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Nigeria lived fake lives before petrol subsidy removal – Tinubu

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According to President Bola Tinubu, Nigerians led false lives prior to the 2023 elimination of the gasoline subsidy.

At the Federal University of Technology Akure’s (FUTA) combined 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies in Ondo State, Tinubu stated that his twin policies of eliminating gasoline subsidies and unifying the currency rate were intended to prevent the collapse of the Nigerian economy.

“We assumed power during a period when our economy was in a state of collapse due to significant debts from fuel and dollar subsidies,” Tinubu stated through Wahab Egbewole, the vice-chancellor of the University of Ilorin.

Read Also: CBN Confirms Benson Ogundeji as CEO of Greenwich Merchant Bank

He emphasized that the economy required immediate action to prevent collapse and stated that the subsidies were intended to help the impoverished and improve everyone’s quality of life in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, unless immediate action was taken, the good life we believed we were leading was a fake one that could cause the nation to completely collapse.”

On May 29, 2023, President Tinubu said that the gasoline subsidy would be eliminated. A litre of petrol now costs more than N1,000 at filling stations all around the country as a result of this decision. Following the elimination of subsidies, the foreign exchange market was unified, and as a result, the naira is currently trading at over N1,600/$ on both the official and black markets. Nigerians have suffered greatly from these reforms, which have increased living expenses in the most populous country in Africa.

“The strategic decisions to eliminate the gasoline subsidy and unify the currency rates were necessary in order to save our children’s future and save the nation from impending collapse. I am mindful of how our people will be affected by the difficult choices. “I genuinely hope there are more gentle options,” Tinubu stated.

He pointed out that many of the country’s professionals and intellectuals, in whom enormous sums of money have been spent to train for the sake of our nation, are leaving the country “at a time their services are most required at home.”

He declared, “It is heartbreaking, and the syndrome is not the answer to our problems.”

CBN Confirms Benson Ogundeji as CEO of Greenwich Merchant Bank

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Benson Ogundeji has been authorized by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to serve as Greenwich Merchant Bank’s substantive managing director and CEO.

The appointment was made public by the bank Limited’s board of directors after the CBN gave its approval.

“The Board is pleased to announce Benson Ogundeji as our managing director/Chief Executive Officer,” said Kayode Falowo, the board chairman.

Ogundeji comes to this position with more than thirty years of broad banking expertise. He is a seasoned financial services expert who was instrumental in the successful conversion of Greenwich Merchant Bank from the historic Greenwich Trust Limited to a merchant bank while serving as Executive Director there starting in July 2020. In this role, he oversaw Global Markets, Corporate Banking, and Treasury.

Read Also: Insecurity: Former defence Chief alls for overhaul of Nigeria’s security system

Prior to joining Greenwich, Ogundeji exhibited outstanding leadership abilities in a number of top leadership positions at well-known financial organizations, such as Ecobank Nigeria Plc, GTBank Plc, and other noteworthy banks.

Ogundeji has proven to be an outstanding specialist in company development and operational efficiency over the course of his career. As Greenwich Merchant Bank begins the next stage of its expansion goals, his hiring comes at a pivotal moment. The board has strong faith in Ogundeji’s capacity to guide the bank in accomplishing our strategic objectives, having worked closely with him over the past four years as an executive director and acting managing director.

Insecurity: Former defence Chief alls for overhaul of Nigeria’s security system

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In an attempt to address the nation’s vulnerability, former Chief of Defense Staff General Martin Luther Agwai asked on Saturday for a review of the security architecture’s hiring procedure.

At a House of Justice-organized national summit in Kaduna with the subject “Security, Justice, and National Reorientation,” he made the call.

Agwai voiced concern about the existing hiring procedure, in which high-ranking government officials choose who gets hired, although he appreciated the administration’s efforts to eradicate insecurity in the nation.

The event’s chair, Agwai, emphasized that in order to put the nation on track for growth and development, the existing security concerns must be addressed.

