Tinubu Seeks for Reps' Endorsement For $8.6bn, €100m External Borrowing

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Tinubu Seeks for Reps' Endorsement For $8.6bn, €100m External Borrowing 

The President additionally sent the Federal Capital Territory Strengthening Budget to House for Consideration.

  

President Bola Tinubu has written the House of Representatives seeking the approval of the green chamber for $8.6bn and €100m external borrowing plan for critical infrastructure in areas such as power, roads, water, railway, and health.

The President also forwarded the Federal Capital Territory Supplementary Budget to House for consideration.

Meanwhile, the President will present the 2024 budget to the National Assembly on Wednesday. This was after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion.

The approval followed the review of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) earlier passed by the National Assembly which benchmarked the exchange rate at N700 to $1 and crude oil price at $73.96 cent per barrel.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, told reporters at the State House on Monday that FEC revised the MTEF and the Fiscal Policy to use an exchange rate of N750 to $1 and also a benchmark crude oil reference price of $77.96 per barrel.

According to Bagudu, the FEC also approved an Appropriation Bill for 2024 with an aggregate expenditure of N27.5 trillion, an increase of over N1.5 trillion from the previously estimated.

Appeal Court Affirms Fubara As Rivers Gov, Dismisses Cole, Others’ Suit

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Appeal Court Affirms Fubara As Rivers Gov, Dismisses Cole, Others’ Suit

The court held that Cole and the other appellants failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

An Appeal court sitting in Lagos has affirmed the election of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The Court, in a unanimous decision, affirmed the judgment of the election tribunal, dismissing four separate appeals filed by Tonye Cole of All Progressives Congress (APC), Beatrice Itubo of the Labour Party (LP), Innocent Ekwu of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Lulu Briggs Dumo of the Accord Party.

The APC candidate, who was present in the courtroom on Tuesday, wanted the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare him the winner of the March governorship election in Rivers.

The Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had in October dismissed the petition of Cole challenging the election of Fubara as the governor of the state.

The tribunal had dismissed the petition saying that the APC that sponsored Cole had withdrawn the petition against Fubara’s victory.

Not satisfied with the Tribunal’s victory, the APC candidate approached the appellate court. However, the court on Tuesday affirmed the Tribunal ruling which earlier upheld Fubara’s electoral victory in October.

Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi (absent), Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe

and Justice Bature Isa Gafa, held that the fact that APC seized to be a party to the case did not make Cole’s petition invalid. The judges concluded that the Tribunal was in error to have struck out that item of the petition.

“A political party cannot compel a candidate to withdraw a petition neither can a candidate compel the party to withdraw.” Justice Adegbehingbe ruled.

However, on the other grounds, the court held that the appellants’ evidence were inadequate in proving the allegations of over-voting, disenfranchisement and other alleged irregularities.

The grounds bordering on fraud and whether Fubara was qualified to have contested the election were struck out based on unconvincing evidence. Cole cited allegations of irregularities and Fubara’s continued signing of documents as the State’s Accountant-General after his PDP nomination.

The court held that all the appellants failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

In his immediate reaction, Cole said the appellate court’s judgment has given him and his legal team a greenlight, and that will determine their next line of action.

Source: Channel TV

Accessprenuer: Over 50 Corps members win Access Bank Business Empowerment Grants across Nigeria

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Accessprenuer: Over 50 Corps members win Access Bank Business Empowerment Grants across Nigeria

Access Bank Plc has rewarded and empowered corps members through the Access Bank Accessprenuer competition in collaboration with the NYSC.  

A total of 54 corps members emerged as beneficiaries on Thursday, at the FCT Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Ebony, Enugu, Benue and Rivers states where the competition took place simultaneously. 

A total of N15,250,000 was given out to corps members with exceptional entrepreneurial ideas across the country.

The overall winners were awarded N1 million each while the first runner-ups and second runner-ups were rewarded with N700,000 and N400,000 respectively.

Other Corp members who participated in the competition were also rewarded with consolation prizes ranging from N200,000 to N50,000. 

