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Establish Branches In South Africa, Ramaphosa Urges Nigerian Banks

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President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Nigerian banks to set up branches in South Africa as the country signs more pacts with Nigeria on power, oil and gas, and other areas.

At a joint press conference at the State House when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari, the South African president said: “We are particularly encouraged by the interest from Nigerian banks and it has been recommended they work with the South African regulatory authorities to facilitate their access into the financial sector in South Africa.”

Recall that Nigeria’s Access Bank in June made its presence in South Africa with the opening of Access Bank South.

President Ramaphosa, who spoke about the new pacts, said: “At present, our countries have signed approximately 32 agreements and today we have added other agreements.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, said the signing of the pact was for the progress and prosperity of citizens of both countries.

‘‘Today has witnessed the signing of new Memoranda of Understanding between Nigeria and South Africa in diverse areas including youth development, women and child empowerment, and political consultations; critical areas that will lead to increased people-to-people contact.

‘‘Also, existing MOUs signed during previous Bi-National Commission meetings were also reviewed. These include MOUs on military cooperation, power, cooperation in the field of geology, mining, and mineral processing, oil and gas, and several others.”

Buhari said the inauguration of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade and Investment, would enable the private sectors of the two largest economies in Africa to further promote economic cooperation and development.

 

Stop Using Tyre To Roast Animals, FCT Agric Secretary Urges Slaughterhouses

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Mr Abubaka Ibrahim, the newly inaugurated Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat has cautioned slaughterhouses against the use of tyres to roast slaughtered animals.

Ibrahim issue the warning when he undertook a visit to the Kubwa Abattoir on Wednesday, in Abuja, a day after his inauguration by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello.

He urged butchers to be conscious of the health risks associated with such practice and encourage them to make use of gas blowers.

He explained that the visit of the abattoir was in line with the matching order to mandate secretaries to advance people-centred policies of the administration.

Ibrahim also said the visit would enable him have first hand assessment of the state of the abattoir, noting it needed to be standardised to operate in line with standards befitting of the status of the FCT.

”We will ensure that the livestock sector runs effectively to meet the increasing demand for beef-cow meat.

”We will invest in animal genetics, in artificial insemination and modernise our abbatoirs in the FCT.

”The livestock sector constitutes a significant part of the agriculture sector contributing around 1.7 per cent to Nigerian Gross Domestic product and about nine per cent to the Agricultural value chain,” he said.

He expressed concern over the state of facilities and services at kubwa slaughter slabs and envisioned proper and modern abbatoir and meat haulage system.

”This visit is part of effort by the FCTA to ensure the availability of whole some meat for the FCT populace.”

He said that the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, had expressed concerns over the state of facilities and services at the various slaughter slabs across the FCT.

“The whole world is grappling with the devastating effects of diseases and we can not afford to expose our people to the risk of the diseases.

”We have to start making changes to ensure that we upgrade our facilities with focus on enforcement and hygienic practices, ” he said.

The secretary urged them to take advantage of the expertise in the Veterinary Services Department to ensure that the aspects of meat inspection disease reporting and control were effectively handled.

(NAN)

Buhari Departs Abuja, Set To Participate In Expo 2020 In Dubai

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President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Abuja for Dubai where he is expected to attend the Expo 2020 in the United Arab Emirates.

The Expo 2020 Dubai is aimed at creating an environment for Nigerians to join over 190 countries to forge true and meaningful partnerships.

According to a statement by the president’s spokesman, Femi Adesina on Wednesday, the expo will provide an opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to highlight significant strides in the economy in the last six years as a basis for making the country an important destination for foreign direct investment.

Asides from touring the Nigerian pavilion at the expo on Friday, Nigeria’s national day, the president will also receive in audience prospective investors as well as meet with his highness, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.

On Saturday, President Buhari will be the special guest of honour at the special trade and investment forum.

Top government officials in the president’s entourage include the ministers of foreign affairs, industry, trade and investment, finance, budget and national planning.

President Buhari is expected back in Abuja on Sunday, December 5.

