All Posts in "Day: July 28, 2023"

FG, Google Plan 1million Digital Jobs For Nigerians

Mohammed Shosanya

President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.

He gave the assurance at the State House, Friday evening during the visit of Google Global Vice President, Richard Gingras, to his office.

President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel.

“I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.

“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous.”

On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu said that it is in public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.

“It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society,” the president said.

Speaking,the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.

He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.

Mr. Gingras briefed President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Government.

He listed the many capabilities of Google to include areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs, adding that Google subsea cable, Equiano, named after Nigerian slave abolitionist that will significantly impact future internet connectivity demands, landed in Nigeria in April 2022.

He also promised that Google would help to secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.

“Google has deep interest in Nigeria. We want to support the government’s efforts to create 1 million digital jobs. We have all the tools and capabilities to make this happen. We will also help ro secure Nigeria and we have discussed that with your National Security Adviser.

“I came to Nigeria to learn. I am going back home very impressed with what I saw. You have very vibrant, creative and talented young people who are embracing innovation.We will continue to support your programmes to expand your digital economy,” Mr Gingras said.

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Business 0
Stop Sit-At-Home In East,Nmandi Kanu Orders Simon Ekpa

Mohammed Shosanya

Leader of the Indigenous People’s Of Biafra,IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,has called for seizure of all pending or future sit -at- homes in the five eastern states of Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu.

The detained pro Biafran agitator in a hand written letter directed to Simon Ekpa, his Finland – based former compatriot, directed him to henceforth restrain himself from calling any sit- at – home on his behalf.

Kanu explained that he went into the struggle to free his people and not to enslave them, and ordered Ekpa to immediately issue a statement halting all pending sit-at -home exercise

In the handwritten letter,obtained by Premium News,Mazi Kanu also directed Ekpa to henceforth stop antagonizing any governor or persons in government as he (Ekpa ) is not in any position to know what these exposed persons are doing on his behalf.

The letter reads:”Simon, This is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling any sit-at -home henceforth.

“Equally refrain from antagonizing governors or person in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf.

“I’m ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from to cancel any pending or future sit-at-home order in place at the moment.

“I embarked on this movement to liberate our people not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that will inflict unnecessary hardship on our people.

“I have aithorized Alloy to issue a press statement if you fall to make this announcement on your platform.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

admin by — July 28, 2023 in News 0
Scholarship: 90 Zamfara Students In Cyprus Risk Expulsion, Repatriation Over Unpaid Fees

Mohammed Shosanya

The President of the National Association Of Nigerian Students (NANS), Republic of Turkey zone,is worried over the fate of some Zamfara students on scholarship in Northern Cyprus and has implored the state government to assist them pay their accumulated school fees.

President of the zone,Comrade Opeoluwa Seun Ojekem,i explained in a statement that the students numbering 90 stand the risk of being thrown out of schools and repatriated, were on scholarships sponsored by the Zamfara state government in a high profile institution in North Cyprus.

He hinted that a group of determined and promising Nigerian students sent abroad to a prestigious university in North Cyprus by the Zamfara state government to pursue their education and become future leaders, now find themselves in dire straits on account of the inability of the sponsors to pay their educational bills.

The students, who have been working tirelessly to excel in their studies, now face the threat of being sent back home by the overseas educational institution due to mounting unpaid fees,he said.

He appealed to the Zamfara state government to come to the aid of the helpless students that are hostage by circumstances beyond their control.

He added:”The government’s inability to meet its financial obligations is jeopardizing not only their academic pursuits but also their dreams of making a positive impact and becoming excellent individuals.

“The situation has escalated to a critical point where the educational institution in North Cyprus have issued stern warnings, giving the affected students a limited window to settle their outstanding fees. Without immediate action from the government, these promising minds could be forced to abandon their studies and return home.. ”

“We embarked on this journey with great hope and the belief that our government supports our educational aspirations,” expressed one of the affected students. “Now, we are left in despair, uncertain of our future and the prospects of completing our degrees. It is an injustice that our dreams are being crushed by bureaucratic inaction.

