Nigerian Eye

Working with Obasanjo, Jonathan prepared me for success as President -Doyin Okupe

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Latest-News Working with Obasanjo, Jonathan prepared me for success as President -Doyin Okupe

Documentary on Buhari administration to air 7pm today

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Latest-News Documentary on Buhari administration to air 7pm today

It’s ethnic profiling to arrest Chiwetalu while Gumi continues campaign for bandits, HURIWA tells DSS

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Latest-News It’s ethnic profiling to arrest Chiwetalu while Gumi continues campaign for bandits, HURIWA tells DSS

I was shocked BBNaija critics spread death rumours about me – Host Ebuka

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Latest-News I was shocked BBNaija critics spread death rumours about me – Host Ebuka

2023 presidency: Igbo’ll work for Nigeria’s unity not Biafra – Umahi

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Latest-News 2023 presidency: Igbo’ll work for Nigeria’s unity not Biafra – Umahi

Chiwetalu: Fresh military operation in South-East targets Biafra supporters, Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer alleges

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<p>Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged that the aim of the ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’ recently launched by the Nigerian Army in the South-East is to “whisk away” prominent supporters of the Biafran struggle.</p>
<p>The lawyer also condemned the “inhumane treatment and degradation” of veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu, by security agencies, saying the actor has not been granted access to his lawyers.</p>
<p>Ejiofor demanded the immediate release of Agu from the custody of the Department of State Services, saying Igbo lawyers “shall take appropriate steps permissible under our laws, to ensure that such occurrence is nipped in the bud.”</p>
<p>It was earlier reported that soldiers on Thursday arrested the actor around Upper Iweka Bridge in Onitsha for wearing an outfit with Biafra inscriptions.</p>
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<p>The Army in a statement had said that the actor was arrested “while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.”</p>
<p>The Army had also said the actor “dressed in a very well-known attire of the proscribed group”, adding that he was being questioned.</p>
<p>In a viral video, Agu had denied the allegations, saying his attire was a civil dress with an image of a rising sun and not Biafra.</p>
<p>“I was sharing 10,000 worth of bread when he (soldier) came, no campaign, nobody was doing any demonstration or carrying people along. Even people who were hawking, I was giving them bread,” the actor had added.</p>
<p>The Army subsequently handed over the actor to the DSS on Friday.</p>
<p>DSS Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, who confirmed that Agu is in the custody of the secret police, said the law would take its full course.</p>
<p>Reacting, however, in a statement on Saturday, the IPOB leader’s counsel condemned the arrest of the Nollywood actor, alleging that the true motive of ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’ launched on Monday by the 302 Artillery Regiment General Support in the South-East was being uncovered.</p>
<p>Ejiofor’s statement was titled, ‘Arrest of Chief Chiwetalu Agu by lawless Nigerian soldiers, release, and subsequent re-arrest by the operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) and his continued illegal detention without access to his lawyers and relatives’.</p>
<p>“It is worthy to note that the suspected motives behind the real mission of these untamed soldiers who are presently occupying our land under the guise of ‘Operation Golden Dawn’ is being uncovered, and will be ultimately uncovered in the coming days,” he said.</p>
<p>“Hear it today, that this is another round of ‘Operation Python Dance’ in disguise. There is no illusion about this.</p>
<p>“Intelligence available to us is irresistibly alluding to the fact that some prominent persons from this side of the divide, ostensibly those not in the good books of the Establishment are on the radar of these invaders, awaiting to be whisked away at any slightest opportunity, during this coded operation and under the guise of providing security.”</p>
<p>Ejiofor also said that he has intelligence advise to stay away from the South-East “pending when the dust settles because they can do and undo”.</p>
<p>He advised his “brothers and sisters” to be law-abiding and apply caution and restrain.</p>
<p>“Hence, I am most candidly advising our dear brothers and sisters to thread with utmost caution during this trying period. Please do not take any opportunity for granted, as these untamed men are here on a special mission,” he said.</p>

Latest-News Chiwetalu: Fresh military operation in South-East targets Biafra supporters, Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer alleges

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged that the aim of the ‘...

Ligue 1 vs LaLiga: Very competitive, powerful – Lionel Messi compares both leagues

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<p>Paris Saint-Germain forward, Lionel Messi, has compared French Ligue 1 and Spanish LaLiga.</p>
<p>Messi said Ligue 1 is much more physical than LaLiga, adding that teams in the French League seem more powerful to him and the matches are hotly contested, with few spaces.</p>
<p>The Argentine captain left LaLiga giants, Barcelona, for PSG in the summer transfer window.</p>
<p>Messi has played just three games for PSG in Ligue 1 and he is still adapting to French football.</p>
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<p>He is yet to score for PSG in the Ligue 1 and his only goal for Mauricio Pochettino’s side happened in the Champions League against Manchester City.</p>
<p>“(Ligue 1) It’s a league that is much more physical than LaLiga,” Lionel Messi told France Football.</p>
<p>“Here, the teams seem to me to be more powerful and the matches are very competitive, with not much space.</p>
<p>“Most of the players are very strong.”</p>

Latest-News Ligue 1 vs LaLiga: Very competitive, powerful – Lionel Messi compares both leagues

Paris Saint-Germain forward, Lionel Messi, has compared French Ligue 1 and Spanish LaLiga. Messi said Ligue 1 is much more physical than ...

Army neutralises three unknown gunmen in Anambra

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Latest-News Army neutralises three unknown gunmen in Anambra

IPOB tackles Amnesty Int’l over killings in S’East

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Latest-News IPOB tackles Amnesty Int’l over killings in S’East

Biafra outfit: DSS has arrested Chiwetalu Agu, says AGN

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Latest-News Biafra outfit: DSS has arrested Chiwetalu Agu, says AGN

NGF to address ‘unresolved issues’ with resident doctors in five states

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Latest-News NGF to address ‘unresolved issues’ with resident doctors in five states

Gas projects shouldn’t be defunded – Osinbajo in London

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<p>In its commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Federal Government of Nigeria is already making an attempt to use large shares of clean energy sources.</p>
<p>This is why the international community should know that the plan to defund gas projects in the run-up to the global Net-Zero emissions target would not help developing countries like Nigeria.</p>
<p>This was the root of the presentations Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made on Friday at separate meetings in London at the High-Level United Nations event on the Energy Transition plan in Africa with a singular focus on Nigeria.</p>
<p>The meetings included, first, a closed-door session with Mr Alok Sharma, the COP26 President-Designate, a cabinet rank British Minister and the Chair of the UK Government’s COP26 Energy Transition Council (ETC) at Whitehall and then interaction with the academic community at Imperial College followed by meetings of the Global Energy Alliance and presentations on the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan and Nigeria’s Integrated Energy Plan.</p>
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<p>Osinbajo perceived at Imperial College that Africa as a continent is home to the world’s youngest fastest growing population and in a bid to create jobs and enable climate-smart industrialization, “the scale and quality of electricity services must increase significantly.”</p>
<p>He also noted that the scaling up in the Nigerian context is founded on clean energy, a reflection of the Federal Government’s pledge to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.</p>
<p>The VP said this “means building sustainability into our economic planning, and so our Economic Sustainability Plan includes a plan to provide five million homes with cleaner energy through its decentralized solar power programme. This means an estimated 25 million Nigerians would’ve access to solar power.</p>
<p>He said, “The first phase of this plan is already underway, and we think that this sort of programme will very quickly ramp up our progress towards net-zero emissions.”</p>
<p>But Osinbajo explained that the moves to defund gas projects would not help the “whole enterprise,” which “requires gas, especially if we’re putting it on the grid. We want to be able to put renewable energy on the grid, we need power for industry, and of course, we’re looking at the significant cost of that.”</p>
<p>According to the VP, “limiting the development of gas projects, poses dire challenges for African nations while making an insignificant dent in global emissions. Energy demand in Nigeria and across Africa is set to rise, as indeed it must, to deliver the industrialization, jobs and economy-wide progress people deserve.”</p>
<p>Furthermore, Osinbajo explained that “the energy access element of the transition must be linked with the emission reduction aspect of the transition. For too long, we’ve considered these to be parallel tracks. However, pathways to reaching net-zero by 2050 have to include first ending energy poverty by 2030.”</p>

Latest-News Gas projects shouldn’t be defunded – Osinbajo in London

In its commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Federal Government of Nigeria is already making an attempt to use large sh...

