Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Chike Ozohili

Binance Nigeria Limited a scam, Global CEO declares

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Binance, Changpeng Zhao on Sunday declared that the Binance Nigeria Limited is a scam entity.

Binance is a leading cryptocurrency platform globally.

In a statement in his verified twitter handle Zhao said “Binance Nigeria Limited is a scam.

“Binance have issued a cease & desist notice to the scammer entity “Binance Nigeria Limited”. Don’t believe everything you read in the news.”

This comes as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had declared that Binance Nigeria is operating illegally in Nigeria.

SEC had said the crypto entity was not registered or regulated by the Commission.

06/18/2023
Alaba Market Demolition- Ohaneze bemoans plight of Igbo traders

The Ohaneze Ndigbo has expressed concern over the lingering problems in Lagos over the planned demolition of some property at the Alaba Market dominated by Igbo traders.

The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said this in a statement issued by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia on Saturday in Enugu.

Ohaneze said since the disturbing news broke out, they had made investigations in order to establish the true state of affairs.

Iwuanyanwu said, “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been drawn to several fake publications circulating on social media alleging a decision by the Lagos State Government to take actions to victimize the Igbo citizens domiciled in Lagos”.

He said based on its investigation, one reliable source, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, Member, Lagos State Market Advisory Council said, “the Lagos State Environment and Development Authority has been issuing warnings as regards the obstruction of some waterways”.

Ukatu, who is also the President Ndigbo-Amaka Progressive Market Association, Lagos, added “all that happened at Alaba and the emergency visit by the state government officials were directly about those blocking the free flow of water through the provided water ways”.

Ukatu explained that the directive as “not in any way related to plazas and shops on the markets or along the market road”.

He enjoined all and sundry to “disregard the statements and video messages trending on the internet and admonished that such propaganda was not necessary for the Igbos at this time”.

Another Alaba resident, Chief Ikechukwu Okolo told Ohaneze that, some structures were erected on waterways, thereby obstructing drainages and causing flooding, especially during the rainy seasons.

Okolo stated that, “the owners of the affected structures have since been notified, for months, but as we can see, each time the execution order was to be effected, corrupt Government officials would get compromised, and the flooding challenge continues, until this time”.

Chief Evaristus Ozonweke, an Ohaneze chieftain, resident in Lagos, has also validated the above position.

Iwuanyanwu urged the Lagos State Environment and Development Authority (LASEDA) to exercise prudence and best considerations in discharging their duties as he asked the Igbo in Lagos to remain calm.

He, therefore, indicated a pressing need to visit Lagos and the South West in the next few weeks as he was very optimistic that during the visit, all the challenges confronting the Igbo in Lagos would be addressed.

06/18/2023
Gunmen kidnap 67-year-old Chief Imam

The Police in Ondo State have confirmed the abduction of Alhaji Ibrahim Bodunde-Oyinlade, the Chief Imam of USO community in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The 67-year-old Chief Imam was abducted on his farm at Asolo Farm Camp on Saturday afternoon.

A family member said they reported to the police when Bodunde-Oyinlade did not return home by 2pm and calls to his mobile phone were not answered.

“The kidnappers have contacted the family but are yet to demand for ransom,” he said on condition of anonymity.

SP Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, Police spokesperson in the state, however, confirmed the incident.

He said policemen and vigilantes were combing the forest in search of the Chief Imam.

Odunlami-Omisanya told newmen that the victim’s car and mobile phone were found at the farm.

“It was at about 6pm that the family members came to report the incident at the police station in USO community.

“The DPO, policemen, and vigilantes are searching the area for possible rescue,” he added.

06/18/2023
How financing can boost low-income countries’ resilience to shocks – Experts

Experts have said that multilateral financing can boost the resilience of low-income countries to global financial shocks.

They noted that with low-income countries first from the Covid-19 pandemic and now the disruption of global supply chain due to the Russian-Ukraine war, increased financing would help abate the impact on poor and vulnerable nations.

According to Karmen Naidoo and Nelson Sobrinho, in a research, economic gains from $272 billion in pandemic support for 94 countries were strongest in the poorest and more vulnerable recipients of IMF concessional financing

“Low-income countries face multiple economic challenges—including rapid inflation, food insecurity, costly borrowing, and mounting debt—heightened by shocks from the pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine.”

