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Folarin Kehinde

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President Tinubu appoints Gbeleyi as new BPE DG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

Mr. Gbeleyi is a renowned financial expert and award-winning chartered accountant. He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

He is also an alumnus of executive programmes of the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.

He has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment & commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration.

He was the board Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015.

The President expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience and competence to bear in this role to strengthen the agency as the national resource centre for capacity building and sustenance of reforms through the promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability and efficient deployment of public resources, as well as advancing effective corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in the public and private sectors.

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Sports

BREAKING: Finidi George resigns as Super Eagles Coach

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Ajax winger, Finidi George, has stepped down as coach of the Super Eagles.

This was made known by ex-Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye in a post on X.com on Saturday.

He wrote, “News just in. Finidi George #FinidiGeorge_FG has resigned from his #NGSuperEagles manager position.”

The resignation follows the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to appoint a foreign coach to oversee him, despite his recent appointment in May.

George, 53, took the reins after Jose Peseiro’s contract ended in February, having served as his assistant for 20 months. However, the team’s disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin led to his demotion.

As a result, George’s one-year contract will be downgraded, and his reported monthly salary of N15m will be reduced to N5m. His handpicked assistants will also be replaced by the new foreign coach’s staff.

In a meeting with Sports Minister John Enoh, George expressed his frustration with the lack of support from the NFF and questioned the commitment of Nigeria’s top players in the crucial World Cup qualifiers.

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BREAKING: FG Declares June 17, 18 Public Holidays for Eid-ul-adha

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as public holidays to commemorate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, the Minister congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the Diaspora on this occasion.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to continue embracing the values of peace, kindness, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him). He also encouraged them to use this period to pray for unity, prosperity, and stability in the country.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and their properties.

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Sports

BREAKING: NFF resolves to hire foreign technical adviser for Super Eagles

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded plans to hire a foreign technical adviser for the national football team, the Super Eagles.

The decision follows recent dismal performances under coach former Enyimba coach, Finidi George.

The Executive Committee of the NFF rose from its board meeting on Thursday and resolved to employ an expatriate for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks.

The technical adviser is expected to lead the team ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

“The Committee resolved to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect,” a communique released after the meeting revealed.

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BREAKING: Court frees Binance executives Gambaryan, Anjarwalla

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has discharged Tigran Gambaryan, a 39-year-old American, and fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla over alleged tax evasion.

The duo, both executives of cryptocurrency exchange platform Binance, were dragged to court by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over alleged tax evasion.

The court made the decision following fresh amended charges filed by the FIRS in view of a notice from Binance about its appointment of a Nigerian representative, Ayodele Omotilewa.

Recall that Gambaryan and fleeing Anjarwalla are facing a four-count charge by the Nigerian government brought before the court, a case now before Emeka Nwite, the trial judge.

Even though Binance had no legal representation in court, Gambaryan took to the dock to have the charges read to him.

But his counsel, Chukwuka Ikwazuonu, notified the court that his client had not been served with the charge, stating it was rather too hasty to have him take to the dock without knowing what his client is about to be tried for.

The prosecutor from the FIRS, Moses Ideho, informed the judge that service of the charge hadn’t been possible due to lack of access to the defendant in custody.

This prompted the Court to order service of the charge on the defendant in open court. And following this, the judge adjourned till 19 April for arraignment of Gambaryan.

In the second case by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC, through its counsel E.E. Iheanacho informed the Court that he had served Gambaryan with the charge.

But Mark Mordi, counsel for the defendant, this time around, said Binance, the company which he represents hasn’t been served, therefore arraignment couldn’t go ahead.

Moreso, as it’s a joint charge, Mordi argued that it’s necessary to serve every person individually with the charges before the case can go ahead. He also informed the Court that his client declined service of the charge on behalf of Binance because he wasn’t authorized to do so.

The prosecutor however maintained that the defendant, being a top official of Binance was a fitting representative of the company in this particular instance.

But stated that in the alternative however, the Court can enter a not guilty plea for Binance to allow the case go ahead.

