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  • Christ Embassy to launch pidgin version of Holy Bible

    The Christ Embassy church says it will soon launch its pidgin version of the Holy Bible to further propagate the words of God.

    Pastor Eddie Owase, Head of the Warri Ministry Centre of the Christ Embassy, disclosed this on Tuesday night in Warri as part of activities by the church to mark Nigeria’s 59th independence.

    “We have been able to translate the Holy Bible into pidgin, that is one of the biggest things we will give to the world soon,” he said.

    Owase said that the annual Reach out Nigeria through the Rhapsody of Realities, a daily devotional of the ministry, had been translated into different languages in the country.

    The cleric said that 2 million copies of the Rhapsody translated into Urhobo, pidgin, Ijaw and Itsekiri languages were launched in Delta in 2019.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill Adamawa Tabital Pulaaku chairman, guest

    “The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the God’s power to save humanity,“ he said.

    He also said that the ministry would continue to sustain the programme which it started 11 years ago, to win souls for Christ.

    “Reach out Nigeria which started 11 years ago is a programme, designed to reach out to people, professionals, prisoners and those in the hospitals among others with the words of God.

    “We know that God’s word is the power to change the life of the people and if there is going to be progress and prosperity, it is going to be through the power of God.

    “We carried out various projects in orphanages, police, prisons among others in Delta and we are glad reaching out to souls in the country, we will continue to do that.

    “There is hope for Nigeria, at 59; Nigeria is great, not diminishing nor disintegrating.

    “It is our prayer that God will continue to sustain our leaders to do the inevitable and lead the country on the part of peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.

    Owase appealed to the leaders to embrace the words of God and believe in the unity and greatness of the country.

    “God loves Nigeria, irrespective of our differences, challenges, this country can only rise to be greater and stronger.”

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Great Football Club of Warri won the 2019 Reach out Nigeria Football tournament organised by the ministry.

  • JUST IN: Many feared killed as bus plunges into Ogun river

    Many persons have been feared killed after a passenger bus plunged into River Ososa in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Wednesday evening.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred around 4:30pm while the bus with yet to be specified number of passengers was travelling on the Sagamu- Ijebu Ode-Benin Expressway.

    The Nation reports the unfortunate accident occurred barely a week after a non-academic staff bus of Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Ijebu Ode plunged into the same river.

    At the time of the report, divers and rescuers were still battling to save occupants of the vehicle which was said to have lost control before flipping into the river.

    It was gathered that the bus driver had attempted to overtake another vehicle on the road but suddenly had a bad tyre causing it to fall into the river.

    Confirming the incident, Ogun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it was as a result of over speeding.

    Sector Commander Clement Oladele told The Nation that high water levels occasioned by the heavy downpour on Tuesday was making the rescue operation more difficult.

    He said: “The FRSC rescue team moved in immediately to the scene for rescue operations. The team include FRSC professional divers who have dived into the river to conduct rescue operations underneath

    “The divers are still working hard to recover the passengers in the ill-fated  vehicle, which is made more difficult due to the risen level of the river caused by yesterday’s heavy rains, around Ijebu-Ode area.

    “The bus was travelling from the  Sagamu end of the expressway towards Ijebu Ode section.”

    Expressing worry over the incidents, Oladele appealed to motorists to drive cautiously especially around bridges, considering that the expressway was undergoing rehabilitation.

    “Motorists are therefore strongly advised to reduce speed when approaching bridges to prevent unpleasant situation such as this.

    “The rescue operations would not be called off till the vehicle and the occupants are brought out of the river.

    “I also appeal to RCC to ensure that the safety railings around the bridge and other bridges in that axis are

    quickly replaced. Illuminated warning signs should be provided around the bridge and the depression at the foot of the bridge quickly repaired to prevent re-occurrence,” he said.

  • ‘Moghalu’s appointment best Independence gift to Southeast’

    The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Dr. George Moghalu as managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

    Chairman of Anambra State chapter Vincent Ezekwueme, in a statement yesterday, described the appointment as the best independence gift to the Southeast.

    He said the people would remain grateful to the President for ‘his patriotic reintegration processes’.