Adaeze Ume, Unit Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank Plc, who spoke at the event said the Accessprenuer initiative was  introduced to encourage and reward National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were young entrepreneurs with feasible dreams and business goals.  

“At Access Bank, in line with our sustainability ethos, we are committed to improving the lives of people, and supporting the growth and development of our host communities, as such we have partnered with the scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (NYSC-SAED) to encourage young and emerging entrepreneurs. 

“Our partnership with the NYSC-SAED, would help facilitate the training and mentoring of Nigerian youths in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development for self-reliance.  

“As an institution, we understand the role that young people play in the community and the nation, and we are committed to supporting their aspirations. We believe that the youths represent the future and hope of our nation, and we will do all we can to support their innovative ideas. 

” Research has shown that lack of access to finance is one of the major reasons why businesses fail, particularly start-ups. We have decided to solve this problem by supporting some young entrepreneurs here today with finance to fund their business ideas through the Access Bank All4One scheme. 

“We hope that through this financial support and mentorship program, the winners and beneficiaries of Accessprenuer competition can run profitable businesses and through the implementation of their innovative ideas, positively impact lives and ultimately the economy, she said. 

 

Obasi Favour Onyinyechi emerged as the winner of the grand prize of N1,000,000 at the FCT Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa. Meanwhile, Awe Rebecca emerged as the first runner clinching the second prize of N700,000  

Obasi who was visibly excited noted that with the grant her business dream was on its way to becoming a palpable reality, and she thanked Access Bank Plc for changing her life on the go via the initiative. She noted that the grant would expedite the growth process of her fish farming business by getting a good number of healthy fingerlings, feeds, and treatments for them.  

The Accessprenuer empowerment scheme by Access Bank Plc has over the years empowered thousands of Nigeria corps members, granting impetus and vitality to kickstart business dreams in the embryo and expand those that have already begun operations.  

So far, the Accessprenuer competition has impacted over 400 corps members with over N200 million in seed capital.

They also created a Facebook community for all Accessprenuer winners to be able to interact freely amongst themselves and inspire other young people with similar aspirations. The Facebook community has about 5,000 members. 

 

NERC: Halting estimated billing in Nigeria is possible when customers are absent

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NERC: Halting estimated billing in Nigeria is possible when customers are absent 

Estimated billing can be halted if customers are not around. This was said by NERC officials during the November 27 capacity strengthening session for distribution companies (DisCos) on communication and responsiveness to customers, which was organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). 

According to NERC, many estimated billing customers are not aware that there is a regulation that requires them to inform their DisCo when they will not be around so that their billing can be halted during that period of their absence as their electricity is not in use.  

Although many estimated billing customers may not be aware of the regulation highlighted, there are some customers’ rights highlighted by NERC via their official website, which point to sensible billing by DisCos on estimated billing customers across the country.  

According to NERC, all new electricity connections must have meters installed before being connected.

They are entitled to a safe and reliable electricity supply and the installation of a properly functioning meter.  

The Commission also insists that customers should be informed and educated about their electricity service, with transparent billing applied to all and un-metered customers should receive bills based on NERC’s estimated billing methodology.  

According to NERC, written notice is mandatory before any disconnection, and customers have the right to refunds if overbilled, meanwhile, complaints about electricity supply or billing can be directed to the nearest DisCo business unit for prompt investigation.  

If unsatisfied, customers can escalate issues to the NERC Forum Office or appeal decisions by petitioning the Commission.

NERC says that customers can contest incorrect electricity bills and in disputes over bills, un-metered customers are not obliged to pay the disputed amount but only the last undisputed bill while the issue undergoes NERC’s dispute resolution process.  

The Commission also points out that customers or communities are not responsible for purchasing, replacing, or repairing electricity infrastructure like transformers or poles used in the supply process. 

However, it is important to note that several customers who spoke to Nairametrics reveal that settling complaints regarding estimated billing charges and payments is a herculean task as DisCos are putting a lot of customers under undue pressure by refusing to resolve complaints or implement regulatory directives as stipulated by NERC yet face no consequences.  

