Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, has denied having any link with the Boko Haram insurgent group as alleged in some viral reports.
The minister said he has been preaching against the doctrines of Boko Haram and similar groups, endangering his life in the process.
“My lectures against the doctrines and all other evil people have been available for over 15 years, including debates that endangered my life against many criminals in Nigeria,” he wrote via his Twitter handle on Monday.
“By the Almighty, no amount of intimation will stop @IsaPantami from implementing the good policies of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on security.”
The minister was reacting to an unconfirmed report by Daily Independent that the United States government allegedly placed him on a watchlist for reported links with Mohammed Yusuf, the founder of Boko Haram.
The news platform did not provide any source of the claim other than citing the “America’s Intelligence Service.”
We could not verify the information; official sources including the US embassy in Nigeria have not responded to enquiries regarding the issue.
A video featuring Pantami and Yusuf is also being shared online to back claims in the news report.
But the video, which can be found here, is of a debate between the duo in which the minister was educating the late Boko Haram leader against the group’s extremist anti-western education ideologies.
Leading figure in the faith-based movie genre, Biodun Stephen has released another banger titled ‘Breaded Life’.
The film is set to hit cinemas nationwide April 16.
Though ‘Breaded Life’ may not qualify as faith-based, it’s a remarkable inspirational thriller that evokes a mixed feeling of plenty of laughter, pity and tension.
If you are attuned with Agege Bread or have heard tales of the popular Agege Bread, then the movie fills your mouth with a satirical depiction of breaded life in that hood.
With a stellar cast that include MC LIVELY, Bisola Aiyeola, Timini Egbuson, Bimbo Ademoye, Bolanle Ninalowo and Adedimeji Lateef, ‘Breaded Life’ is a must see movie. There was natural sync in script interpretation and sense of humour in characterisation that makes the actions real, thus depicting real life scenarios in the minds of the audience.
Biodun Stephen surely scores another high in the movie plot, with several twists that drag the audience’s emotions high, with much comic relief to calm the nerves.
The movie premiered on Saturday, April 10 at iMax Cinema, Lagos to a select audience including Toyin Abraham, cast of the movie, the press and movie critics and enthusiasts.
The film, written and directed by Biodun Stephen, tells the story of an irresponsible young man who wakes to find no one can recognize him except a local bread seller.
Co-produced by Biodun Stephen, Tara Ajibulu and Kayode Sowade, the inspirational and comic thriller also features Tina Mba, Amuda Eko, Funny Bone, Jide Kosoko, Lizzy Jay, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, Tomiwa Sage and Karen Spikes.
The film’s director, Biodun Stephen recently confirmed that the comedy is a spin-off of 2016 romantic comedy, ‘Picture Perfect’.
“After Picture Perfect, people wanted a sequel but I was afraid; will it be as good? So I wrote ‘Breaded Life’ as a sequel that will feature some characters from ‘Picture Perfect’.”
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as part of the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day 2021 is organizing an innovation challenge with the theme “Inspiring Creativity and Innovation in the Nigerian Digital Economy” to harness innovative and impactful solutions for the development of a vibrant digital economy.
The World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN day celebrated to raise awareness around the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving with respect to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the “global goals”.
A statement by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA disclosed that the agency is calling on all Nigerians with innovative and impactful working solutions to make entries for the innovation challenge.
According to her, solutions will be evaluated based on job and wealth creation potential, originality, marketability, scalability and inclusiveness. Successful entries will have an opportunity to present their solutions to the Tech Industry Stakeholders.
Our correspondent learnt that the event is scheduled as follows:
Submission of entries via: http://bit.ly/NITDA21WCID
The portal will be opened from April 12, 2021 till April 17, 2021
Entries will be evaluated and assessed by April 19, 2021 and successful ones will be required to do a 5-minute live pitch on Wednesday April 21, 2021
The motive behind the extension of service for Ms. Abimbola Alale in 2019 as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT for another 4-year term may be gradually unfolding.
As it is now obvious that though she is the only African on the board of Space Generation Advisory Council, when it comes to the financial affairs of NIGCOMSAT; a satellite communications service provider wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria and incorporated on April 4, 2006, she does not fly solo.
Investigations revealed that between September and December 2011, Ms. Alale in connivance with the immediate-past managing director of NIGCOMSAT, Engr. Ahmed Rufai and one Alma Okpalefe Udoyen without a Certificate of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement and no approval from the Federal Executive Council since the service was a non-consultant service contract, paid the sum of N5,893,920,000 (five billion, eight hundred and ninety-three million, nine hundred and twenty thousand Naira) as an insurance premium for the launch of NigComSat-1R satellite to Fasaha Intercontinental Insurance Brokers Ltd, with an office at Block C3 Amsalco Plaza, No 100 Zoo Road Kano.
