Over 12thousand Nigerians to receive Conditional Cash Transfer payment in Ondo- FG

Government has resumed the payment of N5,000 monthly stipend to 12,337 poor and vulnerable households through digital means in Ondo State.

Mrs Tosin Olupona, Head of Unit, Ondo State Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Office, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Akure.

The CCT programme is one of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP).

According to Olupona, the backlog has been lodged on each of the beneficiaries new debit card account that will be accessed through payment agents in their communities.

She revealed that the benefiting families were from 15 local government areas out of the 18 local governments in the state.

Olopona attributed the delay in payment to operational issues, adding that the backlog payment was from six to 20 months, depending on when the beneficiary joined the scheme.

“We are here because we have just commenced payment of backlogs of stipends of our beneficiaries; this is victory at last because you can see that everyone is happy collecting their money.

“We have a backlog of between six months and 20 months, and they have been agitating to collect their money and we have been moving from one local government to another to pay them.

“What you are seeing are debit cards of the beneficiaries. The payment method have been digitalised instead of cash payments, we are distributing debit cards to them instead of carrying cash around.

“So, on getting to their communities, they will be accessing their funds through the payment agents.

“The delay was as a result of operational issue which is not fault of ours. I think it affected four states that are having this operational issue, but it has been resolved now, so, that’s why we are paying them,” she said.

Olupona appreciated the Federal Government, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and the state focal person for the intervention programme, Mrs Olubunmi Ademosun, for ensuring that the payment was restored.

Also speaking with NAN, a beneficiary, Mrs Jumoke Kolawole, from Akure North Local Government, appreciated the Federal Government for resuming payment for beneficiaries.

Another beneficiary, Adiatu Akadiri, also from Akure North Local Government, described the gesture as timely, and urged the Federal Government to continue with the programme in order alleviate the conditions of the poor and vulnerable in the society.

Tinubu Leaves Nigeria For 1st Official Summit

 President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris to join his counterparts from across the world at the Paris Summit for the New Global Financial Pact.

Tinubu’s official Gulfstream jet departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 11:30 am Tuesday for his first foreign trip as president.

The two-day summit, which will be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France, will be held at Palais Brongniart, from June 22-23, 2023.

While in Paris, the President will “participate, review and sign a New Global Financial Pact that places vulnerable countries on priority list for support and investment, following devastating impact of climate change, energy crisis, and after effect of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement signed by the Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, read on Monday.

 Leaders will consider opportunities to restore fiscal space to countries that face difficult short-term financial challenges, especially the most indebted; mobilise innovative financing for countries vulnerable to climate change; foster development in low-income countries, and encourage investment in “green” infrastructure for the energy transition in emerging and developing economies.

According to Alake, President Tinubu and the other global leaders, multilateral institutions, financial experts and economists will take a more holistic look at the recovery of economies from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising cases of poverty, with a view to providing access to finance and investment that will leverage inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who returns on Saturday, will be accompanied by members of the Presidential Policy Advisory Council and senior government officials.

Group Hails Tinubu Over Appointment of Gen. Musa as CDF

The North-East Peace Advocacy has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in tackling crimes and ensuring peace reigns across the nation.

The group also welcomed the appointment of Major General Christopher Musa, who took over from Gen. Lucky Irabor as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

The President, on Monday, appointed Gen Musa as the new CDS

In a release signed by its convener, Bukar Adamu, on Monday, the Advocacy group commended Tinubu for the appointment, saying, “It is an indication of the administration’s willingness to decisively deal with all forms of criminality in the country.”

North-east-based group, the North-East Peace Advocacy has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in tackling crimes and ensuring peace reigns across the nation.

The group also welcomed the appointment of Major General Christopher Musa, who took over from Gen. Lucky Irabor as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

The President, on Monday, appointed Gen Musa as the new CDS

In a release signed by its convener, Bukar Adamu, on Monday, the Advocacy group commended Tinubu for the appointment, saying, “It is an indication of the administration’s willingness to decisively deal with all forms of criminality in the country.”

[20/06, 12:06] Honeydeebags: During his tenure also witnessed the massive surrender of terrorists who could no longer bear the intensity of military operations,” it

remarked.

Meet the Acting EFCC Chair, Abdulkarim Chukkol

 Following the suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Abdulkarim Chukkol stepped in as the commission’s acting chairman.

