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Fidelity Bank MD Commends Soludo’s Infrastructural Development, Prudent Spending Without Borrowing

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blacktalker
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The ongoing infrastructural development in Anambra state has received a commendation from the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Dr Nneka Onyali-Ikpe, who was amazed that the numerous projects undertaken by Governor Charles Soludo were state-funded without plunging the state into debts.

Dr Onyali-Ikpe, whose curiosity was aroused by Governor Soludo’s avalanche of massive projects during a project tour on Wednesday in Awka, stated, “I am very impressed with the quality, size, and finishing of the projects being executed in this state without borrowing from financial institutions.

The Fidelity Bank boss, out of curiosity, said, “I’m interested in knowing how Soludo is building all this infrastructure without borrowing money.”

Dr. Onyali-Ikpe, who was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Protocol to Governor Soludo, during the inspection of the various projects, also visited the ongoing Anambra state government house and lodge with Amphitheatre, the Solution Fun City, a centre for funfair and celebrations, amongst others.

While expressing her surprise at the infrastructural transformation that has made Anambra a destination for businesses, visitors, and the State’s citizens, she said ” I’m blown away by the size of infrastructure that I’m seeing today. The contemporary architecture, the finishing, and the size of it. It is intimidating. I’m excited that we finally have something that befits our state – Anambra.”

“I’m impressed and convinced that the Governor has done a fantastic job via all the infrastructure he’s depositing in our state”, she stated.

Indeed, with the ongoing and completed projects in the state, Governor Soludo is speedily redefining governance, blending vision and execution to reposition Anambra as a land of infinite opportunities for discerning investors.

PROPOSED IKORODU ANGLICAN DIOCESE: OBA AYANGBUREN PLEDGES SUPPORT

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blacktalker
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L - R: Barr Tunde Osoba, Mr Tunde Gbolade, Oba Adewale Sotobi, Ven Taiwo Arowolo, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga and Barr Felix Echeta.

The paramount ruler and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr) Kabir Adewale Sotobi has expressed support for the current move to create an Anglican Diocese in Ikorodu.

He gave the royal endorsement during a courtesy visit to his palace by the leadership of the Implementation Committee for the proposed diocese.

Oba Sotobi said the diocese is long overdue and promised to do everything within his authority to make it a reality.

“It is indeed a dream whose time has come. I am delighted to hear that Ikorodu, the third largest town in the entire South West Zone, is being given a Diocese by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion,” Kabiyesi Ayangburen declared.

He prayed that God Almighty would create a conducive environment and provide the necessary resources to bring the project to fruition.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Archdeacon of Ikorodu Archdeaconry, Venerable Clement Taiwo Arowolo said the Church of Nigeria had noted with keen interest and pride how zealous and passionate the royal father has been in the things of God.

“Kabiyesi, that is why we have counted you as one of the front liners and friends of the Church. We therefore have the pleasure to give you a pride of place in our collective task of honouring God with our substance,” Ven Arowolo stated.

He enjoined the Ayangburen to partake in the joy of being counted among the architects and founding fathers of the new diocese, especially with the upcoming mega launch/fundraising for the project.

The Archdeacon urged the paramount ruler to mobilize indigenes and residents of Ikorodu and its environs to support the proposed diocese financially, materially, and morally.

The Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Mr. Tunde Gbolade, in his remarks, assured the Kabiyesi that the Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Rt Rev Dr James Olusola Odedeji has in principle let go the proposed diocese.

According to Mr Gbolade, “What remains now is for us to hit the requisite financial and material targets.”

He said details of the mega launch would be communicated to the palace soon.

Other members of the delegation are the Secretary of the Implementation Committee, Barr Felix Echeta, Chairman, of Bishop’s Court Committee, Barr Tunde Osoba, and Chairman of the Enlightenment Sub-Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga.