As the project director for NIGCOMSAT 1R we learned, Ms. Alale also allegedly facilitated payment up to the tune of N3,082,742,400 (three billion eighty-two million, seven hundred and forty-two thousand four hundred Naira) for non-existent and fictitious insurance policies, amongst which was a N1,475,680,000 (one billion, four hundred and seventy-five million, six hundred and eighty thousand Naira) payment as premium for an Early Launch Orbit insurance with no certificate issued. China Great Wall Industries Corp. (CGWIC), the satellite manufacturers, however, did not indicate Early Launch Orbit Insurance as part of the insurance cover for the satellite.
Despite the contract document of NIGCOMSAT 1R satellite between Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and China Great Wall Industries Corp. (CGWIC) stating that the transit insurance of the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite from the factory in Beijing to the launch site at Xichang was the responsibility of CGWIC, another payment of N1,607,062,400 (one billion, six hundred and seven million, sixty-two thousand, four hundred Naira) was allegedly made with no insurance policy or certificate to authenticate the transaction.
Obviously running the agency with an open check, the sum of N1,475, 680,000 (one billion four hundred and seventy-five thousand six hundred and eighty thousand) was subsequently paid for NIGCOMSAT 1R Launch Insurance while the sum of N1,335,497,600 (one billion three hundred and thirty-five thousand four hundred and ninety-seven thousand and six hundred Naira) was paid for NIGCOMSAT 1R In-Orbit Insurance valid for two years from 2011 to 2013.
However, on 21st December 2012, while the subsisting in-orbit insurance was still valid, the astronomical thieves having developed a conduit pipe through which they siphon taxpayer’s money again paid the sum of N421,885,364.63 (four hundred and twenty-one million, eight hundred and eighty-five thousand, three hundred and sixty-four Naira, sixty-three kobo) to Fasaha Intercontinental Insurance Brokers Ltd for the renewal of the in-orbit insurance policy for 19 December 2012 to 19 December 2013.
Just like other fictitious deals, we gathered that the payment was approved by the in-house tender management board fully aware that the said in-orbit insurance not renewable as it is traditionally a one-time payment.
While the copy of the insurance policy did not state the premium, no FEC approval or BPP Certificate of No-Objection was obtained for the procurement which remarkably, was not signed by either party, with no insurance certificate from the local and foreign insurers. Further diggings showed that not only was the act fraudulent, but the amount approved for the project was also above the threshold of the company’s tenders board as set out by BPP in the approved revised threshold for the award of contracts, thus contravenes section 16 (I) (2) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
The board of Unity Bank Plc is said to have perfected plans to sack the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatomi Somefun, as the fortunes of the financial institution continues to sink.
Inside sources disclosed that board is said to have lost confidence in the leadership of Somefun as she has failed to turn around the fortunes of the bank.
The bank’s board is also said to be in talks with a director in one of the first-tier banks in Nigeria to replace Somefun who has led the bank into many troubles.
Recall, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria recently commenced committal proceedings against the bank’s chief to commit her to prison for flouting orders made by the court in a motion filed by 25 ex-staff of the bank, in whose favour the Lagos division of the court had given a monetary judgment on July 3, 2019.
Also, as part of its many troubles is the personal data breach suit filed by the Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative against the lender following the unauthorized exposure of over 53,000 job seekers on the bank’s job portal.
In Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/85/2020, filed few months ago, the applicant sought: “A declaration that the Respondent’s privacy policy on its website – “https://www.unitybankng.com/privacy” violates the provision of regulation 2.5 of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019.
Also recall, an online financial newspaper had reported in late 2020 that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is considering revoking the operating license of Unity Bank Plc over its failure to meet regulatory benchmarks.
The website quoting inside sources said the regulator has been so worried about the poor performance of the bank for some years now which has made it unable to meet key regulatory requirements.
The CBN, it was gathered, may be left with no option than to withdraw the bank’s license and nationalize it to safeguard depositors’ funds as its share capital has continued to run into the negative territory.
In April 2020, Unity Bank’s auditors, KPMG, raised a red flag over its ability to continue operations because its liabilities exceeded its assets, resulting in a negative capital.
Agusto & Co. had also assigned a “Bb-” rating to the bank, meaning that it is junk, which is below investment grade.
…more to come
Shareholders of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc, at the weekend unanimously endorsed the payment of a total dividend of N3.00 per share to shareholders for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2020.
