Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Former Nigerian Minister Of Interior Dies

Senator Alh. Dr. Bello Maitama Yusuf, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and business, and a former minister for internal affairs and commerce, has passed away at the age of 78.

Senator Yusuf, who represented the Jigawa South West constituency as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had a long and distinguished political career.

He was first elected in April 1999 and subsequently re-elected in April 2003, earning the trust and support of his constituents over the years.

During his tenure as a minister, Senator Yusuf made significant contributions to the nation. As the minister for internal affairs in 1979 and the minister for commerce in 1982, he played a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.

Notably, his efforts as the minister for commerce helped curb the influx of imported goods into Nigeria, which was greatly impacting the country’s foreign reserves.

In his home state of Jigawa, Senator Yusuf was recognized and honoured with the title of “Sardaunan Dutse” in acknowledgment of his outstanding service and contributions to the state.

Furthermore, he was a recipient of the prestigious national honour, the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON), reflecting the high regard in which he was held by the nation.

10/13/2023
93 Unexploded Bombs Discovered In Lagos Cantonment

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the recovery of a total of ninety-three unexploded ordnance, or bombs, at the Ikeja Military Cantonment located in Lagos.

This significant discovery was made during the ongoing military operation known as ‘Exercise Clean Sweep,’ as announced in an official statement released on Thursday.

The operation, which commenced on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, was initiated with the primary objective of decontaminating the area that had been the epicentre of a devastating bomb explosion back in 2002.

The recovered ordnance varies in terms of their calibre and characteristics, according to the report from the Army. Colonel Abdulrazaq Kazeem, the Director of the Directorate of Explosives Search and Disposal and the Coordinator of Exercise Clean Sweep, provided an update during his first briefing.

He confirmed the retrieval of a total of ninety-three unexploded ordnance from the site up to this point.

Despite prior efforts to clear and dispose of explosives at the site, remnants of unexploded ordnance have continued to be discovered within and around the vicinity of the bomb blast.

This persistent presence poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the Cantonment’s residents and the surrounding environment.

Colonel Kazeem emphasized strict safety measures in handling these explosives, stating, “The moment we reach the maximum limits of explosives within our holding area, such ordinances will be moved to the range. If we get to the explosive limits today, I will move to the range today. We wouldn’t exceed a kilogram above the explosive limits because it is measured in kilograms. At 93, we have not yet reached the limits.”

The Safety Officer, Lt. Col. Oluseyi Oladapo Bamikole, reassured that adequate safety measures had been put in place to protect personnel involved in the recovery efforts.

These measures include demarcations and trained personnel to identify unexploded ordnance before recovery from the site, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and the local community.

10/13/2023
Abati Slams Peter Obi For Asking Tinubu To Reveal His Identity

Reuben Abati, a Nigerian journalist, has offered unconventional advice to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), following his call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address concerns about his academic and identity records.

Speaking during a segment on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show,” Abati suggested that Obi should consider a career in evangelism.

Obi had on Wednesday conducted a press conference in Abuja, urging Tinubu to disclose his educational background and clarify matters related to his name change and participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

Abati however criticized Obi’s approach, implying that it was driven more by a desire for media attention and publicity.

Abati emphasized that the appropriate forum for addressing electoral concerns is the court of law, as demonstrated by the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who pursued legal action in his electoral dispute.

In response to Obi’s press conference, the All Progressives Congress (APC) affirmed that President Tinubu did not have an identity problem and dismissed Obi’s claims as a script contrived by Atiku Abubakar.

10/12/2023
I Was Advised To Shut Down Winners Chapel, Arrest Bishop Abioye – Gov Abdullahi

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has disclosed that he received advice to shut down Goshen City of the Living Faith Church Worldwide in Masaka after Bishop David Abioye encouraged Christians to vote for Christian candidates in the state’s last general elections.

Bishop Abioye, the First Vice President of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, passionately advocated for voting according to one’s faith.

Speaking at the 2023 Peace and Development Summit for Young University Students in Abuja, Governor Sule revealed that he resisted the counsel to arrest the prominent preacher and author, Bishop Abioye.

He emphasized the importance of the separation of religion and politics, citing the diverse religious organizations in Nasarawa State, including Goshen City.

The governor’s remarks come amid a legal battle to secure his position, following the Nasarawa governorship election tribunal’s declaration of David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party as the rightful winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state.

10/12/2023
FG Reiterates Suspension Of Workers’ Salaries Not Listed In IPPIS

Federal civil servants who fail to verify their details or enlist their information in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) will face salary suspensions starting from November 2023.

