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  • Mobile money firm, Paga, hits 12m customers base in 10 years

    Mobile Money Payment Company, Pagatech, said it had reached 12 million `unbanked customers’ nation-wide since its establishment 10 years ago.

    Tayo Oviosu, Pagatech Chief Executive, told newsmen during the company’s 10th anniversary in Lagos that the mobile money business had also created 6000 businesses.

    He said that the company had been able to access the under served in the financial sector with its 20, 000 agents, adding that 20 per cent of this figure are in the semi-urban areas.

    According to him, the 20,000 Paga agents who are entrepreneurs created over 10,000 jobs with multiplier effect.

    “Only 36 per cent of adults are banked, 60 million unbanked and 70 million online.

    “We are making very strong progress in Nigeria and are the clear leader with a world class platform in driving an agent, merchant and consumer wallet business.

    “Digital finance offers significant economic gains for emerging countries; digital technologies cut the cost of providing financial services by 80 to 90 per cent.

    “There will be additional $3.5 trillion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of emerging countries by 2025 and additional 85 million jobs, two third of which will be salaried,’’ Oviosu said.

    He said that access to financial services remained poor with about 1.7 billion unbanked and half of the unbanked were women who were the most economically productive.

    Oviosu said that half of the people who save in emerging market did so informally, 55 per cent of borrowers in developing world rely on friends and family for fund sourcing.

    He, however, said that Paga was building an ecosystem that enabled people to digitally send, receive money and deliver financial services to everyone.

    “In all our markets, we take a partnership model working with local banks and financial institutions,” he said.

    Paga was established in 2009 to simplify access and use of money, eliminate use of cash and access to financial services.

    Paga is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a mobile money operator.

  • Breaking: Wike extends lead in Rivers

    Governor Nyesom Wike has widened his lead in the ongoing collation of governorship results in Rivers state.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has captured three more local governments, extending his lead to 11 councils declared so far.

    Read Also: Rivers Polls: Wike, AAC’s Awara clash at stakeholders meeting

    His closest opponent Engr. Biokpomabo Awara of the African Action Congress (AAC) has managed to win just two councils in the resumed collation.

    Find below the official results from INEC:

    Tai LGA:

    PDP=== 47, 652

    AAC=== 540

    Ahoada East LGA

    PDP===14,589

    AAC===3,713

    Emohua LGA:

    PDP=== 71, 522

    AAC=== 2, 856

    Etche LGA

    AAC===7, 437

    Details shortly…

  • Court dismisses suits against Nwosu’s candidacy

    An Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri on Tuesday dismissed two Suits challenging the nomination of Uche Nwosu as the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the just concluded governorship election.

    The Court presided over by Justice Nzeukwu T. N, ruled that the suits with Suit No. HOW/21/2019 and HOW/135/19 lacked in merit.

    Read Also: I’m open to reconciliation with APC, says Nwosu

    The Court also held that the two plaintiffs, Sir Leonard Uzoma Okolienta and Ikoku Micheal Obinna lacked the locus standing to bring the action before the Court.

    It submitted that issues of nomination of candidates in political parties remain the internal affairs of the party.

  • 77-year-old woman graduates at UNILAG 50th convocation

    A 77-year-old female retiree was among the 1,008 students of the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos ( UNILAG), who were awarded first degree on Tuesday at the institution’s 2017/2018 Convocation Ceremonies.

    The convocation was the university’s 50th.

    The retiree, who refused to mention her name to journalists, said that the achievement was her dream come true.

    “I studied guidance and counselling and I am most grateful to God Almighty who made me to see this day.

    “I will not like my name to be mentioned because I know where I am coming from and what I am protecting.

    “I am a retired officer. I have worked in a lot of countries around the world and also in Nigeria, where I finally retired,’’ she told journalists.

    She added that she went for the degree programme because she did not want to sit at home after retirement.

    “You know when you retire like that, you will not want to stay at home and be dying slowly,” she said.

    According to the retiree, no one should feel too old to go to school as learning remains a life-long adventure.

    “Education has no limit. It is from cradle to death in order for one to add value to the society,’’ she said.

    She advised parents to do their best to give their children the best education.