 

Sen. Kalu Condemns Misinterpretation Of His Visit By Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Ejiofor To IPOB Leader

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Senator representing Abia North, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed disappointment with Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, one of the counsels to the embattled leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB Nnamdi Kanu, saying the lawyer is misinforming the general public that he took pictures with IPOB leader.

While stating that he never took pictures and circulated same on twitter as being alleged by Ejiofor, the Senate Chief Whip said he fulfilled all guidelines before being granted access to Nnamdi Kanu.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sen. Kalu a former Abia State Governor said the picture being circulated online was taken in 2016 during his visit to the leader of the secessionist group in Kuje prison Abuja.

He berated Ejiofor for sounding like someone who is a beneficiary of the crisis who wishes it does not end.

He said, “It has come to my notice, the statement issued by one of the counsels to Maazi Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in which I am very disappointed in him. He rightly acknowledged that I was scheduled to visit his client and at the same time, claimed that I violated the guidelines stipulated for visiting his client. According to him, he was supposed to be present at the 2pm meeting on Monday.

“Several people, including Barrister Ejiofor, have tried to misinterpret and misinform the public about my visit to my brother, Nnamdi. I also read a report stating that I took pictures with Nnamdi and also tweeted same on my Twitter account.

“For the records, the Department of State Services (DSS) did not break any protocol during my visit as I fulfilled all the requirements expected of me before I saw Nnamdi. The DSS affirmed that I cannot see Nnamdi without the application of his lawyers which I diligently did.

“Probably, Barrister Ejiofor may have expected me to arrive at 4pm for a scheduled 2pm visit. What many people refer to as “African time” is not my style. I strictly keep to time and it is a discipline I have upheld since my childhood. I arrived the DSS headquarters at 1:50 PM ; went through the necessary protocols and met Nnamdi at 2:17 PM. I stayed with him until 2: 57 PM. Even though he asked that I stayed longer but I had to leave because of other engagements .

“During my visit to Nnamdi, I did not even take my mobile phone along and no photograph was taken. The photograph people are circulating was the one I took with him when I visited him at the Nigerian Correctional Service Medial Security Custodial Centre, Kuje in 2016 and later, his parents in 2017. My Twitter account has also been inactive .

“I don’t also know if Barrister Ejiofor is aware that Nnamdi is not under compulsion to see anyone. If he didn’t want to see me, he could have as well declined, but he was glad to see me and also expressed deep appreciations.

” Ejiofor’s anger seems to be borne out of vexation of not being around to listen to our conversations. He sounds like someone who is a beneficiary of the crisis. People like him may not see the economic damage the Southeast is experiencing because of the weekly sit-at-home. He does not understand that people can protest in peace without disrupting economic activities and going violent. He does not understand that there are people whose livelihood solely depends on daily hustle. If you have people’s interest at heart, you should as well consider their security, economic prosperity and peaceful livelihood.

“I call on Ejiofor to be patriotic, rise above primordial and pecuniary interest and put the interest of the people of the Southeast and the country first.”

Sen. Kalu Greets Ogbonnaya Onu At 70, Describes Minister As Patriotic Statesman

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Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has described Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu as a consummate politician and patriotic statesman with passion for humanity.

Extolling the virtues of the Minister, Kalu acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the celebrant to the growth and development of Abia state and Nigeria in general.

Kalu urged the Minsiter to sustain his remarkable feat in leadership and humanity, adding that the former Governor is a role model for his contemporaries and the younger generation.

In a congratulatory message, the Chief Whip of the Senate, prayed for longer life for the Minister.

He said, “On behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial district, I felicitate with former Governor of Abia State and current Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu as he turns 70.

“The Minister has contributed to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria in various capacities.

“The celebrant has over the years sustained his goodwill and pedigree owing to his outstanding leadership style.

“He is respected across the country for his firm commitment to a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria.

‘As he attains this glorious feat, I wish the Minister many more fulfilling years ahead”.

Kalu also extended his warm greetings to political associates of the celebrant.

Four Cult Leaders Denounce Membership As Thunderbolt Rescue Mission Hits UNICAL With Anti Cult Crusade

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No fewer than four ex-cult leaders at the weekend denounced their membership following a crusade organised by an anti-cult group, Thunderbolt Rescue Mission at the University of Calabar as part of its advocacy against cultism and sundry crimes in the academic institutions across Nigeria.

