FG set to inaugurate electricity project in Ondo State

May 17, 2024

The Federal government is set to inaugurate the N8.1 billion Erinje Electricity Project in Okitipupa council area of Ondo state by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

According to the states representative on the board of the commission, Hon Otito Atikase, the electricity project, will be commissioned by the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, Engr Abubakar Momoh, on Wednesday, May 22.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the NDDC Commissioner, Rotimi Oyeneyin, said that electricity project will serve five local government areas in the Oil-producing belt of the state. The statement reads ” This magnificent project, which cost a substantial 8.1 billion naira, includes several key components:A 45km 132kV feeder line from the Omotosho Power Plant to Erinje

“Rehabilitation of 33km of 33/11kV transmission lines from Okitipupa to Igbokoda, Ugbonla, and other Ilaje neighbouring communities, construction of a 1km rigid pavement with drainage.

“The Erinje power substation is specifically designed to serve five local government areas in the oil-producing belt of the state.

“This region has been grappling with total darkness for the past 15 years, making this project a significant milestone in restoring electricity and hope to the communities.

The NDDC Commissioner Hon. Atikase expressed optimism that the socio-economic activities in this region will be significantly revamped once the people are reconnected to the power grid.

Atikase also called on all stakeholders to remain committed to protecting this vital infrastructure against vandalism, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility.

He said ”this project represents a new dawn for the residents of Okitipupa, Irele,Ilaje and Ese Odo as it promises an enhanced quality of life and increased economic opportunities for the people.

Atikase reaffirmed his commitment to serving the interests of the people of Ondo State adding that he is “dedicated to advancing the development agenda of our beloved state and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and prosper.

Students loan portal opens May 24

May 17, 2024

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, on Thursday, announced May 24, 2024, as the official date for “the opening of the portal for student loan applications.”

The announcement was made in a statement by the media lead for the NELFund, Nasir Ayantogo.

Ayantogo, in the statement, said the opening of the application portal marked a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to “fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.”

On June 12, 2023, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to process all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

Although the government initially announced that the scheme would be launched in September, it suffered several delays leading to an indefinite postponement in early March.

The Presidency had linked the delay to Tinubu’s directive to expand the scheme to include loans for vocational skills.

After receiving briefing from the NELFund team led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the President had directed the Fund to extend interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes.

Tinubu based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas.

“This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFund to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he had said.

Through the portal, students can now access loans to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints.

The portal, according to the statement, provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.

“We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

“Students can access the portal on www.nelf.gov.ng to begin application,” the statement said.

Court throws out case against CBN, rules that banks can demand customers’ social media handles

May 17, 2024

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has struck out a case against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its directive requiring banks to collect and verify social media handles as part of their know-your-customer (KYC) requirement.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba struck out a suit filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Chris Eke, seeking a declaration that the regulation as contained in section 6(a)(iv) of the CBN (customer due diligence) Regulations, 2023, is “undemocratic, unconstitutional, null and void”.

The applicant had also asked the court, to grant an order of perpetual injunction, restraining CBN from enforcing the regulation which requires financial institutions, to request customers’ social media handles as part of normal bank customer due diligence requirements.

The CBN, in its response to the suit, filed a notice of preliminary objection, challenging the competence of the suit and disagreeing with the claim of interference with the applicant’s private life.

In his judgment, Dimgba held that the notice of preliminary objection had merit, subsequently striking out the suit. The judge ruled that providing a social media handle is equivalent to providing email and phone numbers for potential customers, and therefore, it does not violate the right to privacy.

According to Justice Dimgba, the essence of having a social media account was for one to be publicly visible communication-wise, and it would be highly unreasonable to hold the CBN in breach of privacy for it.

Furthermore, Dimgba said if the applicant is “irritated by the requirement of the regulation”, he has a choice to “refuse to do business with any bank insisting on the information as part of its social media handle, but to seek other alternatives”.

Speaker Abbas mourns Gov Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief of Staff

May 16, 2024

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has mourned the passing of Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Speaker Abbas said the late Mr. Soyannwo was a loyal aide to Governor Sanwo-Olu and a dependable ally in his government. He added that the death would leave a great vacuum in the Lagos State Government House.

The Speaker commiserated with the Soyannwo family and the governor, while praying to God to grant the soul of the late Deputy Chief of Staff eternal rest.

Soyannwo reportedly died on Wednesday at the age of 55 after a brief illness. He was survived by a wife and two children.