HRH Oba Onisiwo Pledges Support for Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency’s Marine Unit

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blacktalker
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The traditional ruler of Tomaro Abagbo, Tarkwa Bay, and its environs, HRH Oba Alayeluwa Mohammed Musiliu Adio Yussuff, Ilufemiloye (Ogbabi II), has expressed his full support for the establishment of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency, LNSA Marine Unit in the riverine areas of his kingdom.

During a courtesy visit by the General Manager of LNSA, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan Fisn, Oba Onisiwo commended the agency’s progress under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and pledged his unwavering support for its ongoing efforts to enhance security in Lagos State.

The monarch further promised to identify a suitable location along the creek for the Marine Operations Unit’s forward base, ensuring the agency has the resources to effectively carry out its mandate in the area.

During the visit, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan revealed the state government’s plan to rebrand LNSC to meet state police standards within two years. He explained that this vision has driven the numerous advancements recorded by the agency since his appointment as General Manager.

Oyekan also informed the Kabiyesi that Governor Sanwo-Olu had recently approved the creation of seven new specialized units within the agency to further professionalize its operations and improve its capacity to fulfill its statutory mandate.

He noted the importance of collaboration and emphasized that the government alone cannot achieve these goals, highlighting the need for support from traditional institutions and stakeholders.

The Marine Unit of the LNSA is expected to play a critical role in securing Lagos’ coastal areas, ensuring the safety of riverine communities, and addressing challenges unique to waterfront environments.

Ogun State Police Commissioner Launches Community Engagement Initiative to Build Public Trust

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blacktalker
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The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has initiated a community engagement programme aimed at fostering stronger bonds and trust between the police and the public.

This programme, launched on February 6, 2025, focuses on creating a collaborative and interactive atmosphere where residents can freely voice their concerns and work with police officers to improve security.

Since assuming office on December 19, 2024, CP Ogunlowo has pledged to be a field-oriented commissioner, staying active in the community rather than working solely from his office.

Staying true to his promise, he has visited several locations across Abeokuta, including Panseke, NNPC, Sapon, Iyana Mortuary, Computer Market, Lafenwa Market, and Quick Response Squad checkpoints.

These visits allowed him to directly interact with traders, artisans, union members, market women, and business owners in the state. During these engagements, CP Ogunlowo also personally inquired about the security challenges faced by residents and their expectations from the police.

Residents raised several pressing issues, including ritual killings and land grabbing, drug addiction among youths, scavenger-related crimes(where vandals reportedly steal wires and cables from homes at night.), and police profiling and harassment, particularly among young people.

The Commissioner spent over three hours engaging in open and friendly dialogue with residents, listening to their concerns and promising strategic actions to address these challenges. He assured them that the police would prioritize combating ritual killings, drug trafficking, street gang activity, and scavenger-related thefts.

“We are here to listen, take action, and build trust. A safer Ogun State requires a united effort from both the police and the public. Law-abiding citizens should support and respect the officers who are here to protect them,” CP Ogunlowo stated.

To further strengthen police-community relations, CP Ogunlowo directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to adopt a people-oriented approach, encouraging more public engagement by their officers.

This directive, which has already taken effect, is designed to eliminate stereotypes, encourage voluntary information-sharing, and foster a more harmonious relationship between the police and the public.

For additional updates, the Ogun State Police Command encourages residents to reach out through their official communication channels.

NIGERIAN INSTITUTION OF SURVEYORS IN OGUN STATE SEEKS POLICE COLLABORATION IN DISCHARGE OF PROFESSIONAL DUTY

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blacktalker
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The Ogun State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS has sought stronger collaboration with the State Police Command to address the growing challenges posed by land-grabbing activities in the state.

During a courtesy visit on February 5, 2025, to the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo PhD, the NIS delegation highlighted the daily struggles faced by surveyors in their profession, especially incidents where surveyors are wrongfully arrested while lawfully carrying out their duties on disputed lands.

Key issues for deliberations as highlighted, the surveyors appealed for police intervention in cases where their members are:
• Wrongfully arrested alongside land-grabbing factions despite being legally employed for surveying assignments.
• Misconstrued as land sellers, whereas their actual role is in land planning, demarcation, and delineation rather than granting titles or ownership.
• Exposed to threats, harassment, and violence from touts and criminal elements during site inspections.

