teensexonline.com
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Home Blog Page 1103

Finidi George Appointed New Super Eagles Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Finidi George as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.George, a former international player, beats Emmanuel Amuneke to the top spot.

George has previous experience with the team, having served as an assistant to José Santos Peseiro for 20 months before taking charge in an interim capacity during two friendly matches in Morocco last month.Former Coach, Peseiro had voluntarily left the post after the Super Eagles finished as runners-up in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire in 2023.

As the new head coach, George’s immediate task is to guide the Super Eagles to victory in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

The matches are scheduled to take place in Uyo and Abidjan in just over five weeks, and are must-win encounters for the Super Eagles, who are currently lagging behind in third place in Group C of the African campaign behind Rwanda and South Africa.

George’s appointment is seen as a positive move by the NFF, with hopes that he will be able to turn the team’s fortunes around and lead them to success in the upcoming qualifying matches and beyond.

Adelabu : ‘Don’t Pay New Electricity Tariff Without Adequate Supply’

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, told Nigerians not to pay the newly introduced electricity tariff if they don’t receive the required hours of electricity supply corresponding to their payment bands.

He made this statement during a Senate Committee on Power investigative hearing on Monday, where the Minister clarified the government’s stance on the recent tariff hike.According to Adelabu, customers on Band A, who are supposed to receive 20 hours of electricity daily, should not pay the new tariff if they don’t get the promised supply. He further assured that the government is working to rescue the struggling electricity sector and assured citizens that the current difficulties are temporary.

The Minister also revealed that the Federal Government would need to subsidize electricity with N2.9 trillion this year if the tariff wasn’t reviewed. This move aims to save the sector from drowning, he explained.The Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, raised questions about the migration of customers from previous classes (Residential, Commercial, and Demand) to the new band system. Abaribe sought clarification on whether the band classification follows legal provisions and how the parameters differentiate between regions and areas, citing the need for non-discriminatory distribution as stated in the Act.

This development comes after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased electricity tariffs for Band A customers from N68/KWh to N225/KWh. Customers in this band are expected to receive 20-24 hours of electricity supply daily, while those in Band B get 16-20 hours, and Band C receive 12-16 hours.

Relief as Court Stops Multichoice’s Planned Hike in DSTV, GOTV Tariff by May 1st

In a ruling on Monday, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) has restrained Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of DSTV and GOTV, from increasing their tariffs and cost of products and services scheduled to begin on May 1st.

The tribunal, chaired by Saratu Shafii, granted an interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for Festus Onifade, the applicant. The order restrains Multi-Choice from going ahead with the impending price increase pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before the tribunal.

According to the tribunal, “the 1st defendant (Multi-Choice) is hereby restrained from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.” The parties have been directed to appear before the tribunal on May 7th at 10 am for the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Onifade, a legal practitioner, had dragged Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal, seeking two orders. The first order sought to restrain Multi-Choice from going ahead with the impending price increase, while the second order sought to restrain them from taking any steps that may negatively affect the rights of consumers.

The suit, marked CCPT/OP/2/2024, was filed on April 29th. Other members of the tribunal include Thomas Okosun and Dr. Umar Duhu. This ruling comes as a relief to consumers who were set to bear the brunt of the tariff hike.

Emefiele Received $600,000 Kickback in Cash from Contractors, Ex-CBN Director Tells Court

A former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), John Ikechukwu Ayoh, has testified against Godwin Emefiele, the ex-governor of the apex bank, in an ongoing case of abuse of office at the Lagos High Court. Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are facing a 26-count charge, to which they have pleaded not guilty.

Ayoh, who worked at the CBN from June 2014 to April 2019, told the court that he did not work directly under Emefiele but reported to Adebayo Adelabu, a former deputy governor of CBN and current Minister of Power. As the head of procurement and support services (PSS), Ayoh was responsible for receiving bids and selecting successful contractors.

The former CBN director revealed that he collected money from contractors as gratification for awarding contracts, as instructed by Emefiele. Emefiele’s personal assistant, John Adetona, would collect the kickbacks from Ayoh. On two occasions, Ayoh claimed he collected $400,000 and $200,000 in cash from contractors and handed them over to Adetona.

