The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf has said that the state government was prepared to collaborate with the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to strengthen tourism in the state and in Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit to the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Coker aka Folly Coker in Abuja on Wednesday, Akinbile-Yusuf said that her ministry would take advantage of the unique opportunity provided by NTDC to reach out to major tourism stakeholders in Africa.
“This collaboration will provide us with the opportunity to further market Lagos as a must-visit destination in Africa and the world.
“Lagos State is prepared to collaborate with NTDC in areas that will give recognition to creative arts and tourism development.
“Lagos is a preferred destination for business, leisure and entertainment,’’ she said.
Reacting, Mr Folorunsho Coker called on state governments to collaborate with Federal Government in the joint efforts to boost tourism in their localities.
He said that the visit was necessitated by the need for states to collaborate with the Federal Government to effectively tap into tourism potential in their localities.
The Director General urged other states in the federation to emulate Lagos in its rapprochement towards the Federal Government for mutual benefits of both levels of government.
“When the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government come together on a project, success is guaranteed. It is like saying when both parties clap, the whole of Africa will hear.
“Tourism has huge revenue generating potential and it is good for government at all levels to come together and tap optimum benefits of these potential,’’ Coker said.
He urged other states in the federation to emulate Lagos State by mapping out collaborative strategies with the federal government to develop tourism and other sectors of the economy.
Akinbile-Yusuf was accompanied on the visit by Mr Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and other top officials of the ministry.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, arraigned an ex-banker, Akinwole Oluwaseun Dosunmu, alongside his wife, Motunrayo Olanike Dosunmu before Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan for alleged financial fraud to the tune of N2,740,300.92 (Two Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Thousand, Three Hundred Naira, Ninety-Two kobo).
The couple was accused of stealing the sum from the Sterling Bank Plc. Akinwole was an employee of the bank, while his wife was a customer and a beneficiary in the bank’s Third Party Acquirer Scheme (TPAS).
The bank had initiated the scheme as a marketing strategy through which relatives and friends of their marketing agents were awarded commission for bringing new customers to open and operate new accounts with the bank. Akinwole, also a marketer with the bank, was appointed to coordinate the scheme.
Apart from the commission on account opening, the referral also enjoys certain percentage on the savings made through the accounts every month.
It was, however, alleged that while reviewing activities under the scheme in 2016, the bank discovered that most of the accounts appropriated to Motunrayo as a third-party acquirer were fraudulently tagged to her by her husband.
Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted 1, 393 bags of rice concealed in gas cylinders within Ogun State.
Parading the smugglers before newsmen on Wednesday February 19, the Acting Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A in Ikeja, Usman Yahaya said 625 cartons of frozen chicken, 187 jars and 66 drums of vegetable oil were also seized when the suspects were arrested between 5th and 17th February, 2020.
The items conveyed in 12 different vehicles, had a cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of N40.14 million.
Yahaya said; “Barely two weeks after the Comptroller-General of Customs’ working visit to Lagos where he showcased various seizures made by FOU A worth over N10 billion, we have again intercepted 1,393 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, 187 jerrycans/66 drums of foreign vegetable oil and 625 cartons of poultry products from unapproved routes within Ogun State between 5th -17th February 2020 based on surveillance and routine patrol.
“This desperate act by these dare-devil smugglers concealing edible items in a gas cylinder further justifies the hard chase by operatives of Customs. DPV of each type of seized items include rice, N27.86 million; vegetable oil, N6.28 million, and frozen poultry N6 million.”
He also urged members of the public to support the service’s fight against smuggling activities by providing intelligence that could assist the unit achieve more monumental seizures.
The rematch that has percolated for 15 months will finally take place this weekend when WBC champion Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury do it all again under the bright lights in Las Vegas.
SuperSport 1 and 5 will cross to the MGM Grand at 4:00 am on Sunday with the headliner due to start at about 6.45 am.
It’s a fight that fans have clamoured for ever since the judges controversially called the first fight a draw, notwithstanding Fury having outboxed Wilder for large chunks of the fight.