“If properly addressed with the efforts of both the state and federal governments, the issues of justice, fairness, and equity will significantly reduce insecurity,” Agwai said.

“For progress to flourish, insecurity must be reduced to a certain extent. To support this progress, everyone must work together,” he continued.

He added that important progress is being made and that efforts to combat instability are getting better.

He emphasized that progress would be made more quickly if Nigerians cooperated.

Mr. Mike Omeri, the former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, said in a presentation that the country’s insecurity is being made worse by the ongoing problems with justice, equity, and fairness.

According to him, the system has compelled Nigerians to look for justice through unusual channels like TV series or by approaching well-known individuals.

Barrister Gloria Ballason, the CEO of the House of Justice and the person who organized the summit, spoke about the administration of justice and urged the judiciary to provide it promptly in order to ensure that it is both effective and efficient.

Even if there are undoubtedly honorable judges and attorneys, unethical behavior must be rectified, serious infractions must be punished, and crimes or breaches of trust must be recognized and dealt with.

If the legal system is not above reproach, like Caesar’s wife, it will not be able to win over the public. How can judges compete in a race against horses if they fabricate their age so they can’t keep up with plain mortals? Ballason said.

Additionally, Ballason advocated for a national reorientation and the constant reinforcement of values and behaviors that inspire people to take actions that advance national growth, peace, and harmony.

According to reports, a large number of social, economic, and security professionals from both inside and outside the nation attended the conference.

Tinubu travels to South Africa for Bilateral discussions with Ramaphosa

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On Monday, President Bola Tinubu will leave France for Cape Town, South Africa, where he will join President Cyril Ramaphosa as co-chair of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission.

On December 2, 2024, a cabinet meeting will take place at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town, which will be followed by the presidential Bi-National Commission on Tuesday, December 3.

Tinubu and Ramaphosa will have in-depth talks on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern, according to a statement issued on Sunday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

“The two leaders will assess the progress since the 10th session of the BNC, which was held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021, building on the commitments made during their meeting on June 20, 2024, in Johannesburg, soon after President Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term in office.

Eight working groups will engage in discussions during the BNC’s eleventh session, each of which will concentrate on a particular topic of shared interest. Political consultations, immigration and consular services, banking and finance, defense and security, manufacturing, the social sector, mining and energy, trade, and investments are a few of them.

Officials from both nations will sign a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the high-level meeting, Onanuga stated.

Founded in 1999, the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission seeks to deepen the two countries’ friendship and collaboration. The inaugural Heads of State session took place in Pretoria in October 2019.

Read Also:NDLEA Arrests businessman with 700g cocaine at Lagos airport

The BNC offers a forum for maintaining high-level discussions and encouraging cooperation in vital fields like trade, economic development, security, and diplomacy.

The fact that this year’s meeting falls on the Commission’s 25th anniversary makes it especially noteworthy and demonstrates the long-standing friendship and collaboration between South Africa and Nigeria. A high-level group that includes ministers, state governors, and other high-ranking government officials will go with President Tinubu. Following the BNC meeting, he will return to the nation, Onanuga continued.

NDLEA Arrests businessman with 700g cocaine at Lagos airport

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, or NDLEA, has arrested a 50-year-old Nigerian businessman who lives in Brazil on suspicion of importing 700g of cocaine.

Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the NDLEA, stated in an Abuja statement on Sunday.

According to Mr. Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended and held by agency agents at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, November 29.

Ezeokolie Silver, suspected drug dealer
Ezeokolie Silver, suspected drug dealer
He claimed that after 35 years of living in Brazil, the suspect brought the cocaine back to his own country.

He said that NDLEA agents had discovered this after apprehending him.

According to Mr. Babafemi, the suspect was taken into custody at the Lagos airport’s E-Arrival Hall after returning from a flight operated by Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa from São Paulo, Brazil.

The results of the body scan that was performed on him verified that the suspect had foreign objects hidden in his stomach.