They emphasized the urgent need for public enlightenment on the role of surveyors in land matters, advocating for wider professional engagement to reduce the reliance on untrained individuals who escalate land disputes into violent conflicts

In response, CP Lanre Ogunlowo acknowledged the widespread menace of land grabbing and assured the NIS delegation of the Command’s commitment to protecting lawful surveyors.

He also advised surveyors to:
1. Refrain from colluding with notorious land grabbers or falsifying survey plans to favour any disputing party, as such actions amount to forgery, a punishable offence under Nigerian criminal laws.
2. Ensure strict professional ethics, as the police will only support registered, law-abiding surveyors.
3. Recognize that land disputes are largely civil matters, and unless criminal elements, such as violence or use of dangerous weapons, are introduced, the rightful place to resolve disputes remains the court of law.

The Commissioner of Police firmly assured the surveyors that the police will continue to support genuine professionals while taking decisive action against illegal actors involved in land disputes.

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA: A GAME-CHANGER FOR GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT

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blacktalker
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The President of Mission 90 Million Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Sunday Lawrence Adebisi, and the Secretary, Mrs. Kpagane Sorde Mmuen, have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest move to establish the North Central Development Commission and the Transportation Route Alignment serving the 4 Western Seaports, linked to a northwards railway.

According to Comrade Adebisi and Mrs. Mmuen, “This development agenda is a game-changer for grassroots development in Nigeria.

”The projects will not only generate numerous employment opportunities directly but also create a ripple effect of economic opportunities that will benefit the people”

They noted that President Tinubu’s programmes, projects, and reforms are addressing the needs of the grassroots masses, regardless of party affiliation, tribe, or religion. “This is a testament to his commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians,” they said.

As the 2027 elections approach, Comrade Adebisi and Mrs. Mmuen believe that President Tinubu’s development agenda will be a major selling point. “With initiatives like the North Central Development Commission and the Transportation Route Alignment, he’s demonstrating his dedication to driving growth and prosperity across the country.”

About Mission 90 Million Congress of Nigeria.

Mission 90 Million Congress of Nigeria is a non-partisan organization committed to promoting good governance and development in Nigeria.

Lagos App-Based Drivers Oppose Low Fares by Indrive, Rida, Uber, Plan Massive Boycott

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blacktalker
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The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, AUATON, Lagos State Chapter has strongly condemned the recent trend of unfairly low fares imposed by Indrive, Rida, Uber, and other app-based ride-hailing companies in a bid to gain market share and competitive advantage over their rivals.

In a statement, AUATON Lagos describes this as an unhealthy, unethical, and exploitative practice by Indrive, Rida, and Uber which was deliberately designed to impoverish drivers.

”This practice has severe negative effects on our collective well-being, and as e-hailing practitioners already struggling to make ends meet, we firmly reject such unfair pricing strategies.

”These cars are owned, managed, and fueled by drivers. App companies have no right to arbitrarily reduce fares to unreasonable levels without first consulting us.

”In a country like Nigeria, where the economy is unstable and the cost of living has skyrocketed—including fuel prices, spare parts, vehicle maintenance, rent, food, weekly remittances to partners, school fees, and even tire replacements—it is only logical for drivers to expect an upward fare review.”

“However, rather than adjusting fares to reflect present economic realities, app companies, particularly Indrive, Rida, and Uber, have chosen to be insensitive to our struggles by drastically undervaluing our services. For instance, when a trip that should rightfully cost 5,000 naira is reduced to 2,000 naira at the rider’s discretion, it is an insult to our profession and must not be tolerated.

The Association says there should be a fair minimum fare benchmark for riders to negotiate within, rather than the current situation where fares are slashed to exploitative levels. It also says the continuous price slashes and unfair treatment of drivers by ride-hailing companies like Indrive, Rida, and Uber have pushed drivers to a breaking point.

