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Mr Ibu Is Dead: Details surrounding his demise

John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was a celebrated Nigerian actor and comedian. His passing has left a void in the entertainment industry.

  • Date of Passing: John Okafor passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
  • Cause of Death: He suffered a cardiac arrest at Evercare Hospital in Lagos State after a prolonged battle with illness.
  • Health Challenges: In 2023, Mr. Ibu faced serious health challenges related to a “strange and dangerous illness.” Doctors even recommended amputating his leg to address the condition. His adopted daughter, Jasmine Okafor, pleaded for support and prayers during this difficult time.
  • Nollywood Legacy: Mr. Ibu was a prominent figure in Nollywood, having acted in numerous Nigerian and international films. His comedic talent, expressive face, and ability to make people laugh endeared him to audiences. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances and contributions to the industry.

John Okafor’s passing is a loss to the entertainment world, but his work will continue to bring joy to fans for years to come. May he rest in peace

Sisi Quadri Is Dead

Sisi Quadri, a popular Nollywood actor, has passed away at the age of 44. His real name was Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, but he was affectionately known by his stage name, Sisi Quadri. He was widely celebrated for his remarkable performances in Yoruba movies, where he portrayed feminine characters and used abusive language with flair.

  • Date of Passing: Sisi Quadri departed from this world on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Sisi Quadri’s passing has left the entertainment world in shock, and he will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

OPay transforms customer service through inventive solutions and increased accessibility, redefining the experience.

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OPay, the foremost financial technology company in Nigeria headquartered in Lagos, has transformed customer service by prioritizing user satisfaction and implementing state-of-the-art solutions for an enriched customer experience.

Pioneering a revolution centered on convenience and efficiency, OPay caters to diverse user needs through a seamless integration of physical and digital touchpoints, ensuring unparalleled service for everyone.

Headquartered in Lagos, OPay has strategically positioned 17 customer service centers nationwide, serving individuals who prefer in-person interactions for their service-related inquiries.

This extensive network offers easy access to friendly support, eliminating the hassles of long queues and impersonal interactions.

Not stopping there, OPay provides robust online customer service for users who prefer digital channels.

The online platform offers a plethora of self-service resources, real-time Live Chat with Customer Service Agents (CSAs), and a streamlined process for reporting disputes directly through the App.

OPay empowers users by putting service control in their hands, irrespective of their location.

Mr. Dauda Gotring, Managing Director of OPay, emphasizes the importance of transparency and timely resolutions in the OPay experience.

Dispute issues, such as transfer or card problems, are meticulously handled with progress updates and resolution timelines communicated conveniently within the App.

With a dedicated team of over 500 Customer Service Agents, OPay ensures exceptional care round the clock.

Whether users need quick queries answered or assistance with complex issues, a friendly and knowledgeable representative is just a click away.

Key Features of OPay’s Enhanced Customer Service:

1. Progress Updates Through the App:
Customers can now report disputes directly through the OPay app, receiving transparent updates on the progress of their reported issues. This includes information on transfer disputes or card-related concerns, coupled with a well-defined resolution timeline. This feature empowers users with real-time information and reassurance during the resolution process.

2. Live Chat with OPay Customer Service Agents:
OPay introduces a 24/7 Live Chat option where customers can connect with over 500 Customer Service Agents. This instant and interactive channel allows users to seek assistance, resolve queries, and receive support at their convenience. The Live Chat feature underscores OPay’s commitment to accessible and responsive customer service.

As OPay continues to lead in financial technology, these customer-centric innovations solidify its position as an industry trailblazer.

By seamlessly combining traditional face-to-face support with cutting-edge online solutions, OPay aims to create a satisfying experience for its diverse user base.

 

ICP.Hub Sahara addresses TechyJaunt’s event on “Expanding Horizons: Crafting a Tech Career as a Student” beyond the confines of campus walls

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ICP.Hub Sahara, West Africa’s official hub for the Internet Computer protocol, demonstrated its dedication to nurturing tech talent and fostering innovation at TechyJaunt’s recent event, “Beyond the Campus Walls; Building a Tech Career as a Student,” held at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Drawing over 2000 eager students, the event served as a gateway for exploring technology and potential career paths.

