Category: Lifestyle

AKÍNWÙMÍ ÌṢỌ̀LÁ (Ẹ Wá W’ẹwà èdè L’ẹ́nu Àwòko), By Níyì Ọ̀ṣúndáre

Posted on by The Elites

Ẹní bá m’agbe, kó bá wa dárò aró
Ẹní bá m’àlùkò, kó bá wa dárò osùn
Ẹní mọ lékelèké, kó bá wa dárò ẹfun
Gbogbo ẹ̀yin tó m’Akínwùmí Ìṣọ̀lá
Ẹ mà wá dárò ẹni ire tó lọ.

Akínwùmí, ọmọ Ìṣọ̀lá
Àwòko tó f’èdè ìjìnlẹ̀ kọ́lé ọgbọ́n
Tó wá fi làákàyè ṣe òrùlé rẹ̀
Oyin to to to l’ọ̀rọ̀ l’ẹ́nuu rẹ̀
Àgbáyunun l’ọgbọ́n tó b’áhán-an rẹ̀ ṣè’mùlẹ̀
Ọgbọ́n wọ’nú ọgbọ́n
Ìmọ̀ràn w’ọnú àgbékà
Làákàyè di baba ìsàlẹ̀ l’áwùjọ apínrọ̀
Akínwùmí fì’mọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ ṣẹ̀ṣọ́
Ó fi dídùn ohùn ṣ’ayé l’óore

Ẹní bá m’agbe, kó bá wa dárò aró

Tiwa n tiwa
Tàkísà n tààtàn
Ìyà jẹ’gún títí, igún pá lórí
Ìyà j’ọ̀pọ̀lọ́, ọ̀pọ̀lọ́ gbàgbé ìrù
Ìyà j’Adúláwọ̀,
Wọ́n gbé iyì ìṣẹ̀dálẹ̀ sọnù
Wọ́n kọ̀yìn sí ọgbọ́n abínibí
Wọ́n t’àpá sí ọgbọ́n àdáyébá
Wọ́n ṣe ṣíọ̀ sí àwọn nǹkan àdáyémọ̀
Akínwùmí kígbe lóhùn rara; ó ní
“Kére o, ẹ tẹ́tí ẹ gbọ́, ẹ̀yin akótilétà,
Abọ̀rìṣà òní, bíi pé kò sí tàná;
Odò tó bá gbàgbé orísun rẹ̀, gbígbẹ ní ń gbẹ
Àwọn ènìyàn tó bá gúnyán ara wọn kéré
Wọ́n ti fi gọ̀ǹgọ̀ fa ebi àparìn

Ẹní bá m’agbe, kó bá wa dárò aró

Òkàwé
Ọ̀kọ̀wé
Ọ̀mọ̀wé
Ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n àtàtà tó finú jínjìn ṣ’ẹwà ìmọ̀
Tani ò mọ̀ pé
Olóye l’ọ̀rọ̀ bá wí

Tani ò mọ̀ pé ọ̀mọ̀ràn ló ṣ’òwò àgbékà
Akínwùmí ló m’ojú ọ̀rọ̀ àdììtú:

Ṣaworo, Ṣàwòrò, Ṣaworo Idẹ
Ẹ wá w’adé tó di iná ajere lóríi Jàǹdùkú Òṣèlú
Kòkòrò ajẹ̀lúrun, apàlúlẹ́kún jayé.
Ẹ wo Kòṣeégbé kí ẹ mọyìi pàkúté ọ̀tẹ̀
Ní’lùú tí ìwà ìbàjẹ́ ti jẹ gómìnà
T’áwọn wọ̀ǹbìà ti gbìmọ̀
Láti sọ’lé Atúnlùúṣe dahoro
Ẹ bá mi kí Campus Queen kú àbọ̀,
Olójú edé, oníbàdí òréke
Háà! Gbágà!! Ọ̀rọ̀ ò wọ̀
L’ọ́jọ́ tí Madam Tinúbú pàdé Ẹfúnṣetán Aníwúrà
Orí ìtàgé mì jìjì, gbogbo ìlú pa rọ́rọ́
Bẹ́ẹ̀ náà la mọ̀, pé ogún ọmọdé kò le ṣeré f’ógún ọdún. . . .
Háà! Akínwùmí Ìṣọ̀lá,

Mélòó la ó kà léyín Adépèléè rẹ . . . ….?