This announcement by the Federal Government comes following a grace period of one month granted by the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

As per reliable sources, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation temporarily suspended salaries of non-compliant civil servants for the month of August 2023.

A highly authoritative source, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the importance of the given grace period and stated,

“A grace period was given, and the deadline ends by October 27, 2023. Anyone who fails to make use of this opportunity will have themselves to blame as their salaries will be suspended from the end of October. This means no salaries from this month.”

This decision was further reinforced by a letter issued by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, dated October 3, 2023, and addressed to all Permanent Secretaries.

The letter explained the background of the verification exercise conducted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, which began in May 2017 and concluded in April 2023.

The letter outlined the two categories of officers affected by this measure: those who did not update their records online and those who updated their records but were unable to complete the process or print the registration slip.

The registration portal (https://verification.jopis.gov.ng) was open for officers from October 3rd to October 10th, 2023, and physical verification is scheduled from October 16th to October 27th, 2023, at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Kubwa Expressway, Abuja, between 10 am and 4 pm each day.

All concerned officers have been urged to take this final opportunity for verification and not risk the suspension of their salaries.

10/12/2023
Igbo Group Knocks Peter Obi’s Remarks on Tinubu’s Certificate Case

The Omalegwuoku Progressive Initiative, an Igbo socio-political group, has criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), for his recent comments about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group called on Obi to refrain from making divisive remarks and challenging President Tinubu to reveal his personal details.

During a news briefing in Abuja, Ambassador Ginika Tor, the Global President of the group and a Commissioner with the Federal Character Commission (FCC), expressed her disappointment.

She argued that the President should focus on leading the country towards progress and development rather than engaging in discussions about his background.

Tor stated, “It is an insult to Nigeria as a nation for you to call out our president… to say he is from this state, from this country, from this region, from this locality? Does he owe us that? What the President owes us now is to take us to our destination of choice.”

She expressed her disappointment in Peter Obi, whom she had respected and referred to as her brother. Tor urged Obi to avoid divisive statements and consider the potential consequences of his actions on the future of the Igbo people.

“We are telling our brother, Obi, to calm down. If God wanted you to be there, He would have made you the President. He did not. There are many distractions around this President. Are you not bothered with the issues around the world?”

10/12/2023
Tinubu Tells Supreme Court To Dismiss Atiku’s Appeal

President Bola Tinubu, who contested as the presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election, has officially requested the Supreme Court to reject the appeal filed by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition party.

Tinubu’s response, which was presented by his legal team, comes in response to Atiku’s notice of appeal.

This move follows the prior judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on September 6, which dismissed Atiku’s petition challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election.

The tribunal cited Atiku’s failure to substantiate the claims in his petition and concluded that his case lacked merit.

Atiku subsequently filed a notice of appeal with 35 grounds before the Supreme Court on September 18, seeking to have the tribunal’s findings and conclusions overturned.

He argued that the tribunal had made “grave errors and gross misrepresentations” that resulted in a miscarriage of justice.

In his response, President Tinubu maintained that the presidential election petition tribunal had rightfully reached its verdict and upheld his election.

He emphasized that the appellants had failed to substantiate their allegations and provide any compelling reason for the apex court to overturn the lower court’s findings.

Tinubu also characterized Atiku’s appeal as “abusive in nature” and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss it.

He stated that the appeal lacked merit and bona fide and urged the court to affirm the lower court’s decision.

The legal battle continues as both parties await the Supreme Court’s decision.

10/12/2023
BBC Report Claims Tinubu’s Certificate Is Authentic

In a report released by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Wednesday, it has been revealed that there is no proof that President Bola Tinubu forged his academic record at Chicago State University (CSU).

This revelation comes in the midst of controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic credentials.

Recently, Chicago State University had released and deposited Tinubu’s certificate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as requested by a US court in the context of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.

While President Tinubu and his aides have consistently maintained the authenticity of his CSU certificate, Atiku’s camp had alleged that the certificate was falsified. However, the BBC’s Global Disinformation Team’s investigation has not found any conclusive evidence of forgery.

The BBC report stated that they contacted CSU for clarification, and the university expressed confidence in the veracity and integrity of their records concerning Tinubu’s attendance and graduation.

The report further highlights that there are three different versions of CSU certificates associated with Tinubu, including the original 1979 certificate, a second diploma submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and another replacement diploma from the early 2000s, which was never collected by Tinubu.

Contrary to some allegations on social media, the BBC found that the phrase “with honours” does appear on Mr. Tinubu’s diploma from the early 2000s, which CSU authenticated during their investigation.