How I was molested on set – Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade

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<p>Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade has revealed that she was molested on set of a movie by a sound engineer.</p>
<p>The mother of two, during a live session on her Instagram page, disclosed that she was molested while the sound engineer tried to put a microphone on her.</p>
<p>According to her, this is the reason she doesn’t allow male sound engineers touch her anymore on set.</p>
<p>Adunni Ade also mentioned that she was begged not to report the case by the production team.</p>
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<p>She said: “I don’t let male sound engineers mic me anymore because I was molested by one of them on set.</p>
<p>“I was going to report to the authorities but I was begged.</p>
<p>“This person was still adamant that he didn’t do anything wrong. He shoved his whole arm into my back while trying to put the back microphone on me.</p>
<p>“That was not acceptable for me.”</p>

Latest-News How I was molested on set – Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade

Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade has revealed that she was molested on set of a movie by a sound engineer. The mother of two, during a live ...

Protocol prevented Aregbesola, others from visiting Tinubu in London – Aregbesola’s aide, Fasure

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<p>Reasons have been given on why Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior and a former Governor of Osun State could not visit Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in London.</p>
<p>This is contrary to insinuations that Aregbesola refused to visit the former Lagos State Governor because of reported disagreement between them.</p>
<p>Revealing this to the media, Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to Rauf Aregbesola stated that since President Muhammadu Buhari has gone on a visit to the APC top gun while on a medical treatment in London, presidential protocol forbids any other member of the cabinet to do such.</p>
<p>It was gathered that since President Buhari had visited the recovering Tinubu in London on August 12, 2021, the protocol also forbade Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Minister of Works and others from visiting the APC leader.</p>
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<p>According to Fasure, “The minister is unable to visit Tinubu in London for protocol reason.</p>
<p>“If the President has gone, no Minister, not even the Vice President, can go. Aregbesola’s relationship with Tinubu is mutually beneficial and reinforcing.</p>
<p>“Besides, every other person who has personal relationship with Tinubu but serving under President Muhammadu Buhari, will not also visit the former governor of Lagos State until he returns to Nigeria.”</p>
<p>Fasure, who explained that there was no other reason for the Minister of Interior not to visit Tinubu than just protocol, added that the APC national leader and the Minister of Interior were always in constant talk and the last time they talked, it lasted for more than one hour.</p>
<p>Expressing shock at the level of misinformation some news reports may have caused regarding the visitation, the Minister’s media aide warned that making case out of the issue was a clear case of mischief and ignorance on the part of such group of persons.</p>

Latest-News Protocol prevented Aregbesola, others from visiting Tinubu in London – Aregbesola’s aide, Fasure

Reasons have been given on why Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior and a former Governor of Osun State could not visit Bola Ahmed Ti...

Nigerians will soon be arrested for speaking Igbo – Eedris Abdulkareem

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<p>Nigerian Music legend, Eedris Abdulkareem has said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government will soon start arresting Nigerians for speaking Igbo.</p>
<p>Eedris said this while condemning the arrest of Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu.</p>
<p>Recall that Chiwetalu Agu was arrested on Thursday by the Nigerian Army for wearing Biafra regalia.</p>
<p>The Nigerian Army confirmed he was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting support for IPOB.</p>
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<p>In a post on his Instagram page, Abdulkareem said Agu deserved to be honoured in the East for his brave act.</p>
<p>Describing Buhari’s government as a useless one, he wrote: “No matter the kind of film Chiwetalu Agu acts he’s more wise and brave than other actors in the East and must be honored.</p>
<p>“People will soon be arrested for speaking Igbo in Nigeria.”</p>
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Latest-News Nigerians will soon be arrested for speaking Igbo – Eedris Abdulkareem

Nigerian Music legend, Eedris Abdulkareem has said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government will soon start arresting Nigerians fo...

NCC lists measures to facilitate growth of e-Government, others in Nigeria

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<p>The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has highlighted the various regulatory measures of the Commission towards deepening the adoption of e-Government and other Internet-driven services in the country.</p>
<p>Danbatta listed the measures in a presentation delivered during the Nigeria e-Government Summit 2021 recently held in Lagos titled, “e-Government: Opportunities and Challenges”, in which he focused on how government agencies and parastatals can take advantage of advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to improve service delivery to Nigerians.</p>
<p>Represented by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu, Danbatta stated that the NCC had been working assiduously with all stakeholders to deepen penetration of broadband infrastructure and services that support the growth of e-Governance and other critical digital economy objectives throughout Nigeria.</p>
<p>Danbatta said the Commission recently unveiled its second Strategic Vision Plan (SVP)- 2021-2025, which enables it to effectively align with efforts of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030; the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, and other digital economy policies and global best practices.</p>
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<p>“Leveraging on the successes we achieved under our previous SVP, we are repositioning both the Commission and the entire industry to facilitate the availability of solid infrastructure and to proliferate digital platforms that effectively and efficiently enable digital inclusion throughout Nigeria,” he said.</p>
<p>Highlighting some of the activities of the Commission geared towards ensuring accessibility to efficient and affordable network infrastructure to power e-Government and other digital economy initiatives in the country, Danbatta pointed out that, following the presidential approval of the Fifth Generation (5G) Policy, the NCC has developed a 5G Deployment Plan for Nigeria’s digital economy.</p>
<p>Danbatta said the Commission has set up a committee to auction the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) band for 5G deployment in Nigeria, and the details will be announced in due course. Prof. Danbatta also disclosed that the regulator is currently updating the National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT) to achieve more efficient spectrum allocation and usage to reflect World radio communications Conference (WRC)-19 recommendations. He declared that the update of the spectrum allocation table is among several other initiatives being implemented by NCC to ensure efficient use of spectrum resources in the country.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Danbatta said the task of attracting investments into the broadband infrastructure space is a collective responsibility.</p>
<p>Thus, he called for increased collaboration of all stakeholders in order to remove barriers to investment which include multiple taxation and regulation, arbitrary pricing of bottleneck resources such as Right-of-Way (RoW), time-consuming and unfriendly approval processes.</p>
<p>“These factors discourage investments in digital infrastructure and reduce the speed at which we provide our people with access to seamless digital service infrastructure for e-Governance and other services,” Danbatta emphasised.</p>
<p>The summit was organised by DigiServe Network Services Limited, in partnership with NCC, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).</p>

Latest-News NCC lists measures to facilitate growth of e-Government, others in Nigeria

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has highlighted the various r...

I faked my kidnap because my mother is stingy – 17-year-old student

09:51 Unknown 0

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<p>The Abia State Police Command has arrested a Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student in Abia State, identified as Obinna Nwatu for stage-managing his own kidnap with intent to extort money from his mother, Mrs. Rose Nwatu.</p>
<p>The 17-year-old suspect faked his kidnap in order to extort money from his mother who he claimed is stingy.</p>
<p>Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Janet Agbede briefing newsmen on Friday at the command headquarters in Umuahia said one Wisdom Nwatu reported that his younger brother Obinna Nwatu, 17yrs was kidnapped.</p>
<p>He told the police that his brother was kidnapped along Stadium road, Okpuala Ngwa by unknown hoodlums operating with ash colour Sienna, with registration number unknown, when he went to buy recharge card.</p>
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<p>However, after investigation, the Anti-kidnapping unit of the Command arrested one Chinaza Favour Ukaigwe whose bank account was used to receive a ransom of Two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) only.</p>
<p>CP Agbede said: “Chinaza Favour Ukaigwe told the police after arrest that Obinna Nwatu faked his own kidnap.</p>
<p>“He stated that Obinna and one Favour Ugorji a.k.a. “Wizzy” approached him at his shop at Aba Road Abia State and requested that he should give his bank account to enable them use and receive the school fees of their young sister. The investigation further revealed that Obinna Nwatu and Ugorji received through the account the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) paid in as a ransom by Mrs. Rose Nwatu (mother of Obinna Nwatu).</p>
<p>“Obinna Nwatu confessed he was not actually kidnapped. He conspired with Favour Ugorji known as “Wizzy (now at large) to intentionally go into hiding at a hotel along with Rhema University Road Aba.</p>
<p>“Obinna who is a Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student and lives in a boarding school decided to fake his own kidnap claiming that his mother Mrs. Rose Nwatu is stingy.”</p>

Latest-News I faked my kidnap because my mother is stingy – 17-year-old student

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student in Abia State, identified as Obinna Nwatu for stage-m...