The Fund had earlier this year, revised downwards its growth projections for low-income countries, where per capita income growth is falling further behind the rates needed to catch up with advanced economies.

The Bretton Woods Institute stated that the situation threatens to reverse a decades-long trend of steadily converging living standards.

Naidoo said:”To boost economic growth and put them back on a path to income convergence with advanced economies, we estimate that low-income countries need an additional $440 billion of financing through 2026 from all available sources. As part of this, IMF concessional financing offered at low or zero interest rates will play a key role in helping these countries cushion the impact on growth from ongoing shocks and future crises.

“The benefits of such financing were visible during the pandemic, when IMF-funded economies, on average, saw stronger, faster recoveries than unfunded counterparts, based on readings across three indexes tracking economic activity,” Sobrinho said.

06/17/2023
IMF supports Nigeria’s exchange rate unification

The exchange rate unification policy of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the backing of global lender, the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Over the last several years, Nigeria has been operating a dual exchange rate regime which had led to round tripping with many Nigerian businesses preferring to trade dollars than engage in their legitimate businesses.

According to the Apex Bank had in a statement abolished the dual exchange rate collapsing it into the Investors Exporters (I&E) window.

The regulator stated that it is expected to be a willing seller and a willing buyers

With the policy, all applications for medicals, school fees, business travel allowance/personal travel allowance, and SMEs would now go through the I&E window.

in a short statement, on Friday, IMF’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ari Aisen said it would support the federal government as it implement the new reform.

“The Fund greatly welcomes the authorities’ decision to introduce a unified market-reflective exchange rate regime in line with our long-standing recommendations. We stand ready to support the new administration in its implementation of FX reforms.”

The Bretton Woods institute and experts consistently warned the federal government on the dangers of keeping a dual exchange rate saying it created room for arbitrage.

06/17/2023
Oil Theft Allegations: Produce evidence, Navy tackles Asari Dokubo

The Nigerian Navy has described as spurious, the allegations by ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, that some cabals in the military are involved in oil theft in the region.

Dokubo made the claims when he visited President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Friday.

Reacting to the accusation, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, on Saturday challenged Dokubo to produce evidence and names of those behind the criminality.

Ayo-Vaughan said the Nigerian military, and the navy in particular, had been at the forefront of fighting crude oil theft at all levels in the country.

He said that while crude oil being stolen from pipelines was being refined in the creeks for the local market and the local buyers, it was also being stolen by criminals from offshore at sea.

“You remember the case of Mt Heroic Idun that was made to pay fines to the Nigerian government after they were arrested and brought back from Guinea Bissau, Malabo Island, and made to face court orders.

“It demonstrated the will of the Navy to go as far as even beyond our waters to arrest a ship that attempted to load without a license, without due approval in April last year.

“I was there physically on board one of our ships at FOT in Onne when the navy launched Operation Dakatarda Barawo, which means ‘stop the thief’ in Hausa.

“Stop the thief that is stealing the nation’s natural resources, the hydrocarbons.

“Nigerian Navy has been fighting crude oil theft, taking the fight to the creeks and as I speak to you, our men are battling in the creeks.

“So, what I will just say is, Asari Dokubo is seeking some form of relevance and whatever.

“He alleges that there is a cabal of military people that are involved in crude oil theft, let him bring the names.

“Nobody is afraid of getting the names of those involved in crude oil theft.

“You cannot make such spurious allegations and think that we will just sweep it down the carpet,” he said.

Ayo-Vaughan said neither the Chief of Defense Staff nor the Chief of Naval Staff will condone such act.

According to him, the Nigerian navy will not be distracted by the allegations and will continue to be actively involved in the fight against crude oil theft and resources in the Niger Delta.

“So for anybody to say that there is a cabal of military officers, the only simple thing to do is bring the evidence, bring the names,” he stressed.

The Navy spokesman said that the efforts of the Nigerian military in the Niger Delta was the reason Nigeria regained top spot in oil production in the month of May among oil producing countries in Africa, as confirmed by OPEC, NUPRC and others.

06/17/2023
Customs intercepts N37.8m Indian hemp, drugs in Kebbi

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has intercepted 104 parcels of Indian hemp, 359 sacks of diazepam and 70 packs of tramadol in the state.

The Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo, made this known while handing over the drugs to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend.

