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Category: News

  • Ignore ‘Igbo must go’ reports, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagos residents

    Ignore ‘Igbo must go’ reports, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagos residents

    Ignore ‘Igbo must go’ reports, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagos residents

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

     

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned and dismissed reports on a social media platform, calling on Igbo people to vacate Lagos and Southwest Nigeria.

     

    Sanwo-Olu remarked in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile.

     

    According to the statement, “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag IgboMustGo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024.

     

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    “The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.

     

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but also an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.”

     

    Sanwo-Olu, therefore, appealed to residents not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the state, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.

     

    The governor, urged residents to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.

     

     

  • How 14-month-old stolen baby, sold to three persons was rescued

    How 14-month-old stolen baby, sold to three persons was rescued

    How 14-month-old stolen baby, sold to three persons was rescued

     

    In the bustling streets of Oredola in Oko-Oba, Lagos, a mother’s worstnightmare became a reality on July 11, 2024, after her closest neighbor absconded with her one-year-two-month-old child, leaving her with a sense of unease and emotional trauma.

     

     

    The days that followed were a blur of shock and grief for her, as she struggled to come to terms with the loss of her precious baby. Fate finally smiled on her 15 days later after policemen attached to the New Oko-Oba Division of the Lagos State Police Command traced the baby to Ikorodu, Lagos, where he was bought for N2.3 million.

     

     

    It was gathered that the baby had been sold to not one, not two, but three different persons in Akwa-Ibom and Ogun states before his final destination in Ikorodu. Each time, the baby had been passed off as a legitimate adoption, with fake documents and convincing stories. Coincidentally, the latest buyer, Mrs. Mercy Uwam, was having the naming ceremony of the baby the same day of the arrest.

     

     

    At the end of the painstaking investigation, five persons, among them the fleeing neighbor and a Pastor, have been arrested.

     

     

    In this interview with Crime Guard, the arrested neighbor and mother of two, 37-year-old Gloria Sunday, alleged that she was convinced by Pastor Peter Udoh (one of the suspects) to bring the baby for sale.

    She said: “I have been living in the same compound with the mother of the baby for two years. On that fateful day, I took the child to church. At the close of service, I took him to Ikene, Ogun State, to Pastor Peter’s place. He said he wanted to give him to somebody that needed a baby. He assured me that the person would take care of the baby. He bought him for N650,000, and I went to my village in Akwa-Ibom, from where I was arrested. I regret my actions; it was the handiwork of the devil”, she stated.

    But Pastor Peter Udoh (63) said Mrs. Sunday told him the baby was her late sister’s and that she could not take care of him. According to him: “Gloria Sunday never told me she stole the child. She said he was her late sister’s baby and that she couldn’t take care of him because she has five children of her own. That was why I asked her to come with the baby. I contacted Mrs. Laurentta (another suspect), who bought the baby for N1.450 million.”

    The third suspect, Loretta Nelson (54), admitted that she bought the baby from Pastor Udoh and sold him to Mrs Mercy Uwam for N2.3 million. She admitted also to have realized N900,000 from the sale.

    She said: “Pastor and I met at 2nd Rainbow. He said the baby’s mother was dead, and his sister (Gloria) could not care for him because she is a widow. I noticed that the baby’s hair was improperly cut. When I asked, he said Gloria cut the baby’s hair because she didn’t have money to celebrate his one-year birthday. Thereafter, I contacted Mercy (another suspect), who bought the baby for N2.3 million.”

     

    Renewed

    hope dashed

    The last buyer, with whom the baby was eventually found after two weeks and one day of hazardous search, Mrs. Mercy Uwam, sat huddled among the group of arrested individuals, her body language exuding defeat and despair. Her head was bowed, her eyes cast downward, as if unable to meet the gaze of this reporter when approached.

