NEWS
Banks, Others Raise N2.7trn Via Rights, Public Issuance –SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says more than N2.7trn has been raised in the capital market by banks and other companies.
The Director-General of SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said this at 2024 Journalists Academy in Abuja on Monday, with the theme: “Fintech: Leveraging Technology to Drive Capital Market Participation.
”He said the figure, which included equity capital, excluded the amount raised by funds managers in the capital market.
Agama said that out of the N2.7 trillion, about N1.7 trillion was raised by banks through their recapitalisation exercise.
He said the Commission had made significant progress in registering Capital Market Operators (CMOs), including on-boarding FinTechs under the Commission’s Regulatory Incubation Programmes (RIP).
The director-general said the SEC was working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to ensure the country exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, adding that this is crucial for the development of the financial sector.
”As you are aware, we came on board with an important banking recapitalisation exercise which we can declare has been successful.
”This exercise will enhance financial stability and bolster investor confidence and improve the Nigerian economy,” he said.
Agama said the Commission’s approval of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) to tackle housing deficit in the country by enabling affordable mortgage financing, aligned with the Federal Government’s one million homes initiative.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to implementing its Revised Capital Market Masterplan (2021-2025) by prioritising stakeholder engagement, awareness creation, capacity building, and developing regulatory frameworks. (NAN)
NEWS
Police Recover Firearm in Nasarawa Hideout Raid, Arrest Suspect

The Police Command in Nasarawa State says it has recovered an English-made Beretta pistol with twelve (12) rounds of 9mm live ammunition during a successful raid. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lafia by SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state.
Nansel said that the operation was part of the strategies adopted by the state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, to tackle criminal elements in the state. According to the PPRO, the firearm was recovered at a hideout for criminals popularly known as, ‘me and you’ in the Masaka Area of Karu Local Government Area of the state. “During the operation, one Buhari Mustapha, 25, male, from Katsina State, was apprehended and the items were recovered from him after a thorough search,” he added. The police spokesperson said Jauro-Mohammed had ordered investigations into the case to apprehend other criminal elements and curb crime within the area, and the state at large. He also said the commissioner commended the personnel for their dedication and consistent pressure on criminal elements, and urged them to sustain the momentum in order to win the fight against crime. (NAN)NEWS
FCTA to Assess Abattoirs, Veterinary Clinics, Others

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has concluded plans to assess abattoirs, veterinary clinics and farm infrastructure across the territory.The Mandate Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Ango, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, after a week-long meeting with directors, heads of projects and specialised units.
Ango also said that the facility tours across the area councils would provide the needed platform to engage with farmers, stakeholders and development partners. This, according to him, will fast-track implementation of agricultural programmes in the FCT.Ango, who was deployed to the secretariat from the Youths Development Secretariat, also said that efforts were ongoing to ensure that farmers received seeds, fertilisers, and other equipment before the rainy season.He emphasised the need to equip Agricultural Extension Agents with tools and training, as well as boosting public-private partnerships to attract agribusiness investments in the FCT.He called on the members of staff to rededicate themselves to service to humanity and FCT residents in particular.He stressed the need for teamwork and efficiency to achieve the secretariat’s mandate.“We cannot afford delays. Our farmers are waiting, and the nation is counting on us to boost food security.“I expect every staff member to bring their best to the table because the work ahead demands urgency, dedication, and innovation.“We must all shape up and align with the vision of the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration as well as the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.“The “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu must reflect in our agricultural programmes,” Ango said. (NAN)NEWS
Zamfara Governor Directs 100% Increment in Corps Members’ Allowances

Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has directed increase in allowances of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state by 100 per cent.
Lawal disclosed this on Friday in Gusau, while declaring open the orientation course for the 2025 Batch ‘A’, Stream I corps members posted to the state.
The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, at the event.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring security and welfare of all the 550 corps members
deployed to the state.
“I am happy to inform you that I have directed the resumption of payment of state allowances to all corps members in the state.
“I have also directed the upward increments of corps members’ allowances by 100 percent.
“My administration is also willing to pay special allowances to the medical corps members serving in the state,” the governor pledged.
He urged the corps members to respect and learn from the rich history, culture and tradition of the good people of Zamfara.
“I assure corps members of adequate security and warm hospitality throughout their year of service in the state.
“I wish to reiterate that we will pay full attention to your security and welfare.
“We will give you all the necessary support to carry out your duties and will provide everything necessary to make your stay here a memorable one,” the governor assured.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mohammad Ahmad, thanked Gov. Dauda Lawal for his consistent support to the NYSC scheme.
“We appreciate the state government for adequate provision of additional facilities as well as approval for the payment of state allowances to corp members,” Ahmad said. (NAN)