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Author: Val Kosi

  • Tinubu Opposes Live Broadcast of Election Petition Proceedings

    Tinubu Opposes Live Broadcast of Election Petition Proceedings

    By Gloria Afajagbe

    The President-elect Bola Tinubu has opposed the application by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a live broadcast of the proceedings of the election petition.

    In response to the application, Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, through a team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun said, the application is an abuse of the court.

    Chief Olanipekun implored the Presidential Election Petition Court to dismiss the application, arguing that the relief demanded by the applicants is not such that the court could grant.

    “With much respect to the petitioners, the motion is an abuse of the processes of this honourable court.

    “It is not a rostrum or a soapbox. It is not also a stadium or theatre. It is not an arena for ‘public’ entertainment.”

    The application also touches on the powers and jurisdiction invested in the President of the Court of Appeal by the Constitution, over which this honorable court as presently constituted cannot entertain.

    “The application touches on the administrative functions, which are exclusively reserved for the President of the Court of Appeal.

    “The application is aimed at dissipating the precious judicial time of this honourable court.

    “They said the application does not have any bearing with the petition filed by the petitioners before this honourable court.

    “It is in the interest of justice for this honourable court to dismiss the said application filed by the petitioners,” Olanipekun said.

    Olanipekun criticized the applicants’ reference to the fact that virtual proceedings were allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic saying that, Atiku and the PDP failed to highlight the fact that practice directions were made by the respective courts for the exercise.

    “Another angle to this very curious application is the invitation it extends to the court to make an order that it cannot supervise.

    “The position of the law remains, and we do submit that the court, like nature, does not make an order in vain, or an order which is incapable of enforcement.

    “The word ‘public’ as applied under Section 36(3) of the Constitution has been defined in a plethora of judicial authorities to mean a place where members of the public have unhindered access, and the court itself, sitting behind open doors, not in the camera.

    “Even in situations where a class action is presented, the particular people constituting the class being represented by the plaintiffs or petitioners are always defined in the originating process.

    “Here, in this application, the public at whose behest this application has been presented is not defined, not known, not discernable.

    “Beyond all these, it is our submission that the court of law must and should always remain what it is, what it should be and what it is expected to be: a serene, disciplined, hallowed, tranquil, honourable and decorous institution and place”, he stated.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism

     

  • Ecobank Partners Nigeria Chess Federation to Host 2024 National Schools’ Team Chess Competition

    Ecobank Partners Nigeria Chess Federation to Host 2024 National Schools’ Team Chess Competition

    Ecobank Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, has entered a strategic partnership with Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) to host the 2024 National Schools’ Team Chess Competition. The competition is scheduled to hold between May 24 and May 28, 2024 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Lagos.

    It is open to students from primary, Secondary and Tertiary education level with prizes of over N10 million to be won. Representatives of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Development, parents, teachers, embassies and several others are expected at the event. Registration and participation are free, and School’s team can register by sending an email to: nationalschoolsteamchess@gmail.com. Managing Director and Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, said the decision of the bank to sponsor the Chess competition was to further showcase Ecobank’s commitment to supporting intellectual and sports development in Nigeria, being part of Ecobank’s strategic human capital development drive.

    Children and youth empowerment is part of our shared objective as the pan-African Bank. It aligns with our overall long-term vision of building a world class Pan African bank that contributes to the economic and financial integration of the continent. We are also using the opportunity of this competition to introduce and empower them with convenient, affordable, and accessible digital financial services they can access anytime and anywhere they are.  Arrangements are in place to make the competition exciting and fulfilling for both the children and undergraduate students”. He stated.

    Vice President, Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole said Chess, the game of Kings and Queens, has proven to be more than just a pastime, stating that it is an educational tool that enhances critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills. While commending Ecobank for being a good ‘corporate citizen’ for sponsoring the competition, he noted that the competition will promote and showcase the skill and talent of chess players from Nigerian schools, while promoting teamwork, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship among participants, and providing networking opportunities to players.

    He enjoined all the institutions to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the prestigious event, adding that participation will undoubtedly contribute to the championship’s success and provide an enriching experience for the participating students.

    Ecobank has embarked on several initiatives to develop youths in the country. The bank, through its collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), is currently providing training and support services on Agribusiness which includes aquaculture, horticulture, poultry, and value addition to 16,000 youths in Nigeria. Also,

    Ecobank recently partnered with Learntor to provide capacity building for youths through Agile, Scrum, Data Analytics, Business Analysis, Cyber Security, and Scrum Master Certifications. The bank has also refurbished and donated learning equipment, provided digital training for students and promoted financial literacy in several schools across the country.

