Katsina set to probe anchor borrower programme, operations.

Katsina set to probe anchor borrower programme, operations.

The government of Katsina State has set up a 12-member committee, with Abdullahi Garba Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government, serving as the chairman, and Aliyu Isah from the governor’s office as the secretary.

 The committee was charged to investigate the involvement of the state in the anchor Borrower Programme, and to determine the level of commitment of the state government in the programme.

While inaugurating the committee at the Government House in katsina, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, charged members of the committee to justify the confidence reposed in them, by diligently carrying out the assignment they were given.

A statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Radda, said the committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks.

He said: “Among the terms of reference given to the Committee is to investigate and identify the beneficiaries of the Program and whether they paid back the loan they were given, as well as to verify the creditors to the program.

‘’The committee will also provide suggestions that will assist the Government in solving the challenges hindering the programme’s successful implementation.”

Sahel Alliance’ll not weaken ECOWAS’ resolve for democracy — Tinubu.

Sahel Alliance’ll not weaken ECOWAS’ resolve for democracy — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said the Sahel Alliance comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso would not lessen the resolve of the Economic Community of West African States to uphold its primary objective.

This objective, he said, is to prioritise good governance for West Africans, as it catalyzes socioeconomic transformation and development.

Tinubu affirmed this in his opening address at the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

He told heads of state, “It is important that we also review some development in our sub-region, including the move by some of our members under Military rule to float an Alliance of Sahel States.

“This phantom, push back-alliance appears intended to divert attention from our mutual quest for democracy and good governance that will impact the life of our people.

“We refuse to be detracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations, and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks.”

In September 2023, Mali’s Assimi Goita, who seized power in a military coup in 2020, explained that the “Liptako-Gourma Charter” forms the building block for an “Alliance of Sahel States to establish.

Senate donates N109m December salary to Kaduna bombing victims.

Senate donates N109m December salary to Kaduna bombing victims.

The leadership of the Nigerian Senate on Sunday announced the donation of N109 million being the December salary of members to the victims of the accidental bombing in Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, made the announcement when the leadership of the Senate paid the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, a sympathy visit over the incident at the government house.

It was reported that the Kaduna State Government had said the Nigerian Army claimed responsibility for dropping bomb on Tudun Biri which left no fewer than 100 villagers dead penultimate Sunday

The Inspiring Journey of Chidi Ajaere, CEO of GIG Group.

The Inspiring Journey of Chidi Ajaere, CEO of GIG Group.                                                                      By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Founded in 1998 by Mr. Edwin Ajaere, God is Good Motors (now GIG Group) had a humble beginning with a vision to revolutionize bus services across Nigerian cities. Tragically, in 2009, Edwin Ajaere was kidnapped and killed. His son, Chidi Ajaere, then 21 years old, returned from the US to take charge of the company.

Under Chidi's leadership, GIG Group has evolved into a leading, technology-driven logistics company, making significant contributions across various sectors of the Nigerian economy. The transformation led by Chidi has made GIG a household name in Nigeria.

Despite the challenges, Chidi Ajaere has emerged as a visionary leader, successfully steering GIG Group to new heights. His parents, including the late Edwin Ajaere, would undoubtedly be proud of his accomplishments.

Chidi's aspirations for GIG Group include becoming one of Nigeria's top-ranked conglomerates within a decade. The company aims to be a catalyst for progress in all aspects of life.

Chidi Ajaere's strategic vision has resulted in the establishment of several subsidiaries under GIG Group, including GIG Logistics (offering delivery services to the US, UK, China, and West Africa), GIG Motors, Stellas Banking and Finance, Richmondhill Real Estate and Property, Ziuss Energy (in the oil & gas sector), and GIG Aviation, the latest addition following the acquisition of two Atr72 cargo aircraft for logistics services.

The GIG Group, now a conglomerate with over 5000 employees, stands as a testament to Chidi Ajaere's dedication and business acumen. His story underscores the importance of nurturing and educating the next generation for a prosperous future.

Invest in the education and training of your children; it is crucial for future success. 🙏👌.

Ekiti State Students Shine in MTN Spelling Bee Competition.