During cross-examination, Ayoh admitted that he was under duress from Emefiele to accept the gratifications. He stated that the money was meant to influence the award of contracts, and Emefiele would not approve contracts without gratification.

The court granted Emefiele a fresh interim bail pending the fulfillment of the earlier stipulated bail conditions. The trial has been adjourned to May 3, 9, and 17 for continuation.

This testimony is another development in the case against Emefiele, who is accused of abusing his office during his tenure as CBN governor.

Naira’s Free Fall Continues: CBN Adjusts Customs Duty Rate Amidst 12% Weekly Depreciation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the Customs duty rate by 11.1% due to the naira’s devaluation against the US dollar. The new rate, ₦1,277.526/$, is up from the previous rate of ₦1,150.16/$, according to the Nigeria Customs Service’s official trade portal.

This adjustment reflects an 11.1% increase, resulting in an additional ₦127.366 per dollar required for goods clearance at the port. The naira’s depreciation persisted in the official market, closing at ₦1,309.88 to the dollar on Thursday, marking a 12% decline for the week on the Nigeria Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).

Despite the depreciation, turnover has increased from $89 million to $110 million. However, the naira’s value continued to decline, closing weaker at ₦1,234.49 on Monday and further depreciating to ₦1,300.15 to the dollar on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the naira closed at ₦1,308.52 to the dollar, with trades ranging between ₦1,367 and ₦1,098. The market turnover continued to rise, reaching $197.54 million.

On Thursday, the naira slightly depreciated to ₦1,309.88 to the dollar, with intra-day deals ranging between ₦1,439 and ₦1,000. Notably, the turnover experienced a significant increase to $318.08 million.

Traders have observed that the decline in the dollar’s value resulted from market forces, with demand consistently exceeding supply. The CBN sold dollars to Bureau de Change operators on Monday, leading to importers needing a higher amount of money to cover import duties compared to those who completed Form M earlier in the week.

Yahaya Bello Responds to EFCC’s Allegations on $720k School Fees Payment

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has released a statement to clarify what he deemed misleading regarding allegations surrounding the payment of school fees for his children.

The controversy began on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, when the chairman of the Economic Financial Crime Commission, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede alleged during a media briefing that Bello withdrew funds from the Kogi State Government account to pay his children’s school fees, just before leaving office.

In response to the accusations, the embattled former governor released a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, which included several crucial details to set the record straight. The statement titled “Payment for school fees: Setting the records straight”, partly read:“His Excellency, Yahaya Bello’s children have attended the American International School, Abuja well before he became Governor and he has paid fees for his children as and when due and without fail.”

“His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello did not pay the sum of USD720,000 as alleged by the EFCC Chairman or USD840,000 as is being bandied about on the internet.”“The payment of the fees was not effected at about the time his Excellency was to leave office as claimed by Mr. Olukoyede but same commenced in 2021.”

“Alhaji Yahaya Bello DID NOT pay the fees of his Children with monies from the Coffers of the Kogi State Government.”

“When the EFCC approached the American International School Abuja (AISA) to illegally recover funds legitimately paid by Alhaji Yahaya Bello and other family members, a member of the family challenged the EFCC’s unlawful acts to recover funds legitimately paid.”

The statement also referenced a court case, Suit No. FCT/HC/2574/2023, where the FCT High Court ruled in favor of Bello, stating that AISA could not lawfully and unilaterally refund fees paid by the parties to the suit.

The statement concluded: “From the foregoing, it is clear that no money belonging to Alhaji Yahaya Bello or his family members with regard to school fees has been recovered by the EFCC… We state that the payment of these fees and the legitimacy thereof is the subject matter of Charge No. FHC/CR/573/2022, filed by the EFCC since 15th December 2022 at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The Charge is pending and the Court has yet to make any finding or convicted anyone in respect of the said sum.”

EFCC Asked to Provide Banking Details As American School Sets to Refund Yahaya Bello’s Children’s School Fees

The American International School of Abuja (AISA) has requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) provide authentic banking details to refund fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past governor of Kogi state. The children, in grade levels 2 to 8, have had their tuition paid in advance since September 7, 2021.

In a letter to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, the school stated that a total of $845,852 has been paid in tuition and other fees. However, after deducting educational services already rendered, the refund amount is $760,910. The school has requested an official written request with authentic banking details from the EFCC to facilitate the refund.

