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FEC endorses $2.2bn external loan proposal – Edun

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has authorized a $2.2 billion external borrowing financing program, which may include an offer of Eurobonds and Sukuk bonds.

This was revealed to reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday following the FEC meeting by Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

In the recent Federal Executive Council meeting, I had the honor of introducing two memoranda to the group.

The first was to approve a $2.2 billion financing scheme in order to finish the Federal Government’s external borrowing program.

Access to the global capital market for a mix of the Sukuk and Euro bond offers, as well as maybe a Euro bond worth roughly $1.7 billion, make up this package.

Once the National Assembly has reviewed and, ideally, approved the borrowing plan, the real financing will be completed with sukuk financing of an additional $500 million.

“If approved, external borrowing will be completed this year, as soon as possible after approval.”

“What the advisors would say about market conditions at the time of the decision to enter the market would determine the actual combination of instruments that would be raised,” he stated.

Naturally, earlier this year, we demonstrated the depth of the Nigerian financial markets’ resiliency, as well as their growing sophistication and complexity, by issuing dollar bonds domestically, which drew in Nigerian investors from all over the country.

Access to the global capital market, he added, is another indication of support and acceptance for the macroeconomic policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Read Also: Akeredolu’s brother declares support for SDP candidate

According to the minister, the macroeconomic pillars of foreign exchange and PMS market pricing were the main focus of the economic recovery and restoration program that was implemented to turn the economy around.

Additionally, he said that the FEC had authorized the Ministry of Finance’s real estate investment fund.

The fund provides the foundation for the Nigerian economy’s recovery and the reintroduction of long-term mortgage lending, he claims.

“The Morph Real Estate Investment Fund would initially be a N250 billion fund that will offer long-term, affordable mortgages to Nigerians who wish to own homes.

The yawning housing deficit of 22 million units will be partially or completely filled by it. Of certainly, it will boost economic growth and provide jobs.

Additionally, it will create opportunities for additional private sector investors to enter and take part in the crucial home construction sector, which will have a significant positive impact on the entire economy.

“Long-term investors can profit from market interest rates on their investments.

He stated, “This will be combined with N150 billion in seed funding.”

Akeredolu’s brother declares support for SDP candidate

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Barely 24 hours before the governorship election in Ondo State, the brother of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, declared his support for the Social Democratic Party candidate, Mr Bamidele Akingboye.

Oluwafemi Akeredolu, a member of the Akeredolu family and the younger brother of the late governor, stated this at a programme to declare his support for Akingboye in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday.

According to him, Akingboye’s vision was to activate Ondo’s underutilised resources, particularly the Ondo Seaport, one of the state’s most promising assets, which remains undeveloped despite its potential as a major economic driver.

He said, “I am the youngest brother of the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu — same father, same mother. Our family is known for being truthful and decisive. My brother, known as ‘talk and do’, was a dedicated APC member, but this election is not about the party.

“Sometimes, parties select candidates who are unfit for office. It’s time we vote for individuals based on competence, not party loyalty.

“Ondo State’s seaport is one of the deepest and capable of accommodating large vessels. My brother obtained the port certificate before he passed, but progress has stalled. Now, we’re being promised that it will be handed over to a foreigner. We can’t let that happen. Ondo State needs change, and that’s why we’re endorsing SDP and Akingboye.”

He stated that if elected, Akingboye would begin his term by investing his resources to advance the state.

“This is a leader who has a vision for the people, not just for himself,” he said.

NSCDC vows to dismiss personnel caught in electoral fraud

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has stated that it would sack any official found culpable in aiding electoral fraud in the Ondo State governorship election held on Saturday.

The Corps’ Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Philips, stated this in Akure, the state capital, on Friday on the preparedness for the election.

According to Philips, any official culpable of any action that compromised the process of the election would be dismissed from service.

He urged the electorate to go all out to vote without fear.

He assured them that his men are ready to checkmate anyone planning to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

He said, “We want the people to trust us and also believe in us that we shall give them the best and nothing but the best.