Imoh Heavens, a resident of Akwa Ibom state, shared his experience as a customer with the Port Harcourt Distribution Company (DisCo). He expressed to Nairametrics that DisCo charges un-metered customer rates exceeding the price cap, regardless of the circumstances.  

This situation has caused considerable concern among residents who are already grappling with challenging economic conditions.

Despite their complaints, there hasn’t been any relief or resolution to alleviate their financial burdens. 

Glo hosts stakeholders to evening of razzmatazz as Asake, Chike, Gordons, others thrill

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Glo hosts stakeholders to evening of razzmatazz as Asake, Chike, Gordons, others thrill

Digital and telecommunications services company, Globacom, on Saturday, November 25, hosted captains of industry, high networth customers and business associates, to an exquisite event at Eko Hotels & Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos, tagged ‘An Evening with Glo”.

At the event, the company’s new communication direction, “Powering Your Ambition”, was formally unveiled. The campaign showcases the preparedness and capability of Globacom to support businesses and individuals with the right tools and services to enable them to set ambitious personal and business targets and realize them to the full.

Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, Mrs Bella Disu, paid tribute to Glo subscribers, partners, stakeholders and all those who have been with the company every step of the way for their support since inception. “Your contributions have been essential to Globacom’s success story over the past two decades, and our story would be incomplete without you. This event is special for many reasons, one being that Globacom celebrated its 20th anniversary this past August. We’re incredibly proud of this feat, which symbolises two decades of our commitment to excellent service delivery, quality, innovation, and outstanding communication strategies. This remarkable journey and the heights we’ve reached are all thanks to the visionary leadership and tenacity of our founder and Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr.”, she stated.

L-R: Chief Technical officer, Roll Out, Globacom, Mr. Remi Makinde; Director of Customer Care, Catherine Bomett, Executive Vice Chairman, Globacom, Mrs Bella Disu, and Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Mr. Chris Lu, at “An Evening with Glo” event held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on Saturday.

Mrs Disu noted that the current pace of digital transformation was far quicker than what it was when Globacom started. “What was once deemed impossible is now the norm. As a digital solutions provider, we embrace these unlimited opportunities to serve our customers by constantly investing in the latest tools and technology.

She explained that the new communication direction focuses more on powering and driving ambition, while ensuring success for Glo’s existing and future customers and commended the Marketing Communications team for the creatives. She added, however, that “The creative genius steering us and whipping up most of these ideas is none other than the great guru himself, our Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr. I’m not sure he would have wanted me to share that, but after 20 years of his creative direction, I think it’s fair to let the cat out of the bag!

“We are excited about the next 20 years of serving our customers by pre-empting and fulfilling their needs in ways that help them achieve their ambitions. We count on you all to be by our side as we write tomorrow’s success stories”, Mrs Disu concluded.

Showcasing the new commercials for the company’s new communication direction, Globacom said that every new business innovation, product and service the company deploy brings its customers one step closer to their goals, “‘Powering Ambition’ is much more than just a proposition, describing it as a promise which has seen Globacom partnering with its customers in delivering cutting edge digital transformation of their businesses and innovative ideas”.

“We amplify the voice and entrepreneurial spirit of that business start-up via Glo SME in A Box. We also accelerate the pace of that next tech giant and strengthen that already accomplished local businessman”. The company said.

According to Globacom, “Nigeria’s Unlimited Potential is forged in the Ambition of the Nigerian Spirit, it is only right that Nigeria’s one and only Unlimited Network is at the heart and forefront of Powering the Ambition of our great nation. Your ambition is Nigeria’s greatest resource, and we’re here to power it, so that it catapults us all from the realm of ideas into the plane of reality”.

This we achieve through our diverse enterprise and e-commerce offers, with super high way access to the internet via our high capacity Submarine Cable to the UK and an extensive national fibre optic backbone infrastructure, LTE advanced ultra high-speed streaming quality experience and huge investments in constantly ugrading our network.