Until his elevation, Chukkol was the anti-graft agency’s director of operations.

Chukkol, a trained investigator and detective, earned a degree from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, in 2000. In 2006, he took a Criminal Justice education course at the Canadian Police College, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

 From there, he had a training on cybersecurity and spectrum monitoring at the United States Telecommunications Training Institute, Washington DC, United States of America, in 2010.

In 2011, Chukkol obtained a postgraduate diploma in criminal justice education at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America. In the same year, he attended a training at the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia, United States of America.

The commission’s director of operations, he worked with many international security agencies like the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom, Queensland Police in Australia and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States.

Reactions As Davido Reveals Identity, Location of New Son, Dawson

 The disclosure made by Adedeji Adeleke OON, famously called Davido that his late son, Ifeanyi, has a younger brother stirred controversy on social media earlier today.

Recall that he made this known in an interview with YouTuber, Anas Bukhash.

 Speaking with YouTuber Anas Bukhash, the ‘Unavailable’ singer said Ifeanyi has a “little brother.”

While the interviewer was talking about his daughters, Davido interrupted and said, “I have a son too. Like, Ifeanyi has a little brother.

Asked what the boy’s name was, Davido said “Dawson.”

The singer was referring to the son he has with UK-based makeup artist Larissa London

The famous singer fondly called ‘OBO’ said he regrets his son’s death.

He said, “I miss him every day. There are tears coming out of my eyes every morning. You don’t have to see it.”

The disclosure however stirred mixed reactions on social media .

Read some comments:

The song Assurance has lost meaning if this is true. @chemutais_son 

Guinness World Records Confirms Hilda Baci as New Record Holder

Guinness World Records has finally confirmed Nigerian chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey as the new record holder for the longest cooking marathon award. 

This disclosure was made known via their official Twitter account, @ GWD.

The tweet reads: 

Following a thorough review of all the evidence, Guinness World Records can now confirm that Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, has officially broken the record for the longest cooking marathon 

(individual), with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes.

After reviewing all the footage, we're delighted to announce that Hilda Baci is the new record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual) 💫

The 26-year-old Nigerian chef began on Thursday 11 May and continued through to Monday 15 May, cooking over 100 pots of food during her four-day kitchen stint.

Watch the video to find out the official time we've awarded Hilda and read the full explanation below 👇

Tinubu To Address Nigerians Tommorrow

President Bola Tinubu will make his first broadcast address to Nigerians by 7am on Monday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day.

A statement on Sunday afternoon by the State House Director of Information, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye, said the President’s broadcast would air on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria.

The statement advised all broadcast and other media outlets to hook up with NTA, for television stations and Radio Nigeria for radio stations for the broadcast.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will broadcast to the nation on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7am to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.

Television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast,” the statement reads.

Just In: DSS Arrests Emefiele

The Department Security Services [DSS] have arrested the recent suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN], Godwin Emefiele. This is according to a reliable source.

According to the information received, Godwin Emefiele was arrested shortly after the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu announced his suspension through a press statement released to the Nigerian public through the media.

It is speculated the arrest may be the result of ongoing investigation into the financial activities at the CBN.

Stay tuned

Just In: FG declares June 12 as Public Holiday

The Nigerian government has declared Monday, June 12, 2023, Public Holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Abuja,

She congratulated all Nigerians on the occasion on behalf of the Federal Government.

 She said; “Nigeria’s democratic journey has, like in many other climes, encountered both stormy and smooth sails, but the ship of State, it’s institutions and most importantly, the Nigerian people have remained steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance.

“On this memorable occasion therefore, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria are invited to appreciate the progress that has been made, celebrate the milestones covered and look forward to a better future for the country’s democracy.

The Permanent Secretary wishes all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration”.

June 12 was declared democracy day by the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration to celebrate the late Chief MKO Abiola’s victory in the presidential election of June 12, 1993.

The June 12, 1993 election was adjourned the most free and fair poll in the country since her independence.

Dokpesi To Be Buried June 22

Arrangements of Engr. Dr. High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, FNSE

This is as announced by the family.

A 19th Monday June:

Day of Tributes. International Conference Center, Abuja @ 4pm.

B. 20th Tuesday June: Requiem Mass.

Church of Assumption,

Abuja @ 12noon.

C. 21st Wednesday June:

Body leaves to Agenebode, Edo State.

Service of Songs @ His Residence.

