultry farming, retail chains, piggery, beverages, etc. are assessed on originality, marketability, future employability potential of the product and knowledge of the business.    

Speaking during the last edition which held across ten locations, the Divisional Head, Retail, SME Banking and E-Business Directorate, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Olufunwa Akinmade, said the competition has proved to have a great impact on youth empowerment in the country.   

“The Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has a very positive impact, not only for the corps members but for the entire youth population in Nigeria. It is a way to support the young men and women who are just graduating from university to grow.  

“You will agree that it is not easy today to come out of the university and get a paid job, and so at this stage, it is good that the corps members imbibe that culture of entrepreneurship, and then with the financial support that they get from Unity Bank and the knowledge that they have acquired through the competition, they will be able to grow from job seekers to employers of labour.”  

Mr. Akinmade reiterated that “The grants are not a loan and the winners are expected to channel the funds to profitable ventures to achieve the objectives of the scheme.”  

Going down memory lane, Mr. Akinmade recalled that what started in 2019 with a pilot in four states have now expanded to six additional states and is well on its way to achieving national coverage.   

He said: “We started Corpreneurship Challenge in 2019, with a launch in Lagos and in three other states which included Edo, Ogun, and Abuja. So, today we have expanded it to ten locations, and it has been hugely successful.  

“This is a programme that will stand the test of time, but all we are doing is to support NYSC corps members to start their own business no matter how small and then grow with it. Unity Bank will continue to be part of their journey, to offer them a start-up capital as well as business mentorship.”

43 Years Old Man Arrested For Stealing A Minibus For The Sake Of His Wife And Children

 43 Year Old nigerian father Known As Adejumo Maruf has confessed to stealing a school minibus popularly called korope.

Another Davido's Crew Member, Obama DMW Is Dead

 

Popular Nigerian Pop star, David Adeleke better known as Davido has lost another of his crew member Obama DMW to the cold hands of Death.

South African Court Jails Ex-President Jacob Zuma For 15 Months For Contempt

Former South African president, Jacob Zuma has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty for defying a court order to appear before an inquiry probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption during his tenure from 2009 to 2018.

This is the first time in South Africa’s history that a former president has been sentenced to prison.

Zuma, who wasn’t present for the ruling on Tuesday, June 29, was ordered to hand himself over within five days to a police station in his hometown of Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal province or in Johannesburg. 

Back in January, the Constitutional Court ruled that Zuma had to respond to questions from a judicial commission headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. But the 79-year-old former intelligence operative accused the court and Zondo of bias, walked out of one scheduled panel hearing in November, and boycotted another in February.

The panel responded by filing contempt charges against him.

“The Constitutional Court can do nothing but conclude that Mr. Zuma is guilty of the crime of contempt of court,” acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe said in a ruling in Johannesburg on Tuesday. “Mr. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is sentenced to undergo 15 months imprisonment.”

According to report, the government estimates more than 500 billion rand ($35 billion) was stolen from the state during Zuma’s rule, and at least 40 witnesses who’ve appeared before in court linked the ex-president to the looting spree.

However, Zuma, who was forced to quit in 2018, has denied wrongdoing and says the allegations against him are part of a smear campaign.

Governor Sanwo-Olu To Present Tourism Masterplan And Policy To Practitioners On Thursday