Wilder, of course, twice knocked Fury down to again demonstrate why is he the biggest single-shot puncher in the sport.
Much has happened since they last fought. Fury marked time with two low-key fights memorable only for the nasty cut he sustained against Otto Wallin. He was troubled in neither outing.
More recently, he turfed out his trainer, opting for American Sugar Hill, a scion of the Kronk boxing dynasty and a disciple of attack-minded, aggressive fighting. It signifies an important shift for Fury, who concedes that he was too defensive in the first fight.
Wilder, meanwhile, kept busy doing what he does best: knocking out other big men. Dominic Brezeale was savagely stopped in a single round and then in November dangerous Luis Ortiz got sloppy after outboxing Fury and was banged out in the seventh.
A win for Fury would be the culmination of a wild comeback journey after he sunk into depression in the two years following his win over then-undisputed champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. As the biggest, loudest character in the division, victory would propel him into the public consciousness and give him even greater clout in the sport.
Victory for Wilder, meanwhile, will frustrate those who struggle to enjoy his often-sloppy style. He might be average as a pure boxer, but his power game is unrivalled. With 41 stoppages in his 42 wins, there is no finisher like him.
“I’ve said it so often: These guys I’m fighting, they have to be perfect for 12 rounds, but I only have to be perfect for two seconds,” said the champion, who will be looking to pull the trigger.
It’s an accurate summation of the weekend’s showdown, although don’t tell that to Fury.
“I’m not bothered about getting hit and hurt,” said Fury. “I’m coming out like a raging bull.”
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Keystone Bank Limited, Nigeria’s most innovative banking services provider, has restated its commitment to environmental sustainability as it recently embarked on tree planting campaign.
According to the lender, the event which saw staff of the bank plant trees at the Nigeria Conservation Foundation in Lagos, is in line with its bid to further align with the Sustainable Development Goal 15, which stresses the call by the United Nations to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss and ultimately for environmental sustainability.
Commenting on the initiative, Keystone Bank executive director, Adeyemi Odusanya said: “As a bank, our goal is to lead the movement promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria and we are clearly going to sustain that.
“One of the ways to sustain this initiative is by planting trees to preserve the environment. Tree planting remains a strong tool to tackle the effect of climate change. Climate change is the most significant material risk to the future because it poses most devastating threat to human survival.
“Keystone Bank fully aligns itself with the UN ideology.
“We cannot live a healthy life, conduct business and create wealth amidst a sick environment. Hence, this gesture is our commitment towards a sustainable future that will benefit all,” Odusanya noted.
Keystone Bank is a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering convenient and reliable solutions to its customers.
This weekend, GOtv will broadcast a series of top international league matches including the Premier League and Serie A LIVE on SuperSport.
The games, scheduled to hold from 21-23 February, will be broadcast live on SuperSport Select 2 to GOtv Jolli and GOtv Max subscribers, and on SuperSport Select 4 and SuperSport Select 5 exclusive to GOtv Max subscribers.
This weekend’s broadcast begins with the Championship encounter between Derby County and Fulham at Pride Park Stadium on Friday. The game kicks off at 8:45pm and will be aired live on SuperSport Select 4.
Derby County are currently having an average season, having lost two and drawn one of their last five games and are currently placed 13th on the log. However, The Rams will want to bounce back to winning ways and hope for a respectable finish in the top half of the table at the end of the season.
Manager Phillip Cocu will be counting on the likes of strikers Chris Martin, Martyn Waghorn, defender Curtis Davis and captain Wayne Rooney to deliver victory. Fulham, on the other hand, are fighting to return to the English Premier League, placed third on the table behind West Brom and Leeds United.
Although they might have suffered a dip in form, The Cottagers know that their fate lies in their own hands. Manager Scott Parker knows that his team cannot afford to lose with Brentford breathing down their necks and will hope that his squad – which includes Aleskandar Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert, and Michael Hector – will ensure the club’s target is achieved.