Ekiti State Students Shine in MTN Spelling Bee Competition.

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a significant achievement, students from Ekiti State secured the first and second runner-up positions in the MTN Spelling Bee Competition, hosted at the MTN Plaza in Falomo, Ikoyi, on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition, designed to enhance English language and spelling skills, targeted Nigerian Primary and Secondary school students aged 9 to 15.

Representing Ekiti, Ajibola Flourish and Oluwadamilola Adeolu, both from St Metropolitan College, emerged as the 2nd and 1st Runners-up, respectively. Aged 13 and 11, they each received over four million naira, a laptop, laptops for their schools, and 10 MIFI 5G routers for their schools.

Nkanu Victor, a 13-year-old student from I.W.C.S, Nasarawa state, clinched the top prize, winning 2.5 million naira, a laptop, and the honorary title of CEO of MTN for 24 hours. His school also received 20 laptops, 10 5G MIFI routers, and various other benefits.

Commendations poured in for Ekiti state, underscoring the success of the competition in promoting academic growth and self-improvement among primary and secondary school students aged 9 to 15. Over 30,000 students from across the country participated in the event, which began in August 2023.

In her statement, Obiageli Ugboma, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of MTN Nigeria, congratulated the finalists for their stellar performances.

Though Flourish Ajibola is out of the country, in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, representing Nigeria, the journey graciously sponsored by Ekiti State Governor, H.E Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

This accomplishment mirrors the dedication of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whose focus on education has led to initiatives such as the renovation of schools, recruiting and training standard qualified teachers, the distribution of educational materials, and innovative programs to financially support education.

The state government's recent announcement of ongoing renovations in 203 public secondary schools, under the World Bank-assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program, further demonstrates Ekiti's commitment to providing quality education. This initiative aims to enhance secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20.

Governor Oyebanji's approval of ₦158.15 million for Bursary and scholarship awards solidifies the state's dedication to accessible and quality education, supporting students at various academic levels.

Education remains a focal point in the agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi, and Ekiti State stands proud in academic excellence.

Man Utd suffer embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth.

Man Utd suffer embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth.

Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday as the pressure mounted on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag.

United, languishing in sixth place, have already endured several painful moments in a troubled season but this was their lowest ebb as lowly Bournemouth ran riot.

Goals from Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi gave Bournemouth their first ever win at Old Trafford.

AFP

Bayern Munich thrashed by Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich thrashed by Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich suffered a jolt to their title defence, losing their first league game of the season 5-1 in Frankfurt and handing Bayer Leverkusen the chance to open a six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

In a wet and wild contest in Frankfurt, the hosts raced into an extraordinary 3-0 first-half lead, with Omar Marmoush, Junior Dina Ebimbe, and Hugo Larsson scoring the goals as Dino Toppmoeller’s side outmuscled a timid Bayern.

Joshua Kimmich dragged Bayern back into the match just before half-time but French midfielder Ebimbe had other ideas, capping a scintillating counter-attack after a mistake by Dayot Upamecano to make it four.

Ansgar Knauff added a fifth to put the game out of reach for Thomas Tuchel’s side to complete a memorable performance for Frankfurt, who become the first team to score five goals against Bayern in the first 60 minutes of a league game since Frankfurt themselves, in 1975.

Leaders Bayer Leverkusen travel to third-place Stuttgart on Sunday on a weekend when six of the Bundesliga’s top seven face each other.

Union Berlin won their first game since August 26 with a 3-1 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach ensuring a winning start in the Bundesliga under new coach Nenad Bjelica.

The Croatian coach ran down the touchline to join the celebrations with his players as the team climbed to 15th.

Elsewhere, Werder Bremen arrested a four-game winless slump with a 2-0 win over Augsburg, secured by Niklas Stark’s first-half strike and Marvin Ducksch’s, midway through the second.

Heidenheim edged out Darmstadt with a 3-2 win in a meeting of two of the newly-promoted strugglers. Jan Schoeppner scored twice for Heidenheim, which leaves Darmstadt winless in seven Bundesliga games.

Freiburg sneaked a 1-0 win in Wolfsburg ahead of the day’s headline clash between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

AFP