NEWS
Emefiele Counters Ganduje, Says Currency Swap not Threat to Presidential Visit
The Governor of the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) , Mr Godwin Emefiele, says the excuse of security pushed by Gov.Abdullahi Gaduje of Kano State has no bearing on the ongoing currency swap across the country.
Ganduje had in an interactive session with crtical stakeholders, including scholars, legislators, political leaders and business community in the state, revealed that his administration had requested the president to postpone his official visit to the state.
The governor said the state was deeply concerned about the hardship principally induced by the ongoing cash swap from old to redesigned Naira notes.
He said the decision was taken to avoid any unforeseen circumstance.
However, the CBN governor debunked Ganduje’s assertion, saying: “I don’t understand the relationship between the CBN policy and security challenges in Kano State.”
Emefiele noted that the apex bank had achieved compliance and recorded huge success in the ongoing currency swap across the country.
He noted that all new currencies had security features that make them easy for tracking to bank branches, and the process had begun to deal with defaulters and those who breached the programme.
“Even if they are CBN staff, they will be sanctioned,” Emefiele warned.
Newsmen report that Buhari had earlier on Sunday morning approved extension of the ongoing currency swap by 10 days, moving the deadline from Jan. 31 to Feb. 10.
The president’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, who confirmed this in a statement, said Buhari gave the approval at a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Daura, Katsina State.
He urged more time, discretion and order to enable Nigerians successfully change their currencies to the redesigned notes, and reduce the risk of loss, especially among the underserved in rural areas.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the CBN governor said the currency swap had achieved more than 75 per cent success rate of the N2.7 trillion held outside the banking system.
According to him, this achievement can be seen with drop in rate of inflation, more stability of foreign exchange rates, and noticeable impact on security, especially in banditry and kidnapping figures.
The CBN governor noted that redesigns were supposed to be every five to eight years.
“First, I will like to thank Mr President for giving the CBN the approval to embark on this ambitious programme because, like I said, in the past, the CBN has not had the opportunity to embark on such currency redesign programme in last 19 years.
”And indeed, let me emphasise that only an incorruptible leader of the President’s stature can give such approval to the CBN,” he said.
“Our aim is mainly to make Monetary Policy Decisions more efficacious and as you can see; we have started to see inflation trending downwards and exchange rates relatively stable.
“Secondly, we aim to support the efforts of our security agencies in combating banditry and ransom taking in Nigeria through this programme and we see that the military are making good progress in this important task,” he added.
The head of the apex financial regulator said available data had shown that currency-in-circulation in 2015 was only N1.4 trillion, while as at Oct. 2022, currency-in-circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion, out of which only N500 billion was within the banking industry.
He said N2.7 trillion was held permanently in people’s homes.
“Ordinarily, when CBN releases currency into circulation, it is meant to be used and after effluxion of time, it returns to the CBN thereby keeping the volume of currency in circulation under the firm control of the CBN.
“So far and since commencement of this programme, we have collected about N1.9 trillion; leaving us with about N900 billion (N500 billion + N1.9 trillion),” the CBN governor said.
According to Emefiele, to achieve effective distribution of the new currency, the CBN has taken some steps.
He said several meetings were held with Deposit Money Banks and they were provided with Guidance Notes on processes they must adopt in the collection of old notes and distribution of the new notes, including directives that new notes should be loaded in ATMs nationwide for equitable and transparent mechanism.
The CBN governor explained that the regulatory body worked with the media, print and broadcast, and the National Orientation Agency for sensitisation of citizens.
He revealed that 30,000 Super Agents were deployed nationwide, particularly in rural areas, regions underserved by banks and to reach the weak and vulnerable for currency swap.
To ensure compliance, Emefiele said staff members, mostly Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors and Directors in Abuja were sent to all CBN branches nationwide to join the mass mobilisation campaign and monitoring programmes.
He said breaches of the programme had been reported to the EFCC and ICPC for further action.
“Aside from those holding illicit/stolen Naira in their homes for speculative purposes, we do aim to give all Nigerians that have Naira legitimately earned and trapped, the opportunity to deposit their legitimately trapped monies at the CBN for exchange.
“Based on the foregoing, we have sort and obtained Mr President’s approval for the following:
”A ten-day extension of the deadline from Jan. 31, 2023, to Feb. 10, 2023; to allow for collection of more old notes legitimately held by Nigerians and achieve more success in cash swap in our rural communities after which all old notes outside CBN losses their legal tender status,” he explained.