How Buhari has led Nigeria in right direction since 2015 ― Lai Mohammed explains

04:51 Unknown 0

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<p>The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said in spite of the huge challenges inherited by the current administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has steered the country in the right direction and returned the economy to the path of sustainable growth.</p>
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<p>The Minister made the remarks in Abuja on Friday when he received a delegation from the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), which is in the country for the second peer review.</p>
<p>“We came into government in 2015 and by the time we came to government, three things happened, the impact of which we did not know. The first is that by the time we assumed office in 2015, a huge part of the North East was under the effective occupation of Boko Haram.</p>
<p>“When we came in in 2015, the economy had virtually collapsed. Oil prices crashed from a high of about $120 per barrel to about $28 a barrel. Production went from about 2.1 million barrels per day to about half a million barrels a day. These were the challenges we faced on day one when we came in,” he said.</p>
<p>Alhaji Mohammed, therefore, urged the AUDA-NEPAD to always consider the peculiar challenges of a country while making conclusions on the governance structure for the peer review.</p>
<p>“While we can have some basic tenets of governance, governance is a bit peculiar to the locality, and the kind of challenges we face will determine to a large extent the mechanism we are going to use to resolve them.</p>
<p>“I look at Nigeria as an extremely interesting project, especially in the last six years. I think the kind of challenges we faced as a government coming in in 2015 till today will challenge the most resourceful persons,” he said.</p>
<p>The Minister hailed the governance style of President Buhari which, he said, is driven by experience, wisdom, tolerance, patience and listening to all shades of opinion in his effort to chart a new course for the country that has been plagued by numerous challenges.</p>
<p>While speaking on the economy, he said the President has diversified the economy as oil is no longer the driving force behind economic growth.</p>
<p>“In the area of economy, I am proud to say that we are not just in the process of diversifying the economy, we have diversified our economy because the last report (of the National Bureau of Statistics) showed that while the non-oil economy did very well, the oil-related economy did poorly.</p>
<p>“That after two-quarters of recession, we were able to record 5.01%growth in GDP was not at all based on the oil economy but on the non-oil economy,” Alhaji Mohammed said.</p>
<p>He said the Federal Government has scaled up the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the country.</p>
<p>The Minister also highlighted the contributions of the creative industry to the growth of the economy, saying apart from agriculture, the sector creates the highest number of jobs, especially for women and the youth.</p>
<p>He also commended Mr President’s foresight in the fight againstCOVID-19 and disclosed that Nigeria is targeting about 90 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year.</p>
<p>In her remarks, the National Coordinator of NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu, said the AU Development Agency is in the country to assess the implementation of the National Programme of Action arising from the first peer review conducted in 2008.</p>
<p>She said so far, Nigeria has consolidated democracy, scaled up the provision of infrastructure and is in the process of attaining self-sufficiency in food production through massive investment in agriculture.</p>

Latest-News How Buhari has led Nigeria in right direction since 2015 ― Lai Mohammed explains

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said in spite of the huge challenges inherited by the current administ...

NIPOST increases domestic postage rate by 400%

04:51 Unknown 0

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<p>The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) says it has increased its domestic postage rate from N50 to N250 for effective service delivery in the country.</p>
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<p>Mr Friday Aba, the Zonal Manager, NIPOST, Enugu, disclosed this on Friday at  a customer forum in the state to commemorate  the “World Post Day” celebrated annually on Oct. 9.</p>
<p>Aba said the maiden event was organised by NIPOST across the federation to acquaint  customers on the upward review of NIPOST domestic tariff.</p>
<p>He stated that the last review was done 16 years ago, adding that the review was necessary to enable NIPOST provide better service delivery to its customers.</p>
<p>“The choice of inviting you for this forum is  not out of place as you are one of our private and corporate customers and your patronage has been the source of our existence.</p>
<p>“We equally want to use the opportunity to  acquaint you of the upward review of NIPOST domestic postage rate from N50 to N250.</p>
<p>“The review has been graciously approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria for implementation.</p>
<p>“We, therefore, solicit that you as customers help us sensitise other intending customers not here about the new development,” Aba said.</p>
<p>Aba explained that the rate remained the cheapest and fastest means of communication as they spread to the remotest part of the country in terms of coverage.</p>
<p>We want to hear from our customers of their assessment to our service delivery, as well as their expectations from us in terms of improved service delivery,” he said.</p>
<p>He noted that aside the  traditional way of service delivery, NIPOST had evolved into new improved service delivery including financial services,  E-commerce and Logistics.</p>
<p>“This financial services helps individuals, institutions and corporate bodies to send money locally and internationally while e- commerce allows to move their household items,” he said.</p>
<p>In his remarks, the Chairman of the event, Mr Chris Ejiogo, said the upward review became necessary as prices of other products had gone up due to COVID-19.</p>
<p>Ejiogo, a retired Admission Officer of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, urged NIPOST to improve in its product and efficiency in  order to penetrate and enjoy market share globally.</p>
<p>He commended NIPOST  for organising the event.</p>
<p>A customer, Callista Mmeka,  expressed satisfaction in the  services of NIPOST but urged for more awareness as many Nigerians were not aware that NIPOST was still in operations.</p>

Latest-News NIPOST increases domestic postage rate by 400%

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) says it has increased its domestic postage rate from N50 to N250 for effective service delivery in...

Lagos state governor officially launches TINUBU 2023 presidential bid

03:51 Unknown 0

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, declared support for the 2023 presidential bid of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, when he inaugurated the SouthWest Agenda 2023 in Lagos.
<p>Tinubu, who celebrated his 69th birthday in March 2021 and command an arguably large following of political loyalists, has been reported to nurse presidential ambition in 2023.</p>
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<p>Taking to his Facebook page with photos of the event, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “I attended the formal launch of the SouthWest Agenda 2023 in Lagos today (Thursday) where I described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a rallying figure and a beacon of hope for progressive leadership in Nigeria.</p>
<p>“SWAGA’23 is a political movement that is mobilising support for Asiwaju Tinubu to contest the 2023 Presidential election<br />
and it is important to say that Asiwaju Tinubu’s story is one of vision, passion and action. These three values stand him out among his contemporaries in national politics. He is a nationalist in thinking and a progressive in action.</p>
<p>“That SWAGA was launched today is a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s enduring political principles and strong vision. Those behind the movement are the people who believe in the three values that Asiwaju personifies and are ready to push them with passion for other Nigerians to see.”</p>
<p>Recently, Sanwo-Olu travelled to London to visit Tinubu, who was Lagos governor from 1999 to 2007.</p>
<p>Also, members of the House of Representatives from the north led by Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, visited the APC chieftain last week and endorsed his candidacy for the 2023 presidency.</p>
<p>Though Tinubu has yet to declare his intention to contest any office in 2023, there have been reports and veiled indications that he might be interested in the exalted seat.</p>
<p>As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, there have been intense political posturing, permutations and fireworks, especially as the eight-year tenure of the President  Muhammadu Buhari winds down.</p>
<p>The 17 Southern Governors had also met twice in the year and demanded power shift to their region while the 19 Northern Governors also met last week, opposing such move and noting that the candidate with the highest votes will emerge as President in the next general elections.</p>
<p>Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former Special Adviser on Media to Ganduje had listed Tinubu; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; as well as Fayemi as APC chieftains who have the ability to win the 2023 presidential election.</p>
<p>However, Tinubu’s health has been a subject of controversy of late.</p>
<p>At least over 30 politicians had visited Tinubu, in London, in the last three months. Notably amongst the politicians include Buhari; Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; and his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu.</p>
<p>Others who had also visited Tinubu in London include House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila; ex-Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of Borno State and current Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima.</p>

Latest-News Lagos state governor officially launches TINUBU 2023 presidential bid

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, declared support for the 2023 presidential bid of the National Leader of All Prog...