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will on Thursday, 1st of July, make a public presentation of a reviewed Tourism Master Plan and a Tourism Policy to guide the activities of the State Government and stakeholders in the sector on all tourism related activities in the State for the next couple of years. The public presentation of the reviewed Tourism Master Plan and a Tourism Policy event is supported by Sterling Bank Plc. and will hold at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. In a Statement Released on Monday through the Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Commissioner for the Ministry, Pharm. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said that the public presentation of the two documents would herald a new narrative in the State’s tourism sector. She described the presentation of the two documents by Governor Sanwo-Olu as historic, considering the rigorous processes and the scrutiny which the documents have been subjected to before arriving at the reviewed versions which would now be publicly presented on July 1st, 2021. According to the Commissioner, the approval of the Governor for the production of both the Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy further demonstrates his resolve to embrace initiatives that would help advance the development of tourism activities from both the government and private sector’s perspectives. As a show of the support of the tourism stakeholders for the two documents, the Commissioner revealed that various practitioners in the sector have been invited to witness public presentation event, stressing that the documents which were prepared in collaboration with the stakeholders, would be seamlessly embraced by all the affected practitioners. The Divisional Head, Retail and Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Shina Atilola, who spoke on the partnership of the Bank with the State Government for the public presentation event, said, "We are excited to partner with Lagos State as it prioritises tourism and repositions Lagos into one of the most preferred destinations in Africa. He described the Tourism Master Plan and Policy by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as a must-have roadmap for regenerating, conserving, and making Lagos a high-end tourist destination with global appeal. Atilola added that the role of the private sector is to support the government and take advantage of its favourable policies. Without which, enhanced quality of life for the masses, job creation, and shared prosperity for all will remain elusive. "This explains our support for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture's masterplan and policy presentation. It is a roadmap that will unlock inclusive and sustainable development by harnessing the unique and abundant endowments of nature and the cultural heritage of the people of Lagos State," he said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will on Thursday, 1st of July, make a public presentation of a reviewed Tourism Master Plan and a Tourism Policy to guide the activities of the State Government and stakeholders in the sector on all tourism related activities in the State for the next couple of years.

The public presentation of the reviewed Tourism Master Plan and a Tourism Policy event is supported by Sterling Bank Plc. and will hold at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

In a Statement Released on Monday through the Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Commissioner for the Ministry, Pharm. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said that the public presentation of the two documents would herald a new narrative in the State’s tourism sector.

She described the presentation of the two documents by Governor Sanwo-Olu as historic, considering the rigorous processes and the scrutiny which the documents have been subjected to before arriving at the reviewed versions which would now be publicly presented on July 1st, 2021.

According to the Commissioner, the approval of the Governor for the production of both the Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy further demonstrates his resolve to embrace initiatives that would help advance the development of tourism activities from both the government and private sector’s perspectives.

As a show of the support of the tourism stakeholders for the two documents, the Commissioner revealed that various practitioners in the sector have been invited to witness public presentation event, stressing that the documents which were prepared in collaboration with the stakeholders, would be seamlessly embraced by all the affected practitioners.

The Divisional Head, Retail and Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Shina Atilola, who spoke on the partnership of the Bank with the State Government for the public presentation event, said, "We are excited to partner with Lagos State as it prioritises tourism and repositions Lagos into one of the most preferred destinations in Africa. 

He described the Tourism Master Plan and Policy by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as a must-have roadmap for regenerating, conserving, and making Lagos a high-end tourist destination with global appeal. 

Atilola added that the role of the private sector is to support the government and take advantage of its favourable policies. Without which, enhanced quality of life for the masses, job creation, and shared prosperity for all will remain elusive. 

"This explains our support for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture's masterplan and policy presentation. It is a roadmap that will unlock inclusive and sustainable development by harnessing the unique and abundant endowments of nature and the cultural heritage of the people of Lagos State," he said.

Breaking! Nigerian Government Arrest IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal Government has arrested the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami(SAN), who made the disclosure to journalists on Tuesday, revealed that Kanu was arrested and brought back to Nigeria on Sunday.

He said the arrest followed a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol.

Malami further disclosed that Kanu would be taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.

Sterling Bank Partners With Stears Data to Publish Agric Industry Report 2021

Sterling Bank Plc, in partnership with StearsData, has released an in-depth report for the agriculture sector in Nigeria. The report titled Agriculture Industry Report 2021 provides the most up-to-date view of the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector in a COVID-19 era. 

The four-part report critically examines the country’s agriculture value chain state, state of affairs post-COVID-19, the climate change challenge and opportunities for innovations and investments. 

Bukola Awosanya, Group Head of Agric Finance and Solid Mineral at Sterling Bank, said the industry report empowers players in the agriculture sector with a navigation roadmap. And affirms Sterling Bank’s commitment to de-risking and making the domestic agriculture value chain more viable for commercial lending. 

“The goal of the report is to help investors and operators understand the challenges facing the sector, consider recommendations by experts, and become aware of relevant opportunities, both now and in the future. It would empower them to support policymakers to craft policies that would create the enabling environment that the sector needs to thrive,” Awosanya informs.