Ẹní bá m’agbe, kó bá wa dárò aró

Òtokítokí, Agbédègbẹyọ̀
O fí Faransé ṣeré alẹ́
O fi Gẹ̀ẹ́sì dọ́wẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ àárọ̀
Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, Yorùbá gbajú gbayì
L’ẹ́nu Akínwùmí, Àǹjọ̀nnú-èdè
Ká sọ̀rọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀, ká k’éwì bí ẹní k’Ifá
Ká kán oyin èdè s’étíi mùtúmùwà

Ẹní bá m’agbe, kó bá wa dárò aró

Sùnun’re o, ẹni ayé yẹ, tí ọ̀run dùn fún
Bá wa kí Fágúnwà, Ọmọ Akọ̀wédìran
Àti Fálétí, Onígègé-àrà.
Ẹni rere kú
Ẹni rere kù

Akínwùmí ọmọ Ìṣọ̀lá, ìwọ ni mò ń kéé sí.

Ẹní bá m’agbe, kó bá wa dárò aró
Ẹní bá m’àlùkò, kó bá wa dárò osùn
Ẹní mọ lékelèké, kó bá wa dárò ẹfun
Gbogbo ẹ̀yin tó m’Akínwùmí Ìṣọ̀lá
Ẹ mà wá dárò ẹni ire tó lọ.

By Níyì Ọ̀ṣúndáre

MMM Founder, Sergey Mavrodi, Dies of Heart Attack

Posted on by The Elites
Sergey Mavrodi, the founder of MMM, a Russian company that ran one of the world’s largest Ponzi scheme, is dead.

According to a report by Moskovsky Komsomolets, the founder of the MMM series of financial pyramid schemes, Mavrodi, died in Moscow at the age of 62.

Mavrodi was taken to a city hospital from a bus stop overnight Monday, March 26, after he felt weakness and pain in the chest area.

“The emergency team has failed to save his life. He died this morning,” the report said.

Sergei Mavrodi created the company “MMM” in 1992. It quickly gained popularity and became the largest financial pyramid in the history of Russia.

The income of the members who joined it was paid out of the contributions of new arrivals, and when the flow of customers ceased to grow, non-payments began.

According to various estimates, the number of victims of MMM has reached 10-15 million people.

In 1994, Mavrodi became a member of the Russian parliament. Then he announced that he was giving up his privileges: salaries and cars. Mavrodi stressed that he became a deputy only for the sake of immunity.

Two years later, before the presidential elections in 1996, he was stripped of his mandate.

In 2007, Mavrodi was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for defrauding 10,000 investors out of 110 million rubles ($4.3 million). All this time, he left during the preliminary detention while the investigation was conducted.

Mavrodi claimed he is not the beneficiary of the donations and he is not used to flamboyant lifestyle.

His true charges of which he was later convicted of is tax fraud though he claimed that MMM scheme is not a business, but a mutual donation programme of which there is no law against such.

UBA Strengthens Brand Affiliation on Nigerian Campuses, Unveils 30 Ambassadors

Posted on by The Elites

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has launched the second edition of its Campus Ambassador Programme with the induction of 30 new brand ambassadors.
The UBA Campus Ambassador Programme is an initiative to identify young emerging leaders among students of tertiary institutions and give them a unique and highly rewarding learning experience.
The 30 successful candidates were selected from over 300 students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria through a rigorous screening exercise in line with set criteria.
The colourful inauguration ceremony was held at the UBA house in Lagos on Friday, with Chuks Nweke, Executive Director, Group Chief Operating Officer, and other senior management staff in attendance.
“UBA is pleased to have you all on board as valuable Ambassadors who will help us propagate our goodwill messages, ethos, values and what we stand for as a bank, across your institutions,” Nweke said.
He further noted that the goal is intended to give students a platform to demonstrate leadership as well as build and instill the brand philosophy into the consciousness of youths.
According to Nweke, our bank is a bank with strong affiliation to youths, evident in the Bank’s scholarship and grants schemes through the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition amongst other educational initiatives.