This endorsement was made on Friday, April 9th, 2021, at the Bank’s 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos. The bank had proposed a final dividend of N2.70 per unit of ordinary share held by shareholders in addition to the interim dividend of 30k interim dividend earlier paid in June 2020. GTBank according to the results presented to and applauded by shareholders at the AGM, recorded an increase in all performance indicators despite the challenging operating environment that prevailed in 2020.
Speaking at the meeting, a shareholder, Mr. Tunji Bamidele, commended the bank’s board and management for sustaining profit and dividend payment in spite of the harsh and challenging economy experienced in the year 2020 as a result of the pandemic that challenged the world.
Applauding the Managing Director’s leadership acumen and dexterity, Bamidele noted that the MD/CEO’s steering of the bank in the past 10 years has been a blessing to shareholders and the bank’s well-meaning stakeholders.
L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje; Chairman, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren and Company Secretary, Mr. Erhi Obebeduo at the bank’s 31st Annual General Meeting held at the weekend in Lagos.
In his comments, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Segun Agbaje, noted that the year 2020 was arguably the most challenging year that the world has faced in decades and that in such unprecedented times, the bank has been at the forefront of safeguarding lives and livelihood across the communities where it operates.
“We continue to receive positive and goodwill messages for the role we played at the height of the pandemic; especially for putting together very timely, a 110-bed Isolation Centre, with an intensive care unit, in partnership with the Lagos State Government,” he said, citing the Bank’s Excellence in Leadership in Africa Award which was specially created by the renowned Euromoney Magazine to spotlight private institutions at the forefront of tackling the pandemic.
Mr Agbaje also spoke about GTBank’s solid performance in a very challenging year and his confidence in the organization’s ability to keep delivering for all its stakeholders. His words, “The strength, scale and liquidity of our balance sheet, coupled with the quality of our past decisions and the efficacy of our digital-first customer-centric strategy gave us the resilience and flexibility to navigate the economic shocks and market volatility that dominated the year.”
“Amidst the many challenges that persist, we remain ardent believers in Africa’s growth potential. Our world is increasingly digital, and we see it opening new and exciting opportunities for empowering people and uplifting our communities. With our commitment to deepening customer relationships and intense focus on delivering innovative financial solutions, we enter 2021 well-positioned”, he added.
GTBank is one of Africa’s most profitable financial institutions. In 2020, the Bank reported Profit before tax of ₦238.1billion, representing a growth of 2.8% over ₦231.7billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2019. The Bank also continues to post the best metrics in the Nigerian Banking industry in terms of key Financial Ratios i.e. Post-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 26.8%, Post-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 4.6%, Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 21.9% and Cost to Income ratio of 38.2%.
The Registrar/Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), ‘Seye Awojobi has called on graduands of Ecobank Nigeria Academy to make their word their bond to excel in the banking profession.
The CIBN Registrar who gave this charge at the virtual graduation of the Ecobank Management Development Programme (EMDP) Batch 3 trainees in Lagos, emphasized integrity, honesty, trust as principal values to excel in their chosen career. He enjoined them to imbibe the ethics of the profession.
The EMDP batch 3 comprises 16 graduates who were trained at the Ecobank Nigeria Academy for 21 months. The Ecobank Graduate and Management Development programs develop officers and young graduates to become experts in the financial industry and model citizens of the country.
As of December 2020, 55 graduate trainees and 70 management trainees respectively have been placed in strategic roles across the Bank.
According to Awojobi: “You should really be grateful and count yourself lucky for this platform extended to you by Ecobank to make a life career. Know that a career is not an activity but a journey; a marathon, not sprint. keep a tenacity of purpose; remain focused, be ready for challenges and enhance your skills and knowledge to excel in this profession.
“I commend Ecobank Nigeria’s various initiatives targeted at building the capacity of its workforce. Over the years, the bank has accorded priority to various learning and development initiatives which exposes staff to new career development within the banking industry. Such competency improvement is important for the banking sector; it aligns with the current dynamics of the industry and global best practice.”
In his contribution, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, reiterated that the Bank’s deliberate policy to train and equip its workforce was in line with its transformation drive to make the financial institution the most preferred in the country.
He admonished the graduands to remain ethical and diligent in the delivery of the vision of the bank to become the most preferred financial services payments brand in Nigeria to support the economic development of households and growth of trade, manufacturing and commerce in Nigeria and Africa.
“My advice to you is to imbibe the values of this great institution. Live the values of Respect, Accountability, Customer Centricity, Integrity, Excellence and Team work as encapsulated in RACEIT. Be courageous, rise above fears and do what is right at all times.
“Be ready to learn and unlearn to reach your envisaged destination. To make a difference as a banker, you must have willingness to adapt and take ownership of yourself. Keep your bonding and use it positively not only professionally but in your personal life and be a good Ecobanker at all times,” he stated.