    She wrapped her arms tightly around her torso, as if trying to protect herself from the harsh reality of her situation. When asked why she was the guest of the Police, with eyes brimming with tears that seemed to well up from the very depths of her soul, the 44-year-old woman said: “I got married in 2009 without having a child of my own. I have visited many motherless babies’ homes in Anambra, Ogun and Lagos states and I was told the number of people who wanted to adopt was very large. In the process of my search, somebody referred me to Madam Laurentta (pointing to the suspect next to her), who said she could be of help but that I needed to pay N50,000 as registration fee. After some months, she called me to say she had a baby boy ready. I took the child, paid her N2.4 million, including N50,000 for registration.

    “I was happy and took the baby home. There were spots on his body; I bought medicine and food for him. I was taking care of the baby, unknown to me that he was stolen. By the way, I did not seek my husband’s consent when I made the payment. He was once married and has a child. But I needed mine. I felt he was not interested because he already has his. When he came back, he was not happy with me.

    “On Friday, July 26, 2024, I decided to have the naming ceremony. I intended to name him Favour, as his Christian name and Chiemerem ( meaning God has done it for me). I just wanted a small gathering of ten people for the naming ceremony. I was cooking for the occasion when the Police came and arrested me,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

     

    Tears of Joy

    While Mercy’s tears were those of regret and the sad reality of the situation she was enmeshed in, those of the mother of the baby, Mrs Kemi Shodiya were of joy and relief. She said the moment of reuniting with her once-lost baby was like a balm to her soul.

    Expressing appreciation to the Police for being instrumental in her joy, she narrated:

    “The children of the woman who stole my baby usually came to play with my children. I never raised an eyebrow the day she took my baby to church because that was not the first time she was taking him to church. They left by 5 pm, but by 8 pm, when they were supposed to return, I started looking for her. I called her phone, but it was switched off. It took us two weeks and one day of waiting and praying. By the time I got my baby, his hair had been cut. I thank Oko-Oba Police Station, my neighbors, in-law, and my traditional ruler. I learned never to be too trusting.”

    The Crime Guard gathered that Divisional Police Officer, Oko-Oba , CSP Waliu Yusuf, on the directive of the Lagos State Police boss, CP Adegoke Fayoade, led a team of policemen to Akwa-Ibom state where the fleeing neighbor, Gloria Sunday was arrested. Her arrest led to others’ arrest and the rescue of the stolen baby.

    All the suspects, according to spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, have been charged to court.

  • A Nation Divided by Hardship: How hunger protests exposed Nigeria’s growing divisions

    A Nation Divided by Hardship: How hunger protests exposed Nigeria’s growing divisions

    A Nation Divided by Hardship: How hunger protests exposed Nigeria’s growing divisions

     

    People protest against hardship on the street of Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Thousands of mostly young people poured onto the streets across Nigeria on Thursday as they protested against the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse some of the protesters in the capital, Abuja. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

     

     

     

    Early Morning Tension in Abuja

    On Thursday, Abuja awoke to a city steeped in tension. At the MKO Abiola National Stadium, hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered, their voices rising against a backdrop of severe economic hardship and corruption. Prominent activists like VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju, and Barr. Kingdom Okere led the charge, with chants of “End Bad Government” and “Bring Back Subsidy” reverberating through the air. Their placards bore stark messages: “We are hungry” and “Tinubu, where is the change?”

     

    Personal Stories of Struggle

     

    Among the protesters was 32-year-old Jane Hingir, who shared her emotional struggle to make ends meet. “I’ve been struggling to make ends meet, but it’s getting harder every day,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. Jane’s personal story mirrored the broader national struggle, highlighting the everyday challenges faced by many Nigerians.

     

    Pro-Government Rally: A Contrast

    Meanwhile, in stark contrast, a pro-government rally took place at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office same day. Organized by the Tinubu Support Group, the demonstration was marked by a calm and orderly atmosphere. Participants in this rally were given branded T-shirts and faze caps, displaying their support for President Tinubu. Led by Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the rally showcased a divided political landscape.

     

    The Dynamics of Hired Protesters

    A parallel demonstration involving hired protesters emerged. These individuals, recruited to oppose the anti-government protests, carried placards reading “No Protest.”