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Eid-el-Kabir: President Tinubu Departs Abuja for Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for Lagos State today ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

According to a State House press release, the President will observe the Eid-el-Kabir in Lagos, where he will also spend the Sallah holidays.

“The President will mark the occasion in prayers and reflection on advancing the transformation of Nigeria in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement said.

Recall that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, had last week declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day after affirming that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

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Tijani Leads Stakeholders at PIAFo on Nigeria’s Digital Economy Blueprint Implementation

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Key stakeholders in the country’s digital economy sector are set to converge at the forthcoming Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) to dissect and stimulate effective implementation of Nigeria’s renewed agenda for digital economy.

PIAFo, now in its sixth edition, is slated for Wednesday, July 10 at Radisson Blu Hotels, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, with a thematic focus of: “Accelerating Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency”.

According to the organisers, the strategic plan of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation Digital Economy (FMCIDE) released recently by the federal government is the anchor policy for the forum as the strategic plan embodies Nigeria’s digital aspirations.

They noted that the current digital economy footprint puts Nigeria on track to attain many targets in years to come; adding that since PIAFo is an initiative designed to drive policies to fruition, the forthcoming conference underscores the need to leverage effective dialogue among relevant stakeholders to achieve the targets.

Speaking on the forthcoming event, the Lead Executive at PIAFo, Mr. Omobayo Azeez, emphasised the need to ensure that the targets spelt out in the various digital economy policy documents do not just remain on the pages of the papers.

According to him: “There are many targets before us and achieving them within the stipulated timelines is central to the aspiration of Nigeria to unleash a digital ecosystem essential for efficient modern economies, enhanced business operations, smart public services, and job creation.

“This is why we have devoted this year’s edition of PIAFo to this course to create a midpoint dialogue platform for digital economy policymakers, private sector players and relevant local and international bodies to cultivate coordinated efforts towards achieving the targets.”

He disclosed that the Honourable Minister of FMCIDE, Dr. Bosun Tijani is billed to deliver the keynote address while the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and the Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju would make paper presentations.

Various other captains of industry are also prepared to champion dialogue at the forum by speaking to different topics and participating in panel sessions, according to the organizers.

Currently, Nigeria has standing targets of 70% broadband penetration rate by 2025; 80% population coverage by 2027; up to 500% increase in broadband investment by 2027; 22% increase in net GDP contribution; 100% surge in telecoms revenue to the coffers of the federal government by 2027; 50% improvement on Quality of Service by 2024 ending; and reduction in unserved population in rural areas to 20% by 2027.

Other targets include 100% increase in the number of startups that have access to incentives in Nigeria; 100% increase in the number of tech-enabled startups with access to procurement opportunities in Nigeria; ranking among top 50 countries in AI and creating over 50,000 jobs in Nigeria’s AI industry by 2030; attaining 70% digital literacy for youths and adults by 2027 and up to 40% women participation across all training initiatives; among others.

Powered by Business Metrics Limited, PIAFo has remained a platform that receives massive participation from players within the public and private sectors, international community, interest groups and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at every edition dedicated to creating conducive policy environment in Nigeria.

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Plane Crash: APRA Commiserates with PR Society, Government and Citizens of Malawi

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM, an institutional member of APRA), the government and citizens of the Republic of Malawi over the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of the Vice President of Malawi, H.E. Dr. Saulos Chilima, and nine others on June 10, 2024.

The Secretary-General, APRA, Omoniyi Ibietan made this available to leading reporters in a press release on Wednesday.

In a condolence letter dated June 11, 2024, and addressed to Benson Linje, the President of PRSM, the continental association described the incident as a “huge loss, not only to the people of Malawi but also to the African continent.”

The letter reads: “We write to express our profound shock and sadness at the tragic plane crash that caused the death of H.E. Dr. Saulos Chilima, the Vice President of Malawi, and nine others on Monday, June 10, 2024. On behalf of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), we extend our heartfelt condolences to you, our colleagues in the Public Relations Society of Malawi, and the great people of Malawi”.