Also speaking, Group Executive, Human Resources, Yves Mayilamene, represented by Group Head, Talent Learning and Organisational Development, Simon Rey advised the graduands to always strive for excellence in their respective roles. While assuring them of the Bank’s support to grow in their career, he tasked them on sustainable results.
Welcoming the graduands to the bank, Head, Human Resources, Ecobank Nigeria, Kunle Adewuyi, emphasized that Ecobank is a performance-based organization, urging them to focus on their job and be result oriented.
He added: “I want all of you to look at the future and decide where you will be in the next five years or so in this great institution. I see future managing directors, Treasurers and others among you. But you have to decide that from today. You must imbibe the culture of the bank and I can assure you that the future is bright.”
Unity bank down at -9.86% to close at N0.64 was only second in position to Guinness among the list of 14 top Losers, showing a bullish movement by the NSE ASI recent survey.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange market made a bullish run at the end of the trading session today. The All-Share Index increased by +0.17% to close at 38,866.39 from 38,799.83 index points. Overall, a total volume of 160 million shares valued at N1.28 billion in 3,507 deals was exchanged on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Nigerian Stock Exchange market value currently stands at NGN 20.31Tr. Its Year-to-Date (YTD) returns currently stands at -3.49%.
The market closed in profit as at Friday April 9, 2021. Honeyflour led 14 Gainers, and Guinness topped the list of 14 Losers, showing a bullish movement by the NSE ASI.
Top gainers
HONYFLOUR up +8.85% to close at N1.23
SOVRENINS up +8.70% to close at N 0.25
JAPAULGOLD up +8.62% to close at N0.63
LIVESTOCK up +7.22% to close at N1.96
FCMB up +6.57% to close at N2.92
Top losers
GUINNESS down -10.00% to close at N29.70
UNITYBNK down -9.86% to close at N0.64
ABCTRANS down -9,09% to close at N0.30
MBENEFIT down -7.14% to close at N0.39
UAC-PROP down -6.25% to close at N0.75
An expert in in the stock market Ogunwale Oluwadamilola, Research Analyst, Edgefield Capital Management Limited.
She opines that the bullish momentum will continue on Monday saying: “We expect another positive trend in the overall performance of the market by next week, since this marks the end of trade this week.”
She also drew attention to stocks in the Consumer and financial services saying, “Stocks in the consumer and financial services sector seem to be performing well.
Not too long, National Industrial Court of Nigeria commenced committal proceedings against the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatomi Somefun to commit her to prison for flouting orders made by the court in a motion filed by 25 ex-staff of the bank, in whose favour the Lagos division of the court had given a monetary judgment on July 3, 2019.
Also, as part of its many troubles is the personal data breach suit filed by the Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative against the lender following the unauthorized exposure of over 53,000 job seekers on the bank’s job portal.
In Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/85/2020, filed few months ago, the applicant sought:
“A declaration that the Respondent’s privacy policy on its website – “https://www.unitybankng.com/privacy” violates the provision of regulation 2.5 of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019.
Not too long, the Maiduguri Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned one Adam Kaka Adam before Justice Ibrahim Jauro of the Yobe State High Court, Damaturu, on one-count charge, bordering on criminal misappropriation to the tune of N11, 657, 500.00 (Eleven Million Six Hundred and Fifty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Naira).
Adam was a former Service Manager, in charge of Vault Room and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Unity Bank Plc, Damaturu Branch, Yobe State.
Trouble started for him when the EFCC received a petition against him from his employer (Unity Bank Plc), alleging criminal misappropriation of the said sum, meant to be fed the ATM machines of the branch which he is alleged to have dishonestly converted to his personal use.
All theses indices, ranging from stocks plunging, breach of customers contracts and financial misappropriation by their staffs, experts say may have resulted in the decline in fortune of the bank.
A new book, “Who’s Who in the Yoruba Pantheon”, written by Peju Akande, Jahman Anikulapo and Toni Kan with illustrations by Abdulkareem Baba Aminu has hit the shelves.
The book captures, celebrates and hopes to re-appropriate the Yoruba Orisas who have been demonized and characterized as animist personages especially Esu, who has been mis-characterized as the devil.
Focusing on 16 orisas, “Who’s Who in the Yoruba Pantheon”, attempts to define who the orisas are by focusing on their characteristics and essences while illuminating the crucial role they play as custodians of cultural ethos and beliefs. It also captures the primacy of the orisas as agents of communal and cultural cohesion.