According to the agric finance expert, the industry report is a continuum of the bank’s annual Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) held for three consecutive years since 2018. It supports the bank’s goal of creating a pathway for lending to farmers and other value chain players without intervention funds, making it possible for the federal government to free up funds allocated to subsidising the sector to other industries.

She disclosed that the first part of the report provided an overview of the agricultural value chain and analysed some of the conditions that led to the sector’s underdeveloped state.

READ ALSO:  No Rift Between Wike And I - Rivers Deputy Governor Blast Critics Amidst COVID-19 Claims

While the second part reviewed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s agriculture sector, response to the pandemic, and lessons learnt from other countries on the need to build a more resilient agricultural sector.

The third part explored how climate change impacts the sector, highlighting ways stakeholders can overcome the challenge. And the fourth part of the report explored opportunities for innovation and investments and how recent innovation is transforming the industry.  

Michael Famoroti, Chief Economist at Stears, said the Agriculture Industry Report 2021 provides insights and actionable recommendations for future-proofing the sector from severe disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the recommendations are essential for all stakeholders and a valuable resource for building a resilient and commercially viable industry.

 

In the main, the Agriculture Industry Report 2021 powered by Sterling Bank and StearsData shows that Nigeria’s agricultural sector is operating below its potential, “even by its standards.” It identified the inefficiencies that slowed and crippled the growth of the sector. 

The industry report indicated that continued reliance on trade restrictions as a primary tool for stimulating local production would lead to greater market instability. It will undermine supply and expose consumers to significant price fluctuations, making food security elusive as population growth puts more pressure on food resources. 

COVID-19 and its attendant shock, according to the report, makes an agricultural sector that is more resilient to shocks an imperative. More importantly, the effects of climate change which continue to pose a real long-term threat.

It, therefore, advocated improved production methods that are more efficient and sustainable, investing in large scale storage so that national reserves are sufficient in times of crisis or implementing a public sector framework such that issues that concern the sector can be assessed by the appropriate bodies and a coordinated response is pushed out in a timely manner.

READ ALSO:  What Federal Government Must Do For 1994 Eagles - Sunday Oliseh

The Agriculture Industry Report 2021 also advised policymakers to protect the blossoming innovation ecosystem in the sector with consistent policies and collaborate to foster growth. It suggested a value chain approach so critical links are not ignored when designing solutions for the sector.

It said, “As Nigeria inches out of another recession, there is no better time to take steps that support its resolute claims that the performance of its agriculture sector is key to its long-term growth.” 

StearsData is a data collection, analytics, and data access division of Stears, a digital information company. Agriculture, on the other hand, is one of the five sectors of the economy that Sterling Bank focuses on as part of its effort to accelerate industrialisation and reduce poverty through sectors that impact the quality of life of millions of Nigerians. The other sectors are health, education, renewable energy, and transportation.

I Started Robbery At Age 7 With Intentions To Be Like Shino Rambo, Oyenusi - Suspect Confesses

Ondo state police have arrested and paraded a 27-year-old armed robber, Gbenga Kikiowo, who said his dream was to be an international armed robber like Ishola Oyenusi and Shina Rambo.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Salami, who paraded the suspect before newsmen, said Kikiowo and one Aladeloye Tope aged 25, were arrested at Oke-Aro, Akure metropolis during a robbery incident.

When interrogated, Kikiowo said he is an ex-convict and went back to robbery after he couldn't find a job when he left prison.

“I started committing crime since I was seven years old. I don’t have any genuine reason to what led me to crime because I was born into a rich family.

I suddenly started stealing from my parent, my parent believes in traditional religion that is what they practice, so the more they use spiritual solution to my criminal act, the more I stole and that led me to Ghana. From there, I brought my gang to Nigeria and we were arrested during an operation in 2015 and remained in the Olokuta Prison in Akure.

My father died in 2015, so there was nobody to help me because they believed I’m a criminal. I then saw crime as a perfect way for me to survive after my father’s death and when there was no one to cater to me.

My father’s name was Kikiowo Ayodele. He married six wives and gave birth to 24 children. He was a native of lgbara Oke, in Ondo State, he is well known; a retired soldier and a farmer.

I once followed a man to a Divisional Police Station in Akure to bail a motorcycle, the motorcycle was released in a way that surprised me, the man told them his motorcycle was arrested so they asked him the documents of the motorcycle and he gave them only N1,500 and it was released to him even without the knowledge of those officers who collected the motorcycle.