He continued “We at UBA take youth development and engagement seriously, because we believe they are the future of Nigeria. For this reason, we decided to collaborate for the purpose of building their creative skills, leadership skills. It is the abilities that the students exhibited that influenced their selection. No doubt, they have the core values of Enterprise, Excellence and Execution that are dear to us. Starting from now, they are expected to try to exhibit the core values of UBA”.

He further said, this days, Life is tough. “We need people in who can exhibit those qualities, beyond what we’ve done, these are people we have seen leadership traits in. We will work with them to develop their leadership traits, creativity for the good of everyone”.

Also speaking, Mr. Tomiwa Sotiloye, Group Head, Retail & Consumer Banking, explained that, the 30 students selected are from 10 universities. The new ones among them are 25. We have five returning ambassadors from the pioneer set. He noted that among the 15 the bank decided to retain a few outstanding students.
He also stated that the programme is for six months – between now and September. “Starting from next session it will be one year because we have now aligned the programme to the academic calendar – not from January- December which gave us a lot of problems last year”.
“As part of our plans to bring them on board, from now we will take them on an intensive training. They will have specific projects which they will execute after which We will discuss the projects tomorrow. Also worthy of note is that they will get an opportunity for a one month paid internship at any of our branches. They will also get paid for this programme. And for them, a pathway has opened for employment in UBA”, he said.

He also charged them to be good leaders and positive influencers who should stand out by ensuring the bank’s reputation soars high in their respective campuses.

The 30 ambassadors, who are A-list students in their various institutions, include: Hassan Mahmud Balarabe, Ahmadu Bello University, Muftau Monishola Barakat, Ahmadu Bello University, Ibrahim Kamilu Muhammad, Ahmadu Bello University; Okara Daniel, Babcock University; Olujobi Adebayo, Babcock University , Romi Oghoghome, Obafemi Awolowo University; Ajisafe Mojolaadura, Obafemi Awolowo University; Barakat Tiamiyu, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ike Nathaniel C., Obafemi Awolowo University; Fadaini Asalewa Boluwatife , Obafemi Awolowo University; Jaja Queen Oko, Rivers State University; Wuche Jeremiah Chris, Rivers State University; Umeh Justice Frank, University of Abuja; Victor Isah Efekpo University of Abuja, Stanley Nnamdi Alieke, University of Benin; Rita Nkemdilim Okonkwo, University of Benin; Isaiah Confidence O, University of Benin, Ihechi Opara, University of Ibadan, Egbodofo Temitope Sunday, University of Ibadan.

Others are Chiamaka Uzokwe, University of Lagos; Olatunbosun Yetunde Anuoluwapo, University of Lagos, Fatogun Ayomiposi Oluwatoyin; University of Lagos, Nwajiaku, Vivian Nneka, University of Lagos, Winifred C. Mbanugo ,University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ezeonu Tochukwu Edward, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Charles-Onah Orlando C., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Asimiea Ibioku, University of Port Harcourt, Manuel Dateim Ibikebobo, University of Port Harcourt; Beth-karibo Owen Tamunoibi, University of Port Harcourt, Benson Queen Chidinma, University of Port Harcourt

Amosun, Lanre Tejuosho, Iyalode Lawson To Commission St Ives Clinic Abeokuta

Posted on by The Elites

Come Sunday, April 1, 2018, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Executive Governor of Ogun State will join scores of Nigeria’s eminent personalities to grace the commissioning of Dr Tunde Okewale’s newly-built St. Ives Clinicin Abeokuta, Ogun State.The new state-of-the-art clinic, and first of its kind in Ogun state, will be officially opened by Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Other dignitaries expected at the commissioning are Senator Lanre Tejuosho, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, and many more from the political, government and healthcare sectors. The hospital sited on Olatunde Abudu Close, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, will no doubt change the face of the health sector in Ogun State. Its unique services include IVF & Fertility Clinic, Women Clinic andan out-patient Clinic.Since Dr Babatunde Okewale, a seasoned gynecologist, opened its first outlet in Lagos, the hospital has delivered close to two thousand babies in their IVF unit, and the number is still on the rise, due to the specialist’s attention is given to patients, a service which will now be extended to Abeokuta and Ogun state in general. The medical institution, St. Ives Health Care Centre,remains one of the leading and most respected private healthcare organizations in Nigeria, which was established in 1996, and offers dedicated specialist medical services in all health challenges of women, children, and family health. St. Ives’ health care organization, presently operates two (2) specialist hospitals, two (2) IVF & Fertility clinics, one (1) family clinic and a Health maintenance organization (HMO). The founder, Dr. Babatunde Okewale, a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UK, and a father of four, was trained and qualified in 1985 as a medical doctor at the premier University College Hospital, UCH, in Ibadan, Oyo State, before he travelled to the United Kingdom, where he practiced for 10 years as an obstetrician and gynecologist at Leeds, Manchester and Oxford, all in the United Kingdom.