Commenting on the book and the process that led to its production, Toni Kan noted that “The process of writing this book provided an insightful and educational excursion into Yoruba cosmology and culture.”
On her part, Peju Akande affirmed that “Working on this book, I learned a lot about my Yoruba culture.”
For Abdulkareem Baba Aminu who brought the gods to life through his illustrations, “I felt so honoured when I was asked to come on board the project because I’ve always had a keen interest in the Yoruba orisas. Most importantly, projects like this will present the orisas to a whole new generation of Nigerians and non-Nigerians, inspiring pride, restoring a sense of history and culture for the coming decades.”
Jahman Anikulapo’s comment addressed the place of the book as a contemporary guide and educational tool. “Who’s Who in the Yoruba Pantheon is a significant contribution to the deepening of cultural understanding among the races of our collective humanity, in particular between Europe and Africa, which often appear far apart in terms of racial relationship. As father of a teenage African-German daughter, who is highly curious about African cultural and historical virtues, I appreciate the educational value of this publication, hence my gladness at contributing to the writing and production of the book.
“Who’s Who in the Yoruba Pantheon”, published by Iwalewa books is now available in bookshops.
Link – https://youtu.be/0XLFPPxBQGQ
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Handsome preacher and General Overseer (GO) of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministry, Dr. Chris Okafor, added another year on Sunday, April 4, 2021 – and in an unprecedented style, he celebrated it with his entire congregation on Easter Monday.
Held inside the beautifully decorated marque recently acquired by the ever rising ministry, The Oracle, like he is fondly called, feted all his church members and some of his high profile guests like Bishop Isaac Idahosa, Prophet Anene Nwachukwu, Pastor Anthoni Okoh, Apostle Psalm Okpe and Apostle Harrison Bayagbon, among many others.
Different kinds of food and non alcoholic drinks were in abundance, and in an atmosphere of joy and happiness, everyone celebrated, thanking their senior pastor for his generosity and also praying for long life for him, more prosperity and anointing.
Commenting briefly on why he adopted that modus operandi to celebrate the milestone age, Dr. Okafor said: “It couldn’t have been any other way. I mean, those are the closest people to me, my family and my everything. It wouldn’t have been proper to insulate them from the celebration and yet continue to be their spiritual head. They have been with me every step of the way, and the only way to at least show a little appreciation, other than my constant prayers and intercession for them, was to eat and drink with them on my special day.”
Still on the birthday celebration, some members who were battling different challenges were also supported both financially and otherwise.
According to Dr. Chris, this was in response to the Biblical admonition to always be our brother’s keeper. “There’s actually nothing I have done that is so special as a Christian. No celebration would have been worth it without touching the lives of other people. Even our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, while He was here, went about feeding people, healing the sick and leaving all those He met and encountered with a permanent smile. If you read the Bible, you will see it well documented there.”
On his prayer at 40, he said it’s for the Lord to continue to uphold him, manifest more in the lives of his members, increase his anointing and above all, continue to use him to “depopulate the kingdom of darkness.”
Finally, he added that he desires very strongly to touch and affect more lives with his philanthropy. “After all, what is life without reaching out to others, especially the less privileged, by way of lessening their burdens and getting them to smile again?”
The fun filled birthday celebration was anchored by Acapella, alongside Praise Machine, Okon Lagos, Eben and a couple of other gifted musicians, both established and upcoming ones.
Meanwhile, history was also made on Sunday, April 4, 2021 by Dr. Chris Okafor.
The firebrand minister of the gospel unveiled his eight new books.
The event, which was witnessed by fellow preachers, family and church members, coincided with his birthday celebration.
Among the books unveiled at the colourful ceremony are Winning By The Spirit, Dimension Of The Spirit, Bloodline Patterns, Practical Steps To Prosperity And Deliverance, Prayer Classic, Activating And Enforcing The Prophetic.
All the books are rich in spiritual and life lessons and deserve a place in every serious library.
Speaking on how he was able to write all the eight books despite his busy schedule, Dr. Okafor said: “It’s all about priority and planning. I read everyday for a minimum of 2 hours. I also write unfailingly everyday.”
On why everybody should endeavour to get copies of the books, he added that “reading makes a man…The more you read, the more you learn and also earn…Moreover, those that read will continue to be ahead of those who don’t…Therefore, the advantages are innumerable and I’m encouraging you to join the knowledge gang instead of wasting your time and life with the ignorant ones.”
All the books, alongside his old ones, are available in bookshops throughout the country. They can also be purchased from the church’s Osofisan Street headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos.
Dr. Chris Okafor has so far written 17 books, and like he told us “more books are still coming…More books are on the way and in the offing…But one after the other, we shall be releasing and unveiling them…”
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