Tinubu finally back in Nigeria after three-month UK medical trip

03:51 Unknown 0

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<p>The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, returned to Nigeria on Friday after about a three-month medical trip to the United Kingdom, where he underwent a surgery.</p>
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<p>The former Lagos State governor arrived in Lagos barely 24 hours after the incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, inaugurated the South-West Agenda 2023 (SWAGA ‘23), a group rooting for Tinubu as the APC presidential candidate in the 2023 election.</p>
<p>Though Tinubu had yet to declare his intention to contest any office in 2023, there have been rumours and veiled indications that he might be interested in the exalted seat.</p>
<p>Members of the House of Representatives from the North who endorsed Tinubu’s candidacy when they visited him in the UK recently also lent credence to his purported interest.</p>
<p>While he was in London, he was visited by a number of politicians, including the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).</p>
<p>Others who visited Tinubu  included a former governor of Ogun State and incumbent Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun; former governor of Borno State and Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima; and member representing Gubio, Kaga and Magumeri Federal Constituency of Borno State, Usman Zanna.</p>
<p>Also on the list are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Soyannwo; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab; and a former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire.</p>
<p>It was learnt that Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Friday evening unannounced, two days earlier than his reported plan to return to the country.</p>
<p>A statement from the Tinubu Media Office on Friday, titled, ‘Asiwaju is back’, said the ex-governor underwent surgery on his right knee as well as rigorous post-surgery physiotherapy, adding that he was now fully healed.</p>
<p>The statement read in part, “Contrary to unfounded rumour, he underwent no other surgical procedures and contemplates none in the future. His recuperation has been without complication and ahead of the schedule by the attending surgeon.</p>
<p>“He has returned fully healed from the knee surgery and fully committed to doing his modest part of advancing the cause of progressive democratic good governance throughout our beloved nation.</p>
<p>“Asiwaju, first and foremost, would like to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for taking the time to visit him in London to express his wishes for a speedy recovery from the knee operation.</p>
<p>“He is also not forgetting others who would have loved to visit him but couldn’t make it and his numerous friends, associates, supporters and well-wishers who have been with him in prayers and supplications to Allah.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, SWAGA 23 has said Tinubu already has 12 million votes in the bag ahead of the 2023 presidential election.</p>
<p>The chairman of the pro-Tinubu group, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, made this known on Friday as a guest on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’ programme.</p>
<p>Adeyeye, a former Minister of State for Works and Housing, boasted that just like Buhari who raked in 12 million votes from the North before the 2015 elections, Tinubu also had at least 12 million votes from the South-West.</p>
<p>He said traditional rulers in the South-West were also in support of Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid.</p>
<p>The SWAGA chairman, however, said his group was not launched by Tinubu but they were prodding the ex-Lagos governor to run for Presidency in 2023.</p>
<p>Adeyeye said, “When this movement started, we wanted our candidate who some people, particularly in Abuja and some circles, have been saying has no home base; he is no longer popular and all that. We wanted to prove to them that the man is very acceptable, not only in his home base but throughout the country.</p>
<p>“We want everybody in the South-West to rally around this man and support him and so far we have been very successful.</p>
<p>“We have moved round the palaces to see most of our top traditional rulers who have endorsed him.</p>
<p>“Charity begins at home; we wanted to solidify the home base. Once the home base is solidified, I believe other Nigerians, particular in our party, will feel more comfortable to field this candidate, knowing that he can win the election for them.”</p>
<p>Speaking on the chances of Tinubu in the 2023 elections, the APC chieftain said, “Don’t forget that one of the selling points for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was that he already had 12 million votes in his pocket (in previous elections) particularly in the North-West and North-East. So, it was easy with support from a few other places for him to win the presidency.</p>
<p>“We are also saying that come 2023, the man we are projecting already has at least 12 to 13 million votes in his pocket and so it will be easy.”</p>
<p>Asked how sure he was about his statistics, Adeyeye said, “I am giving it (figure) based on what I have seen on the ground, having to transverse the length and breadth of the South-West and having seen people from political parties saying that when it comes to the issue of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they will shed their partisan toga and embrace him and vote for him. I have seen that in the palaces of the Obas, amongst artisans and market women.</p>
<p>“When it comes to the issue of the Presidency in 2023, all of these people in unison, they will shed every difference and vote for this man.</p>
<p>“The votes in the South-West are more than 20 million votes. I am only saying 12 to 13 million votes are already assured and I say it with all sense of responsibility without fear of contradiction that those 12 to 13 votes are already in the bag.”</p>

Latest-News Tinubu finally back in Nigeria after three-month UK medical trip

The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, returned to Nigeria on Friday after about a three-mon...

Stanbic IBTC dish out cash rewards at the Reward4Saving Promo Draw

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<p><b>As part of its commitment to promoting a savings lifestyle, Nigeria’s leading financial services provider, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC has launched a savings campaign. The Reward4Saving promo will reward its loyal customers for opening and depositing funds in their accounts.</b></p>
<p>The promo will run till November 2021, and the bank’s customers stand the chance of winning cash prizes ranging from N100,000 to N1 million. To qualify for the promo, the bank’s existing customers are required to make a new deposit of N5,000 or N10,000, while new customers are required to open online savings accounts and make a deposit of N5,000 or N10,000.</p>
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<p>The Reward4Saving promo is open to new and existing customers.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmanuel Aihevba, Head, Main Market Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC; Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC and Peace Ibadin, Representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) during the Stanbic IBTC Bank Reward4Saving Promo Live Draw in Lagos recently.</td>
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<p>The savings promo seeks to encourage customers to develop a habit of saving while also encouraging customers to take advantage of our end-to-end digital services to access diverse financial products and services. The art of saving is a positive practice all individuals must cultivate, to achieve financial stability.</p>
<div>Speaking at the Stanbic IBTC Reward4Saving Promo Live Draws and cheque presentation ceremony on Friday, Mr Emmanuel Aihevba Head, Main Market Clients urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to develop a savings habit and get rewarded for it.</div>
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<div>He stated "The Reward4Saving Promo is a consumer promo aimed at encouraging a savings culture in Nigeria and at the same time rewards customers for saving with Stanbic IBTC Bank.</div>
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<div>It is quite exciting to see some of our customers get rewarded just by participating in this promo. Cash prizes have been won here today and we are sure that the winners will be as excited as we are for them. </div>
<div>The good news is that the promo will be on till November, giving more people the opportunity to become millionaires.</div>
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<div>As we may all know, having a savings culture cannot be over emphasised and having a financial services partner appreciate you for saving is even more encouraging.</div>
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<div>We therefore urge more Nigerians to embrace the savings culture, participate in the ongoing Reward4saving promo and stand a chance of winning amazing cash prizes."</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0w5WQ9uHz3llJFQwdVOaNHXs1yPXMG0jItGI1Eawy1BTHJqg8rTHoP0hg_HGg5DlhX725FVVWPkOX-nA6ERLViC5rLeDv_l6WszlexHH00lJkJVYz_oRbYbFLPlQufkcb60JYxtfDywDviq0iq4_5X3SYmCSS-VLxkYpMIxpHvsYHwJtwc7cFzft-sQ=s624" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="624" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0w5WQ9uHz3llJFQwdVOaNHXs1yPXMG0jItGI1Eawy1BTHJqg8rTHoP0hg_HGg5DlhX725FVVWPkOX-nA6ERLViC5rLeDv_l6WszlexHH00lJkJVYz_oRbYbFLPlQufkcb60JYxtfDywDviq0iq4_5X3SYmCSS-VLxkYpMIxpHvsYHwJtwc7cFzft-sQ=w495-h328" width="495" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolawole Adebayo, Head, Management Information Systems, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC; Olufunke Isichei, Head, Established Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC; Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC and Peace Ibadin, Representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) during the Stanbic IBTC Bank Reward4Saving Promo Live Draw in Lagos recently.</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXs6CAZ6Yp0uMi-38YN_wRd2fTMVS3m4SQPKRqSto2lwFZBkysyPN7As2z07_OOL42AF5p5mdBgUNWlWKya2MYSLgZny7JXhVPz0GO8zL4EgX9Kr8F88Gf3vQ6d8uWAffiF18WDAP21DNQ5sDBN9A8mum0UCOLZZZa50NCndU_7pUUWjmLECJipCJDFQ=s624" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="624" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXs6CAZ6Yp0uMi-38YN_wRd2fTMVS3m4SQPKRqSto2lwFZBkysyPN7As2z07_OOL42AF5p5mdBgUNWlWKya2MYSLgZny7JXhVPz0GO8zL4EgX9Kr8F88Gf3vQ6d8uWAffiF18WDAP21DNQ5sDBN9A8mum0UCOLZZZa50NCndU_7pUUWjmLECJipCJDFQ=w574-h380" width="574" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmanuel Aihevba, Head, Main Market Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC; Adenike Odukomaiya, Head, Internal Control, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC; Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC and Peace Ibadin, Representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) during the Stanbic IBTC Bank Reward4Saving Promo Live Draw in Lagos recently.</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
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<div>
<div>Over 2000 customers who opened an account and funded with a minimum of N5000 have been rewarded with N500 FREE Airtime</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>A total of 20,000 customers who open a new Stanbic IBTC savings account or @ease wallet and deposit a minimum of N5000 will be rewarded with N500 FREE Airtime in the Stanbic IBTC Reward4Saving promo.</div>
</div>

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Biafra: It’s a civil dress – Chiwetalu Agu tells soldiers after arrest

