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Tinubu dismisses leaders of five aviation agencies and places the head of NCAA on suspension

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President Bola Tinubu took decisive action on Wednesday by dismissing the heads of various aviation agencies, appointing new acting and substantive leaders.

Notable changes include Mr. Kabir Mohammed at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Tayib Odunowo at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Akinola Olateru at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Prof. Mansur Matazu at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and Alkali Modibbo as the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

In a statement titled ‘President Tinubu approves leadership changes in the Aviation and Aerospace Development Sector,’ Tinubu suspended the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority,

Captain Musa Nuhu, enabling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to conduct an investigation into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials.

Furthermore, President Tinubu appointed Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku as the Managing Director of FAAN, Umar Farouk as the Managing Director of NAMA, and Mr. Alex Badeh Jr. as the Director-General of the NSIB.

Prof. Charles Anosike was named the Director-General of NiMET, Mr. Joseph Imalighwe as the Acting Rector of NCAT, and Mr. Chris Najomo assumed office as the Acting Director-General of the NCAA immediately.

President Tinubu approved the commencement of the process, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to recruit a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the African Aviation and Aerospace University.

The president emphasized his commitment to bringing world-class standards to Nigerian Civil Aviation and urged the new leadership to prioritize safety, convenience, and comfort for the Nigerian people.

Acknowledging the cost of underperformance in the sector, the President called for the immediate establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to align with his Renewed Hope Agenda. All directives take immediate effect.

 

The federal government grants universities, polytechnics, and other institutions an exemption from IPPIS

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On Wednesday, the Federal Government granted approval to exclude universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Henceforth, salaries for staff in these institutions will no longer be processed through the IPPIS platform, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

This decision, aimed at providing autonomy for the efficient management of public educational institutions, was disclosed after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

Minister Idris clarified that the IPPIS lacked the flexibility needed for tertiary institutions to govern their affairs independently.

Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasized that the move was unrelated to the integrity of IPPIS or other proposed systems, but rather focused on enhancing the universities’ autonomy.

The decision responds to concerns about universities’ ability to manage their personnel and payroll effectively, as autonomy granted by laws has been eroded by IPPIS.

The IPPIS, introduced in 2006 for personnel record management, has faced resistance from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which advocates for the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). ASUU argues that IPPIS undermines autonomy and fails to accommodate the unique aspects of academic work.

Despite government efforts to enforce IPPIS, tensions persist, leading to strikes and disruptions in academic activities.

The government’s decision to exempt tertiary institutions aims to address these concerns and foster a more effective and autonomous educational environment.

 

Shareholders thwart PZ Cussons’ efforts to implement capital reduction plans

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PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc shareholders have rescinded resolutions from the 74th Annual General Meeting, approving a reduction in share capital.

The reversal, disclosed in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, occurred at the 75th AGM in Abuja. Months earlier, the majority shareholder, PZ Cussons (Holdings) Limited, proposed acquiring shares from other stakeholders.

Originally offering N21 per share, it increased to N23. During the latest AGM, shareholders unanimously canceled prior resolutions on share capital reduction and amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, citing challenges in obtaining foreign currency and reliance on the PZ Cussons Group for financial support.

 

From hawker to Africa’s football king – Osimhen’s journey unfolds in my story

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Newly crowned CAF 2023 African Player of The Year, Victor Osimhen, on Tuesday penned a gratifying message to celebrate his top prize,

In an extended message posted on his X account, the Napoli striker told an inspiring story of how he started as a hawker on the streets of Olusosun in Lagos to becoming a global icon in football.

On Monday, the Napoli striker beat Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah to the star prize at the awards ceremony in Marrakech.

Reflecting on his journey to stardom, the 24-year-old wrote, “As a young boy who came from the streets of Olusosun, who had to hawk in traffic almost every day of the week while growing in order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a Treasure in Africa and World Football was a wild dream. Words can’t express the joy in my heart; this is a very special moment for me.