    The statement reads: “This is a welcome development and cheering news to the people of the Southeast and Nigerians. This is the best Independence gift to the Southeast. The President has provided the opportunity towards resuscitation of the moribund Onitsha seaport.”

    Read Also: How wrecks on waterways fuel piracy, accidents

    Ezekwueme urged Moghalu to live up to the expectation of the President and Nigerians by being selfless in the discharge of his assignments.

    “Moghalu as a moralist, selfless, patriotic, humble, honest and servant leader must bear the interest and social wellbeing of the citizens at heart by rehabilitating the decrepit and deplorable Onitsha seaport to boost economic activities in the Southeast, as well as give them a sense of belonging,” he added.

    He appealed to the President to extend similar appointments to the family of former Senate President, Chuba Okadigbo, who was his political ally and running mate in 2003.

  • Navy nabs six rice ‘smugglers’ in A’Ibom

    Six suspected rice smugglers have been arrested by naval operatives attached to the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

    Recovered from the suspects were 256 bags of 50kg rice, and one medium-sized wooden boat.

    The Commanding Officer, FOB, Captain Peter Yilme said the Navy is determined to end smuggling on the waterways, warning smugglers to desist from the act or be arrested.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Ibaka during the handover of the items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Yilme who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Kabiru Yusuf, stated that the Navy will intensify riverine and land patrols to ensure that illegal trade on the waterways is brought to an end.

    He added that the Navy was committed to the fight against smuggling.

    “I hereby handover one medium sized wooden boat laden with 256 bags of rice, along with its 6 crew members to the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “The Base will not relent in curbing smuggling as well as other illegal activities by criminal elements on the water ways or inland.

    “As they continue to device new means of smuggling rice, FOB Ibaka will also intensify riverine and land patrols to ensure that illegal smuggling is stopped within its area of operation.

     

  • PDP rejects Buhari’s plans to return toll gates

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently opposed plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to return toll gates on major highways across the country.

    The party lamented that the “insensitive idea” coming in the midst of excruciating economic hardship and high costs of living, “occasioned by the incompetence and harsh policies of the Buhari administration” is completely ill-conceived and anti-people.

    In a statement Wednesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party insisted that at best, the idea amounted to “executive bullying”, which the PDP said, cannot be justified under any guise.

    The party said it would lead to increase in costs of goods and services across the country.

    The statement said: “Only recently, President Buhari approved the increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5% to 7.2% despite outcry by Nigerians, who are also being made to pay exorbitant tariffs for electricity and other essential services.

    “Since President Buhari came into office in 2015, his administration had continued to increase prices and impose all manner of levies on Nigerians which proceeds are being frittered by the cabal in the presidency leading to a bleeding economy and despondency among the citizenry”.

    The PDP said instead of putting more pressure on already impoverished Nigerians by introducing toll gates at this point in time, President Buhari should exert himself, seek ways of creating wealth out of the abundant resources at the disposal of his administration or make haste to surrender the reign of governance to more competent hands.

    “Nigerians could recall that the PDP administration, in keeping with our determination to ensure the wellbeing and economic prosperity of our citizens, dismantled toll gates, cut tax profiles and applied our energies towards wealth creation.

    “It is therefore certain that if our nation were under a PDP administration, as desired by Nigerians, competent hands would have been on the deck to proffer ways to create wealth for governance instead of turning our citizens into vassals who are overburdened by heavy taxes.

    “The PDP states that it is lamentable that at the time Nigerians ought to be enjoying the benefits of the Atiku Abubakar economic recovery and wealth creation blueprint, they are faced with suppressive policies,” the statement added.

    The party charged President Buhari to immediately rescind the decision, saying it’s not in the best interest of Nigerians.

  • Nigeria at 59: Nigerians react to Independence celebration

    Nigerians have reacted to Nigeria’s independence day celebration. The reactions which trended on twitter as #NigeriaAt59, had over 100k reactions from Nigerians home and abroad.