     

    Organized by a man who identified himself as Blessing Joel, they said that they were paid N5,000 each to participate. Many of these hired protesters came from the suburbs, highlighting how financial desperation influenced political demonstrations.

     

    Gabriel, an unemployed man from the capital, admitted that he joined the pro-government rally for the N5,000 offered. “I know things are bad in the country and the economy is not working, but the money was a big reason why I joined them,” he revealed. This highlighted how economic hardship often sways political participation.

     

    The March and Its Consequences

    Back to the story: at 12:02 pm on Friday, the anti-government protesters began their march towards Eagle Square. A heavy police presence, including FCT Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh and security personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS, added to the tension. A helicopter hovered overhead, intensifying the atmosphere.

     

    By 12:39 pm, the protesters faced a harsh response at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building. Security forces deployed tear gas, and reports emerged of a protester being feared shot dead while trying to escape. Despite this, the protesters regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium by 1:50 pm, their determination undeterred.

     

    A Moment of Solace: Friday Juma’at Prayers

    In a poignant display of resilience, the Muslim faithful among the protesters observed Friday Juma’at prayers amidst the turmoil. This moment of solemnity stood in stark contrast to the earlier chaos, symbolizing their unity and unwavering commitment to their cause.

    “We pray for peace, but we also pray for justice,” said Shehu Ibrahim, who led the prayers. The prayers not only provided spiritual solace but also renewed their resolve.

     

    Contrasting Responses: Anti-Government vs. Pro-Government

    The treatment of different protests revealed stark discrepancies. Anti-government protests faced severe crackdowns, while pro-government rallies proceeded with relative ease.

     

    This discrepancy drew criticism and highlighted perceived double standards in the government’s approach to dissent. The contrast became a focal point for critics, raising concerns about fairness and justice.

     

    Voices from the Government

    Amid the turmoil, government officials weighed in on the situation. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, addressed the nation on Wednesday, warning that the protests could lead to further violence and setbacks. His speech aimed to quell the unrest but failed to appease many.

     

    Additionally, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, called for dialogue, urging protesters to come forward for discussions. “The government is ready to listen,” Wike stated, hoping to ease tensions.

     

    However, his call for dialogue was met with skepticism from the protesters, who felt their voices were not being heard.

     

    The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also attempted to address the protesters in Abuja but was met with resistance. His efforts to mediate were overshadowed by the escalating violence and the protesters’ frustration.

     

    Violence and Casualties

    The protests escalated into violence, particularly in the North. At least 14 people, including a policeman, were killed in several states, including Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Kebbi. The violence prompted a 24-hour curfew

     

    in Borno and Kano to curb further unrest. The destruction and chaos in these regions highlighted the depth of frustration and desperation felt by many protesters. Hoodlums joined and caused mayhem in these places.

     

    Historical Context: #EndSARS Protests

    The current protests hold special significance given the historical context. During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, Northerners largely abstained from participating. This was partly due to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from their region.

     

    The lack of participation at that time contrasted sharply with the current widespread involvement of Northern Nigerians, reflecting a shift in political sentiment and regional engagement.

     

    Personal Stories: Maryam and Gabriel

     

    Personal stories from the protests underscored the human cost of Nigeria’s economic turmoil. Maryam Abdul, a trader from the North, shared, in Hausa language, her struggles with a failing business and an uncertain future for her children. “I march because I have no choice,” she said, emphasizing the need for change.

     

    In contrast, Gabriel, an unemployed man from the capital, revealed his financial desperation as the reason for participating in a pro-government rally. His story highlighted the complexities and contradictions within the protest landscape.

     

    Government Response and Public Reaction

    The government’s response to the protests, including the deployment of security forces and the imposition of curfews, aimed to quell dissent but also risked stifling democratic expression.

     

    Public reaction was mixed, with some supporting the government’s actions while others condemned the excessive use of force. This response raised questions about the implications for democratic processes and civil liberties.

     

    Long-Term Impact and Future Uncertainty

    The aftermath of the protests cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s future. The heavy-handed response risked deterring public dissent and impacting democratic expression. The economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu were scrutinized more closely, and the long-term effects on Nigerian society and politics remained uncertain.