Read Also: Nigerian army dismantles bandit camps, recovers ammunition in Taraba

He was consequently placed under excretion watch, where he ejected 29 wraps of substances weighing 700 grams that tested positive for cocaine.

“The suspect stated in his statement that he owns an African store in Brazil where he sells clothing, shoes, and provisions.”

He clarified that he purchased the illegal shipment in Sao Paulo with the intention of reselling it in Nigeria in order to raise a sizable sum of money to expand his company.

On November 26, NDLEA officials from the Directorate of Investigation and General Investigation (DOGI) stopped two shipments that included injections of cocaine and pentazocine.

According to Mr. Babafemi, a Lagos-based courier service was transporting the shipments to the UK.

“40 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 110 grams were hidden in cartons, while 200 grams of cocaine were hidden in local fabrics,” he stated.

Nigerian army dismantles bandit camps, recovers ammunition in Taraba

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A number of bandit camps have been destroyed and ammo recovered in Taraba by the soldiers of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS.

The acting assistant director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Olubodunde Oni, signed a statement on Sunday in Jalingo that included this information.

It claimed that the accomplishments were documented in a series of clearance operations conducted across several bandit hideouts in Taraba under the direction of Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, the Brigade’s commander.

Operation code OP GOLDEN PEACE was launched following a series of stakeholder meetings, clearance missions, and substantial confidence-building patrols that were successful in the state’s northern region.

Read Also: Minister appeals for patience, emphasizes diplomacy requires time

On November 28, 2024, the most recent phase of the operation got underway in Takum Local Government Area (LGA), with an emphasis on known terrorist and bandit hideouts near Lijam High Ground.

Several bandit camps were demolished during the operations, according to the statement, and forces found two motorcycles, one AK-47 magazine, one portable Baofeng radio, and 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“On November 30, 2024, troops projected force into the Akume and Ananum areas of Donga LGA to further solidify the safety of residents, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and property throughout Taraba State.”

According to the statement, the commander of the 6 Brigade praised the soldiers and asked them to continue being watchful.

“We shall guarantee peace and security throughout Taraba State and beyond by working together.

The commander is said to have stated, “This is our determined effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide and to ensure that the state does not become a safe haven for criminals.”

Bauchi hospitals benefit from enhanced operations through COVID-19 response programme

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Barnawa, a community in the Bauchi local government region, has been given the ability to run its main healthcare center by using resources from rice cultivation thanks to the COVID-19 Response Management program.
According to our correspondent, the program, which was carried out by the Network of People Living With HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPHWAN) and funded by the Global Fund through the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), assisted the people of Barnawa in using the money they earned from growing rice to purchase medications and run the hospital in order to support the governor’s efforts to provide high-quality healthcare services.Cultural tours in Nigeria

Around five local government areas in the state—Darazo, Misau, Katagum, and Tafawa Balewa—are also implementing the initiative, which aims to enable communities to address health concerns in a sustainable, equitable, and effective way in order to tackle HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Read Also:TheNigerian News Group Honors Hon. Chief Philip Agbese and Wife on Their 11th Wedding Anniversary

The COVID-19 Response Management Program aims to improve healthcare services in vulnerable communities, according to Abdullahi Ibrahim, chairman of NEPHWAN and program coordinator for the Global Fund in Bauchi State, who was speaking at a media parley.

He clarified that the program educated the people living in the benefited communities about the need of protecting hospitals and using them to provide services in an efficient manner.

In order to address the lack of health personnel in vulnerable communities throughout the five local government areas where the project was being carried out, Mr. Ibrahim stated, volunteer health professionals were encouraged to pay their fair share.

In order to improve efficiency, he said, the communities were also given the authority to guarantee accurate medical record documentation and medication harmonization between service providers and customers.

TheNigerian News Group Honors Hon. Chief Philip Agbese and Wife on Their 11th Wedding Anniversary

Today, we join in heartfelt celebration as we honor an incredible couple, Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, the esteemed Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, and his beautiful wife, on the remarkable occasion of their 11th wedding anniversary.