“The government must honor its commitment and swiftly provide the necessary funds to cover the outstanding fees, ensuring that these students can continue their education without further interruption.

“Delay in action will only exacerbate the situation, robbing the nation of its potential leaders, researchers, and innovators. The Zamfara State Governor must take immediate action to safeguard the future of these students and protect the nation’s investment in their education, as this is part of his promises to the good people of Zamfara State”

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Education 0
Sanwo-Olu Submits 39 Commissioner- Nominees’ For Screening

Mohammed Shosanya

Lagos State Governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Friday sent thirty nine commissioner-nominees to the Lagos State House of Assembly for ratification.

Among the in-coming commissioners are:Afolabi Ayantayo, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Rotimi Ogunwuyi, Gbenga Oyeriinde, Lawal Pedo (SAN), Mobolaji Ogunlende, Ibrahim Layode, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Abiola Olowu, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, Bolaji Cecilia Dada,Aramide Adeyoye.

Others are Idris:Aregbe, Yakubu Adebayo Alebiosu, Tokunbo Wahab, Bola Olumegbon, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, Kayode Bolaji Roberts, Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Seun Osiyemi, Barakat Bakare, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Gbenga Omotoso, Olalere Odusote, Dr. Rotimi Fashola, Mosopefolu George,and Tunbosun Alake.

They also include;Ruth Abisola Olusanya, Folashade Adefisayo, Folashade Ambross. Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, Yomi Oluyomi, Sam Egube,. Dr. Jide Babatunde, Olalekan Fatodu and Solape Hammond.

admin by — July 28, 2023 in News 0
Access Bank Unveils Campus Branch At University Of Ibadan

Mohammed Shosanya

Access Bank Plc has launched a new state-of-the-art branch at the University of Ibadan.

Speaking at the launch of the branch at the University,Deputy Managing Director, Retail South, Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli, said the choice of the University is part of the bank’s plans to reach young people with its robust financial products and services.

Okoli said: “We in Access Bank are very passionate about the youth. The University of Ibadan is one of the campuses where we believe that we can create an impact among the youth. For us, it is all about sustainability, creating impact in the community and being part of the overall economic movement of Nigeria”

“UI is one of the campuses we have targeted and we will be in all the campuses as time goes on. We are very excited about this journey. We want the youths to understand that it is important to be part of the growth of their community.”

Victor Etuokwu, Deputy Managing Director, North, Access Bank Plc, an alumnus of the University, noted that it was a delight to see the outcome of the journey to the establishment of the branch which started in 2017.

He urged students and other members of the university community to leverage the wide range of products and services offered at the bank branch to enhance their academic and entrepreneurial journey.

“Access Bank is a bank that enables people to fulfill their ambitions. We like to play a role in youth development and empowerment.

“With a customer base of over 60 million customers (and growing), we are the largest retail bank in Nigeria and Africa. Access Bank operates through a network of more than 600 branches and service outlets, spanning 3 continents and over 13 countries, hence positioning us as the number one bank to contact for all your financial and lifestyle transactions.

“Access Bank’s expansion to Ibadan and in particular, to this campus, is an expression of our desire to contribute to national development and we can’t do that without having something to do with the youths.

“We are excited to be here. We have the ambition to bank every person in this community, both academic and non-academic. We want you to use this facility to your advantage,” he said.

Also speaking,the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Adebowale, on his part, commended the bank for situating the branch within the university community while expressing optimism that the student-friendly facilities in the branch will be of advantage to the community.

He said:“This is the first time we are witnessing this type of facility within the university community. We have gone round the whole facility and we know that it is going to be of immense benefit, particularly, to students because all the facilities that are here, are student-friendly and I know that it will be a very good engagement for not only students but also staff and other people living within the campus.”

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Banking&Finance 0
Celebration: Forgive Asisat, Nigerian Celebrities Beg Her Dad

Nigerian celebrities have begged the father of Super Falcons’ Asisat Oshoala’s for forgiveness after she disclosed that her dad displeased over her mode of celebration of her goal during the Nigeria VS Australia game at the Brisbane Stadium on Thursday.