Saraki Queries Chief of Staff Over Role In Northern Leaders’ Summit

Posted on by The Elites

It has emerged that Senate President Bukola Saraki has queried his Chief of Staff, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, over his “brazen involvement” in the summit held at the weekend by northern leaders, where about 18 northern groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), condemned the current leadership of the country, pointing out that his chief of staff acted without his knowledge and clearance.

THISDAY learnt yesterday that a disappointed Saraki was shocked to learn like every other person that it was Baba-Ahmed, who read the communiqué of the group and subsequently became uncomfortable with the interpretations which immediately followed it and created the perception that must have acted on the instructions of his principal.

Although Saraki was said to have appointed Baba-Ahmed chief of staff, based on his administrative competence as a former federal permanent secretary and his understanding of the politics of the North, he however did not envisage that he would abuse such privileges at the risk of his position and office as the Senate President.

A source close to the Senate President hinted THISDAY that on hearing the news, Saraki immediately called Baba-Ahmed on the phone and expressed his disappointment at taking such a dangerous and politically discomforting position at a time when circumspection should have been his watchword.

“One, he didn’t seek clearance from the Senate president and was at the summit in his personal capacity. Even at that, he should have known that as the incumbent chief of staff to the Senate president, a majority of his actions would be interpreted to mean they were on behalf of Saraki.

“But on this particular occasion, he has been warned to always take his boss in consideration whenever he is doing anything in the North, because of the likely interpretation this might be extended to his actions.

“He is getting too emotional with his northern and Kaduna politics, unfortunately, at the risk of his job,” the source said.

He noted that the Senate president reminded him that he once went on air to say that he (Saraki) was not going to compete in 2019 for the presidency without clearing with him and that combined with the meeting with the northern leaders, the chief of staff appeared to be overreaching himself.

“It is true that the Senate President has never said anything to anybody about 2019 but to go on air to state categorically that he would not run in 2019 was too absolute coming from his chief of staff, it is not something anyone would brush aside.

“It was for this reason the Senate President said his seeming excesses were getting out of hands and next time would make the query official.”

No fewer than 18 northern groups last Saturday rose from a crucial summit in Kaduna State and criticised northern politicians for the poor state of the region’s security and economy.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit held at the Arewa House, Kaduna, and read by Baba-Ahmed, the groups said the region’s political leaders had failed to lift its people from poverty and want, saying they needed to be replaced at the next general election in 2019.

Although they did not mention the name of President Muhammadu Buhari, the general conclusion was that the meeting was targeted at Buhari, especially when the group said: “The hopes that leaders, who have exercised power since 2015 will reverse the abuse and neglect of the region in the previous decades have been betrayed.

“Weak governance, gross insensitivity and unacceptable levels of incompetence have been compounded by battles of attrition in which northerners have sapped each other’s strength.”

 

How Jonathan Moved Billions From Treasury To His Residence Before 2015 Elections

Posted on by The Elites

More details have now emerged showing how billions of naira and hundred millions of dollars were illegally removed from the public till by the Jonathan administration specifically ahead of the 2015 presidential elections.

The information came on the tail of the denial by Jonathan’s spokesmen that any money was taken illegally out of the Nigerian treasury and shared by Jonathan and his aides.

The information was given by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to illustrate how grand corruption has been doing great havoc to the Nigerian economy. He said weeks to the 2015 election under the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan about N100B was released and embezzled. He also disclosed that about $289m was disbursed illegally about the same time.