    Below are the reactions:

    @segalink

    Today should be a day of colorful celebration when we tell our children stories about the labors of our heroes past and how we are working to build on it. But sincerely, Nigeria is far from independence and we are not free. We are under the worst of aberrations ruining lives. Most of our respected voices have assumed the “siddon look” position in fear of being harassed, violated and persecuted for speaking the truth. Govt have lost their conscience and ruined our institutions with the installation of their demagogues. They no longer serve Nigeria.

    @DrJoeAbah

    At 59, one undeniable fact is that we have not built the country we are capable of building. The question is: Beyond partisan politics, what do we do next? #NigeriaAt59

    @nafeezi

    Call for peaceful protest you get detained for treason like Omoyele Sowore, Demand for accountability you get jailed for terrorism like Agba Jalingo, Tweet about insecurity you get jailed like Steven Kefas, Take up arms against the state you get amnesty like bandits #NigeriaAt59

    @JokeSanwoolu

    Nigeria is on the right path. Although we have our differences, they count far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation. We have so much we should be grateful for, and in which we should rightly take pride. #NigeriaAt59 #foragreaterlagos

    @seyiamakinde

    Today, for Nigeria, marks our independence from colonial rule, and the day we took our destiny into our own hands, 59 years ago. Today, it is the concepts of freedom and democracy I want us all to turn to and never lose sight of. #NigeriaAt59

    @DJPhemzydee quoted vice president osinbajo’s tweet and said,

    #NigeriaAt59 but: we can’t go out ‘cus SARS will harass us, we don’t have good roads, electricity, adequate security system,no employment opportunities for the youths yet someone called us lazy. We are your prisoners. With due respect sir, Fvck you & your independence celebration.

    @AbdulMahmud01

    #KefasTravails. This is what is known: Stephen Kefas, a Southern Kaduna activist and patriot is currently being held in Kaduna Prison at the instigation of Governor El-Rufai.

    @hashtag2weets

    Rewarding people on a non-intellectual TV show?

    SARS?

    Failed governance?

    Failed leaders?

    Poor healthcare?

    Poor education?

    No electricity?

    Poor road networks?

    I want to know what we’re celebrating.

    #IndependenceDay2019 #IndependenceDay #NigeriaAt59

    @OlamiLekzy44

    This is the Nigeria we celebrate but surely not the one we deserve. Not actually a #HappyIndependence #IndependenceDay #nigeriaindependence #October1st #NigeriaAt59

    @FeyiAina

    Happy 59th Independence to our dear country Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Together we shall do positive exploits. #NigeriaAt59

    @F_lotche

    Freedom is the most precious thing in every human’s life. No one has a right to take it away, and we need to do everything to protect our society from cruelty and violence.

    Happy 59th Independence! #October1st #NigeriaAt59

    @UtaziJay

    Every year we keep asking “what are we celebrating?”

    I hope one year, we get to stop doing this rhetorics and appreciate the things that we have and live for.

    Happy Independence Day Nigeria!!!

    #NigeriaAt59

    @gbolahanba

    Despite the ups and down at least we would still say happy #NigeriaAt59 to our beloved country Nigeria.

    We hope to be truly independent, and our leaders remember this part “I pledge to Nigeria my country to be FAITHFUL, LOYAL and HONEST”. #IndependenceDay

    Happy New Month famz

    @Iam_KingBuchi

    NIGERIA MY COUNTRY.. My fight is not with you NIGERIA. My fight is with that Angel  that directed me to you. I think he owes me some EXPLANATION. shey he did not sew Canada, Dubai, or even Kuwait that is one step away from KETU ehn? Isoryt #NigeriaAt59 #IndependenceDay

    @YoungOtutu

    “Remember the dream of our forefathers”

    IBB is a tyrant, dictator

    Ahmadu Bello was a tribalist.

    Ojukwu was a coward (exile)

    Yakubu Gowon a selfish leader

    Obafemi Awolowo a tribal jingoist.

    Sani Abacha a corrupt, wicked dictator.

    I ask you what dreams? #NigeriaAt59 #October1st

    @localblack_man

    Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.

