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Folarin Kehinde

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Tinubu approves establishment of Sports University in Edo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the bill to establish the Federal University of Sports, Afuze, Edo State.

This was disclosed in a statement by Samson Akhanieme, Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Leader, House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

The statement described the development as a testament to the National Assembly’s commitment to promoting education and sports development in Nigeria.

The statement while commending the President for his prompt action on the bill, equally acknowledged the efforts of Professor Julius thonvbere, Member representing Owan Federal Constituency, for his tireless advocacy and commitment to the passage of the bill.

The statement reads partly: “…This landmark achievement is a testament to the National Assembly’s commitment to promoting education and sports development in Nigeria.

“The Federal University of Sports, Afuze, Edo State (Establishment) Act, 2025, will provide a world-class platform for Nigerian youths to excel in sports and academics, thereby enhancing the country’s competitiveness in international sports competitions, boost sports business, promote specialized training and also create jobs.

“The House Leader commends the President for his prompt action on the bill, which demonstrates his administration’s dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria’s education and sports sectors. We acknowledge the rigorous legislative process that the Bill underwent in the National Assembly, and particularly the efforts of Prof. Julius thonvbere, Member representing Owan Federal Constituency, for his tireless advocacy and commitment to the passage of the bill.

“The establishment of the Federal University of Sports, Afuze, Edo State, is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s educational landscape, and we are confident that it will have a profound impact on the country’s sports development and youth empowerment,

“Once again, we express our sincere gratitude to the President for his assent to this vital bill.

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JUST IN: CBN announces new ATM transaction fees, effective March 1, 2025

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the transaction fees for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services, with new charges set to take effect from March 1, 2025.

In a circular signed by John Onojah, the acting director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the CBN stated that the fee adjustment aims to address the rising operational costs and enhance efficiency within the banking sector.

The last time the ATM transaction fees were revised was in 2019 when the CBN reduced withdrawal fees from ₦65 to ₦35.

While the new policy will result in higher costs for certain ATM transactions, the CBN emphasized that it aligns with Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (2020).

Under the new structure, customers making withdrawals from their own bank’s ATMs (on-us transactions) will still enjoy free withdrawals. However, a ₦100 fee will be charged for every ₦20,000 withdrawal at on-site ATMs, which are located within the bank’s branches.

For withdrawals at ATMs of other banks (off-site or not-on-us transactions), customers will be charged a ₦100 fee plus a surcharge of up to ₦450 per ₦20,000 withdrawal.

In the case of international withdrawals using debit or credit cards, the CBN now allows banks and financial institutions to apply a “cost-recovery charge” equivalent to the exact amount charged by the international acquirer.

Additionally, the previous benefit of three free monthly withdrawals for remote-on-us transactions (customers of other banks) will no longer apply.

The CBN has urged all financial institutions to comply with the new directives ahead of the implementation date, emphasizing that the revised fees aim to improve the efficiency of ATM services and ensure that appropriate charges are applied to consumers.

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BREAKING: Tinubu orders ministers to render account

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has ordered all ministers in his administration to give account of their stewardship to Nigerians with immediate effect.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the presidential order at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister said the briefing by the ministers is to enable Nigerians to know what the government has done and to ask questions.

Details later…

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JUST IN: Tinubu Needed to Borrow, Buy New Presidential Jet Worth N150 billion – Presidency

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has justified President Bola Tinubu’s decision to purchase a new presidential jet, worth around N150 billion, despite public outcry and widespread poverty.

Aside from the purchase of a new presidential jet, the government have been criticised for continuing in the habit of borrowing despite improved income.

According to Daniel Bwala, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, the new jet is necessary for the president’s global travels.

The government had last year unveiled a new Airbus A330 purchased for the President. The new jet, it was revealed, replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Asked for the justification of the purchase in Arise Television’s The Morning Show program on Tuesday, Bwala explained that the previous jet had frequent problems.

He said, “As for the purchase of the presidential jet, it’s justifiable because for the president to travel around the world, he would need a better jet.

“I understand that when Buhari was in power, occasionally his jet had problems that needed to be fixed.

“And with respect to appointment, you appoint to meet a purpose, if there is a need to appoint people you will appoint, where the trouble will come is when you appoint people and they are not effective.”

The presidential spokesman also addressed concerns about the administration’s borrowing policy. Bwala stated that borrowing is justified when funds are used for infrastructural development. He noted that Nigeria’s limited resources require borrowing to meet the government’s mandate.

His words, “When I made the decision to support the president, I decided to pay attention to his policies and doing research. In doing so I decided to look at where there failure, I tried to know why.

“For example, there was a time we had food inflation and I tried to look at what actually is the cause of the food inflation and I realized there was natural disaster in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, while we have insecurity in the Northwest.