“On 11th June, based on a tip-off from well-meaning citizens about a vehicle conveying offensive goods into the country, the command’s officers and men swung into action.

“At about 10 am through stop and search along Kamba-Kyangakwai road, the officers and men were able to identify the vehicle suspected to be carrying the illegal concealment.

“After thorough search and examination, 104 parcels (laptop size of 1kg each) of cannabis sativa and 99 (5mg) diazepam tablets were found concealed in the vehicle driven by a middle-aged man, Sulaiman Yusuf,” he said.

Oramalugo also said 70 packs of tramadol 225mg and 260 diazepam tablets 5mg, were found by the patrol team on June 5, abandoned along a footpath in Kamba-Rijiyar Maikafi bush.

The Area Commander handed over the seized items valued at N37.8 million and the suspect to the NDLEA, Kebbi command, for further action.

He also said that the command had seized various smuggled items in the last four weeks in the state.

Oramalugo said that the contraband included 107 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 38 bales of second-hand clothing, 1,275 litres of PMS, 52 jerrycans of vegetable oil, one Honda accord 2014 and a used Opel vehicle, among others.

According to him, the duty paid value of the seized items is N64.6 million.

Oramalugo reiterated the Command’s commitment in carrying out its core mandate and zero tolerance for smuggling.

In his remarks, while receiving the drugs, the NDLEA Commander in Kebbi, Sulaiman Usman, thanked the NCS for their efforts, assistance and collaboration with the agency.

“This is the manifestation of the inter-agency collaborative efforts between the Chief Executive of NDLEA and NCS in order to stamp out the menace of drug abuse in our society,” he said.

06/17/2023
Internet Fraud: EFCC arrests FMC staff, 50 others in Ogun, Oyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal office, has arrested a staff of Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta in Ogun, and 47 others for alleged involvement in internet fraud.

This is contained in a statement signed the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

48 suspects were arrested in Ogun and three others in Oyo State.

Uwujaren said that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at the Idi-Aba area of Abeokuta, following intelligence on their alleged fraudulent activities.

He said that items recovered from the suspects included seven exotic vehicles, several mobile phones, laptops, Apple wristwatches, among others.

Uwujaren said that two suspects were arrested the same day at the Idi-Igba area of Ibadan in Oyo state, and two cars and other valuables were recovered from them.

He said that the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police also arrested and handed over a cybercrime suspect to the EFCC.

Uwujaren said that the suspect was arrested at his house on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent activities.

He said that a Honda Civic car and mobile phones were also recovered from him.

Uwujaren said that all the suspects would be charged in court after the completion of an investigation.

06/17/2023
Indonesia donates 1.58m doses of Pentavalent Vaccines to Nigeria

Indonesia has donated 1,580,000 doses of Pentavalent Vaccines to Nigeria through the Indonesian Aid Agency to boost healthcare delivery.

Delivering the items at a ceremony on Friday in Abuja, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria Dr Usra Harahap, said the gesture was a testimony to the strong bond existing between both countries.

Usra added that the two countries share a common commitment to sustaining the well-being of their citizens.

According to him, one of the most significant developments in public health has been the production of the pentavalent vaccine with a view to preventing diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis-B, and Hemophilus influenzae type B that include five critical vaccines.

He said, “The burden of these preventable diseases will be greatly lessened as a result of this thorough immunisation, especially among the most vulnerable populations, such as newborns and young children.

“The pentavalent vaccines are produced by Indonesian manufacturer PT. Biofarma and a total of 1,580,000 doses of Pentavalent Vaccines have been donated by Indonesia to Nigeria through the Indonesian Aid Agency.

“I am delighted to inform you all that for this donation – a total of 730,000 doses – arrived in Nigeria on May 30, 2023 and a total of 850,000 arrived on June 14, 2023, to make a total of 1,580,000 doses of vaccines.

“All these donations are to improve the healthcare system and increase immunisation coverage for every child in Nigeria to grow up safe and healthy.

“We are delivering these pentavalent vaccines with utmost faith and confidence in Nigeria’s capability to distribute and administer them effectively; we have complete confidence in your passion, knowledge and dedication to preserving the health of your people.”

He expressed the hope that the pentavalent vaccines would deepen ties and global health cooperation, to ensure a world where everyone is healthier, safer, more resilient and happier.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Faisal Shuaib, Executive-Director/CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Government for the donation of the vaccines.