     

  • ANLCA Backs APC’s Choice of Ben Kalu for Deputy Speaker, House of Reps

    ANLCA Backs APC’s Choice of Ben Kalu for Deputy Speaker, House of Reps

    The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) choice of Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu as Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (HoR).

    Following the zoning formula released by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling APC after consulting President Bola Tinubu, Kalu representing Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State was identified as the Deputy Speaker-designate of the HoR in the 10th Assembly.

    Stakeholders from different sectors have applauded the ruling party for making a very good choice.

    ANLCA, in a press statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media and Public Affairs to the National President, Barr. Val Iwuchukwu extolled the virtue of Hon Kalu.

    The statement reads: “It is a geometrical axiom to state that when one straight line falls perpendicular with another straight line that lies horizontal, the angles formed are supplementary angles of one hundred and eighty degrees, therefore the choice of Hon Ben Kalu as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is a round peg in a round hole.

    “Benjamin Kalu was elected to represent the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State in the 2019 General Elections and sworn into office on the 11th of June 2019. He was re-elected to the same office in the 2023 General Election. He is currently the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives at the Nigeria National Assembly as the House Committee Chairman of Media and Public Affairs.

    “His wealth of experience has been resourceful to the major committees of the house where he serves as a member; Defence, Airforce, Navy, National Security and Intelligence, Agricultural Services, Health Institutions, and Health Services, Basic Education, Federal Judiciary, Petroleum Upstream, Climate Change, Federal Character, Pensions and other Adhoc committees like the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) etc.

    “He sat in different stakeholder meetings where strategic decisions were taken, why such decisions were taken and its impact on the overall interest of the nation sank well with him and it has become an unforgettable experience. It is trite to say that in the 9th Assembly, he acquired matchless experience which makes him the best man (from the South East) for the job”.

    The group further said: “He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who has been involved in a series of complex international business structuring from start-up, negotiation, pre and post-incorporation stages. He has been engaged in international trade, and import and export financing.

    “He has handled a series of financing deals for marine vessel purchases and documentation which involved syndication with multilateral finance institutions and local banks. Before settling down for the practice of law, Benjamin built international businesses from start-up to international recognition.

    “His communication skills within the public and private sectors acquired through years of experience in both sectors is an advantage to the value he will create as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “His experience in government and governmental affairs will assist him in upholding the interdependence of the arms of the government while upholding most importantly the independence of the Legislature” the statement concluded.

    It will be recalled that on May 8, 2023, APC leadership released the zoning arrangement as follows: Senate President – (South-South) Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Deputy Senate President – (North West) Senator Barau Jubrin (Kano).

    Speaker, House of Representatives – (North West) Hon Bass Tajudeen (Kaduna); Deputy Speaker – (South East) Hon Ben Kalu (Abia).

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist with over two decades of practice with a multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

  • Shareholders approve HoldCo structure for Zenith Bank at EGM

    Shareholders approve HoldCo structure for Zenith Bank at EGM

    Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc have unanimously ratified the restructuring of the Bank to a holding company during a court-ordered Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held virtually from Zenith Heights,on Victoria Island, Lagos at the weekend.

    In a statement issued by the bank, its shareholders voted in favour of transferring 31,396,493,787 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each held in the issued and paid-up share capital of Zenith Bank Plc to Zenith Bank Holding Company Plc (the HoldCo) in exchange for the allotment of 31,396,493,787 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each in the share capital of the HoldCo in the same proportion to their shareholding in the Bank.

    The bank explained that the development is in accordance with the Scheme of Arrangement dated March 28, 2024, pursuant to Section 715 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 between the Bank and the holders of the fully paid ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each in the financial institution.

    The shareholders approved that each Existing GDR Holder receive, as a consideration for each existing GDR held, one new HoldCo GDR. They also agreed to transfer all shares held by the Bank’s nominees in Zenpay Limited, a direct subsidiary of the HoldCo, to the HoldCo along with all associated rights and liabilities.

    The Board of Directors were authorized to delist the shares of the Bank and the Existing GDRs from the official list of the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange respectively, as well as re-register the Bank as a private limited company under the CAMA Act 2020.

    At the EGM, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, commended the shareholders for their commitment and support, which he said, had contributed to the Bank’s outstanding performance over the years.

    He expressed excitement about the transition to a holding company structure, which is expected to position the Bank for growth in the Fintech space and enhance its digital and retail banking initiatives.

    Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, applauded Ovia for his role in establishing a pioneering institution in the financial services industry, while also expressing hope about the Bank’s future growth, as it transitions to a holding company structure.

