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  • Firm launches new POS machines for the unbank

    Click Power Enterprise Limited in partnership with a Chinese firm, SZFP Technology Limited has launched a new Smart and Mini  Point of Sales (POS) Terminal that is handy, pocket friendly and is easy to operate in unbank areas.

    The Co-Founder of Click Power Enterprise Limited, Patrick Amalaha announced it at the introduction of the product held recently in Lagos, said that the device is to be sold to mobile money operators such as banks and other bodies who uses point of sales services for their businesses.

    He said that we are also into agency banking which is part of our core business and we are partnering with GTBank and we hope to extend it to other banks.

    “We are working hard to build a seamless integrated platform with our agency banking with  the organizations  that we are partnering with” he said.

    He posited that the agency banking introduced by the Central  Bank of Nigeria is evolving and we want to support the initiative with the pocket friendly POS box that will ensure seamless financial transaction for both corporate organization and unbank areas.

    “We intend to reach the least banking areas, areas where they don’t have access to bank. These include market women, petty trader who wants to have access to financial services. Our agency is poised to give Nigerians financial access through this platform”, he said. .

    Amala added We have smaller devices that can be connected to your bank account. Banks will take care of the bank end and you do your business seamlessly. The uniqueness of this product is accessibility, carriability  and user friendly interface and easy integration.

    He noted that the POS work with individuals and institutions with a corporate account with the bank but click power can cover for individuals without a corporate account with its click power wallet housing with the bank and the bank will link it to their products.

    Also, in his words, the Business Development Manager of Click Power Enterprise limited, lkdnna Ezewaroke said that the partnering company SZFP that produces the products has predeigree and a track record of success.

    He said that the devices they are bringing and terminal application management system are very robust and its support the kind of business we want to do in that space.

    “Banking in Nigeria is evolving and we have gone the extra mile to make the agency banking more effective in its financial transaction”, he said.

    “We have working toward engaging 10,000 to 15, 000 merchants across the country and we will leverage our experience in the banking system”, he said.

    He added that the organization has put in place 24 hours non stop contact service where issue regarding merchants, card holders  and people on our platform can be address.

  • Oscar rejigs board for Nigerian film entries

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has reconstituted a 12-man committee of Nollywood stakeholders ahead of the 2020 Academy Awards, popularly called The Oscars.

    Comprising old and young Nollywood stakeholders, the newly constituted Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) is headed by pioneer member, Chineze Anyaene as Chairman.

    Other members are: Mildred Okwo, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Ngozi Okafor, Charles Novia, Abba Makama, Bruce Ayonote, Ramsey Nouah, Chioma Ude, Shaibu Husseini, Adetokunbo ‘DJ Tee’ Odubawo and C. J Obasi.

    “We don’t take this for granted. We hope the committee fulfils its original mandate, which is to give a platform to credible Nigerian films to compete at the prestigious Academy Awards annually,” said NOSC Chairman Chineze Anyaene.

    “We couldn’t make any submissions in previous years due to unavailability of qualifying films, but things are looking hopeful… and we are actively working towards having an entry this year,” he added.

    Nigeria joined 82 other countries in contesting the Foreign Language diadem, now called ‘International Feature Film’ category, after an approval and subsequent inauguration of the NOSC in February 2014.

    But Nollywood could not present any film for the Oscars as the few submissions did not meet basic criteria.

    The International Feature Film of the Oscars gives opportunity to Nigerian filmmakers living in Nigeria and Diaspora for a shot at the foremost creative industry award scheme globally.

  • Boko Haram, ISWAP fleeing to North, Central Africa, says Army

    Boko Haram fighters are fleeing to neighbouring countries as well as North and Central African nations, following military bombardments of their strongholds in the Northeast, the Nigerian Army said yesterday.

    A statement by its spokesman Col Sagir Musa said the concerted efforts of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) had led to the death of scores of Boko Haram fighters have been killed and their remnants are in mass exodus to the border towns outside Nigeria.

    Musa said: “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public that due to the combined onslaught on the identified hideouts of elements of the criminal elements of bandits and erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters by our troops and the MNJTF, at the fringes of Lake Chad region, there is observed massive exodus of the criminals out of Lake Chad Tumbus to North and Central Africa sub-regions.