12:51 Unknown 0

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<p><br /></p>
<p>Nollywood veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu has broken his silence on his arrest by the Nigerian Army for wearing Biafran regalia.</p>
<p>The actor was arrested by troops for wearing Biafra clothing at Upper Iweka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State.</p>
<p>Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Public Relations confirming his arrest said the veteran actor was apprehended for inciting members of the public and soliciting support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).</p>
<p>In a viral video after his arrest, Chiwetalu Agu said he was sharing bread to hungry Nigerians and not demonstrating for anyone to join Biafra.</p>
<a name='more' id="more"></a>
<p>According to him, his outfit is just a dress with a rising sun and not anyway representing the Eastern Security Network, ESN.</p>
<p>He said: “What I’m wearing is a civil dress. This is not Biafran wear it is a rising sun and not eastern security outfit, ESN . I know where to go with this outfit.</p>
<p>“This sun on the dress I’m wearing is just a rising sun because I believe I must rise.</p>
<p>“I was sharing bread when they came to arrest me, I was not organising any demonstration. Is it wrong to feed the hungry Nigerians?”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, said the guild is doing its best to ensure his release.</p>

Latest-News Biafra: It’s a civil dress – Chiwetalu Agu tells soldiers after arrest

Nollywood veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu has broken his silence on his arrest by the Nigerian Army for wearing Biafran regalia. The actor w...

EPL: Richest clubs in Premier League revealed after Newcastle Utd takeover

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<p><br /></p>
<p>Newcastle United have been taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, PIF, meaning the Magpies now have the richest owners in the English Premier League.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Newcastle is now ahead of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United in terms of the wealthiest club in the Premier League, Mirror reports.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Newcastle supporters celebrated into the night on Thursday after Mike Ashley’s 14-year ownership of the club came to an end as PIF purchased the club for £305million.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has purchased an 80 per cent share in the Magpies, with the Reuben Brothers and Amanda Staveley each owning 10 per cent.</p>
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<p><br /></p>
<p>Below is the top five richest clubs in Premier League currently;</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>1. Newcastle – Saudi Public Investment Fund (£320bn)</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>2. Manchester City – Sheikh Mansour (£22.9bn)</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>3. Chelsea – Roman Abramovich (£9.6bn)</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>4. Arsenal – Stan Kroenke (£6.35bn)</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>5. Aston Villa – Nassef Sawiris (£5.3bn)</p>

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Biafra: Reactions trail Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu arrest

11:51 Unknown 0

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<p>Fans and lovers of Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, are presently outraged as the celebrity spends his first night in the custody of the Nigerian Army following his arrest on Thursday.</p>
<p>It was earlier reported that soldiers arrested the actor around Upper Iweka Bridge in Onitsha for wearing an outfit with Biafra inscriptions.</p>
<p>Agu was reportedly on a charity mission to the less privileged when he was arrested by soldiers.</p>
<p>The Nigerian Army in a statement said that the actor was arrested “while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra”.</p>
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<p>In a telephone chat with The Punch on Friday, the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, said the actor was yet to be released as he was still being questioned.</p>
<p>The military official, however, said he could not ascertain whether Agu has been granted access to his lawyers.</p>
<p>Some Nigerians who are gutted by the action of the military have described the actor’s arrest as illegal.</p>
<p>Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, in a statement, said the arrest of the actor was “illegal, unconscionable and unwarranted. The actor has not committed any criminal offence known to law.”</p>
<p>Effiong said the military has no power in a constitutional democracy to arrest citizens except in very special and exceptional circumstances like during war, state of emergency, insurrection or riot.</p>
<p>“Supposing without conceding that the dressing of the legendary actor amounts to “incitement” as claimed by the Army, it is the Nigeria Police Force that should have responded. There is no evidence of incitement against him. Nothing was inscribed on the said cloth to incite the public,” he said, adding that the Army should apologise to the actor and pay him adequate compensation for “public humiliation”.</p>
<p>A Facebook user, Peter Udonsek, also described the arrest of Agu as “heartbreaking”. He lamented the “double standards” of the Army, saying the military has not deemed it fit to arrest controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, who has been seen hobnobbing freely with murderous bandits.</p>
<p>Similarly, Activist Deji Adeyanju flayed the Army over Agu’s arrest. “The same army that organise Repentance Red Carpet ceremony for Boko Haram terrorists,” he threw a mocking jab at the military.</p>
<p>Olayomi Koiki, Spokesman for embattled Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, also condemned the arrest of the actor in a Facebook post. “When is it a crime for someone to wear a cloth made with Biafran colours?” he queried.</p>

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Police uncover illegal rehabilitation centre, release 47 inmates in Kano

11:51 Unknown 0

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<p><br /></p>
<p>Police in Kano State, on Thursday, uncovered an illegal rehabilitation center and freed fourty seven inmates at Yar Akwa in Naibawa Quarters, Tarauni Local Government, Kano State</p>
<p>Spokesman of the Kano State Police command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa stated this in a press statement issued to newsmen.</p>
<p>He said the development came after the police recieved report that one Aminu Rabiu is running an illegal rehabilitation center where he chained and tortured the inmates.</p>
<p>Haruna explained that Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko immediately raised and instructed team of detectives to proceed to the scene, rescue the victims and arrest the culprits.</p>
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<p>He said 47 inmates were discovered confined in the center, with four of the victims’ legs chained and some with various degrees of injuries resulting from torture.</p>
<p>Two suspects, 35-year Aminu Rabiu and his elder brother Fatihu Rabiu all of Yar Akwa Naibawa Quarters were arrested.</p>
<p>He said the inmates were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment and handed over to Kano State Government.</p>
<p>The suspects, however, confessed to have resumed activities at the centre ten (10) months ago after the initial ban by the Kano State Government.</p>
<p>They will be charged to court upon completion of investigation, the Police spokesman noted.</p>

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Biafra: Arrest Gumi, Miyetti Allah members like Chiwetalu Agu – Omokri to Army

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Budget: Buhari borrowing N5.01 trillion to service stolen funds

10:51 Unknown 0

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<p><br /></p>
<p>Hon. Mohammed Gudaji Kazaure representing Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has said President Muhammadu Buhari has budgeted the sum of over N5.1 trillion to service stolen funds that plunged the nation into debts.</p>
<p>He lamented that the bar of corruption battle has been lowered and those who stole funds have escaped only for the country to pay up debts at the expense of commoners.</p>
<p>The Jigawa lawmaker, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) believed that the so-called debts of the nation was the funds stolen, stating that the appropriate thing for Buhari administration to do was to pursue the stolen funds and assets stashed abroad, recover them for the nation.</p>
<p>He spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the 2022’s N16.4 trillion budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint sessions of the National Assembly lawmaker’s on Thursday.</p>
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<p>“Nigerian money was looted and buried like dead bodies in the grave, some people have stashed the money abroad. Why can’t government constitute a strong investigative and interrogative Committee to call back these people?</p>
<p>“We have to stop borrowing because we don’t know tomorrow and that is my concern. For example, the former female Petroleum Minister in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan went away with the sum of $60 billion. This is about five years Nigerian budget.</p>
<p>“If there is real investigation by this government, there are thousands of them and when we investigate, we can spend the next 20 years without borrowing. We will implement budget with our recovered money.</p>
<p>“Seriously, this government said, they are fighting corruption, but as a lawmaker, I never see the corruption fight because we say we are fighting corruption and we are slow and not acting. If there is strong investigation and interrogation in this country, I am sure we will not borrow money to service debts.</p>
<p>“Sadly, the issue of revenue which they said has gone down; the oil which has gone down in many countries of the world and if we remember in this country before oil was discovered, Nigeria was generating revenue from agriculture. Money generated through cotton and groundnut was used to discover and develop oil and later, agriculture was abandoned.</p>
<p>“Look at our teeming youths roaming about, jobless. Look at our forests currently inhabited by criminals which should have been cleared and used for farming by our teeming youths. If we can do this across the six geopolitical zones, I am sure the nation will have money better than oil. We could fund the budget without borrowing.</p>
<p>“But, most embarrassing is debt servicing which was reflected in the 2022 budget. We are servicing debt of monies stolen. Nigeria citizens never enjoyed the money which we are paying as debts.</p>
<p>“The money that was supposed to be invested in education, railways, health, security and other critical infrastructure would be used to service debts in 2022. The debt that are in individual’s pockets.</p>
<p>“Go round the country, and see the type of buildings some privileged persons and government officials are living and they said, they’re fighting corruption. Go to Maitama in Abuja, Lagos, Port harcourt, you will see people living in mansion and they are government officials.</p>
<p>“Did they acquire mansions with their salaries and we said we are fighting corruption? If we are really fighting corruption, we will not borrow money. It’s embarrassing”, he concluded.</p>