Signed:

Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

10th Nigeria Pitch Awards: Finidi, Osimhen, Ajibade and Elegbeleye vie for honours

May 16, 2024

…Sanwo-Olu, GTI and Solaja also in the running

Organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards are set to take the ‘uncommon transformation’ city of Uyo by storm with the tenth edition of Nigeria’s longest-running football awards scheduled for Saturday, 8th June at the Ibom Meridien Hotel and Resorts.

President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips said during the week that his team is packaging a show-stopper of an event to mark one decade of an interesting project that has continued to gain strength and relevance on the pillars of authenticity, transparency and credibility, and which is endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a memorable tenth edition of the awards. All is set, and we are heading to Uyo not only to put up a super-show but also to mobilize resources within our capacity to support the Super Eagles to victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa on Friday, 7th June.

“I want to use this opportunity to deeply appreciate the NFF, the Super Eagles, all our friends, enablers, affiliates and commercial partners, for their support over the past 10 years, and to promise that the values of transparency, integrity and credibility will never depart from the Nigeria Pitch Awards.”

Already, nominees have emerged in the 18 award categories, with the winners to be unveiled at the Ibom Meridien on the night of Saturday, 8th June. The award categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Striker of the Year, Queen of the Pitch, King of the Pitch, Sam Okwaraji Award, Football Pitch, Football-Friendly Governor, Corporate Sponsor, alongside several honours for media representatives.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK)

Midfielder of the Year: Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC)

Striker of the Year: Robert Mizo (Bayelsa United); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Queen of the Pitch: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)

King of the Pitch: Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Emeka Obioma (Enyimba FC); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Team of the Year: Super Falcons; Enyimba FC; Remo Stars

Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Finidi George (Enyimba FC); Randy Waldrum (Super Falcons)

Sam Okwaraji Award: Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Ahmed Musa; Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars)

State With The Best Grassroots Football Development Programme: Edo State; Delta State; Lagos State

Football Pitch of the Year: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos; Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

Football-Friendly Governor of the Year: His Excellency Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State); His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State); His Excellency Godwin Obaseki (Edo State)

Corporate Sponsor of Football: Bet9ja (Sport Betting); GTI (Financial Services); MTN (Telecom)

Sportsmanship Award: Hon. Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye (Chairman, NPFL Board)

Football Journalist of the Year (Print): Christian Okpara (The Guardian); Charles Diya (New Telegraph); Johnny Edward (Punch Newspapers)

Football Journalist of the Year (TV): Miyen Akiri (TVC); Mozez Praiz (SuperSport); Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV)

Football Journalist of the Year (Radio): Olawale Adigun (Mainland FM); Yinka Oyedele (Brila 88.9 FM); Anthony Bekederemo (Brila 88.9 FM)

Football Journalist of the Year (Online): Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News); Tobi Adepoju (Oganla Media); Kunle Solaja (sportsvillagesquare.com)

Para Badminton: Bolaji, Chigozie qualify for Paris 2024 Paralympics

May 16, 2024

The duo of Mariam Eniola Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie have qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games coming up from 28th August to 8th September.

According to the Badminton World Federation, Multiple African Champion, Mariam Bolaji will represent Nigeria in the Women’s Singles Standing Lower 3 (SL3) while Jeremiah Chigozie represents Nigeria in the Men’s Singles Standing Lower 4 (SL4).

An elated Francis Orbih, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria said the qualification of Mariam Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie is a testimony of hard work, consistency and perseverance.

Orbih who was full of joy revealed that Nigeria stands a good chance to make history by winning medals in para badminton in her debut appearance.

He said, “Today, history has been made as two players for the first time will be representing Nigeria in the para badminton event at the Paralympic Games. I am full of joy because the sacrifices of the players and the Federation were not in vain.

“Mariam Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie have consistently attended the African Championship winning gold medals in the singles and doubles events. Last month, Mariam Bolaji won two gold medals at the Spanish Internationals in Victoria and Toledo putting her in a better position to make it to the Paralympics; which has become a reality.

“With adequate camping, foreign tours and proper funding, I believe Nigeria will win a medal in the Para Badminton event when we make our debut this year”.

Orbih once again, called on well meaning individuals to support the Badminton Federation of Nigeria in ensuring the athletes get maximum support ahead of the Olympic/Paralympic Games in Paris next August.

He said, “I will not get tired of calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the private sector to key into our brand and give more support to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. We have athletes who are marketable and will sell their brands to the world with their sterling performances”.

Mariam Eniola Bolaji shocked the world by winning her first gold medal at the Spanish Para badminton International 2021 beating Oksana Kozyna from Ukraine.