    He highlighted the opportunities presented by the HoldCo structure, particularly in diversifying investments and exploring new business verticals.
    Onyeagwu also mentioned the Bank’s upcoming recapitalization plan, which is set to be approved at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 8, 2024, in line with directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He expressed confidence in the Bank’s ability to raise the required capital, noting that Zenith Bank is expected to raise the least amount among its industry peers due to its strong capital base

     

  • Zenith Bank, AfCFTA Unveil SMARTAfCFTA Portal To Revolutionize African trade

    Zenith Bank, AfCFTA Unveil SMARTAfCFTA Portal To Revolutionize African trade

    Chairman of Zenpay Limited, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu (left) and Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and deployment of  SMARTAfCFTA Portal to facilitate trade in Africa at Zenith Bank Head Office in Lagos.

    A subsidiary of Zenith Bank, Zenpay Limited, has partnered with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to launch the SMARTAfCFTA Portal with the aim of revolutionizing trade within Africa.

    The agreement was signed by Chairman of Zenpay Limited, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu and Secretary-General of AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene at Zenith Bank’s Head Office in Lagos.

    The collaboration comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Zenith Bank’s recent International Trade Seminar on Non-Oil Exports.

    Onyeagwu expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the importance of increasing intra-African trade to boost prosperity across the continent.

    On his part, Mene commended Zenith Bank for its commitment to the project, highlighting the significance of the SMARTAfCFTA Portal in empowering SMEs and young entrepreneurs in Africa.

    The platform will provide crucial trade data, insights on rules of origin, and market intelligence to facilitate trade within the continent.

    Mene, who also discussed the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and its relationship with the SMARTAfCFTA Portal, stressed that the two platforms will complement each other, while maintaining that integrating the digital ecosystem into PAPSS remains crucial to support a seamless continental payment system.

    The SMARTAfCFTA Portal aims to streamline trade across Africa by providing information on trade indicators, market trends, custom tariffs, trade agreements and export potential.
    Zenpay Limited, a Fintech company responsible for digital innovation and payments, will play a key role in developing and deploying the portal.

    The AfCFTA is a lofty trade agreement that aims to boost intra-Africa trade and promote economic integration on the continent and by eliminating barriers to trade, the AfCFTA seeks to enhance trade in value-added production and services sectors, with the potential to increase trade by about 52.3 percent.

    Overall, the partnership between Zenith Bank and the AfCFTA Secretariat marks a significant step towards transforming African trade and fostering economic growth and development on the continent

     

  • Tinubu Appoints Gbajabiamila Chief of Staff, Akume as SGF

    Tinubu Appoints Gbajabiamila Chief of Staff, Akume as SGF

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed the outgoing Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff (CoS).

    He also named senator George Akume, the immediate past Minister of Special Duties, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    This is contained in a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the State House Director of Information on Friday.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Friday in Abuja announced the appointment of Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, and Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, as Deputy Chief of Staff.

    “In a meeting with Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), the President also named former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)”, the statement read.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

  • Edo 2024: ‘Riceman’ Imansuangbon Dumps PDP

    Edo 2024: ‘Riceman’ Imansuangbon Dumps PDP

    A former governorship aspirant and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Barrister Ken Imansuangbon has resigned his membership in the party.

    The Edo politician, in a press statement, thanked the leadership of the PDP and its entire body, describing his experience as memorable.

    “Since 2009 in what was tagged the ‘Ewohimi Declaration’ where I had joined the People’s Democratic Party, PDP has remained a memorable journey for me and I want to thank God almighty for his benevolence.

    “The course of my political journey in the PDP had afforded me the opportunity to make great and wonderful friends and had shared great moments with which I will cherish for a lifetime.

    “However, the reality of the moment has made it decisive that there comes a time in a man’s life where he has to move ahead.

    “Consequently, therefore I hereby tender my resignation of the membership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Once again, I thank the entire leadership and body of the PDP”.

    Recall that, Imansuangbon who is known for his free rice distribution every December in the state, joined the governorship race since 2007 in the PDP. He later left for the Action Congress now known as All Progressive Congress (APC), before returning to the PDP.

    He has consistently contested for governorship in Edo State and was prevailed upon to step down in 2020.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist of over two decades of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias toward logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism

  • Ecobank MySME Growth Series: Al Holds Key To Business Development, Erhabor Declares

    Ecobank MySME Growth Series: Al Holds Key To Business Development, Erhabor Declares

    Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country have been advised to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to grow their businesses. Founder of AI Nigeria, Ehia Erhabor, who stated this in his presentation titled: Using AI For Business Innovation at the Ecobank MySME Growth Series Webinar, maintained that AI remains a game changer particularly for micro, small and medium businesses.

    He pointed out that AI is rapidly transforming industries by automating processes, enhancing analytics and enabling personalized customer experience, stressing that the future of AI is its democratization where companies of all sizes including SMEs can harness its power to drive innovation and gain competitive edge.