Adedayo Adebajo, Co-founder of ICP.Hub Sahara, took the spotlight as a distinguished speaker at the event. During the second panel session on “How to Launch your Career in Tech: Building a Career in Tech from Novice to Knowledgeable,” Adebajo, alongside industry experts like Mr. Ezeudeka George Ikechukwu, Mr. Eliezer Ajah, and Mr. Okechukwu V.A., shared practical advice for navigating successful careers in technology.

Adebajo’s expertise extended beyond the panel discussion; his compelling presentation emphasized the importance of a growth mindset in acquiring and developing new tech skills.

His thought-provoking insights resonated with the audience, inspiring them to embrace continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

TechyJaunt, known for its commitment to nurturing tech enthusiasts through cutting-edge education, provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and networking.

Focused on onboarding individuals and keeping them updated on emerging technologies and skills, TechyJaunt reaffirmed its dedication to empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

The event also featured notable speakers like Okechukwu V.A., Co-founder of Blockchain UNN Enugu; Mr. Dimeji Falana, CEO, and Co-founder of Edves Lagos Nigeria; and Eliezer Ajah, Talent Development Lead at Genesys Tech Hub.

Their collective expertise enriched the event, offering students valuable insights into various facets of the tech industry.

In an evolving tech landscape, collaborations between industry players like ICP.Hub Sahara and community-driven initiatives like TechyJaunt are vital for nurturing talent and fostering innovation.

The event’s success underscores the significance of such partnerships in shaping the future of technology in West Africa and beyond.

Advocate suggests prohibiting cash transactions in dollars as a measure to protect the value of the Naira, advises Tinubu

The Group Managing Director of CFL Group, Lai Omotola, has urged President Bola Tinubu to implement an executive order prohibiting cash transactions in dollars to curb the ongoing depreciation of the naira.

Expressing concern over the economic challenges faced by Nigerians despite previous policies, Omotola called on citizens to contribute ideas to the government on improving the economy.

During a media briefing on ‘How to Save the Naira and Build a Robust Economy,’ Omotola suggested, “To safeguard our naira, we propose a presidential executive order banning all cash dollar transactions nationwide.

All dollar transactions should occur exclusively through banks, with a maximum cash limit of $100 for individuals and foreigners, exceeding which will be forfeited to the Federal Government.”

He also recommended a complete ban on street vending of dollars and proposed amnesty for 90 days on dollar cash payments without investigation by security agencies.

Additionally, Omotola suggested making certain states, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Enugu, and Abuja, 100% cashless, limiting the maximum cash held to N50,000.

Calling for the revival of the Whistleblower Act, Omotola emphasized rewarding individuals reporting hidden dollars, believing these measures, if implemented, could lead to a 50% appreciation of the naira within 30 days and a more stable exchange rate by the end of the year.

Analysts predict a potential increase in interest rates as the Monetary Policy Committee convenes for its meeting

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The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee is anticipated to raise the benchmark interest rate at this week’s meeting, as suggested by financial analysts.

This meeting marks the first under the new CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and concerns have arisen due to the MPC’s previous failure to convene.

With inflation at 29.9%, there are expectations of decisions on banks’ capital requirements and liquidity ratios to address the economic challenges.

Experts foresee a potential interest rate hike, aiming to curb inflation, while some argue for maintaining the current rate and focusing on stabilizing the exchange rate.

Meristem Research analysts project a policy rate hike, considering global disinflation trends and measures taken by monetary authorities.

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria initiates the sale of dollars to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has declared its intent to sell $20,000 in foreign exchange to each eligible Bureau De Change operator nationwide, marking a reversal of the policy implemented over two years ago by the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The decision, outlined in a recent circular signed by Hassan Mahmud, the Director of Trade and Exchange Department, is aimed at addressing distortions in the retail segment of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and narrowing the gap in exchange rates.

The allocated amount will be sold at a rate of N1,301/$, reflecting the lower band rate of executed spot transactions at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market on the previous trading day, dated February 27, 2024.