They were said to have been touched by the message of the crusade titled, “Come Back” which centered on losses associated with cultism.

In his ministration at the 2-day crusade, the President and Founder, Vision Savers Global Outreach, an anti-cult organization, Pst Emmanuel Obasi urged the students to ignore undue pressure to join any secret cult, warning that it leads to self-destruction and can pose a threat to their future.

The cleric, an ex-cult leader revealed that cultists will attempt to lure their soft targets with enticing words, advising the youths to ignore such pressure as cultism remains a profitless venture.

“You saw the expression on the faces of the students. They are shocked that a cultist can denounce. Those intending to join, their eyes were opened to see that there is nothing in cultism.

“The cultists have an evil way of packaging cultism to be a good thing. But with our ministration, they have been able to know the dangers of cultism.

“Anyone who joins after our campaign here, especially those that attended the crusade is doing so out of personal volition.

“We have also empowered them to withstand the pressure of going back again. They have been taught how to live above fear and threat. We have embedded them with capacity to do that” he told ABN TV.

He announced that the campaign is targeting other higher institutions in the South particularly Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Rivers and Uyo.

Pst Obasi however said technical and financial constraints have remained topmost challenges in the mission.

He therefore called on individuals, groups and corporate organizations to partner with the groups in its efforts to lend support to bring to the barest minimum cultism and related activities in our environment.

Senator Orji Kalu Should Be Commended For Being The First Igbo Leader To Visit Nnamdi Kanu – Ohanaeze Tells Ejiofor

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The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization has reacted angrily to the outburst by Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor on the recent visit of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody on Tuesday.

Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the main counsel for jailed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, has urged an inquiry into former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit to his client in DSS custody on Monday.

On Monday, Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate, paid a visit to the IPOB leader, who is being held in DSS custody as a result of a court order.

Reacting to the outburst by Ejiofor, Ohanaeze Youths Assembly in a statement made available to journalists by its Spokesperson, Philip Ajah warned the IPOB lawyer to stop attacking the Chief Whip of the Senate.

According to the group, the action of Ejiofor was regrettable and embarrassing to Ndigbo and lovers of Nnamdi Kanu.

The group noted that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu being a former Governor and Chief Whip of the Senate, is a respected Igbo son who is working hard to negotiate the release of the detained IPOB leader.

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We cannot but express regret in the action of Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor who is now acting like a President of lost group without direction. Obviously, his action was to paint an illustrious Igbo son bad in the eyes of the masses for reasons best known to him.

“It is obvious Mr. Ejiofor is trying to sabotage the urgent release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. There is no crime for a high ranking government official like Senator Kalu to visit his brother in DSS custody. Kalu should be commended for courage, boldness and solidarity to the IPOB leader. For him to have summoned the courage to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is very commendable.

“Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor is not happy that some Igbo leaders are working so hard for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. His intention was to cause disaffection between Kanu’s supporters and these leaders. We are warning him to stop sabotaging his release. He should desist from his ugly antics of using Nnamdi Kanu’s name and IPOB to gain cheap popularity,” the group said.

Sen. Kalu Nominated To Chair Grand Hosting Of Newly Promoted Progressive Club Members

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All is not set for former governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu to chair the grand hosting of newly promoted members of the progressive club of the Island, Lagos State.

The event is scheduled to hold at the reception hall of Island club on December 19.

According to the organizers, the nomination of Sen. Kalu as chairman of the occasion is borne out of the the political innovativeness, social entrepreneurship and detrabilized mindset of the Abia North Senator.

In a letter to Kalu signed by Chief Femi Akinboboye, the group commended the Senate Chief Whip, who is a longtime member of Island club for his outstanding leadership qualities.

The letter reads in part, “the Progressive Group of the Premier Social Club at our last meeting unanimously agreed that we jointly host and honour our newly promoted members during our end of year party in recognition of their sterling qualities and elevation in their respective professional careers.

“I am glad to inform you of your invitation as the Chairman of the Day taken into consideration of your fatherly roles, political innovativeness and social entrepreneurship.