It was also an evening of fun and entertainment with award-winning comedian, Godwin Komone (Gordons), anchoring the show which was attended by captains of industry, business executives, government officials, entertainment stars and Nollywood legends. There were also performances by master saxophonist Yemi Sax, humour merchant, Arinze Baba, and tap dancers from South Africa who all ensured it was an all-round fun for guests who filled the venue to the brim.

The climax of the show was the electrifying performances by Glo ambassadors and music stars, Asake and Chike. They had the audience on their feet, signing along with the artistes and dancing into the early hours of Sunday to Chike’s “Osondi Owendi”, “If you no love”, and “Roju” as well as “Sungba “Joha” by Asake.

Asake could have felt anything but lonely on the night as his hit track “Lonely at the top” sent the audience into wild ecstasy as many surged forward to show him love as he literally brought down the roof with his performance.

Earlier, Globacom hosted the media at a press conference held at the company’s headquarters, Mike Adenuga Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos where it expressed gratitude to the media for its massive support in the last two decades.

The company’s outstanding contributions to the nation’s telecoms industry since its rolled out services in 2003 was clearly showcased, thus setting the tone for another achievement-filled decade, as the digital services company marches confidently towards its 30th anniversary.

E-GRÉ MUSIC COMPETITION WINNER MCKENZIE WARRINER RETURNS TO BRANDON FOR PERFORMANCE

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E-GRÉ MUSIC COMPETITION WINNER MCKENZIE WARRINER RETURNS TO BRANDON FOR PERFORMANCE to

 

After wowing the audience and the jury with her performance this spring at the Echkardt-Gramatté National Music Competition (e-Gré) at Brandon University (BU), McKenzie Warriner returns to conclude her winner’s tour with a pro series performance on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The Saskatchewan born-and-raised soprano, who is now based in Toronto, will perform with pianist Danielle Guina at 7:30 p.m., at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Guina also accompanied Warriner in April’s 46th e-Gré competition. Part of the winner’s prize was an 11-stop Canadian tour, which has included concerts in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba an Ontario.

“The e-Gré competition introduces us to some of Canada’s most dynamic young artists, and McKenzie is a worthy addition to that tradition of excellence,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of BU’s School of Music. “It’s always fascinating and rewarding to see how the winner’s artistry grows between the competition and the conclusion of the tour, and I’m excited to welcome McKenzie back to BU, along with Danielle, who we know very well through her affiliation with the School of Music and our Conservatory.”

The program will include works by Olive Senior and Keith Hamel, whose composition Breath was commissioned for this year’s competition, as well as David McIntyre and more.

The e-Gré competition has been held annually at BU since 1976, promoting Canadian musicians and composers to new audiences. The competition rotates each year between voice, piano and strings.

Admission for Tuesday’s performance is $20, and tickets will be available at the door. Please contact the School of Music at Music@BrandonU.ca with any accessibility considerations.

Please note that seating in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall is limited and that programs are subject to change. For an up-to-date listing of pro series and student performances, please visit Events.BrandonU.ca/Events/Category/Music.

The School of Music gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Manitoba Arts Council.

ABOUT MCKENZIE WARRINER:

McKenzie Warriner is a Saskatchewan-born and raised/Toronto-based soprano acclaimed for her interpretation of music spanning from the Baroque to the Avant-garde. Particularly committed to singing the works of living composers, McKenzie performed at the 2023 Aldeburgh Festival as a Britten Pears Young Artist, premiering works by Marcus Rock and Beatrice Ferreira. Other recent credits include Messiah (Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra), Le portrait de Manon (Vancouver Opera), Abigail Richardson-Schulte’s Alligator Pie (Regina Symphony Orchestra), and performances in elementary schools across Vancouver as a Vancouver Opera Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist. In 2021, McKenzie and composer/performer Tristan Zaba founded Slow Rise Music, a Toronto concert series producing cutting edge new vocal works. She is also featured on an album of Zaba’s compositions with pianist Paul Williamson. McKenzie earned her Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Manitoba.