     

    Resilience and Determination

    Ultimately, the personal stories of protesters like Maryam and Gabriel resonated deeply. Their struggles and determination highlighted the enduring human spirit amidst adversity. Despite the political and economic complexities, these narratives underscored a persistent quest for justice and change in Nigeria.

     

    As Abuja and the nation moved forward, the echoes of the protesters’ chants and their personal stories served as a powerful reminder of the enduring quest for rights and justice in a challenging and uncertain landscape

  • Trump agrees to debate Kamala Harris September 4 

    Trump agrees to debate Kamala Harris September 4 

    Trump agrees to debate Kamala Harris September 4

    Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said late Friday that he had agreed to debate his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, on Fox News on September 4.

     

    “I have agreed with FoxNews to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4th,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

     

    It was not immediately clear if Harris had agreed to the debate.

     

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    Trump’s post came hours after the vice president had secured the Democratic Party’s nomination as standard bearer in the November presidential election.

     

    Trump’s White House bid was turned upside down last month when 81-year-old President Joe Biden, facing growing concerns about his age and lagging polling numbers, abandoned his re-election bid and backed Harris.

     

    His decision to bow out followed a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June on CNN.

     

    A second Trump-Biden debate had been slated for September 10 on ABC.

     

    That was expected to go ahead as planned, with Harris replacing Biden, but a spokesman for Trump last week said it would be “inappropriate” to schedule a debate before Harris was formally the Democratic nominee.

     

    The 78-year-old Republican nominee had previously said he would not debate Harris, who is nearly two decades his junior, departing from political tradition.

     

    The former prosecutor and ex-California attorney general last month dared Trump to debate her face-to-face.

     

    “Well Donald, I do hope you’ll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Harris said at a campaign rally in Atlanta.

     

    In his post, Trump said the debate will be held in Pennsylvania, and moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum in front of a full audience.

     

    Fox News confirmed that the debate would have “spectators” and follow similar rules to the June 27 CNN debate between Trump and Biden.

     

    The news channel said it had invited Trump and Harris to participate in a debate in Pennsylvania in September.

     

    “I look forward to meeting and debating Kamala Harris on September 4th,” Trump said, adding the date was “convenient and appropriate” as it comes just before the September 6 start of early voting for the presidential election.

     

     

  • Hunger dey o’: Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja, thugs threaten in Lagos on day 2

    Hunger dey o’: Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja, thugs threaten in Lagos on day 2

     

    ‘Hunger dey o’: Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja, thugs threaten in Lagos on day 2

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    ‘Hunger dey o’: Police teargas protesters in Abuja on day 2

    As the #End-bad-governance nationwide protest enters its second day today, security agents are clashing with protesters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

     

    Also, in Lagos, thugs threatened to behead protesters and journalists as policemen looked on, while protesters were converging in the Federal Secretariat area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

     

    An activist, Zokira Ibeh, told Vanguard at their Ojota protest grounds: “We gathered here as early as 7 a.m. It was peaceful until about 20 thugs came in, raising tension.

     

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    “They told me and a media person that they would behead us.

     

    “It should be on record that the Police who are obligated to protect us as we go about the peaceful protest were present, while thugs were disrupting the protest.”

     

    Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Oyo State, there seems to be calm so far in the metropolis, as businesses are opening.

     

    ‘Hunger dey o’

    In Abuja, a detachment of fully-armed men of the Nigerian Police forcefully dispersed a group of protesters around the Berger Bridge in Abuja.

     

    The protesters were chanting ‘Hunger dey oo, hunger dey ooo” (There’s hunger, there’s hunger), before the officers dispersed them forcefully, including using tear gas.

     

    Some passers-by and motorists, who were caught off-guard, could be heard accusing the Police of high-handedness.

     

    Follow live updates of the protests across the country HERE.