Eleven years of shared love, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment is a testament to a bond built on trust, understanding, and enduring affection. This special day is not just a milestone in their journey together but also a moment to reflect on the beauty and strength of their partnership—a union that inspires many within and beyond their community.

From the moment they said “I do,” Hon. Chief Philip Agbese and his wife have exemplified the essence of partnership and companionship. Their journey together has been filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Through the ups and downs of life, their union remains a shining example of what it means to truly cherish and support one another.

Their commitment to each other, both as partners and as individuals working toward shared goals, is a reflection of the values that bind them. They continue to grow stronger as a couple, proving that the foundation of a lasting relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared purpose.

Read Also: Minister appeals for patience, emphasizes diplomacy requires time

As a public servant, Hon. Chief Philip Agbese has made remarkable strides in representing his constituency, advocating for development, and championing the causes that matter to his people. Behind this steadfast leader is his supportive wife, whose unwavering encouragement and dedication have been instrumental in his journey of service.

Her presence as a pillar of strength has enabled him to excel not only in his political career but also as a devoted husband and father. Together, they embody the essence of partnership—supporting and uplifting one another while pursuing their individual and shared aspirations.

Marking 11 years of marriage is no small feat. It’s a reflection of a decade-long journey filled with shared milestones, cherished memories, and the promise of a beautiful future. As they celebrate this special occasion, TheNigerian News Group commends their commitment to building a life rooted in love and understanding.

This anniversary serves as a reminder that strong marriages are built on the daily choice to love, forgive, and grow together. It is a celebration of the little moments that create a lifetime of happiness and the big decisions that strengthen the bond between two hearts.

On this joyous occasion, we extend our warmest wishes to Hon. Chief Philip Agbese and his lovely wife. May their love continue to blossom and grow stronger with each passing day. May their union remain a source of inspiration to their family, friends, and the communities they touch.

Here’s to many more years of joy, laughter, and adventures together. May their journey ahead be as fulfilling as the years they have already shared.

As they celebrate this milestone, we hope it is filled with moments of gratitude for the past, happiness in the present, and excitement for all the future holds.

At TheNigerian News Group, we are privileged to celebrate leaders like Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, whose dedication to family, community, and nation is commendable. His example as a devoted husband and leader inspires us all to strive for excellence in our personal and professional lives.

Today, we not only celebrate a union but also the values that sustain it—love, commitment, and perseverance.

To Hon. Chief Philip Agbese and his wonderful wife, we say congratulations on this beautiful milestone. As you mark your 11th wedding anniversary, may your hearts remain forever intertwined, and may your love story continue to inspire those around you.

Happy Anniversary from all of us at TheNigerian News Group! Here’s to many more years of happiness, love, and shared success.

🎉💍 Cheers to the amazing couple! 💖

Minister appeals for patience, emphasizes diplomacy requires time

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Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts and international accords would take time to produce benefits; therefore, Nigerians should be patient, said Yusuf Tuggar, the country’s minister of foreign affairs, on Saturday.

When he informed reporters about the results of President Bola Tinubu’s most recent state visit to France, Tuggar made this call.

Citing the slow process of diplomacy, he cautioned against expecting immediate results despite calling the trip a “resounding success.”

“Diplomacy and international relations should not be viewed as a commercial transaction,” he stated. It requires time.

“A framework must be established first, followed by agreements and business collaboration.”

The Federal Government’s responsibility in establishing an ecosystem that allows Nigerian companies to take advantage of the potential presented by these bilateral agreements was also emphasized by the minister.

He mentioned current changes aimed at luring in foreign capital, claiming they demonstrate the administration’s dedication to free enterprise.

Tuggar listed a number of noteworthy accomplishments from the trip, such as multiple Memoranda of Understanding inked in France and a $2.4 billion agriculture investment obtained during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.

