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BREAKING: VP Shettima Departs for Sweden Two Weeks After Tinubu’s Overseas Trip

by Folarin Kehinde October 16, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Sweden on a 2-day visit, representing Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.

This trip comes two weeks after President Bola Tinubu departed Nigeria on October 2 for a two-week working vacation in the UK, where he later embarked on an “important engagement” in Paris, France.

During his working visit, Shettima will engage in bilateral talks with key Swedish government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden as well as another with the Swedish Prime Minister.

Shettima will also meet with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital impact investor, which recently launched Norrsken22, a $205 million tech investment fund for Africa.

This meeting will provide insights into how Nigerian entrepreneurs can benefit from this fund and further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria.

A statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications reads:

At the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, during the working visit, will engage in high-level bilateral talks with key government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister.

Senator Shettima will use the visit to explore opportunities for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Sweden in areas such as ICT, innovation, education, digitalisation, sustainable transport, mining, and agriculture.

He will also meet with key stakeholders in both the Government and Private Sector.

The Vice President will also meet with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital impact investor, which recently launched Norrsken22, a USD 205 million tech investment fund for Africa.

Norrsken22 is a technology growth fund backed by over 30 prominent unicorn founders, partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to build Africa’s next tech giants.

The meeting with Norrsken will provide insights into how Nigerian entrepreneurs can benefit from this fund and further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria.

Notably, 40% of the investments from Norrsken22 are expected to be allocated to Nigerian technology entrepreneurs.

Twelve (12) Nigerian private sector companies that are doing business with Sweden are going independently as a private sector bloc.

While in Sweden, VP Shettima is also expected to articulate Nigeria’s economic vision and the reforms being undertaken by the administration to create a business-friendly environment in Nigeria for investors. The myriad of opportunities that abound in Africa’s largest economy will also be showcased.

The Vice President is expected back in the country on Saturday.

October 16, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Wike Set to Face Disciplinary Action for Violating PDP Rules

by Folarin Kehinde October 16, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hinted at disciplining Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities.

According to Umar Sani, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the party’s disciplinary committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, may sanction Wike for violating party rules.

Sani said that Wike is not above the party and that the recent formation of the disciplinary committee will address his alleged infractions.

“The issue has been oversimplified, with many framing it as a clash between Abubakar Atiku and Nyesom Wike,” Sani stated on Arise TV’s Morning Show. “But the real driving force is the Governors’ Forum, which had been dormant but has now awakened. The Forum is actively working to resolve the crisis.”

While a court order may prevent the removal of officials, Sani noted that it does not stop the party from suspending members or imposing discipline.

Recall that in September, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, revealed during an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, Sunrise Daily, that Wike has been summoned to face allegations of anti-party activities.

Abdullahi stated that Wike was summoned in a letter to appear before the Tom Ikimi-led PDP disciplinary committee.

He said, “Three weeks ago, we put up two committees in place, that of reconciliation and disciplinary, and Nyesom Wike is one of the persons to face the disciplinary committee, which is headed by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi.

“The disciplinary committee will look into issues of anti-party activities. We’ve been receiving petitions regarding anti-party activities or sabotaging the party throughout the primary, leading to where we are now. These petitions against Wike and other party members have been aggregated and sent to the committee.

“Some party members even felt that Wike shouldn’t have gotten to this level still as a member of the PDP and they have been writing to the leadership.”

October 16, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Bishops retirement: “Mind your own business” – Oyedepo replies critics

by Folarin Kehinde October 16, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church, popularly known as The Liberation Commission, has responded to the public criticism surrounding the retirement of two senior Bishops from the ministry.

The church recently announced the retirement of Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, who have served for decades in the church.

Many Nigerians criticised the church’s decision, questioning the timing and reasoning behind the retirements.

However, Oyedepo, during his sermon at the valedictory service for Bishop Aremu, made it clear that the decision was in accordance with the church’s long-standing operational guidelines.

He explained that the guidelines, including the church’s Administrative Policy of 1998, were revised in 2001, and further refined in 2024 under what is known as The Mandate.

According to Oyedepo, the policies are guided by divine order, and not subject to public scrutiny.

Addressing the critics, Oyedepo urged them to “study to be quiet” and focus on their own concerns rather than meddling in the church’s internal matters.

His words: “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business. It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here.”

He encouraged Bishop Aremu to remain connected to the church for continued spiritual growth and grace while advising him not to be swayed by negative criticism.

October 16, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

FG to Tackle Poverty, Plans Cash Transfers for 20 Million Poor Nigerians

by Folarin Kehinde October 16, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to provide cash transfers to 20 million poor Nigerians in a move to address poverty and improve living standards.

According to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the social investment program aims to impact 60% of the poorest citizens, directly supporting 20 million households.

He made the disclosure at a panel session titled ‘Fiscal Reforms for a More Secure Future’ during the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the government’s economic reform agenda focuses on reducing inflation, creating jobs, and stimulating growth in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, oil, and housing.

Edun attributed the increased revenue to the effective application of technology, which has reformed the civil service and improved domestic resource mobilization.

He said, “In terms of revenue, the number one place to look was inwards, domestic resource mobilisation. That’s where the government started. By the first half of this year, revenue had doubled.

“Aggregate government revenue was more than doubled. And that was achieved by applying technology very robustly.

“We have applied technology in a way that essentially reforms the civil service. Rather than waiting for compliance from government ministries, departments and agencies and government companies, we looked at what the rules and regulations were, how much a company was allowed to spend on its revenue, and then how much of its surplus it had to provide to government.