  • Vandals destroy 2 transmission towers in Yenagoa – TCN

    Vandals destroy 2 transmission towers in Yenagoa – TCN

    Vandals destroy 2 transmission towers in Yenagoa –

    Electricity

    The Transmission Company of Nigeri (TCN) says two transmission towers, T98 and T99 along the Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kV line in the Igbooghene community of Bayelsa were destroyed by vandals.

     

    TCN’s General Manager Public Affairs Mrs Ndidi Mbah, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

     

    Mbah said that the incident caused the collapse of both towers, cutting off power supply to Bayelsa including TCN’s Yenagoa Sub-station and the Gbarain Power Station.

     

    TCN said that presently, Yenagoa Metropolis and the entire Bayelsa are still without power supply.

     

    The company said engineers led by Mr Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager Transmission, Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel accompanied by operatives of the Department of State Services have inspected the site of the destroyed towers.

     

    ” Plans are already ongoing to mobilise a contractor on an emergency basis to reconstruct the collapsed towers.

     

    “This follows an incident on June 16, where an individual was caught destroying tower T238 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV double circuit transmission lines.

     

    ” Another act of vandalism occurred on June 10, at the Ahoada Transmission Substation, ”the company said.

     

    The company urged the public to help in the ongoing fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure nationwide.

     

    TCN said it will continue to collaborate with security operatives and host communities including the DSS and Civil Defence Corps to combat the menace.

     

    ” Meanwhile, we are interfacing with stakeholders including security operatives in Yenagoa to put in place other initiatives geared towards helping TCN curtail the menace within the State.

     

    ” As we continue to work towards a robust grid, it is pertinent to note that a nation’s power sector cannot grow efficiently if funds intended for infrastructural expansion are repeatedly used to replace vandalised equipment,” TCN said. NAN)

     

     

  • NNPC targets two million barrels oil production daily

    NNPC targets two million barrels oil production daily

    NNPC targets two million barrels oil production daily

    31st July 2024

    Mele Kyari

    Group CEO, NNPCL, Mele Kyari

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    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced its goal to increase crude oil production to two million barrels per day by the end of the year.

     

    The country’s daily production rose from 1.27 million barrels in June to 1.6 million in July, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

     

    Speaking during a meeting with Maritime Stakeholders at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters on Tuesday, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, expressed optimism that the target would be met, emphasising that NNPC was fully committed to achieving it.

     

    Represented by the Managing Director of Pipeline NNPC, Folorunsho Karim, the oil firm’s boss urged security agencies to continue their efforts against oil theft and pipeline vandalism to help the company meet its target.

     

    He said, “The target is to increase production to two million barrels by the end of the year, and we are fully committed to doing that. I appreciate the support of the Nigerian Navy in making this possible.

     

    “They have been providing significant support, which has resulted in a reduction in oil theft. Pipeline vandalism has also decreased significantly, and there is a lot currently happening in the industry. We hope to sustain this progress to achieve our target of two million barrels per day by the end of the year.”

     

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said Nigeria’s development has faced numerous complex security challenges over the past few decades, including violent agitations, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy/sea robbery.

     

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    Ogalla added that these issues were driven by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, communal clashes, poverty, and unemployment.

     

    “The traditional methods of addressing these security challenges have not yielded the desired results. Hence, the meeting also aimed to address emerging security issues arising from the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.

     

    “The Federal Government’s drive to develop the nation’s blue economy requires the support of all stakeholders,” he added.

     

    He stated that the Navy was working to ensure its operations did not hinder operators but instead supported them in performing their duties and optimally producing.

     

    Ogalla said, “Providing security is a way to promote ease of doing business because if there is no security, operators cannot function.

     

    “We also ensure that our arrests and detentions do not impede legitimate business operators. When we make arrests, we conduct preliminary investigations quickly and release vessels if the information is found to be incorrect, so as not to disrupt businesses. This is our general contribution.

     

    “We aim to promote ease of doing business by ensuring our operations and patrols do not create problems for operators. Instead, we support them by assuring them of protection from criminal elements who seek to disrupt business activities in Nigeria.”