    “There are credible reports from very reliable sources indicating massive movements of the criminal groups out of the area towards Sudan and Central African Republic as a result of successful artillery and aerial bombardments of their settlements and as the heat of the onslaught is becoming unbearable.

    Read Also: Army bans NGO for ‘aiding Boko Haram’

    “This mass movement for their lives was necessitated, following the sustained air and artillery bombardments by the Nigerian Armed Forces and coalition forces of the MNJTF, which killed uncountable erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and destroyed their weapons and equipment.

    “The various national troops and the MNJTF are maintaining aggressive patrols and blocking positions against infiltration by the escaping criminals.

    “It is important to note that most of the Tumbus are located along the Quadrangular borders of Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Nigeria. To further annihilate the fleeing terrorists, efforts are ongoing for continued shelling, bombardment and pursuits. Similarly, the countries in these sub-regions have also had been contacted through the MNJTF headquarters.”

  • Fed Govt moves to nail money launderers, terror financiers

    The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to meet global standards for combating money laundering and terrorists financing in the country.

    The move is expected to end financial crimes and other threats to internal security.

    Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola broken the news yesterday in his office in Abuja when the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Mr. Modibbo Tukur visited him.

    The minister promised to provide the leadership required to fight the crime so that requisite policy oversight is given to ensure that the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) perform optimally to meet their obligations as members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing.

    Read Also: EFCC recovers N800m, arrest 280 suspects in Kano

    “I assure you of my commitment to ensure that appropriate strategies are put in place to meet the global standards for combating Money Laundering and Terrorists Financing,” Aregbesola said.

    A statement by the Director (Press and Public Relations) in the ministry, Mohammed Manga, said the minister explained that if terrorism financing was arrested in Nigeria, the confidence of foreign investors would be boosted and socio-economic activities would be boosted among Nigerians.

    He said terrorists financing was a major threat to internal security in the country.

    Aregbesola hailed the NFIU for its roles, with regards to coordinating national legal, regulatory and operational frameworks for combating money laundering, terrorist financing, threats to the integrity of the international financial system and maintenance of internal security in Nigeria.

    Tukur said his team was at the Interior Ministry in recognition of its importance as one of the three key ministries with strategic roles to combat the challenges of money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation of arms.

    Hamman, who also said his team came to brief the minister on the forthcoming mutual evaluation exercise by the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, identified other parties as the Federal Ministries of Finance, Budget and National Planning as well as Justice.

    He intimated Aregbesola with the proposed assessment of the ministry and 34 other Federal Government agencies by the global community under the auspices of Financial Action Task Force, billed for next month.

    The global task force is saddled with reviewing various countries of the world to see their compliance with their national legislations in the areas of criminalisation of crimes, money laundering and related crimes to ensure that a particular country’s system is not threatening itself to undermine peace and development across the globe.

  • NGO hails Fed Govt’s move to reform prison

    A non-governmental organisation, Anchor Heritage, has lauded the Federal Government for signing into law, the Nigerian Correctional Service Bill to reform the prison system.

    The new bill repealed the Nigeria Prisons Act and proclaimed the treatment of prisons as a correctional centers.

    Anchor Heritage President Bidemi Oladipupo said the government’s move aligned with the vision and plans of the group.

    “Our organisation has embarked on empowerment programmes across prisons in the Southwest and Northcentral, empowering over 400 inmates as part of our contributions to the prison reform process,” he said.

    He called on the Federal Government to partner the private sector in providing services for congested Nigerian prisons in line with global best practices.

    “We believe that empowered inmates will re-integrate easily into the society to become productive citizens,” he said.

  • SGF, Ribadu, others to reposition Adamawa APC

    The Northeast zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a 39-member Central Steering Committee to reposition the party in Adamawa State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that part of the committee’s assignment was also to reconcile the aggrieved aspirants and candidates for positions during the 2019 general election.

    The party, in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Vice Chairman (Northeast), Alhhaji Mustapha Shaliu, said the committee was set up to develop a programme of action for its repositioning and strengthening.

    NAN recalls that the party had, since the last general election, been embroiled in crisis, leading to the victory of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the polls.

    Shaliu said the committee, headed by Abdulrahman Adamu, had the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as co-chairmen.