”The only viable solution is for all drivers to unite, take a stand, and boycott any app company that refuses to listen to our grievances. We, therefore, call on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to participate in the upcoming protest and join the massive boycott against Indrive, Rida, and Uber.

”We cannot allow app companies to continue undermining our efforts by imposing unfair working conditions. The success of this boycott depends entirely on our unity and solidarity.

”We want to emphasize that this industry belongs to the individual app-based drivers who commute riders from one point to another. We are the ones who invest our time, resources, and effort into making this industry thrive.

”Therefore, any decision that affects our remuneration and cost of running our businesses on the road from point A to point B should be made with our consent and consideration, AUATON remarks.”

The Statement notes that members will no longer accept a situation where app companies unilaterally impose fares that are detrimental to our livelihoods. It says its members are demanding a fair and equitable pricing system that reflects the true cost of providing our services.

”While we give Indrive, Rida, and Uber time to reconsider their actions and review fares upward, we are actively planning a date for the massive boycott, which will be announced in due course.

”In the meantime, drivers should take action by expressing their dissatisfaction directly to Indrive, Rida, and Uber through official complaints. Registering our displeasure will demonstrate our collective resolve and prepare the ground for the upcoming protest.”

”The dawn of a new e-hailing era is here, and for meaningful change to occur, we must take the first step. It is time for all e-hailing drivers to take bold action for a just cause and assert their rights. By doing so, we can create a better future for ourselves and the entire ride-hailing industry, the statement adds.”

Fidelity Bank Set to Launch Innovative SME Hub with Creative Studios

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blacktalker
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FIDELITY BANK

Fidelity Bank, a leading financial institution, has announced the imminent launch of its dedicated physical facility for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, SMEs and Entrepreneurs in the creative sector.

Known as the Fidelity SME Hub, the multipurpose facility features training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, podcast rooms as well as music, photography and content production studios.

“For nearly four decades, Fidelity Bank has been at the forefront of supporting small businesses in achieving their potential and driving the nation’s economy. During this time, we have recognized that SMEs require more than just financial assistance. This realization has led to the implementation of various non-financial initiatives tailored to support this sector.

“The Fidelity SME Hub is our latest non-financial solution for SME growth. The facility is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building -vital elements necessary for strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and driving economic growth”, commented Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc in a chat with journalists recently.

Located in the heart of Lagos, the Fidelity SME Hub will provide entrepreneurs with networking and stakeholder engagement initiatives as well as access to industry experts and mentors for hands-on guidance and business advice. A key feature of the facility is the Creativerse, a well-equipped space for entrepreneurs in the creative industry.

The bank has also announced the launch of dedicated courses to be hosted at the SME Hub in areas such as Financial Management & Investment Readiness, Digital Transformation & Technology Adoption, Marketing, Branding, and Business Growth Strategies.

Furthermore, a fully-fledged creative academy will be established to cover courses on Music Production, the Business of Music, Website Design & Development, Mobile Videography, Disc Jockey and Photography. To see a comprehensive list of available courses or to apply, please visit https://www.fidelitybank.ng/smehub/.

Explaining further, Onyeali-Ikpe said, “Beyond empowering small businesses, the Fidelity SME Hub will also serve to bolster our non-oil exports drive as we empower SMEs to increase their contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP thus supporting the government’s economic diversification drive.

Through our investment in Creativerse in particular, we anticipate that content creators will unlock new revenue streams in entertainment, digital media, and arts, an industry already contributing 2.3% to GDP.”

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank serving over 8.5 million customers through its 255 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as through digital banking channels.

The bank has garnered multiple local and international awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.

It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

CAPPA Urges FG, States To Prioritise Healthy Food Policies in Fight Against Cancer

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blacktalker
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CAPPA Condemns Police Crackdown on Lagos Demolition Protest

As the world marks World Cancer Day 2025, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has urged both federal and state governments in Nigeria to develop and implement comprehensive healthy food policies targeted at reducing the exposure of Nigerians to ultra-processed foods, tobacco, excessive sugar-sweetened beverages, SSBs and salt consumption, all of which constitute high-risk factors driving the country’s alarming cancer burden and other non-communicable diseases.