“The social investment programme is spearheaded by direct transfers to reach 60 per cent poorest in the population. And right now, 20 million households are being supported directly. And it’s going to rise to, well, 20 million people, four million households so far, and it will rise to 15 million households who will be paid directly by the government.

“That is how President Tinubu’s government is spending the money which is being yielded from better oil production.”

Edun also revealed that the government is focused on agriculture, manufacturing, oil, and housing as vital drivers of the country’s economy.

“We are looking to food production to help bring down inflation,” he explained.

“We aim to make food more available, affordable, and to reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.”

October 16, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Worry As Nigeria’s Inflation Rises To 32.7%

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 15, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 32.7 percent in September, reversing a two-month consecutive decline to 32.15% in August.

The reversal was driven by a surge in the month-on-month Food Inflation to 2.64% from 2.37%.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index, CPI Report for September.

The Bureau said: “In September 2024, the Headline inflation rate was 32.70% relative to the August 2024 headline inflation rate of 32.15%.

Looking at the movement, the September 2024 Headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.55% compared to the August 2024 Headline inflation rate.

“On a year-on-year basis, the Headline inflation rate was 5.98% points higher compared to the rate recorded in September 2023 (26.72%).

October 15, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Arsenal FC Manager Resigns

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 15, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Arsenal Football club on Tuesday confirmed that Jonas Eidevall has resigned from his position as Head Coach of its women’s first team and leaves us with immediate effect.

Jonas joined Arsenal in June 2021 from FC Rosengard in Sweden, winning two FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup titles during three full seasons with the team.

Arsenal Women also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League – in 2022/23 – for the first time in ten years during Jonas’ tenure in north London.

The club disclosed that First Team Assistant Coach Renée Slegers will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach.

Sporting Director Edu Gaspar said: “We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021.

“We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women. We all wish him the very best for the future.

“Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new Head Coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renée, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week.”

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Jonas for his hard work and dedication to Arsenal Football Club over the past three years.

“Jonas has brought us back-to-back trophies in the last two seasons, together with many memorable moments on the pitch.

“We wish Jonas and his family the best of health, happiness and success for the future.

“We have full confidence in Renée to take responsibility for the team in the interim period.”

Arsenal’s search for a new Head Coach is underway and the club will make further announcement when that process is complete.

October 15, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Delete Defamatory Post on Falz, Falana, Court Orders VeryDarkMan

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 15, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Lagos State High Court has ordered Martin Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, to take down defamatory comments and videos about Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, and his son, Folarin, also known as Falz.

This ruling was delivered by Justice M. O. Dawodu in suit number ID/8584/GCM/2024 on Monday.

On September 24, 2024, VeryDarkMan posted defamatory content on his social media accounts, linking Bobrisky to Falz and his father. Justice Dawodu deemed these publications harmful to the Falana’s reputation, stating that VeryDarkMan knowingly shared false information to damage their image.

According to the judge, the defamatory statements remain online, causing ongoing harm to the Falana’s reputation.

This prompted Falz and Femi Falana to file an ex-parte application for pre-emptive measures to prevent further damage.

Justice Dawodu ruled that VeryDarkMan, his agents, and associates must refrain from publishing or circulating defamatory content about the Falana’s.

Additionally, VeryDarkMan must remove the offending posts from his social media platforms, as ordered by the court.

October 15, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Oyo State Ex-Governor, Ladoja, Loses Wife

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 15, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja has lost one of his wives, Tinuade Ladoja.

The deceased died on Monday.

The deceased resided in Lagos State until her death.

She died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

Until her death, Tinuade was an influential member of the Pastor-in-Council of the Celestial Church of Christ, the highest decision-making body of the church.

The burial arrangements for the deceased have not been announced by the family.

October 15, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Ondo Elections: We Have Almost 300,000 Uncollected PVCs – INEC

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 14, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that a total of 295,603 permanent voter cards were yet to be collected in the state.

The commission also stated that a total of 17,705 ad hoc staff and 11, 799 security personnel would be engaged for the poll, which is coming up on November 16.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this at a press briefing at the headquarters of the commission in Akure, the state capital on Monday.

The REC reiterated that the commission was fully prepared to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election is free, fair and credible.

She said, “A total of 295,603 Permanent Voter Cards are yet to be collected, but the owners can still come to collect them because there is still opportunity for them now.

“Also, for the election, we are recruiting 17,705 ad hoc staff at all levels. We have a total of 11,799 security personnel who would be administered the oath of neutrality before the election.”

The REC also stated that another round of distribution of PVCs would commence on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

October 14, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Again, Immigration Detain Sowore At Lagos Airport

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 14, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has once again been detained by Nigerian immigration officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos upon his return from Accra, Ghana.

This marks yet another incident in an ongoing series of confrontations between Sowore and Nigerian authorities.

The #RevolutionNow movement convener was initially stopped by immigration officers on Friday while leaving Nigeria for Accra.

On his return to Lagos on Sunday, he was stopped again but eventually allowed to go after several minutes of confusion among the officials, who reportedly referenced his name being on a government watchlist.

This incident follows a pattern of what Sowore has repeatedly described as targeted harassment by Nigerian authorities.

On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore detailed how he was also harassed while leaving the country.

“The Nigerian Immigration Service continues to subject me to unwarranted harassment and abuse, violating my rights repeatedly,” he tweeted, adding that officials again cited the watchlist as the reason for the delays.

Sowore, a fierce critic of the Nigerian government, has faced numerous attempts by authorities to curtail his activism.

This latest detention is seen by Sowore as another attempt by the government to intimidate him.

October 14, 2024 0 comments

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