All Posts in "Month: March 2023"

Access Bank Partners AfriGOpay To Strengthen Nigeria’s Payment Ecosystem

Mohammed Shosanya

Access Bank has partnered with AfriGOpay, a financial services business affiliated with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to launch the first Nigerian national domestic card designed to meet the needs of the Nigerian payment industry.

The scheme will provide innovative solutions to users of financial services in Nigeria, Africa, and across the global markets,a statement said.

Victor Etuokwu, Deputy Managing Director, Retail Banking, Access Bank,who spoke on the partnership,said:“It is with excitement that we announce that Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest retail bank with over 60million customers is the first financial institution in Nigeria to successfully issue the first live card of the Nigeria’s National card scheme- AfriGO.

“The launch of AfriGO is another milestone in the development of a vibrant and rapidly expanding payments industry. Consumers demand value in real time, not just transactions. With AfriGO, we can provide valuable card benefits, robust loyalty rewards, and a compelling incentive to utilize electronic payments rather than cash.

“The AfriGO Card has additional benefits because it is designed to facilitate the growth of Nigeria’s payment ecosystem, thereby supporting more tailored payment services. It will strengthen payment security, expand financial participation, guarantee data sovereignty, eliminate FX dependency, and provide Nigerians with several other benefits. Cardholders will enjoy increased affordability and more flexible payment options”, Victor added.

Speaking on the product launch, Robert Giles, Senior Retail Advisor, Access Bank said, “The National card scheme operates locally, and it is tailored to the specific needs of the country. We have also recorded successful purchases on POS and ATMs which began on March 14, 2023. Domestic ownership of a local card scheme eliminates demand on foreign exchange and reduces cost of transacting. It will also help us partner with local fintechs and payment companies to build solutions on the AfriGO scheme that solve customers’ pain points.

“This comes at a crucial time for the national payments’ infrastructure where demand for convenient alternatives to cash is at a peak. We believe that the AfriGO scheme is a new building block that will support continued progress in the payments system, building on Nigeria’s position as the 6th most developed real-time payments market in the world”

According to Premier Oiwoh, the MD/CEO of NIBSS, “The payments landscape in Nigeria has continued to evolve via seamless and convenient real-time electronic payment solutions driven by innovation and advancement in technology. The launch of our national domestic card scheme AfriGO is very timely; AfriGO will drive our financial inclusion goals amongst many benefits, and we are thrilled that Access Bank is the first bank in Nigeria to issue AfriGO cards to its customers.

“Access Bank has demonstrated the much-needed commitment to enhancing financial inclusion, and we urge other financial institutions to commence issuing AfriGO for more accessible and convenient payments for all Nigerians, regardless of their location or financial status.”

Aminu Maida, Executive Director, NIBSS, added, ” With technological advancements, there are more options for payments and the recently launched national domestic card scheme, AfriGO gives us assured comfort on all financial transactions. We are excited that Access Bank is the first to key into our belief of AfriGO’s immense value to the Nigerian financial ecosystem”

admin by — March 30, 2023 in Banking&Finance 0
NLNG Science Quiz Competition Targets Climate Change,Net Zero Emission

Musbau Babatunde

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited,has commenced the 2023 cycle of the NLNG Science Quiz Competition, with the theme “Net Zero Science” to focus on climate change and net zero emission goals.

This year’s competition is in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Chapter. It will test students on their knowledge of the theme, which is in line with the Company’s quest for a sustainable environment,a statement said.

The competition, which kicked off with the first stage on last weekend at designated Computer-based test centres in Rivers State, is open to students in senior secondary school classes, SS1 and SS2, from government-owned secondary schools in the three senatorial districts in Rivers State.

According to the statement,the winners from the first stage will compete in the Championship stage in April 2023 and the winners from that stage will compete in the Grand Finale in May 2023 for the SS2 category. Winners in the SS1 category will be determined in the Championship stage.

Speaking on the commencement of the competition, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, said the competition aims to encourage passion for science and technology among young students.