He pointed out that President Tinubu gave food security a priority in his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, to which Macron gave a positive response.

The president emphasized how crucial food security is to his government. “The response from Macron has been positive,” Tuggar said.

Nigeria’s vast reserves of important minerals, such as lithium, were also discussed; Tuggar called this a “revelation” to the French delegation. This led President Macron to request that Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice evaluate a new Memorandum of Understanding on essential minerals.

Other important areas, such as infrastructure and sustainable energy, were also discussed. Tuggar emphasized President Tinubu’s desire to work with France to create solar power and safe, non-military nuclear energy.

He noted that France’s strategy toward West Africa has changed in terms of security, with President Macron admitting his faults and looking to Nigeria for advice on counterterrorism measures.

He claimed that the French had admitted their previous errors and understood the importance of Nigeria’s participation in any endeavor to secure West Africa.

On the home front, Tuggar emphasized the significance of continuous changes to foster an atmosphere that attracts investment. According to him, states can now set up transmission, distribution, and power producing networks thanks to the new Electricity Act.

Tuggar clarified misunderstandings over the proposed Tax Reform Bill by stating that it will simplify corporate operations by combining taxes rather than raising them.

He clarified, “President Tinubu wants to lower the tax burden, making it easier and more appealing for businesses.”

In light of the overall results, Tuggar reaffirmed the importance of exercising patience when assessing the advantages of diplomacy.

“The enabling environment is provided by the government, but these results are not instantaneous transactions—they take time,” he stated.

The Foreign Minister also conveyed his belief that Nigeria would reap substantial long-term advantages from the groundwork established during President Tinubu’s most recent diplomatic visits.

Presidents Tinubu and Macron signed two agreements while in France to guarantee a collaboration on the long-term sustainability of agriculture and food security as well as the development of vital infrastructure.

The United Bank for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and Mr. Antoine Armand, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, signed an agreement allowing the bank to start operations in Paris, which was witnessed by both presidents.

During President Tinubu’s state visit, the collaboration agreements were signed during an economic forum at the Palais des Élysées in Paris, France, which was attended by businesses, captains of industry, governors, and senior government officials from both nations.

Regina Daniels reportedly reconciles with Angela Okorie

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It appears that Regina Daniels and Angela Okorie are no longer at odds.
After Regina Daniels was chastised by Angela Okorie for celebrating Mercy Johnson’s birthday, the feud began.
Angela Okorie was surprisingly given a hand by Regina Daniels.
It appears that Regina Daniels and Angela Okorie’s dispute has been settled.
After Regina Daniels was chastised by Angela Okorie for celebrating Mercy Johnson’s birthday, the two actresses had been at odds.
Reconciliation has been extended to Angela Okorie by Regina Daniels in a surprising development.
On Friday, November 29, 2024, Regina Daniels shared a video and several eye-catching pictures of herself on her Instagram account.

Read Also: US-based author Alexander Okenwa calls for reexamination of church teachings on trinity

The background music selection—Angela Okorie’s song “Legit”—attracted a lot of attention.

Regina Daniels captioned the photo, saying, “I just want to look well, excel, and make wonderful memories. Help me, God.

It is believed that this gesture shows goodwill and that the two actresses have put aside their disagreements

Other news: Well-known entertainment gossip blogger Cutie Juls has sparked a social media frenzy by disclosing fascinating details about BBNaija’s Tacha and her mysterious partner.

Remarkably, Tacha recently revealed that she had moved to London, sharing pictures that provoked curiosity among her fans, particularly over an enigmatic male spotted with the reality TV personality.

Given the growing rumors, Cutie Juls has revealed information regarding Tacha’s elusive lover.

After posting pictures of the BBNaija alum’s significant other and revealing that he is a London-based companion, Cutie Juls has now revealed who Tacha’s mystery man is.

Online followers have responded in droves to this discovery, expressing their excitement or nervously awaiting confirmation from Tacha and her mysterious boyfriend.