On Saturday, Fiorentina will welcome AC Milan to the Stadio Artemio Franchi in a Serie A fixture. The game will be aired live on SuperSport Select 5 at 8:45pm.
Fiorentina have struggled this season and are currently placed in 13th position. La Viola will, however, be buoyed by their 5-1 win away at Sampdoria last week. Although key midfielder Milan Badelj will miss the encounter due to suspension, manager Giuseppe Iachini can call on strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa to wreak havoc on their more illustrious opponents. AC Milan will, however, want to revenge their 1-3 defeat in the reverse fixture at the San Siro. Manager Stefano Pioli will rely on Ante Rebic, Hakan Çalhanoğlu and star signing, Zlatan Ibrahimovic to spur I Rossoneri to victory.
Sunday’s action will see Manchester United hope to continue their pursuit of a top-four spot in the when they host Watford. The game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday and will be live on SuperSport Select 2.
Manchester United will be delighted approaching the game after their 2-0 win against Chelsea on Monday moved them to seventh position, three points behind the final spot for England’s final UEFA Champions League slot.
With Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba still injured, the in-form Anthony Martial, new signings Bruno Fernandez and Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo, Fred and Harry Maguire all to be likely deployed by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to sustain the momentum for the Red Devils.
They will meet a Watford side, which are battling relegation all season. Despite the brief resurgence witnessed after the appointment of manager Nigel Pearson, The Hornets are currently in 19th position and have lost two and drawn two of their last five games. But with players such as captain Troy Deeney, Gerad Deulofeu, and Roberto Pereyra, the club will hope to clinch victory against their opponents and continue their struggle to maintain their top-flight status.
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The Senate on Tuesday mediated in the dispute between the Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi soft drinks and the Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc in Abuja.
The management of the Rites Food Limited had petitioned the Senate over alleged threat to the security and existence of Rites Foods Ltd, Ososa, Ogun State by the Seven-Up Plc.
The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by the Senate for investigation and further legislative action.
The two companies were expected to appear before a Public Hearing organised by the committee to hear submissions from both parties.
However, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Patrick Akinyelure (Ondo Central) told reporters that the committee decided to mediate between the parties behind closed doors to ensure amicable resolutions.
He said the Committee gave the parties two weeks to come up with resolutions that they adopt upon which the committee will make its report to the Senate.
Akinyelure said: “Essentially we are stakeholders in this country and as democratically elected representatives of this country in the red chamber, our position in issues like this is to find a middle ground to ensure that these big players, none of them goes under.
“We looked at it from submissions from both sides, we found out that there are some misconceptions.
“There are three dominant players in the soft drink industry. We have the Coca-Cola, Seven Up and Rites Foods Nigeria Limited, makers of Bigi soft drink.
“We appreciate as senior citizens of this country that Rites Foods Limited is a wholly owned indigenous company that should be encouraged in all ramifications.’’
“They have only one plant and they have been able to do the magic through the dedicated team of management staff.
“Within four years, they were able to compete favourably with Coca-Cola and Seven Up and by market rating they have the market rating.
“When we heard from the Seven UP management, they appreciated the competitiveness of Rites Foods Nigeria Limited the makers of Bigi drinks and also they are developing strategies on how to compete favourably in the market.
“We have been able to sit the two management together because we believe it is an issue that can be resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism that will bring more result to this country than damaging a wholly owned indigenous company that is competing favourably and we encouraged them to ensure that the issue is resolved amicably.
“At the end of the meeting we had this morning, I decided to hold a closed door meeting in my office attended by senior members of the Senate, and we mediated.
“We told them that we don’t want this issue to cause any harm because if a company that is engaging over 2000 Nigerians at a time and the other one about 5000 Nigerians, it is our wish in the Senate to see them progressing and adding more value to this country than for issues to destroy them.
“So we resolved in the Committee that we give them about two weeks to go and come back with resolutions that would be adopted by both parties and then we will make our report to the Senate to ensure that they go out to go and compete and also develop strategies that would employ more Nigerians.”