The letter also states, “As always and especially this time of national mourning, we stand in solidarity with the people of Malawi. We share in the pain and the grief at tending this huge loss, not only to the people of Malawi but to the African continent.”

“The Council and all members (institutional, corporate and individual) of APRA offer heartfelt sympathies and will continue to remember the great people of Malawi in our entreaties.”

APRA, in the letter, prayed that the cherished memories of the departed would bring strength and that the support of friends, colleagues, compatriots, other pan-Africanists and lovers around the world will help to bring PRSM and the people of Malawi comfort on the tragic incident.

APRA also prayed that the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased find strength and be comforted over this tragedy.

“Please rest assured that, as we mourn the passing of these distinguished personalities and individuals, we also celebrate their lives and contributions to the Republic of Malawi and our dear continent. May their souls rest in peace,” the letter closes.

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“I didn’t ask her to come to my room” – FG official denies sexual harassment allegations

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In response to allegations made against him by Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, has provided a detailed account of the incidents in question.

In a statement released today, Ambassador Lamuwa addressed each allegation individually, providing his version of events and offering explanations for his actions.

Regarding the Policy 4D Retreat on October 7, 2023, Ambassador Lamuwa clarified that his interaction with Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi was not personal and took place in a public setting among other participants. He denied any inappropriate conduct during the retreat.

Concerning a meeting with the Galaxy Backbone Team on November 10, 2023, Ambassador Lamuwa refuted claims of any private discussion or invitation for Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi to travel with him. He emphasized that such arrangements would not have been feasible due to her role as a Special Assistant to the Minister.

In response to allegations related to office allocation in March 2024, Ambassador Lamuwa explained that Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s concerns were promptly addressed, and she was provided with an office and necessary equipment.

Ambassador Lamuwa also denied any confrontation from the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs during an Iftar Dinner, stating that there were no negative remarks made about Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi during the event.

Regarding a missed call from Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi during his lunch break on May 10, 2024, Ambassador Lamuwa admitted allowing her to see him despite his usual preference for privacy during breaks. However, he denied any inappropriate behaviour during their interaction.

Addressing other specific incidents mentioned in the allegations, Ambassador Lamuwa provided his perspective and denied any wrongdoing.

He emphasized his commitment to upholding due process and professionalism in his role as Permanent Secretary.

In his statement, Ambassador Lamuwa maintained his innocence and suggested that Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s actions may be linked to unresolved financial matters and access to policy files. He reiterated his dedication to his duties and emphasized his clean disciplinary record throughout his career.

Part of the statement read:

“At the Policy 4D Retreat on 7th October 2023: As the Permanent Secretary, checking on all participants to ensure that everybody was properly accommodated, my question to Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi was not personal.

“I did not ask her to come to my room when other staff directly working in my office escorted me to my room, by bringing my bag and other documents.

“They include my Personal Assistant and Driver. Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi did not come to my room with them or alone, at any time during the Retreat.

“As for being a nursing mother, the discussion was held in public glare with so many other participants – it was not a one-on-one discussion I had with her.

“I am fully aware that she is a married woman and had once said in a group conversation, that she does not hug men, she does that to only children and women. I cannot precisely recall on which occasion she made this remark, as we have been meeting with her and so many groups of people in the course of our official engagements.

“I believe, Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s action might not be unconnected with my failure to pay her Davos bills, or give her access to policy files and financial records of the Ministry. For example, on 12th January, 2023, while in Davos, on a WhatsApp call.

“It is clear that there are two issues that have been worrying Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi and was therefore waiting for any opportunity to get back at me.

“But whatever happens, I believe, I was exercising my duty as the Accounting Officer of the Ministry by ensuring that Due Process was followed all the time and that SA’s (Political Appointees) do not have access to policy files. All public expenditures are properly documented before payments are made.”

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Democracy Day: Shock as President Tinubu falls heavily on Stage [VIDEO]

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had a heavy fall earlier today in Abuja while attempting to mount the rostrum in the midst of several aides and security personnel.

Footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media. it can be recalled that the president had just given his independence day speech this morning shortly before the unfortunate occurrence.

The President is hale and hearty.

Watch the video below;

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