“The research is to find reason for whatever is the policy and where there is a misinterpretation of the policy, we will come out and give our perspective. Government is a work in progress, there is nothing magical about what I said before and what I’m saying now .

“As opposition, I opposed the government and now I speak for the government.

“The government borrows and there is a justification for borrowing. Before now, I never cared about whatever is the justification but now I realize that for the government to be able to carryout it’s mandate for the people with limited resources, it needs to borrow.

“I will give you an example, there is a research by economics that only infrastructure alone, Nigeria needs to spend between 30 to 100 billion dollars annually in other to meet up with the deficit. Or in proper perspective, over a period of 30 years, Nigeria must spend between two to three trillion dollars.

“The budget of Nigeria is less than 35 trillion dollars, so definitely you see the need to borrow, when you borrow what do you do with it is what matters. The government borrow for infrastructure and intervention in the areas where it affects Nigerian people, so there is a justification for borrowing.”

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JUST IN: Nigeria Makes List of world’s Most Corrupt Country in 2024, Gets New Ranking

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria has been ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world for 2024, according to a new report by Transparency International.

The latest Corruption Perceptions Index places Nigeria in the 36th position, alongside Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon, with a total score of 26 points.

This marks a slight improvement for Nigeria, as the country gained one point compared to its 2023 ranking.

The 2024 index, released on Tuesday, evaluates 180 countries based on public sector corruption and scores them on a scale of 0, meaning highly corrupt, to 100, meaning very clean. Denmark was ranked as the least corrupt country with 90 points, followed by Finland with 88 points and Singapore with 84 points. No African country made it to the top 10 least corrupt nations, as the list was dominated by European countries.

Cape Verde emerged as the least corrupt country in Africa, ranking 35th globally with 62 points. Meanwhile, South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela were ranked as the most corrupt countries in the world.

Speaking on the findings, Francois Valeria, Chair of Transparency International, stated that corruption remains a serious issue worldwide but noted that some countries have made progress. She emphasized that the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries.

Valeria, said, “The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries.

“Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.

“The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).”

Since assuming office, President Bola Tinubu has spoken about his commitment to fighting corruption. However, his approach differs from that of the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari which rode to power on the promise of ending the deep-rooted corruption in the country. While past governments attempted direct crackdowns, Tinubu argues that corruption cannot be completely eradicated but should be minimized as much as possible.

“Corruption in all ramifications is bad. There is need to pay enough attention to the causes. Why are the people corrupt? The lack of social amenities, the lack of need in some areas lack of funding for children’s education.

“There are so many anti-corruption mechanisms to checkmate corrupt activities and to help people not to be corrupt,” he said in an interaction with the press late last year.

His government has introduced various policies aimed at closing loopholes that enable corruption, one of which is the removal of fuel subsidy payments.

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Pressure mounts on President Tinubu to retain Mele Kyari as NNPC boss

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly under pressure to retain Mele Kyari aa the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC.

The president is said to be facing mounting pressure from civil society groups and stakeholders to retain Kyari, with some saying any change in the leadership of the NNPC could harm Nigeria’s oil sector.

At a press conference held at the Abuja Press Centre on Monday, February 10, Comrade Friday Maduka, Chairman of the Forum of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, warned against any attempt to remove Kyari.

His words: “Mele Kyari’s leadership at NNPC has been a beacon of hope and transformation in the oil sector.

“His vision, expertise, and dedication have yielded unprecedented results, including the renewed functioning of refineries, stabilization of oil prices, and a greater focus on sustainable economic integration and development.”

He reiterated that under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPC had experienced major reforms, including the company’s transition into a limited liability corporation, which significantly improved transparency and accountability.

Maduka expressed his concern over what he described as efforts driven by jealousy and envy, aimed at destabilizing the current leadership.

“In light of these achievements, it is puzzling that certain factors, driven by envy and jealousy, are seeking to undermine Mele Kyari’s leadership and the progress that has been made at NNPC.

“These underhand moves, campaigns, and shibboleths are not only a threat to the stability of the oil sector but also to the overall economic development of Nigeria,” Maduka stated.

Maduka emphasized the importance of allowing Kyari to complete his tenure, which began in 2023 and is scheduled to end in 2026 according to the extant laws governing the NNPC.

He argued that Kyari’s tenure is vital for the continued success of the corporation and the broader Nigerian economy.

“We strongly believe that he should be allowed to consummate his outstanding work, thereby enabling the NNPC to attain its full potential and reach unprecedented heights,” he added.

Maduka also referenced the legal framework that supports Kyari’s extended tenure, particularly the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allows for a tenure extension beyond 2026.

He urged all Nigerians and civil society organizations to support Kyari in ensuring the sector continues to thrive.