  • Customers besiege banks to reactivate dormant accounts

    Customers besiege banks to reactivate dormant accounts

    Customers besiege banks to reactivate dormant accounts

    31st July 2024

    CBN-VUILDING-700×375

    CBN Building

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    Many bank customers affected by the new Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines on dormant accounts rushed to their various banks on Tuesday to reactivate the accounts.

     

    Some of the customers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, said they had to activate their bank accounts to avoid the mopping up of their little savings by CBN.

     

    Further inquiries by our correspondent confirmed the situation, with courtrooms also becoming crowded with requests to swear affidavits.

     

    A bank official at a first-generation bank informed The PUNCH that numerous customers and families had submitted requests to re-activate inactive accounts so as not to lose the money to the apex bank that intends to use them for investment purposes.

     

    Orile Agege Residents Counter LCDA Chairman, Say PUNCH Video Not OldSo This Happened (251) reviews the murder of a pregnant woman in Rivers, otherSo This Happened Reviews 17-year-old Nigerian awarded full scholarships, OthersSo This Happened (246) Reviews Sirika’s Arrest Over Alleged N8bn Air Fraud, Food Prices Rise, Others

    The official said, “Yes, we have seen customers coming to the bank to reactivate their accounts. Even relatives and next of kin to dead persons have submitted applications to withdraw amounts left in the account of their loved ones. It looks like the CBN guidelines made them remember those accounts.”

     

    A businesswoman, Mrs Ugonne Akputa, said she paid some money into her six-year-old Access Bank account, which she had left for some time in order to reactivate it.

     

    Akputa said she still needed to operate the account to save some money which she rarely withdrew.

     

    ”I went to my bank to make enquiries about my account, which I have left for some time now.

     

    ”They told me that I should just put money into the account to activate it, and I did,” she said.

     

    Another customer at First Bank, Mr Cyprian Yusuf, said he was at the bank to make enquiries on his late brother’s account.

     

    Yusuf said though he was not aware of the amount in the account, he would not forfeit the money.

     

    ”When I heard of this dormant account thing, I decided to quickly come to my late brother’s bank to ask them how I could retrieve the money.

     

    ”He died three years ago and I don’t think the account has been in operation.

     

    ”So, I want to see what I can do so that his wife and children can use the money at least to feed,” he said.

     

    Another bank customer, Mrs Chinny Olaedo, appealed to banks and the CBN to ensure the safety of customers’ monies, especially those abroad.

     

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    ”I live abroad, but I came back to Nigeria for something very important to my family.

     

    ”I have a savings account in one of the banks, and I have my savings there. I transferred some money into the account recently so that it will still be active but I know that many people abroad might not know about this or do this.

     

    ”The CBN and other banks should make things easier for us abroad so that many of us will still be operating our Nigerian accounts,” she said.

     

    A bank official who pleaded anonymity said it would take six months of no activity in an account before it would be declared dormant in their bank.

     

    The official said the bank would notify customers whose accounts were dormant in line with the CBN’s guidelines.

     

    The source said the bank was preparing reports to also notify the CBN on the status of their dormant customers’ accounts.

     

    Another bank official, who also preferred anonymity, called on customers whose accounts were dormant to pay in money into them to activate them.

     

    According to CBN, eligible accounts are dormant accounts with balances that have remained with the financial institutions for 10 years and beyond.

     

    The apex bank said the aim of the guidelines was to identify dormant accounts/unclaimed balances and financial assets with a view to re-uniting them with their beneficial owners and holding the funds in trust for the beneficial owners.

     

    The bank said the objective was also to standardise the management of dormant accounts/unclaimed balances and financial assets and establish a standard procedure for reclaiming warehoused funds.

     

    The CBN said it would open and maintain an account earmarked to warehouse unclaimed balances in eligible accounts.

     

    According to the CBN, the account would be called an “Unclaimed Balances Trust Fund Pool Account”.

     

    The CBN had also cleared next-of-kin, a legal representative or beneficial owner, to make claims on unclaimed balances or funds in dormant accounts.