“However, let me just say, from the authority of the civil defence. We don’t condone any act of unprofessionalism from any of our officers and men.

“Anybody who decides to commit any atrocity, I think he is asking himself to be out of the system. We shall not leave anybody. Once you commit, you should know your way is out.”

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Gas explosion at Katsina filling station damages six vehicles

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A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has caused damage to six vehicles, according to the state police command.

The police spokesman in the state, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday.

He explained that on Friday, a loud explosion was heard by police operatives attached to Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters prompting the Divisional Police Officer to lead a team to the scene in collaboration with military personnel.

“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road.

“The joint team swiftly deployed preventive measures to protect lives and minimise property damage, successfully quenching the fire.

“Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost,” he said.

According to him, the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.

Sadiq-Aliyu explained that further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds.

NAN

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Tricycle operator arrested for stabbing brother’s wife in Anambra

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A middle-aged tricycle operator, Nnamdi Nnebe, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his elder brother’s wife at Umuokpu Awka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred a few days ago after a heated argument between the duo over the tricycle parking.

Security operatives arrested the suspect after the victim, Njideke Nnebe, reported the incident at the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Awka on Friday.

Njideka said the culprit attacked her with a kitchen knife in her attempt to defend her son, whom he wrongfully accused of playing inside his tricycle.

Narrating her ordeal, the victim said the husband’s brother had parked his tricycle in their compound when some children entered it to play.

She said, “Some kids were playing inside his tricycle parked in the compound on the said day; immediately the kids saw him; they ran away, but my husband’s brother mistook one of them to be my son and went after him.

“To my greatest surprise, what started as a minor misunderstanding between us escalated to a hot exchange of words before he suddenly dashed inside his apartment and brought a knife.

“In an attempt to defend my son with my hand, the man stabbed me.”

 

She added that after stabbing her, the suspect did not show any remorse, as he said it was better the victim had died.

Reacting to the incident during her visit to the victim at the hospital, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, described it as “unfortunate.”

Obinabo assured all that the” ministry will follow up on the case as the state government is now in charge of giving justice to the survivor.”

Why I ended my marriage plans post-engagement – Simi Drey

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After becoming engaged, Simi Drey, an award-winning British-Nigerian actress and presenter, said that she had called off her intentions to marry her ex-lover.

This information was revealed by Simi on a recent WithChude podcast episode, where she discussed her romance and cancelled marriage.

When the actress revealed why she made the choice, she said that after becoming engaged, she discovered she wasn’t completely content or contented.

After the cancellation, the media personality said that she received criticism.

The relationship between my ex and I wasn’t flawless. He never cheated or mistreated anyone. But you are aware of when you are not completely content or joyful. It is true that marriage is highly valued in our culture, particularly for women. Despite the fact that my parents never put any pressure on me, I recall my friends asking me, “When will you get married?”

Read Also: Minister: Nigerian Govt detains 300 illegal mining operators

At last, he made a proposal. I recall being concerned about whether he was indeed the person I would marry. My mother and I had a close bond. Upon informing her of my engagement, she urged, “Simi, don’t do this.” It’s all right, I assured her.

“My mother is not the kind to put a stop to me or put me on a blacklist. She was aware that I didn’t feel whole in the relationship, though. My call to my dad ended with tears of fear rather than happiness.

I told my fiancé over the phone two months later that we should focus on improving our relationship before considering marriage.

“I wanted a worthy spouse, so a month later, I wasn’t sure I wanted to marry this man. I broke off my engagement to him. Even though I had to be honest with myself that I wasn’t happy in the relationship, I still got more criticism from those around me.

I came to terms with reality after I left. I came to the conclusion that happiness and singleness are preferable to marital misery. I say no if I don’t feel valued or if a man is better than me due to his wealth or position.

Minister: Nigerian Govt detains 300 illegal mining operators

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According to Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Federal Government has detained 300 illicit miners nationwide in an effort to boost the mining industry in Nigeria.