Oshoala removed her jersey to celebrate the country’s third goal against Australia at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup competition.

Commending on her celebratory move,she said:”My dad is definitely not happy with my choice of celebration but then again, Life is a collection of MOMENTS.#Alhamdulilah #Grateful #Moments.”

Multiple award-winning singer Peterpsquare wrote on his Instagram: “Daddy no vex Abeg!”

Popular dancer Poco Lee,said; “Oya tell daddy make e no vex dem don cancel the Goal ”

Reacting,a comedian,Mr. Macaroni,wrote; “Ore mi ni daddy. I will call him and talk to him…
Congratulations.Thank you for inspiring us all.”

Nigerian artiste, Folarin Falana aka Falzthebahdguy, commented: “Daddy, we are sorry but o nezestry! ”

Peter Okoye’s wife, Lola, also said: “We will beg Daddy on your behalf. We are so proud of you.”

Comedian Bovi also celebrated the Super Falcons striker by adding his apology alongside. Bovi wrote: ” Champ! Daddy WE are sorry ”

Darey Art Alade also joined voices in apologising to Oshoala’s dad writing: “Congrats 👏🏾 we go beg Daddy las las.”

Nollywood actress Lilian Esoro wrote: “Hahaha. We Love you, and we are all proud of you and the team. We will beg daddy no worry.”

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Arts/Entertainment 0
Negligence:Court Orders Police To Pay Family Of Ogun Missing Officer N20.3m

Mohammed Shosanya

A National Industrial Court, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay a sum of N20 million to the family of the officer.

It also ordered the payment of N300,000 as litigation cost, against the Police Service Commission, all payable within 30 days of judgement.

A police constable, Emmanuel Gene, of the Ogun State Police Command, Ijebu-Igbo division, was alleged have been kidnapped by hoodlums during an operation in Aba Tuntun in December 2020.

Gene, whose wife was pregnant at the time was never found, leaving the family with no option than to file a case against the police.

The family petitioned the Nigeria Police Force through their counsel, Kehinde Bamiwola,and implored the police authorities to find the missing cop.

In the petition dated September 21, 2021,they requested that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, the then Area Commander of Ijebu-Ode, AC Abiodun Onuoha and the D.P.O., SP Kazeem Solatan should provide answers to the questions.

When there was no response from the NPF authorities,the family took their case to the National Industrial Court sitting in Ibadan to seek redress.

The suit no. NICN/IB/74/2021, was between Jimoh Gene and Comfort Gene versus the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police and three others.

In the suit,the claimants told the court that the DPO of Ijebu-Igbo at the time of the incident, Kazeem Solatan, “took the missing PC Emmanuel Gene for land-grabbing operation at Aba-titun, Ijebu-Igbo,” accusing the police of negligence.

In their prayers,the claimants sought that their son be found by the police with the sum of N20 million to be paid to the family of the missing policeman.

But on Thursday,Justice Opeloye Ogunbowale, in his judgment granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, saying he “found the police liable for negligence under the doctrine of vicarious liability and that the police exposed PC Emmanuel Gene to extreme danger.”

The court ordered the NPF to “rescue and produce PC Emmanuel Gene dead or alive” and that “the sum of N20million should be paid to the family with cost of litigation, N300,000.00, within 30 days of the delivery of this judgment.”

Speaking to newsmen in Abeokuta, the counsel, Bamiwola, described the judgment as a landmark one judgment against the police.

He said:“The case is about the disappearance of Police Constable (PC) Emmanuel Gene who got missing during an operation at Ijebu-Igbo in 2020 alleged to be illegal.

“The court in a judgment delivered by Honourable Justice Opeloye A. Ogunbowale found the Police liable for negligence under the doctrine of vicarious liability and that police exposed PC Emmanuel Gene to extreme danger.

“The Police Constable Emmanuel Gene has not been found till date. It was alleged and proved that the DPO of Ijebu-Igbo, one SP Kazeem Solatan took the missing cop for land-grabbing operations at Aba-titun in Ijebu-Igbo and he not been seen since then.