SuperSport viewers on DStv will be treated to some fast and fierce football from the SkyBet English Football League Championship this coming weekend, with two matches live on the weekend of 21-22 February 2020.
The Championship is widely regarded as one of the most entertaining and unpredictable leagues around Europe, with its marathon nature (there are no less than 24 teams) and breakneck speed making for incredible football entertainment.
The first of two live Championship matches for SuperSport viewers to enjoy this weekend arrives on Friday 21 February when Derby County welcome Fulham to Pride Park for a night clash. The Rams come into the clash on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Huddersfield Town last Saturday which leaves them in 13th place on the log.
The Cottagers, meanwhile, suffered a shock 3-0 loss at home to bottom-of-the-log Barnsley, a result which denied them the chance to move into the top two (automatic promotion berths) ahead of Leeds United. Instead they remained third, and now have both Brentford and Nottingham Forest breathing down their neck just a point behind.
Fulham will hope for a repeat of their first meeting with Derby earlier this season, which brought them a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage in November 2019 thanks to goals from Bobby Reid, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney.
The next Championship match available to SuperSport viewers is an early afternoon kick-off on Saturday 22 February when Blackburn Rovers visit Griffin Park to face host Brentford. The Bees have been in solid form of late, with a 1-1 draw away to Birmingham City this past weekend leaving them in fourth on the log – just four points off the automatic promotion slots.
Rovers themselves have enjoyed an upturn in form of late, recording back-to-back wins over Hull City and Charlton Athletic to rise to eighth place on the log. Tony Mowbray’s team are now just three points off the promotion play-off places and a late push for a rise back to the Premier League for the first time since 2012.
Blackburn narrowly defeated Brentford 1-0 at Ewood Park when the teams met back in November 2019, with Bradley Dack netting early on for the hosts. Yet Rovers’ last trip to Griffin Park in February 2019 ended in a crushing 5-2 defeat, with the Bees triumphing thanks to goals from Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins, Neal Maupay and Sergi Canos.
Don’t miss the 2019/2020 football season on DStv Visit www.dstv.com to subscribe or upgrade, and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream matches on DStv Now.
SkyBet EFL Championship fixtures, broadcast details, 21-22 February
Friday 7 February
20:45 WAT: Derby County v Fulham – LIVE on SuperSport 11
Saturday 8 February
13:30 WAT: Brentford v Blackburn Rovers – LIVE on SuperSport 11
Brentford’s Sergi Canos and Blackburn’s Elliott Ward during the Sky Bet Championship match at Griffin Park, London.
Brentford’s Romaine Sawyers during the Sky Bet Championship match at Griffin Park, London.
Richard Austin Quest is a respected English journalist and a CNN International Anchor. He is also CNN Business Editor at Large, based in New York City.
He anchors “Quest Means Business”, the five-times-weekly business programme and fronts the CNN shows “Business Traveller”, “The Express” and “Quest’s World of Wonder”.
The CNN Anchor, Richard Quest, yesterday paid a courtesy visit on the Management of Fidelity Bank Plc and engaged the team on several issues including SME lending and leveraging digital channels to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria. Here are some of the pictures of the visit……..
CNN Anchor, Richard Quest (left) engaging with Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo on SME lending and leveraging digital channels to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria… Monday
CNN Anchor, Richard Quest (left) engaging with Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo on SME lending and leveraging digital channels to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria… Monday
One of the leaders of Amotekun, a security outfit, on Monday, visited the Ekiti state house of assembly, dressed in combat regalia.
The Amotekun leader, whose major purpose in the house was to attend a public hearing on the outfit, gave his submission on the security initiative.
The Ekiti Assembly had earlier passed the Amotekun bill transmitted by Kayode Fayemi, the governor, into law.
Amotekun was originally established as a regional outfit but after a series of consultations, including a meeting with Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police, the initiative was adopted as a state effort.
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