On Thursday in Abuja, Alake informed the House Committee on Solid Minerals’ Oversight visit during a strategic briefing at the Ministry’s headquarters.

Alake revealed a number of revolutionary initiatives during the tour that were intended to revitalize Nigeria’s mining industry.

With a firm focus on the overall seven-point program, the minister highlighted the advancements made in safeguarding Nigeria’s mining operations, discouraging illicit activity, and establishing the industry as a vital component of economic expansion.

In order to ensure prompt deployment of troops and resources to safeguard mining zones, the minister attributed the progress to President Bola Tinubu’s proactive support, which has allowed for an effective inter-ministerial coordination with the Ministry of Interior.

The main driver of this change is a more robust security structure intended to tackle illicit mining, a persistent issue that has endangered both local communities and Nigeria’s reputation abroad. The country has seen a considerable decrease in illicit mining activity since more than 2,000 trained mine marshals were deployed, resulting in the arrest of roughly 300 illegal operators, including international nationals.

Read Also: Show hunger, anger can drive change, Makinde urges electorates

“This updated security architecture is already making a significant difference. Our dedication to protecting our mining sites is a pledge to Nigeria’s stability as well as an appeal to investors looking for trustworthy alliances,” he stated.

Apart from fortifying security, the minister also presented the ministry’s plan to make Nigeria a global center for minerals.

He claims that by effectively attracting the attention of top foreign investors, focused outreach initiatives have positioned Nigeria’s mineral sector for future collaborations that hold potential for mutual progress.

He thanked Nigeria’s legislative authorities and other important partners for their continued support, highlighting how their endeavors are laying a strong basis for the industry.

Ondo: LP youth leader alleges ₦100m offer to dismantle Party for PDP

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Ahead of the next election, Hon. Samuel Boniface, the youth leader of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State, has claimed that some politicians attempted to influence him by offering him ₦100 million to dismantle the LP organization and turn it into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Boniface stated in an interview that he declined the generous offer from well-known PDP leaders because he was devoted to his beliefs and would not compromise his party.

“Three weeks ago, as the state youth leader of the Labour Party, I received a call from some PDP stakeholders who wanted me to dismantle the Labour Party’s structure and incorporate it into their own party,” he stated. I denied their request to name any number between ₦100 million and my target. The future belongs to me. My conscience cannot be sold in that way.

Additionally, I promised them that I would never turn on my party or my supporters. In 2023, when I ran for the House of Representatives, they did the same thing, but I informed them that I would rather lose the election than compromise my morals.

“They’re doing everything they can to purchase the building. They’re willing to give whatever amount. But I’m convinced that they can’t win if we don’t back down. Everyone has had enough of the APC and the PDP.

Rejecting recent media reports that claimed that candidate Olusola Ebiseni had been disqualified by the Appeal Court, Boniface backed LP Chairperson Remilekun Ojo.

“The reports that we are seeing on social media are really false,” he stated. The fact that the parties reached an out-of-court settlement after the court had already dismissed the lawsuit makes it extremely disheartening.

The party intends to file a lawsuit against the media sources that spread the disqualification accusations, according to Boniface.

We have made the decision to sue certain newspapers for reporting that our candidate was removed from the list, he stated. Our candidate can be shown on the INEC platform, so who took him down?

We are suing the media because the election is only two days away and such reports are disturbing.

They say our candidate was eliminated from the election, but why? They have no supporting evidence for that.

He added that Festus Olorunfemi, who had first voiced concerns, had publicly resigned on behalf of Ebiseni and was paid ₦5 million by Ebiseni and an extra ₦2 million by the National Chairman. Records and receipts were provided to support these claims.

Supporters were reassured by Boniface that “everything is very much intact.” We are not sidetracked by this false information.

NCC urges better regulation to strengthen printing sector

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For the sake of the book business, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has emphasized once more the necessity of increased cooperation between stakeholders in order to govern the printing and publishing sector.