He added that it was important for the themes to address pressing global issues such as climate change and net-zero emissions to help develop the students’ scientific skills and knowledge and help them understand the impact of their actions on the environment.

He said:“Incorporating the theme of climate change and net-zero emissions in the science competition can have a significant impact on children’s attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. It can help students appreciate the importance of sustainable practices and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, it can foster critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, enabling students to develop innovative solutions to address climate-related issues.

“NLNG’s interest in education and youth development in Nigeria is high. By providing young people with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in science and technology, it is empowering them to become leaders and change-makers in their communities”.

admin by — March 30, 2023 in Environment 0
NUPRC Boss Receives Heritage Energy CEO, Promises Robust Regime For Oil Industry

Tunde Sholanke

The Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, hosted the Chief Executive of Heritage Energy Operational Services (HEOSL), Ado Oseragbaje, in his Abuja office on Wedesday 29th March, 2023, during a courtesy call by the leadership of HEOSL to the oil and gas industry regulator.

He led a team of HEOSL managment comprising Rev. Sola Adebawo, General Manager, Government, JV and External Relations; Mrs. Chisa Otokpa, General Manager Legal and Company Secretary; and Mr. Hamidu Abbo, Senior Advisor, Government Relations, to pay a courtesy visit to the NUPRC boss as part of strategic relationship building with the oil and gas industry regulator.

He thanked the NUPRC boss for the dynamic and focused leadership he has brought to the Nigerian oil and gas industry, noting that the progressive impact of the new regulatory regime is already manifesting in the growing stability of the industry.

Engr. Komolafe appreciated Oseragbaje and the HEOSL leadership team for the visit,adding that NUPRC is deploying a regulatory as a strategy focused on inclusiveness and business enablement, driven by the effective implementation of the revolutionary provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2020 (PIA).

He appealed to operators in the industry to ensure strict compliance with the various provisions of the Act to enable the industry, as well as the nation, enjoy the benefits of its successful implementation.

In his remarks,Oseragbaje thanked the NUPRC boss, and promised continued collaboration with the Commission for the success of the industry.

Osergbaje became the CEO of Heritage Oil Limited (a Jersey-based international oil and gas company) as well as its Nigerian subsidiary, Heritage Energy Operational Services, in July 2022.

admin by — March 30, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Advance Cargo Declaration Of Crude Export Will Stop Oil Theft In Nigeria -EFCC

Mohammed Shosanya

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa,Thursday,implored major oil producing companies in Nigeria to consider the introduction of advance cargo declaration on crude export as a measure to discourage the theft of the country’s crude oil.

He spoke while members of the Oil Producers Trade Section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), on a courtesy visit to the commission.

He expressed optimism that advance cargo declaration of crude export with unique tracking not will deter the theft of Nigerian crude at the export terminals but discourage off takers who would be unwilling to accept such cargoes.

Wilson Uwujaren,spokesman of the commission quoted his boss in a statement,as saying that: “We need to have an advance Cargo declaration on our crude oil export, because we found out that there is theft even at the terminals, unfortunately, IOCs like yours resisted that there is nothing like that, it is impossible to happen.

“But I believe we have conducted a case here at the EFCC where we were able to establish that crude that was taken is different from the one that was discharged and we keep on wondering, what is happening? So, that means there is a problem. And I believe you know what advance cargo declaration means, you have to declare in advance what your cargo is carrying and then you will be given the unique cargo tracking note on all the exports that you are making. No cargo that is from Nigeria should be accepted if it doesn’t have the tracking note”, he said.

He recalled that the measure was a part of the recommendations of a Committee that investigated the theft of Nigerian Crude in 2014 but was unfortunately never implemented. He challenged the oil chiefs to revisit the recommendation as it could provide a silver lining to addressing the challenge of oil theft.

He lamented that the total shut down of the Nigerian refineries had created a vacuum which illegal refiners were trying to fill through the production of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil,noting that, were the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited refineries to be operating even at 10% of capacity, it would have helped in reading demand pressures, while the illegal refiner would have less business.