He said that the partnership between both countries brought about the donation of 1,580,000 doses of lifesaving Pentavalent vaccines, to support Nigeria’s Routine Immunization programme.

According to him, the vaccines received were more than just vials of medicine; they represent hope, protection, and the promise of a brighter future for children.

“The donated vaccines will be distributed to healthcare centres throughout Nigeria to ensure they reach as many children as possible.

“Particularly, those in remote and underserved communities, where they will be instrumental in preventing countless cases of debilitating and life-threatening diseases among the most vulnerable members of our society.

“We will be guided by accessibility, equity, and efficiency. We firmly believe every child, regardless of their background or geographic location, should have equitable access to life-saving vaccines. We will leave no child behind.

“We will emphasize the importance of vaccine education and dispel misconceptions or hesitancy surrounding immunization; through transparent communication and community engagement, we aim to build trust and confidence for the safety and efficacy of these vaccines,” Shuaib said.

He commended the Indonesian government for the donation, saying it marked the interest of Indonesian-Nigeria and their commitment to global health.

In his remark, Dr Walter Kazadi, the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) commended the gesture by the government of Indonesia to have marked deviation from past achievements in healthcare donation.

According to him, today we saw an example of triangular South-South Cooperation, “We thank the government of Indonesia for this gesture, Nigeria is in dire need of vaccines to close the gap of zero dose children”.

“We believe your contribution will go a long way as Nigeria is accelerating to close the gap, it is very important for us, especially the United Nations Agencies.

“To show that we fully support the avenue of South-South collaboration, we have suffered from injustice with COVID-19 vaccination, for so long.

“We hope beyond this gesture there will be more collaboration to strengthen our capacity for local manufacturing of vaccines in our respective countries,” Kazadi said.

Highpoint of the event was the official donation of the vaccines by Harahap to Shuaib.

06/16/2023
Subsidy: FG provides solar alternative power to Nigerians

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad on Friday, said the Federal Government is providing solar energy alternatives to Nigerians in a bid to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on businesses and households.

Ahmad, who was speaking after the inspection of REA’s Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI) project in Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo, said the Federal Government, through REA, is setting up alternative solar energy systems to cater to electricity-underserved Nigerians.

He also explained that the concept of the EEI project was to provide alternative and clean solar energy to Nigerians, so as to reduce or abolish the use of carbon monoxide petrol-powered generators.

“We came to our Zonal office in Osun and we decided to do a short inspection of the Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI) that we have in Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo.

“We came to see the progress of the work and we are very happy with what we have seen here today.

“The concept is to see how we can work with the market association and most importantly, work with the state government to scale up solar power supply to the whole market,” he said.

He said the construction of the solar system at the Ayegbaju Market is about 95 percent completed and that the power generation of the system is targeted at 30kwp.

He said at the pilot phase now, the solar power electricity is being test run on 48 shops and that in the long run, it would be extended to all the shops in the market.

He said with the interaction he had with the leadership of the market, shop owners are interested in the solar power project, as an alternative power source to run their operations/shops.

“What we have seen is the tremendous interest of the market people in the solar energy alternative, especially using it to replace petrol generators, in the face of subsidy removal,” he said.

He said as a follow up to the inspection and interaction with the market people, he would meet and work with developers, Osun State Government and even the market association, to draw a roadmap of how the project would be sustained and scaled up to cover the entire market.

He said with the solar system initiative, REA has been able to demonstrate a concept of solar power generation and supply, and that they can now bring in and work with other stakeholders to scale it up to the demand of Nigerians who are unserved and undeserved with electricity.

“Over 148 sites have been audited directly by REA,” saying “support from partners, such as E-guide and Rockefeller Foundation, will enhance the Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI) project.

“It is from these sites that Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo, and Abubakar Gumi Market, Kaduna, were selected to deliver the next phase of EEI projects,” he said.

He said they are taking into account the lessons learned from phase zero and one of the project initiatives and would use it as a model for sustainable and collaborative projects with state governments and Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

“Once the solar system construction is completed, the State Governments or DisCos, developers, and REA will be able to sit with the Market Associations to sign a multilateral agreement which ensures the long-term viability of the project while ensuring energy access to the markets.

“These projects will also provide the much-needed relief to businesses in these markets by reducing their dependence on petrol generators while increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources,” he said.

06/16/2023