    “Every woman who has an opportunity of having a child must strive to bring that child up properly through education so that he or she does not become a problem to the society in future,’’ she urged.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, told the congregation that a total of 3,795 students from the Faculties of Arts, Education and Environmental Sciences would be conferred with first degree on Tuesday.

    He said that students from the Faculties of Science and Social Sciences would also be awarded first degree on Tuesday – the first day of three-day convocation ceremonies.

    According to him, the university will graduate a total of 12,843 students at the ceremonies.

    Ogundipe said that 7,438 would be awarded first degree and 5,405, postgraduate degrees.

    “This year, the trio of Adeniyi Adeyeye (B.Sc. Insurance), Chinaedum Ogbechi (B.Sc. Business Administration) both of Management Sciences, and Joedicta Ekeh (B.Sc. Pharmacy) have emerged best graduating students with cumulative grade point average of 4.96,’’ he said.

    Ogundipe said that the Faculty of Arts, Education and Environmental Sciences would graduate 603, 1008 and 382 students, respectively, on Tuesday.

    He added that the Faculty of Science would graduate 964 while Faculty of Social Sciences would graduate 838.

    According to him, out of the 3,795 students who would graduate on Tuesday, 104 of them finished in the first class category, including four from the Faculty of Arts, 12 from the Faculty of Education and 22 from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.

    According to him, the others are 48 from the Faculty of Science and 18 from the Faculty of Social Sciences.

    “We also have a total of 1,320 graduating students with second class upper division and 1,609 with second class lower division.

    “We are also graduating a total of 615 students in the third class category, while 99 others will be graduating with pass grade,’’ Ogundipe, the university’s 12th Vice Chancellor, said.

    He said that the university’s management had pursued uncompromising academic standards, local and global networks and innovative fundraising mechanism in an effort to make the institution better.

  • ‘Big men’ must go through security checks at airports, Immigration boss declares

    The Comptroller General (CG) Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede on Tuesday lamented many politicians pass through borders without security checks by immigration officers.

    Muhammad, who expressed sadness over the development, cautioned those involved in the act to desist or face the law.

    He spoke in Abuja at the official decoration ceremony of 14 newly promoted Assistant Comptroller’s General (ASG’s).

    The immigration boss also vowed to deal with any immigration officer who assists any politician to avoid security checks.

    Muhammad advised the promoted ACG’s to ensure that they offer serious supervision, especially at the borders and Airports and ensure that the rule of law is adhered to.

    His words: “In recent time, some politicians and big men think they can pass through borders without passing through immigration officers.

    “It is an offence under the Act, we are committed. You are liable to punishment regardless of whoever you are.

    “You and the officer involved will be prosecuted because officers don’t have immunity because it is a law that a person must present himself and pass through immigration.

    “Even if an aircraft does an emergency landing and lands in a place other than recognised spot, let’s say an aircraft mistakenly lands in Illorin because of emergency it is the duty of the captain of the aircraft and the passengers to wait to be cleared by immigration officers, if you enter it is an offence.”

    He added: “Talk less of you come to Aminu Kano Airport, or Murtala Muhammed Airport or Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and then work together with officers and cross the border without presenting yourself when departing or entering Nigeria it is an offence.

    “We will punish such persons. The last warming I want to give you and ensure you supervise very well is the issue of travel documents. We find out that Immigration officers are becoming brokers.

    “We cannot allow that, you cannot be a regulator and a broker at the same time it’s not possible.

    “For the avoidance of doubt we have an officer who is being prosecuted somebody came to get a passport the person said he lost his passport that officer was the one who got an affidavit for him, went to court together with the person.

    “All persons who lied and declared their passports missing we have started arresting, in the last few months we have arrested as many as 15.

    “If you lose your passport and later find it, return it to Immigration to cancel it. Any passport lost and you decide to use it at the border we will arrest you and prosecute you for false declaration.”

  • Updated: Court dismisses AAC’s suit against Rivers election

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit by the African Action Congress (AAC) and one other, querying the propriety of handling of the last governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State, particularly as it relates to its announcement of the results, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment on Tuesday said the since the case was about an election that has been held, it was appropriate for the plaintiffs to take their case before an election tribunal.