My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions. The goals, echoes and jubilation of victories keep me going even when the critics, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest. The support of my amazing family, my fans most especially my Nigerian supporters and the love for the beautiful game of football motivates me to aim higher daily.”

He added, “Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart as they have always been my major driving force for success since I was a kid, may their souls continue to rest in peace

To my wonderful family thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your esteemed support.

To my fans and Nigerian supporters, your dedication in supporting me on the good days and bad days do not go unnoticed, even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me y’all still stood by my side. I am grateful.

“Winning the CAF Best African Player 2023 is a testament to my hard work, your love and support. I am so proud of myself for achieving this prestigious award.

“Thank you CAF, to all the coaches I have played under both local and international, your wisdom and knowledge have played huge roles in guiding my footballing career, thank you so much.

“I am sure my parents in heaven are smiling at me, this is for you.

“I also congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala for their prestigious awards. Dreams do come true! Thank you, everyone, GOD is the greatest.”

Sanwo-Olu unveils a robust N2.2 trillion budget for the year 2024 before the Assembly

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On Wednesday, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, unveiled a budget estimate of N2.2 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Titled “Budget of Renewal,” the proposal allocates 45% (N1.02 trillion) for recurrent expenditure and 55% (N1.22 trillion) for capital expenditure.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the budget aims to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and economic challenges in Lagos.

Guided by the T.H.E.M.E.+ Agenda, the budget builds on previous years’ strategies, aiming to consolidate the achievements of his administration.

Reflecting on the 2023 budget, the governor reported 78% implementation by the end of quarter three, projecting a 90% completion by year-end.

 

Ada Omo Daddy Movie Premiere: A Spectacle of Cultural Elegance and Unity

Last night, the stars aligned in a dazzling display of cultural splendor at the premiere of “Ada Omo Daddy,” a cinematic creation by Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and producer, Mercy Aigbe Adeoti, aiming to bridge the Igbo and Yoruba cultures.

Under the theme of ‘Cultural Wedding Guest Extravaganza,’ the premiere unfolded as a magnificent showcase of traditional attire, where every celebrity adorned themselves in resplendent cultural regalia, redefining elegance and style on the red carpet.

The event drew an illustrious gathering of luminaries, including Tayo Faniran, Omowunmi Dada, Sola Sobowale, Charles Okafor, and the film’s visionary, Mercy Aigbe Adeoti, all key figures in the movie’s cast. The night sparkled with Eniola Badmus radiating in vibrant pink and Mercy Eke exuding grace in a fiery, embellished red ensemble. Adding to the allure, the red carpet’s host, Bukunmi ‘Kie Kie’ Adeaga-Ilori, mesmerized onlookers with her stunning turquoise attire, captivating the essence of the night.

The premiere of “Ada Omo Daddy” not only showcased the creative brilliance of Mercy Aigbe Adeoti but also served as a platform to celebrate cultural unity and elegance, as stars gracefully intertwined their unique cultural heritage into a tapestry of unparalleled beauty and sophistication.

 

Credit: Adesina Kasali

 

The United Kingdom pledges $15 million to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector

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The British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution and impact investor, has finalized plans to inject $15 million in equity into Valency International, a Singapore-headquartered agricultural commodities trading house.

The investment, aimed at expanding processing and warehouse infrastructure in Nigeria, is contingent on regulatory approval and is anticipated to conclude in early 2024.

BII, in its announcement on Tuesday, disclosed that beyond the initial $15 million commitment, it retains the option to invest an additional $35 million in equity into Valency within two years of the initial investment’s completion.

This financial support is projected to generate up to 2,800 jobs for low-income workers nationwide, extend market access to an additional 60,000 smallholder farmers, and elevate agricultural output and exports.

The statement from BII underscores that the investment will fortify Valency’s facilities, fostering collaborations with local farmers and processing centers to optimize output and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products.

Despite agriculture constituting a significant portion of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for a quarter of the GDP and employing over a third of the population, the local agricultural sector faces challenges in underdeveloped food processing and manufacturing.

BII, as Valency’s inaugural institutional investor, is poised to provide invaluable support in cultivating best practices in business integrity and Environmental and Social Management Systems.