So, I started using that technique and it worked for me. Once I discovered that those on morning duty had left, I will go there and point at any new and neat motorcycle, give them N1,500 and it will be given to me and I will disappear.

I was arrested in 2011, the woman Judge who presided over my case liked me and took me to the welfare so that they could encourage me with the word of God but I escaped in 2012 and got involved in another case involving the stealing of motorcycles at A-Division. I was released on the 2nd of February, 2019.

“During the last time I was in prison, I joined the prisoners’ fellowship that preach the word of God from there, I listened to their preaching and I got some assistance from them.''

Speaking further, he said

 ''I later had a dream, where I saw Daddy Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, praying for me, so, not long, I was discharged and acquitted. Upon my return, I went to Redeem Christian Church in Akure and gave a testimony that I had changed after spending four years in prison

“They took me to the Redemption Camp where they planned to take me to a rehabilitation centre. But that’s not what I needed, what I wanted was to find a job that will be fetching me money but they were saying I was into drugs and must first be rehabilitated. So, l decide to leave after six month because that was not what I needed.

From there, I stole their pastor’s tricycle, also known as ‘Keke Maruwa and escaped to Ile- Ife. He ask me to return it but I said no, and I decided to sell the tricycle but was arrested.

After some months I called the Pastor to come and take his tricycle because it was no longer useful to me. Throughout my life, I have never achieved any good thing but sorrow. The gun the police arrested me with was my last hope. I had decided to leave all this local crime to go international. That was why I took the risk to look for a gun.

I wanted to become an international armed robber like Ishola Oyenusi, Shina Rambo and Mufu Olosha Oko because I wanted my name to reign. I believed that it was through crime that I can be popular.

If not for the gun, there was no way they could have arrested me. After my father’s death, I heard about Ghana, upon getting there, I found my colleagues and we started highway robbery and after the operation, they found me competent and from there we started operation.

“Highway robbery is the best we can do in Ghana we can’t do any other operation, from there I invited them to Nigeria after convincing them that I have the key point of Nigeria that we can operate successfully.

ln Nigeria, we went for first, second operations and the third one, I was arrested and I landed in prison. I urge the government to tamper justice with mercy and help me. I have decided to stop crime because I have not gained anything from it.'' 

Police Inspector Arrested For Runrunning And Renting Riffles To Criminals In Cross River State

 

The Cross River State Police command has arrested one of its personnel, Inspector Nathaniel Manasseh, over alleged gunrunning and renting his riffles to notorious criminals. 

The Inspector, who was paraded alongside other suspects at the state police headquarters in Diamond Hill, Calabar, on Tuesday, June 22, was involved in gunrunning in Cross River and Imo State and had not been able to account for some arms including two AK-47 riffles.

Briefing newsmen, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sikiru Akande, urged residents of the state to assist the police with useful information that could aid in the arrest of criminals.

"Cross River is regaining its lost glory in the area of security. As a matter of fact, we remain the most peaceful state in Nigeria and nothing can break out our resolve. For our achievement, today is not unconnected with corporation enjoyed by well meaningful citizens, critical security stakeholders and corporate bodies that meets regularly to reevaluate our performance so far and the need for improvement that has led to what you are seeing today," Akande stated.

"I want to equivocally state clear that for the police to function effectively and efficiently in any developed society requires citizen’s participation, collaborative partnership and willingness of the community to constantly equip the police with useful information that can forestall unpleasant occurrence,"

The CP revealed that amongst those apprehended include an Inspector of Police, who usually gives out his riffles on “rent” to notorious criminals and is a member of a gun running syndicate.

Speaking to newsmen, the Inspector denied being a gunrunner, claiming that he was charmed and dispossessed of some AK-47s, including a vehicle.

"I was charmed. I can't really explain what happened and how they dispossessed me of the riffles. I am not a gunrunner." he said. 

Police Inspector arrested for allegedly gunrunning and renting riffles to notorious criminals in Cross River State

CBN Debunks Report On Planned Nationalisation Of Unity Bank

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied planning to nationalise Unity Bank Plc as alleged by an online news medium.