“It is expected that it should terminate in 2027 in compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 which states that ‘The Composition of the Board of the NNPC Limited shall be determined in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its Articles of Association’,” Maduka explained.

He also lauded Kyari’s efforts in reducing fuel prices and promoting alternative energy solutions, particularly gas, as part of Nigeria’s broader energy strategy.

He further called for greater unity and collaboration across all sectors to maintain the momentum of progress at NNPC.

“Mele Kyari’s tenure has adroitly modulated the transition from the hitherto unbearable PMS Price regime to the incremental progressive lowering of the Petrol pump price by importuning all stakeholders to the imperative for lower pump fuel prices for all Nigerians,” he concluded.

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JUST IN: IGP Egbetokun bans policemen from wearing mufti while carrying rifles

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has banned police officers from carrying assault rifles while dressed in civilian attire (mufti).

During a virtual meeting with strategic police managers today, February 10, 2025, the IGP warned tactical squads against misuse of power and improper dressing.

He reiterated that all operatives must wear their approved uniforms while on duty.

He also issued a stern warning against human rights violations, stating that any officer found guilty will face severe consequences.

Additionally, he prohibited the indiscriminate transfer of cases without his written approval, citing concerns over delayed justice and undue burdens on affected parties.

The IGP urged all officers to uphold professionalism and ensure that their actions do not tarnish the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.

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2027: Atiku visits Obasanjo as politicians begin early preparations

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar is currently meeting with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Atiku’s convoy arrived at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, at exactly 12:36pm.

The former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party was received by Obasanjo’s ally, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.

In Atiku’s entourage were, former Governors of Cross River and Sokoto States, Liyel Imoke, Senator Aminu Tambuwal and Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi.

Daily Trust reports that Atiku went in straight into a closed door meeting with his former boss.

Details later…

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Visa-Renewal: US scraps in-person interview for Nigerian applicants

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The United States, US has suspended its visa dropbox service in Nigeria, requiring all visitor visa applicants to attend in-person interviews for renewals.

The dropbox system previously allowed eligible applicants, particularly those with recent U.S. travel history, to submit passports without interviews, reducing wait times.

The removal of this option has sparked concerns over increased delays, as visa interview dates are already stretched over a year in some cases.

Many Nigerians, including students and business travelers, may now face disruptions to their travel plans.

While the U.S. Embassy has not provided an official explanation, some observers link the decision to the lingering impact of Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies.

His administration previously imposed travel bans on several African nations, including Nigeria, citing security concerns.

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2027: I’m available’, AfDB Boss Adesina hints at Presidential Ambition

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at running for the position of Nigeria’s president in 2027.

Adesina, who has been at the helm of the AfDB since 2015, made this known in an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni.

When asked about his plans after completing his tenure at the AfDB, Adesina stated that he is available for national service.

He said, “You know, one of the things that I’m grateful for as a Nigerian: many, many years ago, when I was in graduate school in Nigeria, even after that, I had an opportunity to obtain a US visa. I was given a great visa, and I could have obtained US citizenship.

“And I say, I didn’t want it, not because I don’t like America. My kids are Americans, and they were born there, but I remember telling a colleague of mine that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport.

“I cannot and will never trade it for anything. It gives me a lot of grief wherever I go. You know, with family, my kids are probably asked to go right through, and I’m asked to stay behind. They ask you all kinds of funny questions, where were you born, when do you hope to die? Or any kind of question, just to make sure that you don’t get it.

“But I told this friend of mine that this part—God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African. I will live as a Nigerian, and I will walk by the special grace of God. But that passport, that green passport, will be respected just like everybody else in the world, right?

You don’t beg for respect. You earn respect. So, when you’re talking about, what will I do after, you know, I started listening to you by telling you that I always believe in the providence of God, the grace of God. I don’t see myself as more than just an instrument in the hands of God to help people.

“Look, the only thing that makes me happy is nothing else than seeing the lives of people transform and change—that’s what gives me satisfaction. And so, as a result of that, you know, I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country.

“Yeah, you know, I remember one of those songs that I actually like in Nigeria is by my great singer, pop artist, Davido. And I think that song was, ‘I’m unavailable, dem no dey see me. I am unavailable.’

“So, but in the case where it comes to service of any kind, I would ask Davido to change that song—’I am available, they will see me.’

“I will. I’ll be available to serve in God’s hands for anything that God has in store for my life.”

Adesina is a former Minister of Agriculture during Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

It’s worth noting that Adesina has previously dismissed claims of running for president. Prior to the 2023 general elections in 2022, he stated that he was not interested in joining the presidential race, despite a coalition of 28 groups purchasing and submitting his nomination form for the All Progressives Congress (APC)

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