ABOUT DANIELLE GUINA:

Canadian collaborative pianist, Danielle Guina, received her Master of Music degree in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music at the Eastman School of Music under the direction of Dr. Jean Barr. Active in vocal and instrumental areas, Danielle has performed in concert and in festivals internationally in Canada, Italy, and the United States. She is a co-founder of the trumpet and piano duo Power of Two, and also works closely with soprano, McKenzie Warriner, to create diverse and representative concert programs of works by Canadian, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ composers. Danielle is a staff pianist at Brandon University, and is a teacher of piano, voice, theory, and history, at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music. She has worked with composers Jake Heggie, David McIntyre, and Diego Vega, as well as participated in masterclasses with renowned artists Margo Garrett, Lydia Brown, Alan Louis Smith, Malcolm Martineau, Graham Johnson, Kevin Murphy, Alexandra Nguyen, Andrew Harley, Hila Plitmann, Nicole Cabell, Murray McLachlan, Andrei Pisarev, Douglas Finch, Futaba Niekawa, the Cecilia String Quartet and more.

2023 elections brought Nigeria’s worst court judgements – Bwala

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2023 elections brought Nigeria’s worst court judgements – Bwala 

Spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala

Daniel Bwala, spokesperson for the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar said the 2023 elections have brought about Nigeria’s worst court judgements in recent years.

Bwala said this in an interview with Arise Television on Monday,

According to him, the electoral tribunals of the 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections led to the most inconsistent and worst judgements that the courts have delivered.

He expressed dissappointment over the sack of the Plateau State governor, the PDP’s Caleb Muftwang, by the Appeal Court in Jos.

Bwala said, “In 2023 elections, we have had the worst judgement of courts. We have not had so much of conflicting decisions by one tier of government, because if you look at the election tribunal this year;

“…you will notice that there were inconsistencies in one or two tribunal cases at the trial level, and probably at the Supreme Court, one or two complaints, but at the Court of Appeal is where almost all of these conflicting judgements have so far been experienced.”

Bwala further stated, “The court of Appeal is one court, so the court in Abuja can be relied on as the same court in Lagos, and as such, one will expect the court to be able to keep abreast of its judgements and keep consistent and constant judgements.

“The judgement by the court of Appeal in Plateau State that removed the governor, the appellate court dealt into the merit of a pre-election matter, and they said it also qualified as a pre-election and main election, and they delivered the judgement. 

“The same court of Appeal in Ebonyi state, the case of pre-election was canvassed. The court of Appeal in Ebonyi said it’s a pre-election matter, we do not delve into pre-election.”

Bwala said the decision taken in Ebonyi state was also taken in Benue state, as the Appeal Court refused to delve into pre-election matters.

He noted that in the case of the 2023 elections, the Supreme Court had made it clear that opposition members of a political party are not allowed to bring up a case of pre-election matters of other political parties to the courts.

The lawyer said that several retired justices have always, in their judgements, classified the decisions by lower courts that did not follow the judgement of the Supreme Court as “Judicial Rascality.”

He added that they are embarking on their own frolics contrary to the constitution that says the judgement of the Supreme Court binds all other courts together.

He said, “I have no doubt in my mind that the Court of Appeal decision in Jos, when it goes to the Supreme Court, that like the way, when we say ‘All eyes are on the judiciary,’ the people seem to think that you’re blackballing the judiciary. No, when you say ‘all eyes are on the judiciary,’ you’re saying our hope now lies on how they will interpret.

“So, this case of Plateau State, when it goes to the Supreme Court, it will be a case of the Supreme Court vs the court of appeal. It has more to do with the sanctity and integrity of that Supreme Court itself;

“…because Supreme Court will have to determine whether that judgement they delivered in Presidential election tribunal is to be carried out by subordinate courts in Nigeria. Because they made it clear that a decision by the final court is called a settled law. 

“Once a law is not determined by the final court, it is not a settled law. But once it is determined by a final court, it is cast in stone. So, the Supreme Court will have to determine whether the Appeal court is above it, or it is above the Court of Appeal.”

Source: Vanguard