Reacting to the report, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN,  Osita Nwanisobi, described it as, “fake news” and should be discarded in its entirety

He said: “The report is fake news. There is no iota of truth in it.” He added that the public should disregard such news. 

The report had claimed that the apex bank’s target examination of Unity Bank showed that the Tier 2 lender is in ”grave financial condition”, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Non- Performing Loans (NPL) ratio that breached prudential standards.

However, analysts note that just last month, the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC) noted  in the communiqué it issued at the end  of its meeting that the banking industry is in good health.

According to the communique: “the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and the Liquidity Ratio (LR) both remained above their prudential limits at 15.8 and 38.9 per cent, respectively. The Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) at 5.89 per cent in April 2021, showed progressive improvement compared with 6.6 per cent in April 2020.”

Unity Bank’s audited FY’ 2020 results  showed improved performance  in key parameters. For instance,  the Bank’s gross loans portfolio increased by 92.9 per cent to N206.2 billion in 2020 from N106.9 billion in 2019. The bank’s total assets rose by 67.90 per cent when compared with N293.05 billion achieved in the comparative period of 2019. Also, the lender posted gross earnings of N42.71 billion compared with N44.59 billion recorded in the comparative period of 2019, reflective of its business and economic realities of the time.

Its customer deposit portfolio grew by 34.4 per cent to N356.62 billion in 2020, up from N257.69 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2019. Profit after tax stood at N2.09 billion, while profit before tax was N2.22 billion during the year under review amidst the tough macroeconomic environment where it operated. Its net operating income rose to N25.46 billion from N23.21 billion in the corresponding period of 2019, representing a 9.71 per cent increase.

This is even as the net interest income recorded a significant jump, as it rose by 7.60 per cent to N17.75 billion from N16.49 billion in the corresponding period of 2019.

Furthermore, the bank sustained the growth momentum demonstrated in its 2020 full year earnings as it recorded an impressive performance of 43 per cent in both profit before and after tax in Q1 2021.

The Bank’s unaudited Q1 results show that  the retail lender profit before tax (PBT) grew by 43 per cent to N784.3million from N550.1 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2020.

The profit after tax (PAT) for the period, which also grew by 43 per cent stood at N721.5million compared to the N506.1million recorded in Q1 2020.

As an outcome of increased focus on supporting local enterprises and industry, the asset portfolio also showed significant growth in loan book of 76 per cent as net loans and advances to customers increased to N223.2 billion, from N126.6 billion recorded in the corresponding period.

The total assets of the bank for the period showed an appreciable growth of 42 per cent to close at N521.5 billion, from N366.8 billion in the corresponding period of 2020.

The balance sheet of the bank had been considerably de-risked with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of near-zero per cent, which it has consistently maintained over time. With this, the bank ranks topmost in risk management assessment.

 

The bank recorded gross earnings of N11.5 billion, representing a marginal decline of three per cent when compared to N11.9billion posted in the corresponding period of 2020. The bank has assuredly intensified its recapitalization efforts by the recent updates the lender provided to the supervisory authority and significant mileage is currently being recorded as part of its corporate transformation and renewal programmes.

Breaking: Prophet TB Joshua Is Dirs At 57

 

The Founder of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations, Temitope Joshua, better known as Prophet TB Joshua, is dead.

Joshua reportedly died on Saturday night in Lagos after concluding a programme at his church.

The church and his family have not officially announced his death. He was 57. Plans were underway for his 58th birthday. Joshua was born on June 12, 1963.

News of his demise became a trend on Twitter in the early hours of Saturday as many Nigerians took turns to mourn the late prophet.

The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed, but sources told Saharareporters he fell ill two days ago.

His body is believed to have been deposited at General Hospital in Isolo, Lagos. 

TB Joshua's megachurch runs the popular Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos, followed by many Christians worldwide.

Joshua is famous across Africa, Europe and America. His YouTube channel, Emmanuel TV, had over 1,000,000 subscribers and was the world's most viewed Christian ministry on the platform before it was suspended.

He is well known for his controversial prophecies such as the Ghana terror attack, US presidential election, coronavirus and his influence in African politics. He recently predicted Nigeria would remain one despite instability in different parts of the country.