    The suit, marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/303/2019, has AAC, Engr Biokpomabo Festus Awara and Pastor (Dr.) Ben-Gurion John Peter as plaintiffs, with INEC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The plaintiffs noted INEC had earlier admitted that the election in Rivers State was marred with substantial violence that compromised the credibility of the entire process, and thereby suspended the election.

    They added that without calling for a fresh election, INEC announced, via a press release, that it was now set to continue with the election from Wednesday, 20th March 20 19.

    The plaintiffs prayed the court for, among others, an order cancelling the already held governorship and state assembly’s elections and an order directing the conduct of fresh elections.

    Justice Ekwo, in the judgment, said the reliefs sought by the plaintiff’s, which include prayers for the cancellation of the election already held and the stoppage of further collation of results of the election, are post-election in nature.

    He said such prayers, on which the electoral tribunal has exclusive jurisdiction, could not be entertained by the regular courts.

    The judge said his court has no jurisdiction to grant any of the prayers contained in the plaintiffs’ originating process.

    He said the court has earlier held in a similar case, that once an election has been held, the Federal High Court no longer has jurisdiction to entertain and determine any litigation touching on such election.

    Justice Ekwo said the case by the AAC and others was an attempt to litigate election issues in disguise.

    He said the hearing the case will amount to an attempt by the court to constitute itself into an election tribunal, “a capability it does not have constitutionally.

    “I find that issues in this case are post-election in nature and do not belong to the realm of this court.

    “Therefore, the preliminary objection of the second defendant in this case succeeds and accordingly, I declare jurisdiction.

    “Now, it is the law that where the preliminary objection succeeds, there is no need to go further to consider arguments in support other issues or issues for determination.

    “So, at this point, I make an order dismissing this case for want of jurisdiction,” Justice Ekwo said.

  • Police reveal cop-killers of Kolade Johnson

    The Lagos State Police Command has revealed the identities of the anti-cultism unit officers whose stray bullet killed Kolade Johnson, a soccer fan on Sunday night at Ikeja.

    The officers currently in detention were identified as Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sergeant Godwin Orji.

    Eyewitnesses stated a police team, which stormed Olu Aboderin Street in Onipetesi to arrest a suspected cultist, had released sporadic shots into the air after picking their target and one of such bullets hit Johnson, an only child, said to be watching Liverpool match at the time.

    Although the policemen were arrested and detained after the incident, a statement by spokesman Bala Elkana on Tuesday disclosed that Commissioner Zubairu Muazu had paid a condolence visit to the family.

    He said the police boss reassured the family that justice would prevail, adding he was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Police Commissioners (DCPs) Administration, Operations and State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Ayuba Elkanah, Mohammed Ali and Yetunde Longe, respectively.

    “The Commissioner of Police was received by the head of the deceased’s family Alhaji Remi Lukman in their residence at 1, Beco Street, Onipetesi, Mangoro bus stop.

    “The Commissioner of Police condemned the action of the members of the Anti-Cultism team suspected to have carried out the shooting and reiterated his commitment in ensuring that justice is done in the matter.

    “He stated that the men suspected to have carried out the shooting have been apprehended and subjected to internal disciplinary procedures. He revealed their names as Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sergeant Godwin Orji attached to Anti Cultism Squad

    “The CP prayed for the repose of the soul of Kolade Johnson and also prayed that the Almighty God will grant the family, friends and well- wishers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” said Elkana.”

    According to him, the family head expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for visiting them and his assurances of justice.

    He commended the CP for the bold steps taken in exposing those behind the shootings.

    He said: “I thought it is going to be a one man’s fight but seeing the Police high Command joining our family in this fight has shown that justice will not only be done to Kolade but to the entire Nigerian youths. I am glad that we have a new police force which believes in Justice.

    “He described his late son as a peace- loving person and called on well- wishers to remain calm and allow the law to take its cause,” Elkana stated.

  • Fayemi sends list of commissioner-nominees to Ekiti Assembly

    Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday forwarded a list of 14 Commissioners- nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    Fayemi transmitted a letter to the Assembly, requesting for legislative approval to constitute the state executive council.