    Specifically, Erhabor said: “AI technology holds the key to the future. It is quite pervasive. It is part of our existence and will impact businesses the way we can ever imagine. It can help SMEs develop new products and services by analysing data and identifying customers’ needs. AI can also be used to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency by reducing operational costs.”

    He listed the challenges and risks of AI as bias, explainability, privacy, transparency and misuse, debunking claims in some quarters that AI will lead to the end of the world but rather a tool for development.

    Also speaking, a former Chief Operating Officer of Flutterwave, Bode Abifari, said AI technology holds the key to the future, explaining that it simulates human intelligence to perform complex tasks like research, decision making, pattern recognition and problem solving.

    She submitted that AI was capable of improving customers’ experience and engagements for the SMEs, adding that the technology can personalize interactions, provide personalized recommendations and enhance customer service leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty for small businesses.

    Ecobank MySME Growth Series which started in February this year is designed to empower SME operators across the country. It is part of the bank’s commitment to train over 1 million SME operators in various sectors of the economy in 2024.

    The training will provide resources for starting a business, registration processes, industry statistics, and essential considerations for running a business. The series cover key areas such as accounting, credit, sales & marketing, taxation, and inventory management.

    Additionally, articles on important topics like increasing sales, advertising ideas, business management practices, case studies, and leveraging technology will be provided.

    Ecobank also plans to launch an SME Mentorship programme to collaborate with successful entrepreneurs. Taken together, the MySME Growth Series reflects Ecobank’s dedication to fostering growth and success within the SMEs community.

  • Akpabio Emerges Senate President

    Akpabio Emerges Senate President

    The All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been elected as President of the Senate.

    He defeated Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, also of the APC to emerge on Tuesday.

    Akpabio was returned elected as President of the 10th Senate after scoring 63 votes, to beat Senator Yari who scored 46 votes.

    The former Governor of Akwa Ibom who served as a Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022, represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial zone.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice and with multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

  • Ecobank Nigeria Unveils Third Edition Of ‘Adire Lagos Experience’

    Ecobank Nigeria Unveils Third Edition Of ‘Adire Lagos Experience’

    Ecobank Nigeria has disclosed that plans have been concluded to host the third edition of ‘Adire Lagos Experience,’ saying the planned four-day exhibition will take place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on Victoria Island, Lagos from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 17, 2024.

    Head, Consumer Banking, Mrs. Adeola Ogunyemi, who announced the programme in Lagos, at the weekend, said the exhibition will feature authentic Adire fabric displays from over 100 diverse merchants, indigenous cuisine and African entertainment, adding that there will be series of master classes, as well as networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, shoppers, and everyone in the business of making or trading in Adire.

    “We are encouraged with the success of the previous editions of the ‘Adire Lagos Experience’ and we plan to make this year’s edition bigger and better. The exhibition is in line with our brand promise as a pan-African financial institution to promote culture and boost tourism on the continent.

    “We have through this opportunity been playing a notable part in contributing to boost Nigeria’s tourism, culture and the creative industry using Adire as a key driver.

    High profile exhibitors, vendors, expatriates, influencers and dignitaries from different parts of the world and from all walks of life have indicated interest to participate in the event. I am therefore inviting Nigerians, Diasporans resident in Nigeria and the diplomatic corps to attend the event,” she stated.

    Ogunyemi further restated that the exhibition aligns perfectly with the Ecobank’s commitment as a Pan-African Institution to offer experiences beyond banking and also dedicated to creating enriching experiences that resonate with its customers’ lifestyles while celebrating the diversity of our nation’s culture.

    “We are providing a cozy ambience with utmost serenity to make participants feel comfortable and safe. Participation is free and everyone is welcome to invite family and friends to come over to witness the beautiful event. This Exhibition also presents an opportunity not only to sell and buy products but to experience the luxuriance in our culture,” she added.

    Top government officials from Lagos, Ogun and other neighbouring states and stakeholders in Adire business, are expected to grace the occasion.

    It would be recalled that Ecobank Nigeria, a key driver of tourism, culture and the creative industries in Nigeria recently hosted the +234Art, a 10-day art fair dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry in Nigeria.

    The fair provided a platform to support emerging artists and encourage increased interest in art acquisition. The bank also organized the Photography, Art and Design Exhibition (PADE) to commemorate the World Photography Day in 2022.

    It equally partnered “Songs & Stories” With Cobhams Asuquo;  Redbull Dance Your Style; BellaNaija Style Summit and Loosing Daylight (An exhibition of the history of Nollywood organised by Nse Ikpe-Etim).