Twitter Has Become A Source Of Livelihood For Many - Gov Makinde React To Twitter Ban By President Buhari's Government

Governor Seyi Makinde has reacted to the Federal government's decision to suspend Twitter operations in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on his social media handle this morning, the governor reminded the Federal government of how important Twitter is to Nigerians of today. Pointing out that the micro-blogging site has become a source of livelihood to some Nigerians, the governor stressed that as leaders, the government should go beyond emotional reactions to issues and think about how our actions will affect the people we lead and our international ratings socially and economically.

Read the statement below

It has become imperative for me to release a statement regarding the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government.

As leaders, we should go beyond emotional reactions to issues and think about how our actions will affect the people we lead and our international ratings socially and economically.

Twitter has become the platform for young people and indeed all Nigerians to exercise their fundamental right to express and publish an opinion.

They use the platform to complain, argue and give feedback to government and its agencies who in turn, use these to improve policies. This is a fundamental point that should be kept in mind as we debate the necessity of this suspension.

We should also remember that Twitter has gone beyond a source of communication for many of our hardworking youths in Nigeria. It has become a source of livelihood for many, irrespective of their political affiliations or religious leanings.

Nigerian youths and digital communications organisations earn a living from being able to use the platform to post communications on behalf of their clients.

Others who may not have physical stores also rely on Twitter to give visibility to their products and services.

Furthermore, I believe the Federal Government should be actively interested in how certain policies and action will affect investor confidence.

I, therefore, use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to reverse this suspension for the greater good of Nigerians.

Senator Rochas Okorocha Warns – Igbos Are Not Killers

 Ex-Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has cautioned against ethnic profiling of Igbo people, maintaining that the Igbos are not killers as being speculated.

Okorocha stated this at the centenary celebration in honour of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, the late Michael Okpara, in Abuja recently.

In his words,

“I appeal to all Nigerians to stop the ethnic profiling of the Igbo. They are not murderers, otherwise they won’t be in Kano or Lagos doing business. Indeed, we are passing through one of the ugliest moments of our history.”

Two- Storey Building Collapse In Anambra, Family Of Six Escapes ( Photos)

 A family of six narrowly escaped death following the collapse of a two-storey building at Amawbia bypass, Awka South Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the building owned by one Anene, totally collapsed on a residential building and a shop around 11:PM on Wednesday night, June 2.

Amongst the six members of the family, four sustained minor injuries while two were seriously injured and currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.

It was further learnt that properties and goods worth over a million naira were destroyed due to the incident 

The head of the family, Mr. Augustine Ikeji, who spoke to the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, thanked God for saving his wife and children especially his 2-year-old daughter, who was buried by the debris.

On her part, the landlady of the affected residential building, Mrs. Amaka Okonkwo, a widow and the shop owner, whose goods were trapped by the collapsed building, Mr. Sunday Nwaezi blamed the incident on substandard materials, unveiling that the building started to give signs of collapse before its completion. 

A tenant, Lady Ogechukwu Ndu frowned at the action of the collapsed building owner, whom she said absconded on hearing the incident, appealed to the state government to take action against him to serve as a deterrent to other substandard builders. 

Speaking during his visit to the scene of the incident, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, Venerable Amaechi Okwuosa described it as unfortunate, and disclosed that the building was built without adequate approval from ASUDEB.

Okwuosa, who revoked the ownership of the land said, it now belongs to Anambra State Government as contained in relevant sections of the state laws on building collapse.

25 Years Old Farmer Arrested For Poisoning 9 Wells In Yobe

The Yobe State Police Command has arrested  25-year-old farmer, Mohammad Mohammad, for allegedly poisoning nine wells in Kasesa village near Damaturu. 

Spokesperson of the command, ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the arrest in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday, June 3.

On May 25, he poured insecticide into nine wells which are sources of water to residents and herds in the area,' Abdulkarim stated.

"When we collected the well eater as sample and conducted laboratory analysis, we discovered that they were contaminated with fecal Coliforms, which can cause cholera , typhoid and other water borne diseases. Therefore, we identified and arrested the suspect today. He will be charged to court soon,” 

The spokesman said the suspect confessed to committing the offence, but claimed his intention was to deter herders from invading his farm.

Abdulkarim said the command was also making efforts to arrest the herdsmen and charge them with alleged criminal trespassing.

He advised farmers and herders to avoid acts capable of inciting violence.