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AGN reacts to arrest of actor, Chiwetalu Agu by Nigerian Army

09:52 Unknown 0

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<p><br /></p>
<p>The Actors Guild of Nigeria has reacted to the arrest of veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu.</p>
<p>The actor was arrested by Nigerian Army troops for wearing Biafra clothing.</p>
<p>He was reportedly sharing food to the less privileged persons wearing a Biafran regalia when government forces stopped him at upper Iweka road, Onitsha.</p>
<p>Agu was approached by two soldiers who wrestled him to the ground and dragged him away.</p>
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<p>Speaking on the incident, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Public Relations said the veteran actor was apprehended for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).</p>
<p>Reacting, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, in an interview with newsmen, condemned the fact that Agu was seen wearing a Biafra regalia.</p>
<p>He noted that considering high rate of insecurity in the country and knowing how hot the state is currently, Agu should have avoided being seen in such clothing.</p>
<p>He, however, said that the Guild is doing everything possible to ensure Chiwetalu Agu is released.</p>
<p>“I don’t know why he put on Biafra regalia. The State is hot and he knows this.</p>
<p>“We are in talk with the military officials to ensure he is released. We will do our best.</p>
<p>“I heard they have taken him to 82 Division of the Nigeria Military base,” he said.</p>

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“I’m being blackmailed over a s3..x tape” – Singer, Tiwa Savage cries out

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<p><br /></p>
<p>Popular Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage has revealed that she is being blackmailed over a s3..x tape she did with the guy she’s currently dating.</p>
<p>The Afro Beats singer said this during an interview with power105.1 host, Angie Martins in NewYork.</p>
<p>According to her, her road manager sent her the s3..x tape which the supposed blackmailer forwarded to him.</p>
<p>She further revealed that both her and the guy she’s currently in a relationship with panicked about it.</p>
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<p>However, she noted that after some thoughts, she decided that she won’t pay a dime to whoever it was, adding that nobody can defraud her for doing something that’s natural.</p>
<p>“So I got into my car after an interview and my road manager calls me and be like Tiwa check your WhatsApp messages.</p>
<p>“I opened them and saw a s3.x tape of me and the guy am currently dating calls me back to say someone sent it to him and the person is threatening to release it if a ransom isn’t paid.</p>
<p>“At first I panicked, even the guy I’m dating panicked too. But then after some careful deliberations I said I won’t pay.</p>
<p>“What if they release it even after I have paid or even come back two months later to request for another ransom?</p>
<p>“That’s what I asked myself. I was like they should go ahead and release, nobody will make me pay for doing something that’s natural,” she said.</p>

Latest-News “I’m being blackmailed over a s3..x tape” – Singer, Tiwa Savage cries out

Popular Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage has revealed that she is being blackmailed over a s3..x tape she did with the guy she’s currently dat...

Club World Cup: FIFA set to make huge decision that’ll upset Chelsea

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<p><br /></p>
<p>The Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, are set to postpone the Club World Cup until next year (2022).</p>
<p>Chelsea were due to play in the prestigious tournament from December 9 to December 19 this year, having won the UEFA Champions League back in May.</p>
<p>But the competition is set to be delayed after original hosts Japan pulled out due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>Japan withdrew as hosts over safety concerns due to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in their country.</p>
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<p>With the rate of coronavirus infection in Japan continuing to rise, the East Asia country and FIFA have reasonably played it safe and put the welfare of players first.</p>
<p>FIFA are yet to confirm an alternative host for the Club World Cup, but it’s likely they will come to a decision on when and where it will now take place at their next council meeting on October 20.</p>
<p>However, Mirror reports that the competition is likely to be switched until early 2022, but there is no concrete date as of yet.</p>
<p>Chelsea are waiting to hear how it will impact their schedule for the current campaign, given that they were originally due to miss several English Premier League, EPL, matches to take part in the competition.</p>
<p>The report added that FIFA are committed to the tournament, and therefore, they will find a new host in the coming weeks.</p>

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Journalists elect NUJ new national officers

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<p><br /></p>
<p>Journalists across the country, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have elected new set of leaders to pilot the affairs of the union for another three years.</p>
<p>It was gathered that the National President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo has been returned unopposed for another term in office.</p>
<p>Isiguzo was first elected at the 6th triennial delegates conference of the union in Abeokuta in 2018.</p>
<p>Isiguzo emerged as the President of the union for another three years in office during the 7th delegates conference of the union which was held in Umuahia, Abia State.</p>
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<p>The election was witnessed by three former Presidents of NUJ, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero.</p>
<p>Isiguzo got 665 votes from 704 voters accredited for the election, while his opponent, Yusuf Idris polled 15 votes, despite the fact that Idris had earlier stepped down.</p>
<p>22 votes were declared invalid.</p>
<p>Chairman of the National Credentials Committee, Garba Muhammad declared Isiguzo winner of the election.</p>
<p>Other national officers who emerged unopposed include Yahya Al-hassan who emerged as Deputy National President and a former Vice President of B-Zone and ex-Ondo NUJ Chairman, Barrister Dele Atunbi of NTA, Abuja elected unopposed as National Treasurer.</p>
<p>Others are Samuel Dada of LTV, Lagos who emerged unopposed as the National Financial Secretary and Ladi Emmanuel who is now the new National Internal Auditor.</p>
<p>Our correspondent gathered that 6 Zonal Vice Presidents and Zonal Secretaries were also elected at the conference.</p>
<p>A former Ekiti NUJ Secretary/Vice Chairman Ronke Samo of NOA Chapel from Ekiti State was returned as the First female Vice President of B-Zone Southwest, while Abdulrasaq Alege emerged as B-Zone Secretary.</p>

Latest-News Journalists elect NUJ new national officers

Journalists across the country, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have elected new set of leaders to pilot the ...

Ex-PDP governors declare bid for 2023 presidential ticket

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<p><br /></p>
<p>Three former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors have declared intention to contest the 2023 presidential ticket.</p>
<p>The information emerged following Thursday’s 94th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.</p>
<p>In attendance were ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar; PDP Governors led by the Chairman and Sokoto Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; former and serving governors, ministers as well as federal lawmakers.</p>
<p>The parley adopted the decision of the zoning committee led by Enugu Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi, that the North produce the next National Chairman.</p>
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<p>However, the presidential ticket was thrown open to allow any eligible member to compete.</p>
<p>Yemi Akinwonmi, Acting National Chairman, thanked Ugwaunyi and Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri for chairing the Zoning and Convention Planning Committees.</p>
<p>Wali Jibrin, Board of Trustees Chairman, assured that the party leadership will continue to promote unity among members to ensure the PDP returns to power.</p>
<p>A source said that after the meeting, the Northern Caucus of NEC met at another location in the nation’s capital.</p>
<p>The stalwarts gathered at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro where some pushed for the zoning of the chairmanship to North-Central.</p>
<p>But the proposal was roundly rejected and made open to all aspirants who wish to vie for an office.</p>
<p>The meeting also discussed the distribution of posts among the 19 Northern states and gave all persons interested till Friday to indicate.</p>
<p>The caucus is likely to micro-zone some positions to certain states after collation of names and interested portfolios.</p>
<p>Three ex-Northern Governors and a party official announced they were joining the race to become the PDP flagbearer.</p>
<p>Two are from North-East: Deputy National Chairman (North), ex-Senator Suleiman Nazif and former Gombe Govenor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.</p>
<p>The other two are from North-West: Ex-Kaduna Governor and erstwhile PDP Caretaker Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi and former Katsina Governor, Ibrahim Shema.</p>

Latest-News Ex-PDP governors declare bid for 2023 presidential ticket

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Nigerian doctor emerges President World Medical Association