During the International Paper, Printing and Publishing Expo (IPPEX 2024) opening in Abuja, Dr. John O. Asein, Director-General of the NCC, gave this statement as a Special Guest.
The organizers, DCS Integrated Media Limited, and their partners were also lauded by him for expanding the yearly event’s focus to include the global aspects of trade.

He acknowledged the benefits of new technologies in a society that is becoming more digital and knowledge-driven, but he also called attention to the disruption they are generating in the creative economy and the copyright ecosystem in a statement released on Friday.

Therefore, he gave stakeholders his word that the Commission will not back down from its pledge to create safer spaces for the creation, sharing, and commercial use of copyrighted works for the benefit of investors and authors.

The DG-NCC emphasized that in order to revitalize Nigeria’s paper and printing industry, we must give publishers the incentives they need to support local printers and authors the incentives they need to create.

Additionally, publishers and printers were urged to use more environmentally friendly materials in their productions by academia and other industry players.

Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan, the vice chancellor of Nasarawa State University, in the person of Dr. Hauwa V. Ibrahim, the deputy director of research and innovation, urged industry participants to think about how their operations affect the environment and collaborate with academia to improve university publishing standards.

The utilization of state-of-the-art technology, quality and innovation, and customized publishing solutions for cost and accessibility are some of the demands she listed for universities from the business.

As one of the nation’s largest employers of labor, the business has enormous potential, according to Mr. Alonge Kayode, CEO of Printway Limited, and government support and intervention are essential to its growth.

Read Also: EFCC arraigns company MD over alleged ₦9m visa scam in Rivers

Mr. Kayode urged industry professionals and regulatory bodies to work together more closely.

He noted that some of the issues that need to be solved to support the printing business are attracting additional investors, producing raw materials locally, and providing access to capital at a single-digit comparable rate.

The event brought together printers and equipment providers from the publishing and printing sector to present cutting-edge printing technology and exchange ideas about industry-changing prospects.

Additionally present at the event were stakeholders, including academics, government representatives, industry enthusiasts, and creators. Other notable attendees included the following: Mr. Innocent Agbanu, Chairman, FCT Branch of Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA); Comrade Babajide Salako, President/Chairman in Council, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON); Mrs. Grace Samuel, Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); and Mrs. Olumuyiwa Abosede Hayi-Ade, Deputy Director, Industrial Development, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

EFCC arraigns company MD over alleged ₦9m visa scam in Rivers

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Echendu Ndubuisi Endy has been charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with a ₦9 million visa scam.
Echendu Endy, the managing director of Echendu GPC Limited, was arraigned before Justice E. A. Obile of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, on Thursday on three counts related to visa scam and money obtained under false pretenses, according to the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
“That you, Echendu Ndubuisi Endy, while being the Managing Director of Echendu GPC Limited between April 23, 2024, and May 2, 2024, in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of (four million naira) N4,000,000.00 only from Mr. Darlington Abuchi under the pretense that you had the capacity to procure United Kingdom work permit visa to enable him to work and stay in the United Kingdom, which you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offense against Section 1(1) a & b of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, which is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

“That you, Echendu Ndubuisi Endy, while serving as the Managing Director of Echendu GPC Limited in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, between August 16th and September 14th, 2023, with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of (three million naira) N3,000,000.00 only from Mrs. Ngozi Nzechukwu under the pretense that you had the capacity to procure United Kingdom work permit visa to enable her to work and stay in the United Kingdom, which you knew to be false, and thus committed an offense against Section 1(1) a & b of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. 2006, which is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” According to another count,

Read Also: Man arrested for impregnating Ogun minor

After the accusations were read to Endy, he entered a plea of “not guilty.” Prosecuting attorney K. A. Yunus then asked the court to set a trial date and remand the defendants to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) custody.

P. U. Alikor, the defense attorney, told the judge that he had requested the defendant’s release on bond. In order to allow the defendant to get ready for his trial, he asked the court to give him bail.

Justice Obile’s decision mandated that the defendant be placed on remand at the Port Harcourt Correctional Center. The case was postponed until November 28, 2024, so that the bail application could be heard.