CSU’s registrar, Caleb Westberg, affirmed that changes in the diploma template over the years might explain differences in appearance. He also attested to the authenticity of Tinubu’s diploma during his deposition.

The BBC report concluded that CSU’s documents and Mr. Westberg’s statements confirm that President Tinubu graduated from CSU with honours, dispelling some of the doubts raised regarding his academic credentials.

10/11/2023
The Fintech Revolution: Transforming MSMEs and Financial Inclusion in Nigeria

Fintech has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria, reshaping the financial landscape and ushering in an era of unprecedented financial inclusion.

Among its many impacts, perhaps the most noteworthy is its role in fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), which are the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

Fintech has undeniably improved financial access and penetration across Nigeria.

By introducing innovative solutions like mobile banking, digital wallets, and agent banking, it has reached underserved populations that traditional banking services could not.

Not only has this expanded access, but it has also brought down transaction costs, making financial services more affordable for all.

One of the remarkable achievements of fintech in Nigeria is the transformation of payment systems. The proliferation of mobile money platforms and digital payment solutions has revolutionized the way transactions are conducted.

Nigerians can now seamlessly make payments, transfer funds, and settle bills through their mobile devices. This has significantly contributed to the adoption of cashless transactions, reducing the risks associated with physical cash.

However, the real success story of fintech in Nigeria lies in its impact on MSMEs. These enterprises, often struggling to access traditional financial services, have reaped unparalleled benefits from the fintech revolution.

Fintech platforms have bridged the financing gap that has historically plagued MSMEs. Through peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding, they can secure much-needed capital for their businesses. This has not only injected much-needed funds into these enterprises but has also fueled entrepreneurship and innovation.

Beyond financing, fintech has streamlined MSME operations. Tools such as accounting software, digital marketing platforms, and supply chain management systems empower these enterprises to operate more efficiently and compete effectively with larger players. Moreover, e-commerce platforms, enabled by fintech, have expanded their reach, allowing MSMEs to tap into a broader customer base.

Risk management is another critical aspect where fintech has made substantial contributions. Fintech solutions offer valuable risk assessment tools, enabling MSMEs to make informed credit decisions. This is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of these enterprises.

However, while the impact of fintech in Nigeria is undeniable, it is essential to address the challenges that come with this rapid transformation.

Fintech regulation in Nigeria is still evolving, requiring a delicate balance between promoting innovation and providing effective oversight. The rapid growth of fintech adoption has also given rise to escalating concerns about cybersecurity. Robust measures are required to protect financial data and services from cyber threats.

Furthermore, addressing financial literacy gaps remains a critical challenge. Not all segments of the population possess the necessary skills to fully utilize fintech services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive educational initiatives.

Overall, the impact of fintech in Nigeria extends beyond improved financial penetration; it is reshaping the fortunes of MSMEs, introducing a new era of financial accessibility, efficiency, and innovation. As the fintech ecosystem in Nigeria continues to mature, its contribution to economic growth and development is poised to become even more profound.

Nevertheless, addressing regulatory, cybersecurity, and educational challenges will be instrumental in sustaining and maximizing these benefits.

The revolution has the potential to propel Nigeria into a new era of economic prosperity, and it’s imperative that stakeholders work together to overcome the associated challenges and ensure the continued success of this dynamic industry.

10/11/2023
Gunmen Strike Again, Kidnap Nasarawa Varsity Students

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have struck once again, this time targeting students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

At least four students have been abducted in an incident that unfolded outside the school campus in the Angwan Kare area of Keffi on Monday night.

This alarming incident comes hot on the heels of another kidnapping that occurred just a day earlier.

On Sunday night, Professor Haruna Ayuba Kuje, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of NSUK, was abducted.

The four students who have been taken captive are identified as Rahila Hanya (SLT), Josephine Gershon (Computer Science), Rosemary Samuel (Business Administration), and Goodness Samuel from the Geography Department.

It has been revealed that all of them are 100-level students.

Comrade Solomon Timmy, the head of the Student Union Government (SUG), confirmed this harrowing incident to the media on Tuesday, urging everyone to remain calm as efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the abducted students.

Additionally, Comrade Riwonga Lucky Ali, the SUG Secretary-General, issued a statement assuring students that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ safe return.

In a glimmer of hope amid these distressing events, there is news of the release of Professor Kuje. Samuel Alu, Chairman of NSUK Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has confirmed that Prof. Kuje was freed on Tuesday and has been reunited with his family.

The former DVC’s kidnapping, which occurred at his private residence in Keffi on Sunday night, had sent shockwaves through the academic community. Authorities and security forces continue to work diligently to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and to bring those responsible to justice.

10/10/2023