Now, there are some new details of how some of the funds were illegally transported from the Central Bank to the private residence of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The former NSA, Sambo Dasuki personally supervised the physical transfer of the money from the CBN vaults to the private residence of the former President.

In one particular instance over N70 billion was released in parts from the national treasury between January 8 and February 25, 2015. The over $289M which was also referenced last week by the Vice President is said to be included in this particular series of illegal transactions.

in another illegal disbursement, the minutes of the Central Bank board meeting of 25th August 2014 indicated the board’s approval of another N60B requested by the former President and released later by the Central Bank.

A Presidency source said the sum which was okayed by the CBN board was not tied to any project or procurement, and was meant and disbursed purely for campaign purposes, through the office of the then NSA and the SSS leadership at the time.

Specifically that N60 billion that was okayed by the CBN on August 25, 2014 was said to have been shared between the two security agencies thus: N40B went to the NSA while N20 billion was released to the State Security Services (SSS).

While some of these newly emerging fund disbursements have been traced to the former NSA, there are indications that some of the funds are unconnected to the ongoing Defence contract trials of the former NSA,while some might.

It has now been revealed that the $289m mentioned by the Vice President was released on February 25, 2015.

Documents including cash vouchers indicate that $289,202,382 was released in cash to the NIA by the Central Bank of Nigeria from the Joint Venture (JV) Cash Call Account No. 000-0000-11658-366 of the NNPC/NAPIMS with JP Morgan Chase Bank, New York, USA.

At the exchange rate then of $199 to a naira, $289m is equivalent to about N60 billion. But had the money not been stolen, it would be at today’ s rate over N104B.

Further findings showed that in yet another set of illegal fund withdrawals under one week between January 8 and 16, 2015, the sum of N1.5 billion was released in three tranches of N300m, N400m and N800m respectively.

“This money was released from the MEA Research Library Account to the Jointrust Dimension reportedly owned by Danjuma Yusuf and Nenadi Esther Usman,” an official source with knowledge of the transaction disclosed.

The source further said the sum was transferred to their various political associates, which included a former minister of aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode.

Further findings showed that N350 million was allegedly transferred to Femi Fani-Kayode through his Zenith Bank Account No. 1004735721, on February 2, 2015.

Also, another N250 million was allegedly transferred to Fani-Kayode through the same Zenith Bank Account on February 19, 2015.

A document further showed that yet another N10 billion was released to the Office of the National Security Adviser by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on September 15, 2014.

The money was said to have been released in tranches of foreign exchange of $47 million, $5 million, 4 million Euros and 1.6 million Euros.

A letter from the Office of the NSA in November, 2014 further showed that the monies were released by the CBN as ‘funds for special services’.

“Further to our discussion, you are pleased requested to provide the sum of Forty Seven Million United States Dollars (USD47,000,000,00)cash out of the Ten Billion Naira (N10,000,000,000,00) and the balance in Euro to this office for special services,” a letter signed by the former NSA read.

Findings have shown that this particular CBN release of N10B was sourced in November 2014 from a N40 Billion CBN released funds meant for Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR. It was this N10B that former President Jonathan instructed the CBN Governor and the then NSA to deliver to him personally in a private residence in Abuja. Sources said the money was illegally transferred using CBN van for the use of “PDP Presidential Primaries.”

UBA Sustains Strong Performance With Growing Contribution and Market Share From Africa

Posted on by The Elites

Declares Profit Before Tax of N105.3 billion
Recommends N0.85 Total Final Dividend for the Year

United Bank for Africa Plc has announced its audited results for the financial year ended December 31, 2017, showing significant growth in the contribution and market share from its pan-African subsidiaries, among other positive trends in the financial performance.

The pan-African financial institution’s audited results showed that gross earnings grew substantially to N462 billion, up by 20 percent from N314 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2017.

According to the report released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Friday, the Group delivered a strong 16% year-on-year growth in profit before tax of N105 billion, compared to N90.6 billion in the 2016 financial year. The Profit After Tax also leaped to N78.6 billion, an 8.8% year-on-year growth compared to N72.3 billion in 2016.