    Read Also: PDP urges INEC to warn Bello, APC against violence

    Other members of the committee, according to him, include the former governor, Mohammed Jibrilla (Bindow), ex-Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Dahiru Bobbo, Sen. Jonathan Zwingina and Sen. Ahmed Barata, among others.

    He said the committee was also charged with the task of proposing modalities that would ensure free and fair primaries ahead of the coming local government election and future elections.

    Shaliu said it was also expected to propose ways and means of raising funds for running the affairs of the party.

    “Its other tasks are to develop an effective media and public enlightenment programme for repositioning the party to its winning form.

    “To co-ordinate and support the election petitions by the party at tribunals and courts.

    “To carry out any other function as may be directed by the National Working Committee of the APC,” he said.

  • INEC to officials: track election activities

    Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up training of its officials in tracking and intervention technics on election day.

    National Commissioner Mrs. Amina Zakari, at the opening of a two-day workshop of the Election Monitoring and Support System (EMSC), advised participants, including Electoral Officers (EOs), Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) and others from the national headquarters, Abuja, to track voting activities on election day.

    She noted that since its introduction and adaptation by INEC, the EMSC has engendered improved performance in the discharge of its electoral duties.

    Zakari hailed the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) for its commitment to the growth and improvement in Nigeria’s electoral process.

    The Senior Project Officer, ECES, Mr. Sylvestre Somo, highlighted some of the importance of the measures.

    Read Also: PDP urges INEC to warn Bello, APC against violence

    “The EMSC is an integrated structure of the Election Management System (EMS), Election Risk Management (ERM) and Electoral Operations and Support Centre (EOSC). The combination of the three electoral support systems is aimed at achieving a better and enhanced platform for planning and tracking the implementation of electoral activities with a wider view and a better control on election management.

    “One important thing the EMSC can assist us to achieve is the early identification of challenges to the election plan.”

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. James Apam called for increase in the number of security personnel deployed for the November 16 governorship election.

    He said the duty of security operatives on election day is not limited to providing security for the electorate and election materials, but also to protect INEC officials.

    Apam said there were recorded cases where some ad-hoc workers, particularly corps members, were attacked, with some even dying.

    “As a result, there is need to increase the number of personnel, to prevent reoccurrence of such ugly incidents,” he said.

  • Why 100% fruit juice is good in diet, by experts

    Experts have recommended the regular consumption of fruits as a key ingredient to providing important nutrients for overall health and wellness. They have also advised that people drink 100% fruit juice to balance their diet and improve their wellness.

    Achieving the recommended goals of five fruit portion per day can be challenging and become hindered by availability, convenience, and affordability. This is what makes fruit juice a smart choice since it is a delicious and nutritious way to consume a range of exciting variants of whole fruits every day.

    100% fruit juice has no added sugar, but contains only the naturally occurring sugars found in the fruit from which the juice is squeezed. When included as part of your healthy diet, 100% fruit juice can help meet recommended daily goals for fruit intake because it is a nutrient-dense drink that provides vitamins, minerals (folic acid, thiamine and magnesium) and beneficial plant nutrients like polyphenols.

    Read Also: Benefits of eating fruits in season

    It is also vital to educate yourself on facts that will help you select a healthy product made from real fruit and not some concocted chemicals mixture. The first place to start is to go with time tested and trusted brands and whilst also paying attention to the nutrition facts on the label. Be careful to check that ‘100% fruit juice’ is clearly written on the packaging.

    In the Nigeria market, one well-known 100% fruit juice time tested and trusted brand is Chivita 100%. It is recommended for its supreme quality, purity and taste. In order to get real value for your money, always ensure that your fruit juice contains no preservatives or artificial colours.

    According to Folakemi Adeyemi, a nutritionist with Healthyliving International, consuming 100% fruit juices with no added sugar can reduce calories associated with added sugar without compromising quality nutrition.

    “Globally, products with added sugars have come under severe scrutiny because they are believed to provide what is mostly referred to as empty calories without adding nutritional benefits. The natural sugar in fruit juices come with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant. They are a convenient way to reach your daily fruit intake recommendations,” she stated.

    Fruits is a must have for an everyday balanced diet, and 100% fruit juice is a convenient way to enjoy a portion of fruit when one fails to eat enough whole fruit and vegetables for healthy living. So, whether your favourite fruit is out of season or not readily available, you can reach out for convenience and healthy choice of your favourite fruit in 100% fruit juice.