“The reliefs we sought on behalf of the claimants were all granted. The police are to pay rescue and produce Emmanuel dead or alive.

“They are also ordered by the court to pay a sum of N20 million and N300,000 as cost of litigation, all to be paid within 30 days of the delivery of the judgment. This is justice for all”

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Law/Human Rights 0
Fans Gift Abija New Car

Veteran Nollywood actor, Tajudeen Oyewole, popularly known as Abija, has been gifted a new car by his fans.

Ace social media skit maker, Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Creative Kamo,presented the Toyota Camry car to the veteran actor.

Creative Kamo, who facilitated the donation for car from fans, appreciated those who contributed in one way or the other towards the actualization of getting the gift for the Yoruba actor.

The actor expressed gratitude to those who contributed to gifting him the car, offering them heartfelt prayers and emphasizing that he deeply values their gesture.

He appreciated and prayed for Creative Kamo for facilitating contributions for car gifts for veteran acto

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Arts/Entertainment 0
Shell Intensifies Campaign Against Sabotage,Oil Theft

Mohammed Shosanya

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited,has intensified its campaign against sabotage and crude oil theft in the country.

Its Managing Director of Shell and Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor, who said this at the unveiling of the three Delta host communities’ development trusts,also implored stakeholders to help ensure hitch-free operations to be able to fully benefit from the new dispensation.

He was represented at the event by the Project Manager, NCDT, Dr. Alice Ajah.

He added “With the latest unveiling, it means that the PIA is making progress in the Niger Delta, with SPDC, supported by her partners, continuing with its handshake with communities in the region.”

He recalled that similar ceremonies had been held earlier in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

He noted that the train of development would hopefully move from Delta to Imo State as the SPDC JV was working to embed the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act on community development in these four states by incorporating a total of 22 Trusts.

“This unveiling means the PIA is making progress in the Niger Delta, with SPDC, supported by her partners, continuing with its handshake with communities in the Niger Delta,” he stated.

He noted that the PIA provided for amicable resolution of grievances with oil companies, and all stakeholders including the communities are to deploy them as necessary.

Also, communities which allowed internal strife and chieftaincy struggles to negatively impact the establishment or operations of Trusts in their areas would be inflicting a lot of self-harm.

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
What You Should Know About Asisat Oshoala, Agba Baller

Here are 10 things you should know about Super Falcon and Barcelona player,Asisat Oshoala

(1) Her love for football began in secondary school. Although her parents kicked against her interest in sports (they came around later), she had the support of her grandmother.

“Each time I [would] go to play football or something, I’m always in trouble. Sometimes, I don’t get to sleep at home. I had to go to my grandmother’s place to sleep at night.

“I made [my parents] believe that, okay, if they make young kids go after their dreams, there’s always something positive to come out of it. Today, I think they realize that.”

(2) Upon graduation from secondary school, Oshoala joined FC Rivers Internationals in Lagos. She remained with the team until 2013 when joined Rivers Angels.

(3) In 2014, Oshoala’s skills came to the fore scoring seven goals at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada helping Nigeria to the finals.

(4) Oshoala was signed to Liverpool Ladies in January 2015 and was there till 2016 where she made nine appearances scoring three goals and becoming the first African to play in the Women’s Super League.

Commenting on the experience,she said: “That was something special, and I am sure it will give me a lot more experience. I will have a chance to play in the Champions League.”

(5) In 2015 Oshoala won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award. Her win made her the first player to get this new award from the BBC World Service.

(6) Oshoala is also the first Nigerian and African player to score in three Women’s World Cups.

(7) She has won the Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year for a record five times. (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)

(8) Oshoala is also the first African (and Nigerian) player to score a goal in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

(9l She won the UEFA Women’s Champions League two times with Barcelona Feminine.

(10) In 2014, Oshoala became the highest goal scorer at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup where she won the best player at the tournament.

admin by — July 28, 2023 in Sports 0