Emefiele said a seven-day grace period had been given by the President, beginning from Feb. 10 to Feb. 17, 2023, in compliance with Sections 20 (3) and 22 of CBN Act, allowing Nigerians to deposit their old notes at the CBN after the February deadline.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after advising Buhari against visiting Kano State on Monday, Ganduje has made a u-turn, saying ”Kano is now prepared to receive the Nigerian leader”.
Ganduje, who led a delegation of critical stakeholders from the state to meet the president in his country home in Daura on Sunday, after which he revealed the change of position to newsmen.
The governor said: ”We are very much ready to receive him and we have a lot for him to commission, including Federal Government projects and state government projects.
”They are state-of-the-art projects
From Abel Zwànke, Lafia
In a major healthcare boost for Nasarawa State, TotalEnergies in partnership with other stakeholders has donated a cutting-edge mammography machine to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital (FUTH) to support early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The new equipment was unveiled yesterday at the Cancer Centre of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia, in a ceremony led by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe representing the governor, Abdullahi Sule.During the inauguration, Dr. Akabe praised TotalEnergies for its commitment to public health, calling the donation a crucial step in combating breast cancer. “This facility is one of the latest advancements in cancer treatment technology and will enable us to provide timely diagnosis and care, reducing breast cancer fatalities,” Akabe said, referencing the Global Cancer Observatory’s 2020 report, which estimated that over 14,000 Nigerian women die from breast cancer annually.The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, also welcomed TotalEnergies and its partners for bringing the project to FUTH Lafia. “We are grateful that Nasarawa was chosen for this life-saving initiative,” Dr. Gwamna remarked. “Locating this facility here will ensure that our people have access to top-notch diagnostic care without needing to travel out of state.”His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, the Emir of Lafia, expressed his gratitude to TotalEnergies and the state government for their support. “This project exemplifies our governor’s vision for an environment where essential healthcare advancements can thrive,” he said.“It brings hope to our people and stands as a symbol of our commitment to safeguarding the health of our communities.”Representing the Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Matthieu Bouyer, the Acting General Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs. Tonye Osifo, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare in Nigeria through corporate social responsibility.“This mammography centre will provide affordable, accessible early diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives,” Osifo stated. “Since 2019, we have worked with our partners to set up similar centres across the country, reinforcing our dedication to supporting communities and fighting breast cancer.”Chief Medical Director of FUTH Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan described the donation as transformative for the hospital. “With this equipment, the burden of breast cancer in Nasarawa can be significantly reduced,” he said. “This donation will save our patients from the physical and financial strain of seeking treatment outside the state.”Local residents and stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the new facility will lead to better healthcare access and improved cancer care in Nasarawa State.
By David Torough, Abuja
In a ceremony that underscored his dedication to humanity and his community, Medical Director of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, Benue State, Dr. Mark Ogbodo was honored with a Lifetime Patron award by the Igede Media Network (IMN).
The prestigious award recognizes Dr.
Ogbodo’s unwavering commitment to community health and development, standing as a beacon of service in both his professional and personal pursuits.In his address, Chairman of the Igede Media Network, John Okpong celebrated Ogbodo’s profound impact on regional peace and development.
“Dr. Ogbodo’s selfless service has touched countless lives, bringing unity and promoting well-being across our community.
“As our Patron, he embodies the ideals of leadership and resilience, standing firmly against harmful practices and championing the values we hold dear,” he stated
Representing a coalition of media platforms, including The Prime News, The Congress Voice, The Magnet Newspaper, The Factpoint Magazine, and Lead Watch Magazine, the IMN has long been committed to uplifting and empowering the Igede community.
Through this recognition, IMN hopes to inspire others to follow Dr. Ogbodo’s example, as the Chairman added, “His leadership and expertise will guide us in advocating for progress and promoting unity among our people.”
According to him, Ogbodo’s appointment as Life Patron not only commemorated his contributions but also marks a new chapter for the Igede Media Network, inspiring others to emulate his commitment to service and his willingness to work for the betterment of others.
“This patronage, serves as a catalyst for future endeavors, encouraging community members to embody the principles of academic excellence, service, and leadership”, Okpong noted.
Samuel Ugbaji in his remarks highlighted the purpose and mission of the Igede Media Network as an organization focused on community welfare and advocacy.
“We come together to serve as a voice for the marginalized, amplifying their needs and reaching out to a broader audience.