Bolaji won the women’s singles SL3 at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023, All African Para Badminton Championship 2023 (Doubles and Mixed Doubles).

She won gold medals at the 5th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023, Egypt Para Badminton International 2024, World Para Badminton Championship 2024 in Thailand and Spanish Para Badminton International 2024.

Bolaji is also the first African player to be ranked among the top 10 in the BWF world rankings as she is currently ranked number 5 in the world.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah Chigozie won bronze medal at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023 and three gold medals at African Para Badminton Championship 2023

He played a lesser number of championships compared to Eniola; playing in Egypt, Dubai, and World Championship in Thailand.

Chigozie got to the quarter finals in the men’s singles SL4 category in Thailand and currently ranked number 16 in the recent BWF para Badminton ranking.

Ex-Senator, Michael Onunkun is dead

May 16, 2024

A Second Republic Senator in the old Ondo State, Michael Onunkun, popularly known as MAE Onunkun is dead.

Onunkun was aged 98.

He represented Ondo West Senatorial District, now Ondo South, in the old Ondo State from 1979 to 1983.

His daughter, Mrs Morenike Alaka, confirmed this to NAN on Thursday in Okitipupa.

Alaka, a former Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, said the elder statesman died around 11:57 pm on Wednesday at the West End Hospital, Okitipupa.

“My dad, a distinguished Senator in the Second Republic, no doubt has his flaws but he was a great statesman, a fantastic man, lover of children and education.

“He was a great politician who plays politics till he died because anytime we are together, he still discuss politics.

“We are preparing for his 99th birthday on Sept. 30, but unfortunately he died last night. His death is painful, all the children, family and Ikale people will miss him greatly,” she said.

Onunkun was blessed with two wives and 12 children – seven males and five females.

Victor Boniface Named Bundesliga Rookie Of The Season

May 15, 2024

Nigerian Forward Victor Boniface has been named as Bundesliga rookie of the season

The Rookie of the Month for August, September, October and November – Boniface really hit the ground running after his summer move to Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Striker scored seven goals and provided five assists in 12 Bundesliga appearances during his Rookie of the Month reign, and also made his senior debut for Nigeria in September. He kept going in December with a further three strikes and two more provisions in four league outings.

Boniface’s superb start to life in Germany then hit a major stumbling block after he picked up a muscle injury in January that sidelined him until April, meaning he also missed the Africa Cup of Nations. But the 23-year-old returned in expected fashion, scoring a goal and setting up another on his comeback.

His contributions in front of goal have been a major factor in Leverkusen winning the Bundesliga for the first time and also pushing for a treble with the addition of the DFB Cup and UEFA Europa League. And next season the Werkself will be able to unleash Boniface on opponents in the UEFA Champions League.

He beat Xavi Simons, Ian Maatsen, and Maximilian Beier to the award

Tragedy: Lagos Governor loses deputy Chief of Staff

May 15, 2024

The Lagos State government has been thrown into mourning with the death of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Soyanwo.

The sad news was broken by Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu during the exco meeting Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, said the Deputy Chief of Staff aged fifty five slumped in the early hours of the day and died in the hospital where he was rushed to.

In the statement, the Governor commiserated with the people of Lagos on the sudden death of one of his cabinet members.

He prayed God rest his soul and urged the family of the deceased to take solace in God.

The high point of the exco meeting was the observance of a minute silence in honor of the deceased.

Labour fumes as FG proposes new minimum wage

May 15, 2024

Organised labour has rejected the N48,000 proposed by the Federal Government as minimum wage for public service workers.

The government’s position was presented to labour at the resumed tripartite committee meeting on Wednesday.

In protest, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) walked out of the meeting held virtually.

A labour leader, who was part of the meeting, said the Federal Government was not serious about giving workers a living wage.

“What the government has presented to us is wage reduction. This government is not serious about giving workers a living wage,” the labour leader said.

Tinubu had on May Day promised workers a living wage, assuring them that their days of waiting for a living wage were over.

NLC and TUC proposed N615,000 as minimum wage, citing the high cost of living as the yardstick for the proposal.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), which had earlier declared that the least worker in the private sector was paid N78,000, presented N54,000 as the new minimum wage.

As of the time of filing this report, the NLC and TUC have called for an emergency press briefing to present the federal government’s proposal at the meeting to pay workers the minimum wage, and their next line of action.

President Tinubu, through Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on January 30, inaugurated the 37-member tripartite committee to come up with a new minimum wage.

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