Verve issued 15 million payment cards in one year – CEO
Verve International has said it issued 15 million payment cards in a year, increasing the total number of issued cards to 50 million. The firm said in a release that it issued 35 million cards in Nigeria in March 2022 and had grown the figure by about 42 per cent this year. “13 years ago, we defied daunting odds and set out to chart a course for a brave new world of payments in Africa. Today we are thoroughly delighted and proud to celebrate this phenomenal milestone of 50 million cards and counting, which effectively positions Verve as the leading payment card scheme in Africa’s most significant consumer market.”The firm also announced its partnership with OPay for OPay Verve Instant Debit Card in October 2022. “Verve also has a number of major partnerships in the works, underscoring its strong resolve to continue to drive such partnerships that provide users in Africa convenient opportunities to access global services in local denominations.”
Source:Punch
July 13, 2023 15:46 UTC
Reps set to strengthen ties with Swiss Parliament
Abbas Tajudeen, revealed the plans of the 10th Assembly to enhance the existing ties between Nigeria and Switzerland in order to strengthen bilateral relationships between the two countries. He made this known during an interactive session with the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Nicholas Lang, in Abuja. The Swiss Ambassador, Mr Lang, emphasized the importance of Nigeria to Switzerland as its main provider of oil. He expressed the desire for stronger bilateral relations and invited the House of Representatives to Switzerland for exchanges with the Swiss Parliament. The Speaker expressed gratitude for the visit and looked forward to more mutually beneficial interactions with Switzerland.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
July 13, 2023 06:28 UTC
Ports & Cargo handles $200m Kano-Maradi rail project equipment
PORTS & Cargo Handling Services Limited (PCHS), a subsidiary of SIFAX Group and operator of Terminal C, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, has recorded another milestone with the successful cargo handling of equipment for the $200 million Kano-Maradi (Niger Republic) rail project being handled by Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited. The multi-million dollars heavy-duty equipment handled by the company arrived via MV-TINA vessel at the terminal recently and included wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, crawler excavators, truck-mounted concrete pumps, concrete mixer trucks, telehandlers, motor graders, vibratory soil compactors and many more. Our handling of this volume of cargo is an indication of our capacity to deliver excellent service. We have a rich blend and mix of human capital and equipment at our company and this has helped us to meet and surpass the expectations of our clients. We put in our best to make sure that best value is delivered always.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
July 13, 2023 06:22 UTC
Osun Federal University of Health Science holds maiden matriculation ceremony
No fewer than 526 newly admitted students of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, held their matriculation ceremony on Tuesday with an appeal from the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Akeem Lasisi, that they should make a meaningful impact during their academic journey. The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted that out of the 7,421 candidates who applied to the university, only 526 were admitted. During his lecture, Prof. Oluwole Atoyebi urged the matriculated students to take their studies seriously and focus on their academics. He reminded them that they were admitted to the university as science students with a strong background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. “These skills need to be further developed because, in secondary school, you complete the majority of your studying and assignments in class,” he said.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
July 12, 2023 22:10 UTC
NGF: Tinubu urges Governors to nominate competent individuals for board appointments
The 36 State Governors under the aegis of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing leadership by extending opportunity to them to nominate competent people from their fold for appointment into boards of parastatals. “NEMA called on State Governors to set up functional State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and community volunteers with adequate legal backing, funding and trained manpower. “Support knowledge, assets and experience sharing between states, NEMA and other responsible partners. “Foster policy alignment and community engagement for Disaster Risk Reduction. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) every USD invested in risk reduction and prevention can save up to USD15 in post disaster recovery.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
July 12, 2023 21:48 UTC
I now understand how great my husband was — Late Lai Oso’s wife
Ambimbola Oso, the wife of the late Professor Lai Oso of the Department of Mass Communication, School of Communication, Lagos State University, said that death has made her realise the worth of her husband. Mrs Oso said she can now fully understand how great her late husband was, noting that he will be sorely missed. Professor Oso died in a fatal motor accident on June 24 at age 67 while returning from a conference in Abraka, Delta State. Mrs Oso said that since she lost her dad in 1982, the professor took up the responsibility of a father, husband, and friend, adding that they were always together as people refer to them as ‘five and six’. She described the professor as her mentor, a lover of God, someone who is selfless and kind-hearted to humanity and his extended family.
Source:Punch
July 12, 2023 19:20 UTC
I inherited debts as Ohanaeze President-General – Iwuanyanwu
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has revealed that he met some debts and financial challenges on the ground when he assumed office. Iwuanyanwu, however, praised the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, for coming to the rescue of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group. Iwuanyanwu made the revelation at a meeting with the leadership of Ohanaeze, state governors from the region, and members of the National Assembly, which was held at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Monday evening. “I met some debts and financial challenges when I came in as President-General of Ohanaeze. But thank God for people like Hope Uzodinma, who came to our rescue.
Source:Punch
July 12, 2023 14:51 UTC
APC stakeholders insist on ministerial slot for Wike
He was joined at the chat by the acting chairman of the state chapter of the APC, Omiete Efrebo. Amaechi didn’t attend the presidential campaign that was held in Rivers State, his own state,” he said. “In Rivers State, the ‘Obidients’ or the Ibo elements are so strong. He said it was Wike who paid the APC agents in the 6,868 polling stations in Rivers State during the presidential election. “So, I can tell you that without Wike’s huge support, material and financial, Obi would have swept Rivers State,” he declared.