    Let’s keep hope alive. Happy Independence Day Nigeria #NigeriaAt59

    Read Also: Buhari joins dignitaries to mark Independence Anniversary

    @ayemojubar

    Mother #Nigeria, Don’t worry, you’ll survive all these rapists that care for nothing but your wealth. For 59 years, they’ve been using you and dumping you with your confused children, I hope by 2023 they would have got enough sense to free you. With the way Buhari is dealing with Sowore’s case, He has put himself on trial unconsciously. Imagine God coming down from heaven to prove to a man that he is God? That’s how the whole thing sounds. A perfect power should be under perfect control.

    #IndependenceDay #NigeriaAt59

    @YoungOtutu

    59 years of Corruption

    59 years of mis-leadership

    59 years of failed governance

    59 years of crippling economy

    59 years of declining democracy

    59 years of continue reliance on Oil.

    59 years of ethno-religious disunity.

    59 years of perennial malady #NigeriaAt59 #IndependenceDay

    @kingjames_x

    Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world

    The richest man in Africa is a Nigerian

    The richest black woman in the world is a Nigerian

    The cocoa house in Ibadan was once the tallest building in Africa

    #IndependenceDay #NigeriaAt59 #Nigeria

    @MubarakJunju

    Once lived a Nation where together the Aboki’s, (Hausa) the Oluwa’s(Yoruba) and the Inyamuri (Igbo) Build, Struggled, Stand for a Country known as Nigeria  Together we can make it right as one Nigeria to serve with heart and might In peace and unity #NigeriaAt59 #Nigeria

    @royaltyuso

    I will give up on #Nigeria if I can find a country that failed because her citizens were patriotic. Until then, we stay resolute in our common cause as a nation towards Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress. Happy Independence Day and GOD bless Nigeria. #October1st #NigeriaAt59

  • N84.6m fraud: EFCC grills INEC accountant, three others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and quizzed four officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for alleged diversion of N84, 696,000 meant for the payment of ad hoc staff engaged for the 2019 presidential and governorship elections in the country.

    The suspects, who were grilled by the Sokoto Zonal Office of the anti –graft agency, are from Zamfara State office of INEC.

    The suspects are the Administrative Secretary, Hassan Sidi Aliyu; the Head of Operations,   Hussain Jafar; the State Accountant, Abdullahi Yusuf Abubakar, and Abdulmumin Usman.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were grilled for “alleged case of conspiracy, breach of trust and criminal diversion of Ad Hoc staff allowance to the tune of N84, 696,000.

    “The petitioner, one Abdullahi Nasiru, who wrote on behalf of all presiding officers that worked for INEC during the 2019 Presidential and Gubernatorial elections in Zamfara State, alleged that the  Ad hoc staff were denied payment of their N6,000 movement allowance each for the two elections.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests ‘fake lawyer’

    “He further alleged that what the INEC officials in Zamfara paid to them was different from what other states paid their Ad hoc staff.  The  INEC office  in Zamfara allegedly paid its staff N9000 while in other states like Sokoto State, the electoral  commission paid N12000 each.

    The statement added: “Investigation by the EFCC revealed that none of the 10,500 presiding officers, who participated in the elections, were paid their entitlements cumulatively put at N84, 696,000

    “Efforts are being made by the Commission to recover the money criminally diverted by  INEC heads of department and Electoral Officers  of the 14 local governments in Zamfara State, namely; Abdullahi Sambawa (Zurmi LGA); Aliyu Jafaru Goronyo( Maradun LGA);  Balarabe Ahmed S Gobir (Gummi LGA); Amadu Ibrahim (Gusau LGA); Mohammed Bashir Musa (Kaura Namoda LGA); Dalhatu Usman Musa (Birnin Magaji LGA); Abdulmumin Usman (Maru LGA); Muhammad  Nasir Saidu (Talatu Mafara LGA); Abdullahi A. Ukashatu (Tsafe LGA); Tukur Garba Kaita (Bungudu LGA); Salihu Musa Abdullahi (Bukuyun LGA);  Sadiq Abdullahi, Fari (Anka LGA); Lawali Muhammed, Argungu (Bakura LGA); Jafaru Gide, (Shinkafi LGA); Tanimu Muhammad (Shinkafi LGA); and Hassan Abdullahi (Shinkafi LGA).