CAPPA noted that cancer has remained a major public health issue in Nigeria, with an increasing number of new cases and deaths. Nigeria records over 120,000 new cases of cancer annually, according to the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, while the National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022) estimates that Nigerians spend 12 billion naira annually on cancer treatment.

These figures, according to the not-for-profit, underscore the urgent need for a multifaceted-policy approach and preventive measures to address the avoidable risk factors contributing to the country’s cancer as well as the NCD crisis.

The organisation urged the government to, in particular, amongst other pro-public-health tailored actions, implement and enforce healthy food policies such as the implementation of national guidelines to reduce salt consumption, as well as an upward review of the SSB Tax rate from the current 10 naira to 130 naira to achieve a substantial increase in the final retail prices of sugary drinks, curb excessive consumption and generate revenue for health interventions in line with global best practices.

CAPPA also called on the government to strictly regulate novel tobacco products, which are increasingly targeted at young people and to allocate more resources to the tobacco control fund to enhance enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns.

It noted that while tobacco use remains the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths worldwide, SSBs, on the other hand, are associated with a heightened risk of obesity-related cancers, such as kidney and colon cancers. Similarly, high salt intake is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer and other health complications.

CAPPA’s Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi emphasised that creating healthy food environments backed by effective regulations that enable healthy dietary decisions is a priority for tackling cancer-risk factors and NCDs.

He stated that this includes fiscal policies that limit the consumption of unhealthy diets, promote public adoption of healthier foods through targeted subsidies and strategic investments in agriculture for nutrient-rich crops, as well as discourage tobacco and novel tobacco product use.

Additionally, the CAPPA statement highlighted the need for clear front-of-package labeling to inform consumers about the nutritional content of food products. It observed that public awareness campaigns are equally vital to educate citizens on the link between diet and cancer, fostering healthier eating habits across the population.

By integrating these strategies, it concluded, the Nigerian government can create a comprehensive framework that reduces cancer risk factors and fosters a culture of health and wellness.

World Cancer Day is celebrated globally every February 4. This year’s event with the theme: “United by Unique,” celebrates the stories of every person affected by cancer.

Tems’ Grammy Triumph: SSLAG Congratulates Dowen College and Nigeria

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blacktalker
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As the world celebrates the phenomenal success of Nigerian Afrobeats star, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, the Safe Schools Lagos, SSLAG has extended heartfelt congratulations to her and her alma mater, Dowen College Lagos, for yet another global recognition.

Tems, a multi-award-winning singer and songwriter, recently added another Grammy Award to her impressive collection on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most outstanding musical exports.

In a statement, SSLAG notes that her achievements are not only a testament to her exceptional talent but also a reflection of the solid foundation laid during her formative years at Dowen College. Reiterating the importance of ensuring a safety culture around the clock in schools as only students who are safe can thrive and become successful.

Dowen College Lagos efforts of being a Beacon of Safety hence ensuring that all their students thrive in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment is applauded by the Lead Resource of SSLAG, Dr Bisi Esuruoso.

“This milestone is the result of years of hard work, dedication, and an environment that nurtures talent alongside academic excellence.

“Dowen College has long been recognized for fostering an atmosphere that encourages students to explore their potential in various fields, including music, sports, and academics, the statement reads”.

It explains that Miss Openiyi’s journey to stardom exemplifies Dowen College’s commitment to holistic child development, a culture of excellence that combines education with talent discovery and grooming.

“At SSLAG, we join Dowen College, Lagos, in celebrating this proud moment and commend them for their continued role in shaping future leaders. As they keep raising global stars, we encourage them to maintain their excellent work in nation-building through education and talent development, it adds”.

The statement also describes her success story as an inspiration to young talents across Nigeria, proving that with the right support system, dreams can become reality.

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