The school’s letter reads, “Please forward to us an official written request, with the authentic banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the above-mentioned funds as previously indicated as part of your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family.”

AISA has also stated that it will draw the attention of the anti-graft agency if there are any further deposits by the Bello family. According to a statement signed by Greg Hughes, Ali Bello contacted the school on August 13, 2021, requesting to pay the family’s school fees in advance until the students graduate from high school.

This development comes after EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Yahaya Bello on April 17 over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted, and the NIS has placed him on a watchlist. The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said that Yahaya Bello transferred $720,000 from the government’s coffers to a bureau de change before leaving office to pay in advance for his child’s school fee.

Tinubu Appoints Jim Ovia to Head Nigerian Education Loan Fund

President Bola Tinubu has appointed renowned banker and businessman, Jim Ovia, as the Chairman of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The loan fund aims to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied higher education due to financial constraints.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President expressed his confidence in Ovia’s ability to bring his wealth of experience and professional stature to this role. Ovia’s task is to ensure that all Nigerian youths have access to higher education and skills development, regardless of their background.

Ovia, founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks, is a respected business leader with a track record of empowering young Nigerians. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

The National Student Loan Programme is a vital intervention aimed at guaranteeing sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution, requires excellence and top-notch professionals to guide and manage its operations.

President Tinubu signed the National Students Loan Amendment bill into law on April 3, following the initial signing of the student loan bill in June 2023. The amended bill aims to offer financial assistance to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions, ensuring that no one is excluded from quality education and opportunities due to financial constraints.

Speaking after signing the amended bill, President Tinubu emphasized that education is important in fighting poverty and ensuring that all Nigerian citizens have access to quality education and skills development.

85 Terrorists Killed as Boko Haram and ISWAP Clash in Borno State

A recent surge in clashes between Boko Haram and the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) in Borno State has resulted in the deaths of at least 85 terrorists.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, the intense clashes occurred between April 24 and 25, 2024.

Makama reported that ISWAP mobilized its fighters to reinforce its positions in Tumbum Allura, which was recently recaptured from Boko Haram. The group also moved fighters from Sabon Tumbu and Kirta Wulgo towards Tumbum Allura, Daban Wanzam, and Abuja Ruwa, armed with over 30 boxes of ammunition and weapons.

The clashes resumed when ISWAP launched another attack on Boko Haram at Tudun Shawakki, Tumbum Bakwarram, Mallam Basiru, and Kwaleram, killing several fighters. On April 25, ISWAP attacked Boko Haram positions in Kandahar and Tumbum Ali Island in Marte LGA, engaging in a fierce gun battle from 1 am to 5 am on April 26.

According to Makama, ISWAP gained the upper hand, killing over 70 Boko Haram fighters and capturing several others alive, along with their weapons. The security expert believes that the ongoing clashes between the two rival groups provide an opportunity for government security forces to launch a decisive blow and eliminate the terror threat in the Lake Chad Basin.

The incessant clashes have also led to the dislodgement of Boko Haram from several islands previously seized from ISWAP. Makama suggested that security forces seize this momentum to exterminate the two groups and restore peace to the region.

Multichoice Hikes Subscription Prices On DSTV, GOTV

On Wednesday, Multichoice Nigeria revealed an additional hike in the cost of the DStv and GOtv bundles. The corporation announced that the new rates will go into effect on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in a statement.

In the new price list for DStv, Premium bouquet, the price moved from N29,500 to N37,000; Compact+ from N19,800 to N25,000; Compact from N12,500 to N15,700; Confam from N7,400 to N9,300, among others.For GOtv users, Supa+ increased from N12,500 to N15,700; Supa moved from N7,600 to N9,600; Max from N5,700 to N7,200; Jolli, from N3,950 to N4,850, among others.

“We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer,” Multichoice said.Multichoice said the rise in the cost of business operations has, however, led it to make the decision. The cable TV added that it remains committed to providing the best entertainment and viewing experience for subscribers.

Multichoice announced price increases on the DStv and GOtv packages three times in 2023 with the last one taking effect on November 6. This is coming at a time when Nigerians continue to battle the effect of fuel subsidy removal and spiking cost of living on food, transportation prices, and other essential commodities.

Verified by MonsterInsights