     

    The bank said the NoK to dormant account owner could now make claims on unclaimed balances or funds in dormant accounts by submitting applications for the reclaims to the financial institutions.

  • Lagos must convey protesters to designated parks, group reacts to court ruling

    Lagos must convey protesters to designated parks, group reacts to court ruling

    Lagos must convey protesters to designated parks, group reacts to court ruling

    31st July 2024

     

     

    Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

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    One of the groups organising the proposed nationwide protests, the Take It Back Movement, has described the judgment obtained by the Lagos State Government as an abuse of judicial privilege to stifle citizens’ freedom of association.

     

    A Lagos State High Court had, on Tuesday, restricted protesters participating in the nationwide protest to specific locations within the state.

     

    Justice Emmanuel Ogundare, while ruling on an ex parte application by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, (SAN), ordered that protests could only take place at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu.

     

    However, in a statement on Wednesday, the Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Lagos, Adekunle Taofeek, said the state government must bear the cost of moving protesters from several designated areas in the state to venues ordered by the court.

     

    He said, “We frown at this abuse of judicial privilege to stifle freedom of association. The movement, at an emergency meeting, wishes to inform you that since this was your administration’s decision, you must bear responsibility for the movement of protesters from several destinations in Lagos to and from Peace Park in Ketu and Gani Fawehinmi Justice Park in Ojota in Lagos.”

     

    Taofeek said some of the agreed designated convergence points for participating citizens are Alausa Secretariat, ⁠Lekki Toll Gates, Ikorodu Bus Park, Okota Link Bridge, LASU Campus gates, Iyana Ipaja Underbridge, and Agege Pen Cinema.

     

    “You will soon be informed of other designated convergence points for protesters,” he added.

     

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    Taofeek stated that the buses must arrive at the designated areas by 6 am and return by 6 pm to convey the protesters back to their destinations.

     

    He said, “The buses to be provided must be clean, safe and air-conditioned. The buses must arrive at these designated areas as early as 6 am and return protesters to their convergence points at 6 pm every night from August 1 to 10, 2024.

     

    “The protest days may drag beyond 10 days, so the Lagos State Government is advised to make contingency plans for the dusting of these actions.”

     

    Taofeek warned that failure to make the buses available, the protesters would march to the court and designated parks in the city daily.

     

    He said, “Your failure to provide buses for the protesters means they (protesters) would begin march/walk to the court designated parks in the city on a daily basis for the duration of the #EndBadGovernance direct actions.”

     

    Taofeek, therefore, told the Lagos State Government that there would be rallies and processions during the protest.

     

    He said, “Finally, be informed that there will be rallies and processions throughout the #EndbadGovernance actions, so your bus operators are advised to find and park a safe distance from the areas designated by protesters for these activities.”

  • How I want to be buried – Onyeka Onwenu

    How I want to be buried – Onyeka Onwenu

    How I want to be buried – Onyeka Onwenu.

     

     

    In a reflection shared three years ago, veteran Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu revealed her wishes for how she would like to be remembered and buried.

     

    The iconic artist, known for her powerful voice and activism, was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.

     

    “Do it quickly, quietly and privately,” Onwenu wrote in an opinion piece on Premium Times in 2021, emphasising that her burial should be devoid of unnecessary fanfare.

     

    She urged her loved ones to “mourn, yes but not excessively,” and to instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.

     

    “Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh.

     

    “Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me Onyeka Onwenu,” she said.

     

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    In her statement, Onwenu also touched on broader cultural practices, condemning the lavish display of wealth often seen at Nigerian burials.

     

    She contrasted her own wishes with the extravagant funeral of Obi Cubana’s mother, which sparked widespread debate across the country.

     

    “I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others,” she remarked, calling for more modest and meaningful ways to honour the deceased.

     

    Onwenu has had a multifaceted career, working in music, film, advocacy, journalism and politics.

     

    She has held various roles, including chairing the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and judging on the X Factor series.

     

    Her music and writings have been widely recognised, with notable songs including ‘One Love’ and ‘You and I’. She is also the author of the book ‘My Father’s Daughter,’ an autobiography.