“On behalf of the grand patron, patrons, the Leadership and the entire members of this group, we look forward to your esteemed presence at the event”.

Kalu has consistently taken part in various activities of the well respected club.

APC Chairmanship Aspirant Promises To Rsolve Party Crisis In Kwara

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Malam Saliu Mustapha, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, has promised to end the crisis in the Kwara State chapter of the party, if elected as National Chairman.

The national chairmanship aspirant said this when he spoke with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja on his aspiration.

He said he decided to join the race for APC National Chairman to improve on what was on ground.

Speaking on the crisis in the Kwara State chapter of the APC, Mustapha said: “We don’t have to have a divided house in Kwara.

“It is a minor disagreement.

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“If I become APC’s national chairman, I will make sure I bring an end to this crisis in Kwara.

“All hands need to be on the desk.

“We don’t believe in washing our dirty linen in the public.

“We must exhaust every possible option because we have the opposition out there waiting to lash on any opportunity.

“We are not quiet.

“We are strategising and we are also reconciling our differences.”

Mustapha said he has shared a very cordial relationship with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, adding: “If you cast your mind back, I was also an aspirant for the governorship seat of Kwara in 2018.

“Due to some irregularities in the party then, I was disqualified.

“I did not go to court because I felt we are one and the same and I was looking at the bigger days.

“If I had gone to court, we would have had another Rivers or Zamfara in Kwara.

“It was based on our friendly understanding that made me not to go to court and we still share the same as I am talking to you.”

Mustapha said that during his turbaning as the new Turaki of Ilorin, the governor was not only present, but supported him throughout the traditional rites.

He added that the governor was canvassing support for him to enable him realise his chairmanship aspiration, saying that he had lots of positive history with him.

This, Mustapha said, was because it would be an advantage for the state to have him as APC national chairman.

On what he was bringing on board if elected as APC’s next national chairman, he said though the party had achieved a lot, there was need to improve on its achievements.

He said: “I have gathered experience over the years, which I intend to bring in to improve upon what we have now.

“I am bringing in goodwill, experience, and youthfulness, not youthful exuberance.

“First and foremost, I hope to see a party that promotes equity, fairness and justice so that we all can enjoy true democracy dividends.

“It is when you have such party that popular candidates can emerge at elections and when popular candidates emerge based on their merits, you don’t suffer the fear of election rigging.”

Mustapha also development and mining expert explained the thoughts of rigging elections only come in where there was no popular candidate.

He added that when unpopular candidates were rigged in during elections, the end result was bad government and bad representation.

He added that his desire was to bring on board a party that would promote internal discipline and be held accountable for its manifesto and promises.

He said: “I will make APC an open book and not a cabal to itself.

“This idea of one man show does not go well.

“As human beings, we all have faults but we always strive towards perfection.”

Mustapha debunked insinuations that the APC chairmanship position was an exclusive right of the party’s former governors, adding that the position was open to all aspirants.

EFCC Charges State House Of Assembly Speaker Over Fraud Allegation

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The Ondo State House of Assembly speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun was threatened to be sent to prison after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dragged him to the state High Court sitting at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, Akure, the state capital.

Together with several members of the House, Oleyelogun was to be charged in court on charges of seminar fraud of N2.4 million. But the indictment was jammed because of the late hearing notification service about advice to EFCC, Mr. Dibangi Fredrick.

The duties of journalists to access the court to watch the trial process are also reportedly inhibited by prison officials led by Squadron Commander, Mr. Ibrahim Ayooola Ogunja.

In a statement, he claimed to have instructions from the correctional center’s comptroller to the bar journalists to get access to the court.

In addition to threatening to shoot journalists if they did not immediately leave the location of the trial, the squadron commander also pointed to other prison officials to prepare their weapons to shoot.

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EFCC also arrested the Clerk of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Bode Adeyelu including three other staff for an alleged similar fraud. The parliamentarian representing Akoko South West I in the House, Felemu Bankole was also detained by the Clerk of the Assembly.

The Sacked Deputy Speaker, Iroju Ogundeji, has accused that the Speaker and other principal officers collected and distributed the fund of N2.4 million which was intended for a seminar in Lagos which they had never attended in 2019.

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