    “The suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.”

  • I’m not interested in third term – Buhari

    The Presidency on Tuesday night insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari is not interested in seeking third term in office.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that President Buhari would leave office at the end of his second term in 2023.

    He was reacting to media reports on presidential term limits.

    He said “The Presidency wishes to correct internet-based gossip and un-informed media commentary regarding presidential term limits, given credence by so-called support groups, staging street demonstrations asking President Muhammadu Buhari to do a third term.

    Read Also: Buhari’s independence broadcast insult to Nigerians, says PDP

    “There are no circumstances – nor set of circumstances – under which President Buhari may seek to amend the Constitution regarding the two-term term limit on holding office as President.

    “President Buhari intends to serve his full second elected term in office, ending 2023 – and then there shall be a general election in which he will not be a candidate.

    “There is not even the faintest possibility that this will change.

    “It is important to note that there was a past attempt to change the Constitution to allow for the-then incumbent president to stand for a third term. That attempt was wrong, unconstitutional – and rightly rebuffed. No such attempt will happen under this President.

    President Buhari, he noted, is a democrat.

    “He respects the Constitution. Any activity aimed at altering the two-term limit will not succeed and shall never have his time nor support.” he stated

  • Alleged N2b fraud: DSS hands over Maina to EFCC

    Barely three days after his arrest, the Department of State Security Services(DSS) has handed over a former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abdul-Rasheed Maina to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

    Maina, who was looking pensive, was brought to the anti-graft agency at about 5.30pm.

    As at press time, the suspect was being quizzed over alleged N2billion biometrics contract.

    It was also learnt that Maina was being interrogated over choice assets in Kado Estate in Abuja, some properties in Kaduna and a large farm in Keffi.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Maina, who we had earlier declared wanted, was brought to EFCC by the DSS a few hours ago.

    “The security agency handed him over after the completion of its profiling on him.

    “You know Maina has been hiding in Dubai, UAE and some neighbouring countries and there is need to de-brief him on certain security challenges associated with him.

    “For instance, intelligence report indicated that Maina was asked how he has always succeeded in sneaking in and out of the country and his connection with a safe house in Abuja.

    “But as soon as he was handed over to EFCC, detectives isolated issues for him on the N2billion biometrics contact. He was also asked to make statement on the funding of the defunct the Pension Reform Task Team.

    “He has also been asked to explain how he came about choice assets in Abuja and Kaduna.

    “The investigation might also be extended to his activities as a former director in Customs, Immigration and Prisons Office (CIPPO) which he superintended with huge cash flow.”

    Read Also: Maina’s son pulled pistol on security agents, says DSS

    Responding to a question, the EFCC source said: “He will soon be arraigned in court because we have already preferred charges against him.

    “As far back as July 21, 2015, Maina was already arraigned before a Federal High Court on a 24-count charge with a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, Osarenkhoe Afe and Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited.

    “He is expected to face trial for charges bordering on procurement fraud and obtaining by false pretence.

    “What detectives are doing now is to obtain a statement from him on some findings about him before the court proceedings.”

    Asked of his status, the source added: “Maina was in pensive mood, he never expected that the law will catch up with him.”

    Maina was picked up by DSS operatives at a hotel in Abuja.

    The EFCC had in 2017, declared Maina wanted, following his refusal to honour the commission’s invitations.

    But in his bid to evade the long arm of the law, Maina, on September 5, 2018, in a suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/957/2918, asked the court to decide whether the Commission can lawfully exercise powers of declaring him wanted, either on its official website or any other media platform, or “harass him.”

    But Justice Folasade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court restrained the anti- graft commission from declaring Maina wanted.

    She also gave an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the EFCC and its affiliates or related bodies from further declaring Maina wanted in relation to the issue of the pension scam.

    The EFCC however said the judgment must not be allowed to stand and filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal.

  • ‘Buhari moved SIPs to ministry to ensure sustainance’

    THE Presidency on Tuesday gave reasons why the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Social Investment Programmes (SIPs)  are getting full fledge ministry status.

    The SIPs have been under the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo since it started in 2016.