The Bank’s subsidiaries outside Nigeria contributed a third of the Group’s top-line and 45% of the profit for the year, a remarkable improvement from 31 percent contribution made by the ex-Nigeria offices in 2016. This, according to market analysts affirms the success of the Bank’s expansion strategy, with target of 50 percent contributions by 2020.

The Bank’s Operating Income grew to N326.6 billion, a 20.6 percent increase compared to N270.9 billion recorded in 2016. This, according to analysts, affirms the capacity of the Group to deliver strong performance through varying economic cycles and challenging business environment.

The audited results also showed that the Bank’s Total Assets peaked at N4.07 trillion, translating into 16.1 percent year-on-year growth from the figure of N3.50 trillion recorded as at 2016 financial year. In the 2017 financial year, the Bank’s Net loans achieved a prudent 9.7 percent growth at N1.65 trillion, while the customer deposits grew to N2.73 trillion, representing 10 percent YoY growth on N2.49 trillion recorded in 2016 financial year.

Reflecting a strong internal capital generation, the Bank’s shareholders’ fund also soared 18.2 percent to N529.4 billion in the 2017 financial year.

Subject to the approvals of the shareholders, the Board of UBA Plc proposed a final dividend of 65 kobo per every share of 50 kobo each. This final dividend proposal is in addition to the 20 kobo per share interim dividend paid after the audit of the 2017 half year financial statements, thus putting the total dividend for 2017 financial year at 85 kobo per share.

Commenting on the result, Kennedy Uzoka, the GMD/CEO, said: “the results, underlines the success of our strategy of expanding across Africa, diversifying revenues and capturing the broader business opportunities inherent in Africa’s growth. The results reinforce the sustainability of our business model and the capacity to deliver superior long-term return to shareholders, as the economic and business environment improve.”

“In 2017, we made strong progress in our strategic initiative of dominating transaction banking across all our countries of operation, gaining market share in all lines of our business. Even as the non-oil sectors of our largest country of operation, Nigeria, remained relatively weak, we still grew earnings by 20% to N462 billion, a third of which is attributable to non-funded income,” he further noted.

Also speaking on UBA’s financial performance and position, the Group Chief Finance Officer(GCFO), Ugo Nwaghodoh said; “In a period of high interest rates, we achieved a relatively low 3.7% cost of funds. This operational efficiency reflects the benefit of our rich pool of stable savings and current account deposits. The net interest margin stabilized at 7%, even as yields on treasury assets dropped in the last quarter of 2017. Our core transaction banking offerings gained strong momentum, with income from these business lines growing by double digits.”

“We remain committed to our responsible approach to balance sheet management, with focus on growing risk asset and broader balance sheet in a profitable and prudent manner. Amidst a subdued Nigerian credit market, we grew our loan portfolio by 10%, leveraging our robust liquidity and capitalization to support good businesses through this challenging economic cycle. We closed the year with a Basel II capital adequacy ratio of 19% and a liquidity ratio of 50%, well ahead of 15% and 30% regulatory requirement respectively. Our disciplined approach to lending and broader risk management continues to uphold our asset quality.”

Apart from the strong financial performance in 2017, UBA Group proved its leadership on the continent as the Banker Magazine crowned the Group, “African Bank of the Year 2017”. To further demonstrate the group’s strength and dominance in the financial sector on the continent, four of UBA Group’s operations in Africa also led contenders in their respective countries to emerge the Best Bank of the Year 2017 in their respective markets. UBA Congo, UBA Tchad, UBA Gabon and UBA Senegal emerged the Best Bank of the Year in Congo, Tchad, Gabon and Senegal, reinforcing the strong franchise of the Group across its chosen markets in Africa.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading financial services group in sub-Saharan Africa, with presence in 19 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France.

From a single country operation founded in 1949 in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, UBA has emerged as a pan-African provider of banking and other financial services, to c.10 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in sub-Sahara Africa; 632 business offices, 1,750 ATMs, some 13,500 PoS, and a robust online and mobile banking platform.

UBA was the first Nigerian bank to make an Initial Public Offering (IPO), following its listing on the NSE in1970. It was also the first Nigerian bank to issue Global Depository Receipts (GDRs). The shares of UBA are publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bank has a well-diversified shareholder base, including foreign and local institutional investors as well as individual shareholders.