    The Speaker, Adeniran Alagbada, who read the Governor’s letter to his colleagues at plenary, said the governor’s action was in consonance with section 192 of the 1999 constitution.

    The commissioner-nominees are: Dr Adio Afolayan; Dr (Mrs.) Moji Yaya Kolade; Chief (Mrs.) Moji Fafure; Mr. Emmanuel Foluso Daramola; Mr. Folorunso Olabode; Engr. Dele Faparusi and Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo.

    Read Also: Fayemi: Oluleye’s death colossal loss to humanity

    Others are Mr. Olusoga Davies; Mr. Sola Adebayo; Mr. Michael Awopetu; Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua; Mr. Femi Ajayi; Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu and Mr. Febisola Adewale.

    The Speaker also read another letter from the governor on the reconstitution of the board of the local government service commission.

    Chief S A Abejide will serve as chairman while other members are Mrs. Abiola Adeosun, Barrister Dele Oloje, Comrade Bisi Dada and Alhaja Mariam Bimbola Ogunlade.

    The commissioners designate and local government service commission members will face the lawmakers on Thursday, April 4, 2019 for screening.

  • Photos: Lagos CP visits family of slain Kolade Johnson

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, on Tuesday, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Kolade Johnson.

    Johnson was shot dead by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad at Mangoro area of Lagos State.

  • NANS honours PTI lecturer

    The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. This is the story of a senior lecturer and head of the foremost department, Petroleum Engineering and Geo- Sciences (PEG) in Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, Delta state, Alhaji Dr. A.O.J Adebowale, who went through hell before the former  Vice Principal Mrs. Emily Aragba and the Principal of the Institute, Prof. Sunny Iyuke intervened for him to be uplifted, and recently honoured with award of Excellent by National Association of Nigerian Students.

     

    NANS Deputy Senate President, Pedro Chibuzor and NANS Director of welfare and contact, Comr. Jeremiah Friday Ohomah aka Apple water led  NANS’ team to Petroleum Training Institute where Dr. Adebowale was decorated.

     

    The event that took place at the Institute library was witnessed by PTI Principal/ Chief Executive, Prof. Sunny E. Iyuke, who was represented by Director of Science, Dr. H.A Adimula. Also in attendance were the Registrar, Mr. O.C Siakpere, head of Public Affairs, Mr. Brown Ukanefimone, Director of Research, Dr. B.S Oyetunde, Dr. K.I Idehen, Engr. S.I Ukuwaba, Mr. Richard Obashe, Mr. J. J Ajima, Engr. Elimen, Mr. John Odogun top management staff, Students Union Government and other students bodies.

     

    Comr. Jeremiah said;  “after series of consultations, NANS decided to bestowed on Dr. Adebowale Icon of Hope and Inspiration to Nigerian Students, in view of his meritorious contributions to students’ development and nation building.”

     

    According to Jeremiah, Dr. Adebowale is very humble, simple, honest and a dedicated  man. He is known for his support for students in paying their school fees, his effort in taking students on free professional tours,  also for good students and lecturer relationship among others.

     

    While speaking with journalists, Dr. Adebowale who is the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Faculty Adviser, an Orator and father to  many students expressed his gratitude; “I am very delighted, the award came at the time I was not expecting it. I was just living my life, the way I was created, not knowing that people are watching me, I am humble.

     

    “I dedicate the award to God Almighty and the Principal/ Chief Executive of Petroleum Training Institute, Prof. Sunny E. Iyuke who has always been there for me, I will ever remain loyal to his excellent leadership style.”

     

    “I also appreciate all Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences staff and my beautiful wife Alhaja Zainab Ayo Adebowale for her support.” He said.

     

    Dr. Adebowale who is the Institute Deputy Director/Manager advised lecturers to always careful in the way they handle students. “whatever you do to the students today will reflects in your relationship with them in the future.” He added.

     

    Meanwhile, another students’ association also congratulated the renowned lecturer who belongs to many professional bodies on the successful completion of his Ph. D program in Geology and his appointment as Head Of Department (HOD) of Petroleum Engineering and Geo – Sciences.