    President Buhari, in his October 1st, Independence Day speech, announced the programmes movement to the Ministry of Humanitarian

    According to a statement by Communications Manager of National Social Investment Office (NSIO), Justice Bibiye, the schemes were moved to the ministry for sustainability.

    He said: “In a strategy aimed at ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the Buhari administration’s Social Investment Programmes, the schemes are being upgraded to a full ministry status with the take-off of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.”

    He said that the Buhari’s SIPs are already gaining acclaims across the globe.

    He said: “Endorsed by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank and the World Economic Forum, as testament of its national impact in Africa’s most populous country, the National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP) truly embodies what it means to go global while making local impact.

    “Regarded as the largest social protection programme in Nigeria’s history, the Social Investment Programmes has four broad programmes, namely: N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfers, National Home-Grown School Feeding and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programmes, GEEP).

    “At inception, the Office of the Vice President was responsible for overseeing the N-SIP since  2016, while issues of funding, contract awards and procurement had always been undertaken by the Ministry of  Budget and National Planning.

    “An inter-ministerial Steering Committee, chaired by the Vice President and composed of several Ministers including from the ministries of Education, Health, Finance, Budget and Planning, Labour and Employment, Women Affairs and others, also had policy oversight on the programme implementation.

    “In his Independence speech earlier today (yesterday) President Muhammadu Buhari  stated in order to “institutionalise these impactful programmes, we created the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development which shall consolidate and build on our achievements to date.”

    “Indeed the Social Investment Programmes have also been recognized by several local and international organisations for empowering Nigerians and meeting the urgent needs of Nigerians in different areas including providing employment, supporting small businesses and poverty alleviation.

    “Organisations like Action Aid (Nigeria), of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) have all commended the NSIP for its nationwide social impact

    “The impact of the SIPs has duly attracted the attention of the rest of the world. Among the global recognition for the impact of its schemes are the Financial Inclusion Award, which was at the 2019 African Bankers’ Awards: where BOI won for the GEEP scheme; the Tutu Leadership Fellowship for 2019, where GEEP CEO, Uzoma Nwagba, named among recipients; the Public Social Entrepreneur award, given by Schwab Foundation, a sister organization of the World Economic Forum, WEF, to Mrs Maryam Uwais, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments; and recently.”

    Read Also: Buhari pledges more funding for judiciary

    He also said that one of the SIP components, GEEP, which is executed through the Bank of Industry (BOI) was recognized as the most impactful Financial Inclusion programme in Africa during the African Bankers’ Awards ceremony which held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on June 14th, 2019.

    “The award was for BOI’s role in implementing GEEP, which includes the popular TraderMoni scheme. The awards event featured financial institutions and projects from all 54 countries in Africa, as well as the international community;

    “TraderMoni is one of the microcredit schemes under GEEP, where millions of petty traders get N10,000 loans. Upon repayment within 6 months, the beneficiary becomes eligible for a larger amount of N15,000 and all the way to N100,000 if and when the collateral-free loans are repaid. The other microcredit schemes are MarketMoni and FarmerMoni.

    “Also, in April, the impact of the SIPs was recognised by the African Leadership Institute when the GEEP COO, Uzoma Nwagba was named among the recipients for the prestigious Tutu Leadership Fellowship for 2019.  According to the AFL, Nwagba’s role in GEEP, which it described as “the world’s largest micro-credit scheme” was critical.

    “GEEP to date has leveraged the power of a technology-driven operation to disburse and manage a portfolio of two million loans to underbanked Nigerians, demonstrating the biggest advancement of financial inclusion via credit in Africa,” the citation read.

    “Similarly, with the N-Power job scheme, which currently engages 500,000 young graduates and 200,000 non-graduates in different key sectors, and the School Feeding Programme, which currently feeds almost 10 million school children in 32 states, the SIPs’ impact is truly felt nationwide.

    “Indeed, millions of Nigerians can testify of the impact of the largest social welfare programme in sub-Saharan Africa. This is because since its implementation in 2016, the N-SIPs have impacted over 12 million direct beneficiaries and over 30 million indirect beneficiaries, comprising family members, employees of beneficiaries, cooks and farmers.” he said