The circular emphasizes the CBN’s commitment to achieving a market-determined exchange rate for the Naira and directs eligible BDCs to make Naira payments to designated CBN Foreign Currency Deposit Naira Accounts for disbursement in specific branches across Abuja, Awka, Lagos, and Kano.

These measures are part of the CBN’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the Naira, including addressing FX backlog, restricting forex for foreign education and medical tourism, raising BDCs’ minimum share capital, and combating FX speculators.

CBN offloads more than $300 million to banks, contributing to the strengthening of the naira

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The Central Bank of Nigeria injected over $300 million into Deposit Money Banks in the last two weeks as part of determined efforts to stabilize the fluctuating naira-dollar exchange rate.

The Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria conveyed this information in an advisory memo to its members, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making amidst the naira’s rapid depreciation.

According to the advisory, the Central Bank sold over $200 million to banks below N1,500/dollar last week, and this week witnessed consecutive days of FX sales to banks at rates around $1,450.

The disclosure aimed to guide members in navigating the challenges posed by the sharp decline in the naira’s value.

An executive committee member of the ACTN, confirming the authenticity of the memo, stated that the information was sourced directly from the CBN.

The dollar sales responded to the recent depreciation of the naira, which began the year at N891/$ but faced significant challenges in both official and parallel markets.

The naira saw a brief recovery at the parallel market last Thursday and Friday after joint efforts by the CBN and the EFCC against currency traders speculating against the local currency.

However, at the official market on Monday, the naira appreciated to 1,582/$, a 0.75% increase from the previous trading day.

Despite fluctuations, the naira’s value demonstrated resilience, influenced by market sentiment and EFCC actions against black market operators.

The CBN’s initiatives included revising operations for International Money Transfer Operators and cancelling cash payments for Personal and Business Travels, directing electronic channels for allowances to ensure transparency in the forex market.

In a broader context, the Federal Government aimed to raise $10 billion to enhance liquidity in the foreign exchange market and took measures to prevent illicit movement of funds by blocking online platforms of crypto firms, including Binance, Forextime, OctaFX, Crypto, FXTM, and Coinbase.

Additionally, the EFCC continued its crackdown on illegal Bureau de Change operators across the country, arresting 115 suspected currency racketeers in Enugu last Wednesday, reinforcing efforts to curb currency speculation.

 

NDLEA foils the largest heroin shipment at Lagos airport

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted the largest-ever heroin consignment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

This significant operation, conducted on February 12, 2024, resulted in the apprehension of members belonging to an organized criminal group engaged in heroin trafficking across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe, and America.

NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, shared these developments during a press briefing in Lagos, emphasizing that the seizure of the 51.90kg consignment marked a historic milestone for the agency.

The concealed heroin, weighing 51.90kg, was ingeniously hidden in 15 cartons labeled as 2300-watt metal cutting machines.

Marwa underscored the parallels between this operation and the September 18, 2022, seizure of 2,139.5kg of cocaine in an Ikorodu warehouse, describing it as the largest singular cocaine seizure in NDLEA’s history.

Four individuals linked to the recent heroin seizure were promptly arrested in a follow-up operation by NDLEA operatives.

Providing further details, Marwa stated, “NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command discovered a suspicious package at the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport’s Cargo Terminal.

The consignment, cleverly hidden in 15 cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting machines, contained a total of 45 blocks of high-grade heroin, weighing 49.70kg.

Our investigations led to the arrest of the freight agent, Olowolagba Wasiu Babatunde, hired by Mattpee Logistics, a company operated by Mr. Kola based in South Africa.”

Stay tuned for additional updates on this significant anti-drug trafficking operation.

 

Makinde participates in NLC demonstration in Oyo

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On Tuesday, Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, actively participated in a peaceful protest organized by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Assuring the demonstrators that the current challenges would soon be alleviated, Makinde joined the protest as it moved from the NLC state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, to Gate – NTA – Yemetu roundabout.

Expressing awareness of the prevailing hardships, the governor pledged to be part of the generation that addresses and resolves the country’s issues.

Furthermore, he committed to delivering the workers’ protest letters and complaints to President Bola Tinubu.

The state NLC Chairman, Kayode Martins, emphasized the unbearable cost of living, particularly for the common man, as the motivation behind the protest.

More details to follow.