The collaboration aims to enhance job quality, promote gender inclusion, and augment value creation within the sector.

Commenting on the investment, Jonny Baxter, the UK Deputy High Commissioner, highlighted the UK’s commitment to sustainable agriculture in Nigeria, emphasizing the positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions, climate adaptation, livelihoods, and nutrition.

He expressed excitement about the new UK investment, anticipating job creation nationwide and reinforcing support for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Benson Adenuga, Head of Office and Coverage Director, Nigeria for BII, emphasized the strategic opportunity to stimulate growth in Nigeria’s food and agricultural sector, leveraging its substantial food export potential.

Adenuga expressed pride in deepening the commitment to food security, smallholder farmers, and job creation, envisioning the catalytic capital’s significant impact on economic development.

Sumit Jain, CEO of Valency International, underscored the meticulous selection of partners for the next phase of growth, citing BII’s impressive engagement in relevant regions.

He expressed privilege in Valency driving BII’s impact agenda in Nigeria’s flourishing food and agriculture sector, emphasizing the strategic alignment between the two entities.

 

Kizz Daniel’s latest tracks showcase my diverse musical abilities

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Renowned singer Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, pleasantly surprised his fans and music enthusiasts with the announcement of two new songs, ‘Twe Twe’ and ‘Too Busy to Be Bae,’ marking the culmination of the year.

The songs, released on September 12, 2023, not only highlight his versatility but also exemplify his innovative approach to music by seamlessly blending traditional Nupe tribe influences with contemporary sounds.

In explaining the inspiration behind ‘Twe Twe,’ Daniel shared that the track harmoniously fuses tradition and modernity, drawing from the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe tribe in Nigeria.

The vibrant and energetic song intricately weaves traditional Nupe sounds into an infectious anthem, creating a sonic experience that is both authentic and exhilarating.

Produced by Ayzed, Killertunes, and Blaise Beats, ‘Twe Twe’ transcends boundaries as a cultural celebration with pulsating rhythms and dynamic instrumentation, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene.

Conversely, ‘Too Busy to Be Bae,’ produced by P Prime, explores the complexities of modern relationships in a fast-paced world.

Daniel expressed that the track delves into the theme of individuals navigating their lives amidst perpetual hustle, leaving limited time for romantic entanglements.

Describing it as an introspective and relatable take on the challenges of finding love in a hectic lifestyle, he emphasized that the compelling narrative would resonate with listeners across diverse demographics.

 

Lagos welcomes its newest police commissioner

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The Lagos State Police Command has appointed Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha as the new Commissioner of Police, succeeding Idowu Owohunwa, who recently attained the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

The appointment, communicated through a police wireless message dated December 11, 2023 (TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/T.5/103), signed by the Nigeria Police Force Secretary on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is effective immediately.

The Lagos State Police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, verified Fayoade’s deployment and indicated that he is likely to assume office on Wednesday.

 

Deputy assumes charge amidst Ondo crisis while Akeredolu departs for medical treatment in Germany

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The ailing Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, is set to undergo further treatment in Germany, as conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde.

Akeredolu will transmit a letter to the state House of Assembly, temporarily handing over power to his deputy, Lucy Aiyedatiwa.

Despite returning from medical leave in Germany in September, the governor remained absent in Ondo State, staying in his private residence in Ibadan.

This absence led to a leadership vacuum, dividing the executive council into factions loyal to the governor and the deputy governor.

In September, the governor dismissed all media aides attached to the deputy governor’s office, citing insubordination.

President Bola Tinubu’s meeting in November aimed to resolve the crisis, but resolutions were not implemented, leading to Akeredolu’s decision to return to Germany for treatment.

Olatunde stated that the deputy governor, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will act as governor during Akeredolu’s medical leave.

The Ondo State Conscience Movement called for an investigation into alleged forgery of Akeredolu’s signature, urging transparency. Legal practitioner Dr Tunji Abayomi emphasized that the state’s leaders must resolve the crisis internally, as external intervention is limited