Agenebode @ 5pm.

D 22nd Thursday June:

Commendation Mass + Interment at His Residence,

Agenebode @ 11am.

E. 22nd Thursday June:

Entertainment of Guests, @ His Residence, Agenebode + St Peter’s Secondary School @ 2pm.

F. 24th Saturday June: Thanksgiving Mass. Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Agenebode @ 9am.

Thanks once again for being here for us and please extend our warmest regards to your entire family.

Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr).

For the Dokpesi Family

Just In: Tinubu swears-in Akume as SGF

 President Bola Tinubu has sworn-in Senator George Akume as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF

 Akume was sworn in at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The former Minister of Interior took his oath of allegiance and oath of office at about 11:06 am in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.

The event was witnessed by some serving and former Governors, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President Ahmed Lawan.

Others are Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr FolasadeYemi-Esan, and wife of the new SGF, Mrs Regina Akume.

Just In: President Tinubu Gets Approval To Appoint 20 Special Advisers

The senate has approved a request of President Bola Tinubu to appoint 20 special advisers.

Tinubu’s request was read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday.

In the request to the senate, the president did not list who the 20 special advisers are.

But after the letter was read, the upper legislative chamber gave speedy approval of the request.

Ibrahimović Retires from football

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has brought the curtain down on a long, trophy-packed career after he unexpectedly announced his retirement from football on Sunday night.

Veteran striker Ibrahimovic revealed his decision to quit the game during an on-pitch ceremony following AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Verona which ended their Serie A campaign.

It’s the moment to say goodbye to football, not just to you,” said Ibrahimovic on the San Siro pitch.

“There are too many emotions for me right now. Forza Milan and goodbye.”

The 41-year-old had been expected to simply bid farewell to Milan fans after his departure from the seven-time European champions was announced on Saturday.

He returned to Milan in late 2019 for a second spell after a previous two-year period in which he won the Serie A title in 2011.

“The first time I came here you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love,” said Ibrahimovic.

“You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanista for the rest of my life.”

Ibrahimovic was a key figure in Milan’s resurgence to the top of Italian football after his return to the club, helping to bring them back from the doldrums and eventually win the Scudetto last season.

“I used to be scared when journalists asked by about my future, but now I can accept it, I’m ready,” Ibrahimovic told reporters after his announcement.

Court to commence annual leave July 24

 The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, says the court will commence its 2023 annual vacation on July 24.

Tsoho stated this on Friday, in a statement made available by Dr. Catherine Oby-Christopher, the FHC’s Assistant Director of Information, in Abuja.

The CJ said that the vacation, which would begin on Monday, July 24, would end on Friday, September 25.

“By virtue of the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honourable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, announces its 2023 Annual Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges.

 “The vacation will commence from July 24 to Sept. 15.

 The court shall resume sitting on Sept. 18. This is in order for Hon. judges to enjoy their well- deserved rest and to prepare for the challenges of the new legal year,” it read.

According to the statement, consequently, the litigating public will be at liberty to approach only the under-listed functional courts located nearest to them.

Just In: Court steps down Obi's petition for the third time

The Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, was forced to step down hearing in the petition filed by Mr Peter Gregory Obi and the Labour Party, LP, against the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the third time.

The petition was stepped down by the court following a poor schedule of documents being sought to be tendered to establish the allegations of malpractices during the February 25 presidential election.

At Thursday’s proceedings, the court discovered that the documents were not properly scheduled as ordered by the Court.

In the drama that ensued at the point of rendering the documents from the 23 local government areas of Benue, a lot of discrepancies were uncovered.

All efforts to reconcile the anomaly and reschedule the documents were unsuccessful as the errors were beyond immediate solution.

To save the situation, counsel to Obi and the Labour Party, Chief Emeka Okpoko SAN, sought to use documents not filed to conduct the proceedings, but the move was rejected on the ground of illegality.

In the end, the court stepped down hearing of the petition and ordered the legal team to go and re-file the schedule of documents in line with the provisions of the pre-hearing report.

The hearing of Obi’s petition had run into stormy waters three times, prompting the shift in the hearing of the petition.

At the time of this report, Peter Obi and the Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba Ahmed, were in the court as their lawyers were running helter and skelter to the Registry of the Court to file a new schedule of documents

Meanwhile, the five Justices led by Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani hearing the petition have retired to their chambers to await when the legal team will put its house in order