  • IBB hails Niger lawmakers on performance

    A Former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on Thursday told members of the Niger State House of Assembly that their performance meets the people’s expectations.

    He said the lawmakers have been up and doing and have taken their duties seriously.

    Babangida spoke when the legislators visited him at his Uphill home in Minna.

    He said: “I have been looking forward to meeting with you. I am proud to say that you have been doing well. You are meeting our expectations.”

    The elder statesman urged the lawmakers to maintain a good working relationship with the other two arms of the government, saying it would be beneficial to the state.

    Read Also: Gumi decries 2019 general election

    “We have heard of states lacking synergy among the arms of the government, but in Niger State that should not be your lot. Keep a good working relationship between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. You have been doing this and I want you to keep it up,” he said.

    Babangida urged the lawmakers to initiate people-oriented programmes and projects and carry the people along.

    Said he: “You are closer to the people. It is your responsibility to know what the people need and carry them along all the time. Do not leave them outside your projects and programmes.”

    Speaker Abdullahi Bawa Wuse said they visited the former President to get the blessings required to run the legislature effectively.

    He acknowledged the leadership role Babangida has played in and out of office, noting that his fatherly role has ensured the country remains indivisible.

    “We are here to get the blessing of our father; this is because we know your concern and commitment to the development of this state and Nigeria.

    “Outside office, you have done more than you did while in office. Your role as a father in the nation has ensured that Nigeria remains indivisible.”

  • Ekiti SIEC chairman unfit to conduct council polls, PDP alleges

    Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has declared the Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Jide Aladejana, unfit to conduct elections into the 16 local government area councils.

    The PDP also berated Governor Kayode Fayemi for appointing Aladejana as the head of the electoral body despite his alleged “tainted integrity,” saying the appointment had placed a constitutional burden on the commission.

    In a statement signed yesterday in Ado Ekiti by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jackson Adebayo, the party questioned how a dismissed judge in the state’s judiciary could be appointed to preside over a sensitive body that should be headed by persons of “unquestionable character.”

    The opposition party alleged that all attempts by Aladejena to overturn his dismissal was overruled by courts at different levels, stressing that he lacked the requisite qualification to occupy such a position.

    The PDP added that Governor Fayemi’s action had shown that he had no interest in consolidating democracy, but only preoccupied with casting a pall on the electoral process in the state.

    Read Also: OYSIEC members sue Makinde over dissolution

    The party also accused the governor of appointing card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state as members of the SIEC.

    The PDP alleged: “It’s unfortunately ridiculous that the Governor could assemble people who are constitutionally barred to conduct elections in the state. It was on this basis that Governor Fayemi was stopped from conducting local government elections in his first term, when Oloketuyi’s membership of SIEC then was proved to be inappropriate because he was a card-carrying member of the ruling party, which he is till today and also a member of the electoral body.

    “It is evident he’s deliberately erecting wall of disruption in the way of the elections so that he could continue to pocket the allocations to the council in the absence of democratically elected officers.

    “However, we want to assure him that PDP will go into the election with all seriousness, unlike the coward party that decided to boycott the previous local government elections in the state.”

    But the SIEC’s Commissioner in charge of Media and Publicity, Chief Soji Oloketuyi, debunked the opposition party’s allegations.

    He described the claims and allegations by the PDP as not only spurious but also baseless.

    Oloketuyi said the allegation by the opposition party that Justice Aladejana was dismissed from the bench, at a time when elections were just few months away, was only aimed at distracting the commission and derail the electoral process.

    He, however, said he was eminently qualified to be a member of the SIEC, contrary to the claims by the PDP.

    He also insisted that he was never a card-carrying member of any of the political parties.

    The SEIC commissioner said: “To the best of my knowledge, Justice Aladejana was never dismissed from the bench. He remains one of the most credible Ekiti men with dignity; so, to us, we consider this a distraction.

    “If those making the allegations are sure of themselves, let them show the proof of their accusations. I was appointed as an electoral commissioner during the first term of ex-governor Ayodele Fayose and now reappointed by Governor Kayode Fayemi. This was an eloquent testimony to my integrity as a former public servant.

    “I worked in the civil service and retired as the immediate past public relations officer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti. So, I never carried the card of any political party.”