Ebikibina Ogborodi Appointed As NECO Acting Registrar

The Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO) has approved the appointment of Ebikibina Ogborodi as the acting Registrar/Chief Executive of the council.

Ogborodi's appointment comes as a result of the sudden death of the immediate past registrar, Professor Godswill Obioma who died after a brief illness on June 1.

A statement released by Azeez Sani, Head of Information and Public Relations Division of the council, stated that until his recent appointment, Mr Ogborodi was the Director of Special Duties in the council.

Sani explained that the governing board approved the appointment of the acting registrar at an emergency meeting held on Wednesday.

Ogborodi, who hails from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, obtained his first degree from the University of Jos in 1986 and a second degree from the same university in 1999.

He joined the service of NECO in 1999 and had served in different capacities, including acting Director of Examination Development Department, acting Director of the Office of the Registrar, Director of General Services, and Director of Human Resource Management, among others.

School Bus Hijack In Ondo, Abduct Student

Unknown gunmen have hijacked a school bus belonging to Chimola School in Oba Ile Estate of Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state.

Governor Seyi Makinde Slashes LAUTECH'S Tuition Fees By 25%

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has announced a 25 percent reduction in school fees for students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho.

Makinde made the announcement on Tuesday June 1, during a brief interaction with the students at the school auditorium in Ogbomosho.

 While making the announcement, the governor said the 25 percent reduction cut across the board. He noted that though LAUTECH tuition fees was the lowest among state-owned universities in the country, “but I have approved your demand on the tuition fees reduction.”

The governor said: “I am glad to be back among you. After the 2019 election, I should have returned to say thank you, but I didn’t want to come until I fulfill what I promised you, which is the sole ownership of LAUTECH by Oyo State.

 “I am still coming back to spend the night here and we will really celebrate then. But I can leave you with a parting gift for today. Let me tell you, LAUTECH fee is still the lowest in the Southwest.

 “Having said that, I will reduce your school fees across board, whether indigenes or non-indigenes, even for new students. There will be a reduction of 25 per cent across the board.”

Makinde, who also spoke at the inauguration of the High Dependency Unit of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, said his administration would build a befitting flyover in Ogbomoso.

He also promised to re-engage 170 workers of the teaching hospital, who were relieved of their employment by the previous administration, saying his government will pay them five-month salary arrears.

Sad— 3 Dies As Building Collapse In Ondo State

Three women have reportedly died after a dilapidated building collapsed on them at Arakale area of Akure, the Ondo State State capital. 

The women, said to be fish sellers at the popular Oja Oba market, were reportedly sitting under the building when it fell on them.

According to the Nation, the women were said to be hiding from a task force of the Fish Sellers Association of Nigeria.

It was gathered that some workers hired to pull down the building were at site working when it collapsed on the women.

One of the victims identified as Dorcas Ajayi was said to have been hiding her wares from Union task force because she owed the sum of N1000.

Her husband who gave his name as Ajayi said his wife’s goods would have been seized which made her to hide them in the building. 

Mr Ajayi said he was working in his farm when he was called that something had happened to his wife.

The deceased's son, Segun, blamed the workers carrying out demolition of the building for the death of his mother.

Meanwhile, the death of the women made other fish sellers to lead a protest to the Ondo Governor’s office.

The protesters demanded immediate disbandment of the Fish Sellers Association for inflicting hardship on them instead of solving their problems.

.They claimed that the deceased was barred from buying her fish from any cold room in Akure because she was yet to pay her the balance N1000 fee for purchase of registration form.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who addressed the protesters through his Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, said the state government would investigate the incident.

Following the incident, Governor Akeredolu ordered for suspension of all activities of the Fish sellers union in the state. 

Three Fake Local Government Traffic Officers Arrested In Lagos For Extorting Motorists

Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has arrested three suspects posing as Local Government Traffic officers for extorting motorists in Oshodi.

Ex- Governor Of Ekiti State React Over President Buhari's Tweet About Civil War

 

Former Ekiti state Governor, Ayo Fayose, has reacted following social media platform, Twitter's decision to delete President Buhari's tweet about the civil war.

ACF To Northerners, Stop Travelling To Southeast

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned Northerners against traveling to The Southeast due to the level of insecurity in the region.