He assured the IOCs of his commission’s commitment and willingness to collaborate with all stakeholders both within and outside the country to bring an end to the oil theft challenge.

He added: “We are always open, part of our core values here is collaboration, We can’t do this thing alone and that is why we are always at the forefront of reaching out to stakeholders both within and outside the country to ensure that we share information, we share intelligence and collaboratively we are taking it to the next level.”

Speaking, Mr. Rick Kennedy, Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited and Chairman of OPTS, stated that they were at the EFCC to build relationships and seek ways of curbing the menace of crude oil theft in the industry as well as its impact on the environment and the economy.

“We wanted to make those introductions, develop some relationships and seek some opportunities for collaboration since we believe all of us are impacted by these sets of issues. As industry operators we have significant concern to work closely with the government of Nigeria. We truly appreciate all of the efforts especially under the last many months and we have seen the improvements with respect to reduction to oil theft but this still persists and clearly it has a big impact in a number of ways”,added.

admin by — March 30, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Reps Okay Creation Of Nigerian Peace Corps

Musbau Babatunde

The House of Representatives in Abuja on Thursday adopted the conference committee reports on the bill to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps.

Hon. Babangida Ibrahim, Chairman of Committee, while moving for the consideration of the report in the House, Ibrahim said the bill among others was to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps.

He said the peace corps would be a body charged with the responsibility to develop, empower and provide gainful employment for youths.

He added that it would also facilitate peace, volunteerism, community service, neighborhood watch and nation building.

The harmonised report of the conference committee which was laid and adopted by the lawmakers showed the conference adopted the version of the bill as passed in terms of clause 38(2).

The highlight of the adopted report is on clause 38 (1) of the version passed by the Senate which is in conflict with the version passed by the House of Reps as contained under clause 38 (1).

The Senate’s version seeks dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria and National Unity and Peace Corps.

The House of Reps version of the bill solely recommends the dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria to be transformed into the Nigerian Peace Corps when assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.

admin by — March 30, 2023 in News 0
NLNG Hospital Support Programme Commissioning In Kano

(R-L) – Dr. Rabiu Suleiman, NLNG Board Member; Andy Odeh, NLNG GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development; Prof. Adbdurrahman Sheshe, Chief Medical Director, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH); and Dr. Philip Mshelbilia, NLNG MD/CEO, inspecting facilities in a newly commissioned Occupational Therapy and Neuromodulation Rehabilitation Centre at AKTH, constructed and equipped by NLNG as part of its Hospital Support Programme (HSP)…in Kano today.
admin by — March 30, 2023 in Uncategorized 0
Egba Muslims Dispute: Alake Waves Olive Branch

Tunde Sholanke

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has called for a truce in the ongoing faceoff among members of the Egba Muslim community in Ogun state.

The monarch spoke during an all-inclusive peace meeting attended by the various interest groups that made up the Egba Muslim community.

He expressed worries that the crisis among Egba Muslim faithful is happening during the Holy month of Ramadan,which signifies mutual peace, tolerance, understanding and forgiveness of fellow Muslims and non-Muslims .

He said,like other monolithic religions, Islam had formal and informal ways of settling disagreements among people, adding that he expected the Egba Muslim leadership to have applied workable solutions as guided by the Holy Quran and Hadith.

After appeals to all sides to the dispute to sheathe their sword, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, directed the Egba Alake Muslim Executive Committee to immediately withdraw the sack letter earlier issued to the Chief Imam of Egba.

He also directed the Chief Imam and the other three Sectional Imams to withdraw the letter of suspension served on Baba Adeen, Balogun Egba Muslim and other Exco members of the Egba Alake Muslim leadership.

Alake advocated the need for the total cessation of hostilities and any other action that might further aggravate the current situation during this fasting period of the Holy month of Ramadan.