Source:Punch
July 12, 2023 11:28 UTC
Nigeria ready to deploy genome editing technology in agriculture — NABDA
The Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, says Nigeria will soon deploy genome editing technology in agriculture. Also present were representatives of the National Orientation Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Mustapha noted that the convergence of the stakeholders was to enrich the inputs in the national communication strategy before its adoption. He stated, “The meeting brought together stakeholders with backgrounds in science, technology and innovation, most especially genome editing, to validate the work that has been done on genome editing in Nigeria. “The NBMA Act came into effect in 2015 but was amended in 2019 to include genome editing.
Source:Punch
July 12, 2023 11:16 UTC
Linking voter card, NIN will end underage voting – Aregbesola
A statement by his media office, obtained in Osogbo, quoted Aregbesola as saying that proposition would automatically end underage voting and multiple registration. He said, “I am suggesting a more seamless registration system that will be continuous and terminates only few weeks before the election, to allow for compilation and printing of cards. “It will automatically eliminate underage voters and the possibility of multiple registration. In many instances, voting officials will arrive late or without the materials or the machines may just start malfunctioning. Many voters are eventually disenfranchised due to late commencement of voting,” he said
Source:Punch
July 12, 2023 09:51 UTC
French Navy, Yaoundé architecture partner to review pirate attacks
The French Navy and Yaoundé Architecture have reviewed the pirate attack that took place early this year on board the Danish tanker Monjasa Reformer in Congolese waters. The move came up at the just concluded Main Planning Conference (MPC) for Grand African Nemo 2023 held in Châtenay-en-France, France. Also present were representatives of Yaoundé Architecture and the 19 navies bordering the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) as well as several regional, European and international partners. The French Navy and Yaoundé Architecture have also entered into plans to host the Grand African NEMO 2023 in the Eastern Gulf of Guinea from 10 to 15 October 2023. The Grand African NEMO is an international operational cooperation exercise designed to assist, develop and strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea by supporting the Yaoundé Process.
Source:The Guardian
July 12, 2023 09:04 UTC
Reps to probe excess charges, illegal deductions by commercial banks
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, resolved to investigate the issue of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in the country. The House noted that some Banks and Financial Institutions in Nigeria indulge in the unethical practice of fleecing their customers through excess charges and unauthorised deductions. It also noted that customers of different Commercial Banks were groaning over excessive charges on their accounts. “The House is concerned that the creation of charges not recognized in the Central Bank Guide to Bank charges is a common practice by Commercial Banks. “The House is also concerned about the wrong application of maintenance fees, banks overcharging maintenance fees, the inclusion of transactions exempted from maintenance charge, loan liquidation and bank-induced transactions amongst others.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
July 12, 2023 04:13 UTC
JUST IN: Mohammed, Eno, Makinde, others arrive PDP govs meeting
Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, are the early arrivals at the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s lodge, the venue of the inaugural meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum in the current dispensation. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has also arrived at the meeting. Makinde, alongside former governors of Rivers (Nyesom Wike); Abia (Okezie Ikpeazu); Enugu (Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi); and Benue ( Samuel Ortom), who has been boycotting PDP events joined party faithful in Bauchi in June where he called for a healing process to begin, following the divisions within the party in the months leading to the general election. The meeting, which is expected to play host to all 13 governors elected on the platform of the party, will deliberate on a wide range of issues including the state of the nation as well as that of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the leadership of the party, among others. Also, present at the meeting are Sheriff Oborevwori, Dauda Lawal, Duoye Diri, and Ahmadu Fintiri, governors of Delta, Zamfara, Bayelsa, and Adamawa respectivelyDetails later…
Source:Punch
July 12, 2023 00:24 UTC
President Tinubu Can Be Sacked If He Loses Presidential Appeal – Shehu Sani Reveals
An influential socio-political activist, Shehu Sani suggests that President Bola Tinubu’s future rests not just in the hands of the courts, but with divine intervention. If Tinubu loses his Presidential election petition, Sani warns that only God can protect him from criticism from an unnamed “emperor” in Kaduna State. Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, used Twitter to voice his observations about the precarious position Tinubu may find himself in. He explained that if Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election is upheld by the courts, the opposition will likely either congratulate him or criticize the ruling and move on. However, if the court rules against Tinubu, Sani implied that a harsh fate awaits the President.
Source:Punch
July 11, 2023 23:09 UTC
Seychelles Implements Ban on Nigerian Passport Holders for Short-Term Visas
Seychelles has implemented a ban on Nigerian passport holders applying for short-term visa or holiday purposes. “Yes, but no further information is available at this time,” the border security stated, leaving Nigerian passport holders and travel enthusiasts puzzled by the decision. Back in December 2022, Nigeria and Seychelles signed an agreement to facilitate direct flights between the two countries. The recent visa ban has sparked mixed reactions from social media users, with many expressing their frustration over the increasing number of foreign bans imposed on Nigerian passport holders. Seychelles’ decision to bar Nigerian passport holders from obtaining short-term visas has certainly raised eyebrows and left many questioning the motives behind this sudden change.
Source:The Guardian
July 11, 2023 20:10 UTC