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<p>Former President Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele, has emerged as the President-elect of the World Medical Association, WMA. </p>
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<p>Enabulele, a Chief Consultant Family Physician,  is currently the President of Commonwealth Medical Association, CMA.</p>
<p>Enabulele will be superintending over the World Medical Association during the 2022 – 2023 Executive year.</p>
<p>His emergence followed an almost one week period of voting by participating National Medical Associations all over the world.</p>
<p>A press statement from the association said his victory was a testimony to his global acceptability and recognition of his many years of hard work within the WMA, his profound intellect, sagacity and excellent performance in all responsibilities assigned to him, and his undeniable progressive contributions to the global body.</p>
<p>Enabulele’s opponent at the election was Prof. Dr Muhammad Ashraf NIZAMI, a professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and the President of the Pakistan Medical Association.</p>
<p>“With this historic development, Enabulele, has once again attained another milestone by being the first-ever Nigerian and West African physician to be elected President of the World Medical Association since the global body of all physicians in the world was established in the year 1947.”</p>
<p>It would be recalled that in the year 2019, Dr Enabulele became the first Nigerian physician to be elected as President of the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) since the CMA was founded in November 1962.</p>
<p>In the same year 2019, Enabulele also became the first Nigerian physician to become a statutory Council Member of the World Medical Association, as well as the first Nigerian physician to ever chair one of the only three standing committees (Socio-Medical Affairs Committee) of the World Medical Association, following his election as Chair of SMAC in far away Chile in the year 2019.</p>
<p>“He was subsequently re-elected this year (2021) for a 2nd term as Chair of SMAC. </p>
<p> With an immense pedigree, Enabulele who is a profound strategic thinker, policy analyst and health activist, has generated several initiatives and made profound contributions to the advancement of the medical profession and healthcare system at local, national and international levels.</p>
<p>He is expected to give his acceptance speech during the London 2021 General Assembly of the World Medical Association billed to hold on Friday, October 15, 2021.</p>

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FULL TEXT: Buhari’s full speech on 2022 budget proposal