He told the Muslim leaders that he expected the Egba Muslim Community to deploy their tested internal crisis management mechanism to resolve all issues, failing which he would summon all interested parties for a peace meeting immediately after Ramadan

admin by — March 30, 2023 in News 0
PDP Reverses Suspension Of Fayose, Ayim,Others

Tunde Sholanke

The Peoples Democratic Party,PDP,Thursday,reversed the suspension of former governors of Katsina state, Ibrahim Shema, Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose and former President of the Senate, Senator Pius Anyim.

The action came barely 48 hours Umar Damagum took over as acting national chairman of the party following the sack of its former chairman,Senator Iyorcha Ayu.

The party also lifted the suspension of Prof. Dennis Ityavyar,Benue State and Dr. Aslam Aliyu ,Zamfara State,as well as reversed the referral of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee.

This was the first decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) under Damagum, who took over the affairs of PDP in acting capacity.

In a statement by its spokesman,lHon Debo Ologunagba,the party explained that its decision to reverse the suspension of its members was sequel to extensive discussion of the recent developments in the party.

The party said: “The NWC recognized the imperativeness of a total reconciliation among Party leaders and critical stakeholders for a more cohesive party in the overall interest of our teeming members and Nigerians in general.

“Consequent upon the above, the NWC reverses the referral of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Dr. Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee.

“The NWC in the same vein reverses the suspension of the following members of our great Party: H.E Ibrahim Shema (Katsina State), Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State), Sen. Pius Anyim (Ebonyi State), Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (Benue State) and Dr. Aslam Aliyu (Zamfara State).

“This decision is without prejudice to the powers of the NWC to take necessary disciplinary action against any member of the Party at any time pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party across the country to be guided by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as well as the new spirit and necessity of reconciliation, unity and harmony in our Party at this critical time.

“The PDP must remain focused as we continue to take every necessary action to recover the stolen mandate freely given by Nigerians to our Party and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday February 25, 2023, at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.”

admin by — March 30, 2023 in Politics 0
LASG Drags Christland School, Staff To Court Over Whitney Adeniran’s Death

 

The Lagos State government,Thursday arraigned before IkejaHigh Court,Chrisland School Limited, and some of its staff over the death of the school’s pupil,Adeniran Omodesola Whitney

Whitney died during the school’s inter house sport

The staff arraigned are: Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao, and Nwatu Victoria.

According to the charge information by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Jide Martins, on February 9, 2023 at about 1pm, in Agege Sports Stadium, Agege, Lagos in the Ikeja Judicial Division,killed one Adeniran Omodesola Whitney by acting in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered her life.

The Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, who arraigned the defendantstold the court that the state had filed two count charges against the defendants, urging the court to take their plea.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them.

The Attorney General informed the court that the state has seventeen witnesses, as such will be praying for a date to open trial.

The oral application was not opposed by all the defendants’ counsel.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala fixed May 25, June 1, 8, and 15 for commencement of trial.

admin by — March 30, 2023 in News 0
How Detractors Plot To Scuttle Tinubu’s Inauguration,Install Interim Govt In Nigeria -DSS

Musbau Babatunde

The Department of State Services (DSS),says it has uncovered strategies that would be employed by detractors to install interim government in Nigeria.

DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, who disclosed this in a statement,described such plot as an an “aberration and a mischievous” .

According to him, the planners have weighed various options, which include, among others, sponsoring endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of state of emergency.

“Another is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the Federal and State levels,” Mr Afunanya said.

The illegality is totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace-loving Nigerians,the statement said.

It warned such planners to desist from.the action as the service would embark on legitimate means to thwart such action.

It implored stakeholders including the judiciary, media and civil society to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert the peace and stability of the nation.

While its monitoring continues, the DSS said it will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against persons with such intentions.

The agency said it “supports the President and Commander-in-Chief in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover and will assiduously work in this direction. It also supports the Presidential Transition Council and such other related bodies in the States.”

admin by — March 30, 2023 in News 0