 

Bauchi South: Over 20 Candidates Battle For Late Senator Wakili’s Seat

Posted on by The Elites

Following the death of Senator Ali Wakili (APC, Bauchi South) about two weeks ago, there are indications that moves to replace him have begun in earnest as the Electoral Act provides that a vacant seat should be replaced within 90 days.

Wakili who died on March 17, was buried in Abuja, and the mourning period was observed in his residence in Bauchi where thousands thronged and registered their condolences.

So far, over 20 interested people across party lines are being mentioned as likely contenders ahead of the by-election.

The ruling APC tops the list, with sources saying so far about six contenders have indicated interest.

Dr. Safiya Iliyasu had since before the death of late Senator Ali Wakili indicated interest to slug it out with him in 2019.

Another candidate, touted to be the “favourite of the powers that be” is the state Legal Adviser of the party, Barrister Lawan Ibrahim.

Many believe that Barrister Ibrahim, who hails from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area as the late Senator Wakili, enjoys the support of party‎ members.

Ibrahim was also said to be instrumental to various peace moves and headed a committee meant to reconcile Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar and APC lawmakers from the state, including the late Wakili, Speaker Yakubu Dogara and ‎others.

Another likely contestant for the seat in the APC is Ahmed Shu’aibu.

It was also gathered that a former Governor, Isa Yuguda, who contested and lost the seat to the late Senator Wakili  might likely contest for the seat under his new party, the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN).

In the PDP, Garba Dahiru, Hajara‎ Wanka and others are said to be interested in the seat.

Barrister Hussaini Umar, a lawyer and property developer, is said to be another aspirant for the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He had long ago started campaigning for the seat ahead of 2019.

Political pundits are of the view that replacing the late Wakili‎ may not be an easy task for any candidate; especially with the present political atmosphere in Bauchi and the preparations for 2019.

According to many the APC holds the ace‎ and that Governor Abubakar would love to have someone “who will not give him headache.”

It is also believed that Speaker Dogara might want the seat for “a like-mind.”

Help, My Life Is In Danger, Melaye Cries Out, Petitions UN, TI

Posted on by The Elites
Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi) has petitioned the United Nations (UN) Transparency International (TI) and Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris over alleged plot on his life.

Melaye stated this in separate petitions where raised alarm over what he described as immediate threat to take his life.

He said there was ongoing alleged plot to murder him “extra-judicially” by his “political enemies” in collusion with men of the Kogi State Police Command.

Melaye, in the letter personally signed by him and addressed to the UN and other envoys in Nigeria, urged them to help guarantee his fundamental rights to liberty and safety from fear and personal harm to his person, as well as threats to terminate his life by agents of the Kogi State Government.

“I live each day in constant and reasonable fear for my life, looking over my shoulders and being harassed by the named politicians. The Police are a willing tool in the hands of these politicians,” he said.

Through his lawyers, Messrs Ricky Tarfa & Co, Melaye also wrote to the IG, urging the police boss to raise a neutral police team to investigate the allegations of “gun running” levelled against him by the Kogi State Police Command.

Odidigborigbo: James Ibori Becomes Izonfini-Owei of Ijawland

Posted on by The Elites
The Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom in Delta State, Stanley P. Luke Kalanama has honoured the former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori with the title of Izonfini-Owei of Ijaw.

A statement by Ibori’s Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor yesterday in Abuja said the event took place at the weekend in Akugbene town in Bomadi Locala Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the ceremony, the monarch said people of the area held the reception to honour Ibori in appreciation of the developmental strides he brought to the Akugbene town, the Ijaw nation and the entire Delta State during his 1999 to 2007 governorship tenures.

The statement said “The people of Akugbene reminded Ibori that until he built the 612 metres long Bomadi Bridge over River Forcados, at the cost $50 Million (USD) cars had no access to the Bomadi LGA and it other 11 communities. The Bridge made possible the first road connection between the Ijaw mainland and the riverine areas.”

Also speaking at the event, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said “I must thank our leader, former governor James Ibori, who because he is a courageous and bold man, he took on a project at that time that was nearly impossible for state governments to undertake.”

The statement also said the Court of Appeal hearing in the Ibori London and associates cases continued at the weekend.