“Today, we honor one of our own, a young man who chose to stay with his community rather than seek the comforts of city life. Dr. Ogbodo’s commitment to his people is extraordinary, providing free medical care and scholarships to those in need,” Ugbaji explained.
Acknowledging the personal sacrifices that Dr. Ogbodo has made, Ugbaji continuued, “Unlike many professionals who opt for urban comforts, Dr. Ogbodo has remained in Ugbokolo, bringing care and hope to our rural communities. He has dedicated himself to a mission of healing and has organized annual outreach programs, offering free medical services in Oju, Obi, and beyond.”
In a heartfelt response, Dr. Mark Ogbodo expressed his deep appreciation for the honor and said, “I am truly grateful to the Igede Media Network for this recognition.
“Little did I know that my acts of kindness to humanity were being noticed, much less that they would be honored in this way. It is deeply humbling,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Ogbodo shared, “Often, I perform these acts of service without expecting anything in return, just driven by a desire to help. But as they say, a golden fish has no hiding place. I am thankful to be recognized, even from the rural community where I work, and I pray that God continues to bless our people and humanity.”
The FCT Customary Court, Dutse, Abuja has appealed to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to facilitate the renovation of its court complex which fell victim to vandalism and arson during the 2020 EndSARS protests.The President of the Court, Aderinto Adesoji, made the appeal during a resumed hearing in a divorce case between a petitioner, Chiwendu Nwadi and her husband, Emeka Nwadi in Ushafa, Abuja.
The Customary Court, Dutse has been sharing the court complex of a sister court in Ushafa for its sittings following the destruction. of its facilities, four years back.NAN reports that while Customary Court, Ushafa, the real owner of the facility, has its sittings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in a week, the Dutse court has its sittings on Tuesday and Thursday. Report says that Dutse and Ushafa are communities in Bwari Area Council of the FCT and they are about 17 kilometres apart.Addressing lawyers to the parties in the divorce case, when they were finding it difficult to agree on a date for next hearing in the matter, the President of the court said it is a recurrent challenge in matters before the courtAccording to him, the constraint of the panel, sitting only twice in a week has grossly affected quick dispensation of justice.He said most cases before the cout involve families, in particular, custody of children which require urgent adjudication, and should not be encumbered.Adesoji said, considering the fact that lawyers and their clients are affected by the constraints, the NBA should take steps to ensure that the appropriate authorities renovate the Dutse court complex.He said promises have been made by the association to that effect in the past, but they were yet to be actualised.Responding to the President’s appeal, Mr Moses Ibe, the lawyer to the petitioner promised the court that he would convey the message to the NBA, Bwari branch for necessary action.Ibe said this in an interview after the court session, that the distance of the court to its jurisdiction and the restrictive days of sittings have affected quick dispensation of justice.He said the essence of building the Dutse court was to bring justice closer to the people, but it has been defeated by the failure of appropriate authorities to renovate it for useThe Counsel promised to officially write to the NBA, Bwari branch to convey the Judge’s message and request for interventionAccording to Ibe, the Dutse court complex, used to serve as the Secretariat of the NBA Bwari branch, before it was vandalised and set ablaze by the EndSARS protesters.Meanwhile, the court has adjourned further hearing in the divorce petition until Oct. 21 to enable the respondent file his reply.Adesoji and other members of the panel, Nana Atipkoru, Aisha Hamza adjourned the case following the position of the respondent’s lawyer, Cornelius Simon, that his client was not served with the “particular of claims” in the petition.The panel directed that all necessary processes should be filed and served before the adjourned date so that the case would be fixed for definite hearing.The panel also ordered that the parties should maintain the status quo, particularly, as regards the custody of the children – the last child is with the petitioner, while the other two are in the custody of the respondent.In the case, the petitioner is seeking, among others, the dissolution of her 13 years marriage with her husband on the ground that “the union has broken down irretrievably”.She alleged that the husband, “is a man of unimaginable violence and cruelty, fetish, a serial wife beater and adulterer’The petitioner alleged that her husband deliberately poisoned her drink which led to losing her pregnancy.According to the petitioner, the union, consummated in 2011, under the native law and custom, as well as exchange of marital vows in a Church, has produced three children, ages, 12 years, 11 years and 2 years.She urged the court to dissolve the marriage, grant custody of the three children to her and restrain the husband from using thugs or any security agents to harass her. (NAN)
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