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<p> </p>
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<div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability</b></span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Delivered By:<span><a name='more' id="more"></a></span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>President, Federal Republic of Nigeria</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>At the Joint Session of the National Assembly, Abuja</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Thursday, October 7, 2021</div>
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<div>PROTOCOLS</div>
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<div> </div>
<div>1. It is my great pleasure to be here once again to present the 2022 Federal Budget Proposals to this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly.</div>
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<div>2. Distinguished and Honourable leaders, and members of the National Assembly, let me start by commending you for the expeditious consideration and passage of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2021. This further underscores your commitment to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic and address the various security challenges facing our country.</div>
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<div>3. I will also take this opportunity to thank you for the quick consideration and approval of the 2022-2024 Medium-term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Our hope is that National Assembly will continue to partner with the Executive by ensuring that deliberations on the 2022 Budget are completed before the end of this year so that the Appropriation Act can come into effect by the first of January 2022.</div>
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<div>4. The 2022 Budget will be the last full year budget to be implemented by this administration. We designed it to build on the achievements of previous budgets and to deliver on our goals and aspirations as will be reflected in our soon-to-be launched National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025.</div>
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<div>5. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, in normal times, I make use of this opportunity to provide an overview of global and domestic developments in the current year, a summary of our achievements, and our plans for the next fiscal year.</div>
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<div>6. However, these are exceptional times. The grim realities of COVID-19 and its lethal variants are still upon us. From President to Pauper, the virus does not discriminate.</div>
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<div>7. This is why our country still maintains its COVID -19 guidelines and protocols in place to protect its citizens and stop the spread of this disease.</div>
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<div>8. Over the past few days, we have consulted with the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the leadership of the National Assembly on how best to present the 2022 budget proposal keeping in mind the deep-rooted traditions in place and the guidelines for safe mass gatherings.</div>
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<div>9. We ultimately decided that the most responsible and respectful approach was to hold a shorter than usual gathering while allowing the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to provide fuller details of our proposals in a smaller event.</div>
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<div>10. I am sure many of you will be relieved as my last budget speech in October 2020 lasted over fifty minutes.</div>
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<div>11. Still, over the next few minutes, I will provide key highlights of our 2021 performance as well as our proposals for 2022.</div>
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<div>PERFORMANCE OF THE 2021 BUDGET</div>
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<div>12. The 2021 ‘Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience’ is based on a benchmark oil price of 40 US Dollars per barrel, oil production of 1.6m b/d, and exchange rate of 379 Naira to US Dollar. Furthermore, a Supplementary budget of 982.73 billion Naira was recently enacted to address exigent issues in the Security and Health sectors.</div>
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<div>13. Based on the 2021 Fiscal Framework, total revenue of 8.12 trillion Naira was projected to fund aggregate federal expenditure of 14.57 trillion Naira (inclusive of the supplementary budget). The projected fiscal deficit of 6.45 trillion Naira, or 4.52 percent of GDP, is expected to be financed mainly by domestic and external borrowings.</div>
<div>14. By July 2021, Nigeria’s daily oil production averaged one 1.70million barrels (inclusive of condensates) and the market price of Bonny Light crude averaged 68.53 US Dollars per barrel.</div>
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<div> </div>
<div>15. Accordingly, actual revenues were 34 percent below target as of July 2021, mainly due to the underperformance of oil and gas revenue sources. Federal Government’s retained revenues (excluding Government Owned Enterprises) amounted to 2.61 trillion Naira against the proportionate target of 3.95 trillion Naira for the period.</div>
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<div>16. The Federal Government’s share of Oil revenue totalled 570.23 billion Naira as of July 2021, which was 51 percent below target, while non-oil tax revenues totalled 964.13 billion Naira. The poor performance of oil revenue relative to the budget was largely due to the shortfall in production as well as significant cost recovery by NNPC to cover the shortfall between its cost of importing petrol and the pump price.</div>
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<div>17. The National Assembly will recall that in March 2020 the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency announced that the price of petrol would henceforth be determined by market forces.</div>
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<div>18. However, as the combination of rising crude oil prices and exchange rate combined to push the price above the hitherto regulated price of 145 Naira per litre, opposition against the policy of price deregulation hardened on the part of Labour Unions in particular.</div>
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<div>19. Government had to suspend further upward price adjustments while engaging Labour on the subject. This petrol subsidy significantly eroded revenues that should have been available to fund the budget.</div>
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<div>20. On a positive note, we surpassed the non-oil taxes target by eleven (11) percent in aggregate. The sustained improvement in non-oil taxes indicates that some of our revenue reforms are yielding positive results. We expect further improvement in revenue collections later in the year as more corporate entities file their tax returns and we accelerate the implementation of our revenue reforms.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Improving Revenue Generation and Administration</div>
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<div>21. We have stepped up implementation of the strengthened framework for performance management of government owned enterprises (GOEs), with a view to improve their operational efficiencies, revenue generation and accountability. The 50% cost-to-income ratio imposed on the GOEs in the Finance Act 2020 has contributed significantly to rationalizing wasteful expenditures by several GOEs and enhanced the level of operating surpluses to be transferred to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). I solicit the cooperation of the National Assembly in enforcing the cost-to-income ratio and other prudential guidelines during your consideration of the budget proposals of the GOEs, which I am also laying before you today.</div>
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<div>22. On the expenditure side, as at end of July 2021, a total of six point seven-nine (6.79) trillion Naira had been spent as against the pro-rated expenditure of seven point nine-one (7.91) trillion Naira. Accordingly, a deficit of four point one-seven (4.17) trillion Naira was recorded as at end of July 2021. The deficit was financed through domestic borrowing.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>23. Despite our revenue challenges, we have consistently met our debt service commitments. We are also up to date on the payment of staff salaries, statutory transfers, and overhead costs. As at (4th of October 2021, a total of 1.732 trillion Naira had been released for capital expenditure.</div>
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<div>24. I am pleased to inform you that we expect to fund MDAs’ capital budget fully by the end of the fiscal year 2021.</div>
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<div>25. Capital releases thus far have been prioritised in favour of critical ongoing infrastructural projects in the power, roads, rail, agriculture, health and education sectors.</div>
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<div>26. We have made progress on the railway projects connecting different parts of the country. I am glad to report that the Lagos-Ibadan Line is now completed and operational. The Abuja-Kaduna Line is running efficiently. The Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail Line was finally completed and commissioned over thirty (30) years after its initiation.</div>
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<div>27. Arrangements are underway to complete the Ibadan-Kano Line. Also, work will soon commence on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line and Calabar-Lagos Coastal Line, which will connect the Southern and Eastern States to themselves and to the North.</div>
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<div> </div>
<div>28. Progress is also being made on several power generation, transmission, and distribution projects, as well as off-grid solutions, all aimed towards achieving the national goal of optimizing power supply by 2025.</div>
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<div>29. I am again happy to report that we continue to make visible progress in our strategic road construction projects like the Lagos – Ibadan expressway, Apapa – Oworonsoki expressway, Abuja – Kano expressway, East-West Road and the second Niger bridge. We hope to commission most of these projects before the end of our tenure in 2023.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>30. The Pandemic revealed the urgent need to strengthen our health system. Towards this end, we constructed 52 Molecular labs, 520 bed intensive care units, 52 Isolation centres and provision of Personal Protective equipment across 52 Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>31. We continue to push our expenditure rationalization initiatives which we commenced in 2016. For example, on personnel costs, the number of MDAs captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System increased from 459 in 2017 to 711 to date.</div>
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<div>32. The recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, and consequent incorporation of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation should also result in rationalisation of expenditure, as well as increased investments and improved output in the oil and gas industry.</div>
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<div>33. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, you will agree with me that a lot has been accomplished over the last year but there is still much to be done. I will now proceed with a review of the 2022 Budget proposal.</div>
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<div>THEME AND PRIORITIES OF THE 2022 BUDGET</div>
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<div>34. The allocations to MDAs were guided by the strategic objectives of the National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025, which are:</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>a. Diversifying the economy, with robust MSME growth;</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>b. Investing in critical infrastructure;</div>
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<div>c. Strengthening security and ensuring good governance;</div>
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<div>d. Enabling a vibrant, educated and healthy populace;</div>
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<div>e. Reducing poverty; and</div>
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<div>f. Minimizing regional, economic and social disparities.</div>
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<div>35. The 2022 Appropriation therefore is a Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability.</div>
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<div>36. Defence and internal security will continue to be our top priority. We remain firmly committed to the security of life, property and investment nationwide. We will continue to ensure that our gallant men and women in the armed forces, police and paramilitary units are properly equipped, remunerated and well-motivated.</div>
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<div>37. The 2022 budget is also the first in our history, where MDAs were clearly advised on gender responsive budgeting. These are part of critical steps in our efforts to distribute resources fairly and reach vulnerable groups of our society.</div>
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<div>PARAMETERS AND FISCAL ASSUMPTIONS</div>
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<div>38. Distinguished Members of the National Assembly, the 2022 to 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper sets out the parameters for the 2022 Budget as follows:</div>
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<div>a. Conservative oil price benchmark of 57 US Dollars per barrel;</div>
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<div>b. Daily oil production estimate of 1.88 million barrels (inclusive of Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day);</div>
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<div>c. Exchange rate of four 410.15 per US Dollar; and</div>
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<div>d. Projected GDP growth rate of 4.2 percent and 13 percent inflation rate.</div>
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<div>2022 REVENUE ESTIMATES</div>
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<div>39. Based on these fiscal assumptions and parameters, total federally-collectible revenue is estimated at 17.70 trillion Naira in 2022.</div>
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<div>40. Total federally distributable revenue is estimated at 12.72 trillion Naira in 2022 while total revenue available to fund the 2022 Federal Budget is estimated at 10.13 trillion Naira. This includes Grants and Aid of 63.38 billion Naira, as well as the revenues of 63 Government-Owned Enterprises.</div>
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<div>41. Oil revenue is projected at 3.16 trillion, Non-oil taxes are estimated at 2.13 trillion Naira and FGN Independent revenues are projected to be 1.82 trillion Naira.</div>
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<div>PLANNED 2022 EXPENDITURE</div>
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<div>42. A total expenditure of sixteen point three-nine (16.39) trillion Naira is proposed for the Federal Government in 2022. The proposed expenditure comprises:</div>
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<div>a. Statutory Transfers of 768.28 billion Naira;</div>
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<div>b. Non-debt Recurrent Costs of 6.83 trillion;</div>
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<div>c. Personnel Costs of 4.11 trillion Naira;</div>
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<div>d. Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees’ Benefits 577.0 billion Naira;</div>
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<div>e. Overheads of 792.39 billion Naira;</div>
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<div>f. Capital Expenditure of 5.35 trillion Naira, including the capital component of Statutory Transfers;</div>
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<div>g. Debt Service of 3.61 trillion Naira; and</div>
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<div>h. Sinking Fund of 292.71 billion Naira to retire certain maturing bonds.</div>
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<div>Fiscal Balance</div>
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<div>43. We expect the total fiscal operations of the Federal Government to result in a deficit of 6.26 trillion Naira. This represents 3.39 percent of estimated GDP, slightly above the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Countries around the world have to of necessity over-shoot their fiscal thresholds for the economies to survive and thrive</div>
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<div>44. We need to exceed this threshold considering our collective desire to continue tackling the existential security challenges facing our country.</div>
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<div>45. We plan to finance the deficit mainly by new borrowings totalling 5.01 trillion Naira, 90.73 billion Naira from Privatization Proceeds and 1.16 trillion Naira drawdowns on loans secured for specific development projects.</div>
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<div>46. Some have expressed concern over our resort to borrowing to finance our fiscal gaps. They are right to be concerned. However, we believe that the debt level of the Federal Government is still within sustainable limits. Borrowings are to specific strategic projects and can be verified publicly.</div>
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<div>47. As you are aware, we have witnessed two economic recessions within the period of this Administration. In both cases, we had to spend our way out of recession, which necessitated a resort to growing the public debt. It is unlikely that our recovery from each of the two recessions would have grown as fast without the sustained government expenditure funded by debt.</div>
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<div>48. Our target over the medium term is to grow our Revenue-to-GDP ratio from about 8 percent currently to 15 percent by 2025. At that level of revenues, the Debt-Service-to-Revenue ratio will cease to be worrying. Put simply, we do not have a debt sustainability problem, but a revenue challenge which we are determined to tackle to ensure our debts remain sustainable.</div>
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<div>49. Very importantly, we have endeavoured to use the loans to finance critical development projects and programmes aimed at improving our economic environment and ensuring effective delivery of public services to our people. We focused on;</div>
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<div>a. the completion of major road and rail projects;</div>
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<div>b. the effective implementation of Power sector projects;</div>
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<div>c. the provision of potable water;</div>
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<div>d. construction of irrigation infrastructure and dams across the country; and</div>
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<div>e. critical health projects such as the strengthening of national emergency medical services and ambulance system, procurement of vaccines, polio eradication and upgrading Primary Health Care Centres across the six geopolitical zones.</div>
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<div>Innovations in Infrastructure Financing</div>
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<div>50. In 2022, Government will further strengthen the frameworks for concessions and public private partnerships (PPPs). Capital projects that are good candidates for PPP by their nature will be developed for private sector participation.</div>
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<div>51. We will also explore available opportunities in the existing ecosystem of green finance including the implementation of our Sovereign Green Bond Programme and leveraging debt-for-climate swap mechanisms.</div>
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<div>Enhancing Revenue Mobilisation</div>
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<div>52. Our strategies to improve revenue mobilisation will be sustained in 2022 with the goal of achieving the following objectives:</div>
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<div>a. Enhance tax and excise revenues through policy reforms and tax administration measures;</div>
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<div>b. Review the policy effectiveness of tax waivers and concessions;</div>
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<div>c. Boost customs revenue through the e-Customs and Single Window initiatives; and</div>
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<div>d. Safeguard revenues from the oil and gas sector.</div>
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<div>53. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, I commend you for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. It is my hope that the implementation of the law will boost confidence in our economy and attract substantial investments in the sector.</div>
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<div>Finance Bill 2022</div>
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<div>54. In line with our plan to accompany annual budgets with Finance Bills, partly to support the realization of fiscal projections, current tax and fiscal laws are being reviewed to produce a draft Finance Bill 2022.</div>
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<div>55. It is our intention that once ongoing consultations are completed, the Finance Bill would be submitted to the National Assembly to be considered alongside the 2022 Appropriation Bill.</div>
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<div>CONCLUSION</div>
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<div>56. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, this speech would be incomplete without commending the immense, patriotic, and collaborative support of the National Assembly in the effort to deliver socio-economic development and democracy dividends for our people.</div>
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<div>57. I wish to assure you of the strong commitment of the Executive to strengthen the relationship with the National Assembly.</div>
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<div>58. Nigeria is currently emerging from a very difficult economic challenge. We must continue to cooperate and ensure that our actions are aimed at accelerating the pace of economic recovery so that we can achieve economic prosperity and deliver on our promises to the Nigerian people.</div>
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<div>59. The fiscal year 2022 is very crucial in our efforts to ensure that critical projects are completed, put to use and improve the general living conditions of our people.</div>
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<div>60. It is with great pleasure therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2022 Budget Proposals of the Federal Government of Nigeria.</div>
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<div>61. I thank you most sincerely for your attention.</div>
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<div>62. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.</div>
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