Videos

Bayelsa Guber: Running Mate’s Conviction Jeopardizes APC Sylva’s Guber Bid

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Eko Hot Blog reports that ahead of the Bayelsa State governorship election scheduled for November 11, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Chief Timpre Sylva and running mate Joshua Maciver may face disqualification.

The potential disqualification follows a lawsuit filed by the Trustfield Empowerment Initiative against the APC candidates and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Editors Pick 

The lawsuit argues that Maciver, who is currently serving a criminal sentence, is not eligible to run for office.

According to the plaintiff, sections of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria stipulate that anyone serving a criminal jail term without a Presidential Pardon cannot be recognized or listed by INEC as a candidate, which Maciver’s current situation falls under.

The Trustfield Empowerment Initiative insists that, given Maciver’s conviction, he cannot legally serve as Sylva’s running mate in the upcoming election.

Thus, they argue that Sylva doesn’t have a valid running mate for the election.

Thus, they argue that Sylva doesn’t have a valid running mate for the election.

They also claim that the recognition of Maciver as a candidate violates the 1999 Constitution and are seeking a permanent injunction from the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent INEC from recognizing Sylva and Maciver’s candidacy.

Meanwhile, the plaintiff said, “The provisions of Sections 175(1), 182(1)(d) & (2)(c) and 187(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly stated that anybody having been convicted for a criminal offence with a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, is not eligible to be recognized or listed by INEC, which MacIver is affected by these provisions.

Due to term of imprisonment, MacIver should not be given recognition by INEC as the running mate of Sylva for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is not at variance with the Constitution of the Federal of Nigeria, null and void ab initio?

“On the heels of these we are unequivocally stating here that in view of the conviction of MacIver for a sentence of imprisonment, he cannot be a running mate of Sylva who is contesting for the office of Governor of Bayelsa State in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election, hence Sylva does not have a running mate as submitted to INEC.

Further Reading 

We also declare that recognition and listing of MacIver who is under a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, as the Deputy Governorship candidate Sylva in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is illegal, unlawful, null and a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Therefore, we pray the Federal High Court, Abuja to give an order of perpetual injunction restraining the INEC from recognising MacIver and Sylva as not having a running mate for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election.”

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BREAKING: Tinubu Approves Establishment Of Infrastructure Support Fund For States.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) for the 36 States of the Federation as part of measures to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal on the people.

In a press statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Dele Alake on Thursday evening, he said the approval was disclosed at the monthly meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), on Thursday July 20, 2023, in Abuja.

Editors Pick 

Alake disclosed that “The new Infrastructure Fund will enable the States to intervene and invest in the critical areas of Transportation, including farm to market road improvements; Agriculture, encompassing livestock and ranching solutions; Health, with a focus on basic healthcare; Education, especially basic education; Power and Water Resources, that will improve economic competitiveness, create jobs and deliver economic prosperity for Nigerians”.

“The Committee also resolved to save a portion of the monthly distributable proceeds to minimize the impact of the increased revenues-occasioned by the subsidy removal and exchange rate unification-on money supply, as well as inflation and the exchange rate.”

Alake noted that Out of the June 2023 distributable revenue of 1.9 trillion Naira, only N907 billion will be distributed among the three tiers of government, while 790 billion will be saved, and the rest will be used for statutory deductions.

Further Reading 

“These savings will complement the efforts of the Infrastructure S­upport Fund (ISF) and other existing and planned fiscal measures, all aimed at ensuring that the subsidy removal translates into tangible improvements in the lives and living standards of Nigerians.”

The Committee commends President Tinubu for the bold decision to remove the petrol subsidy, and even more importantly, for providing of necessary support to the States to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on Nigerians.” He said.

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Lagos Task Force Arrests Fake Operatives Harassing, Extorting Motorists

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Lagos Task Force

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Task Force, in collaboration with Transport Operations Compliance Unit of the Ministry of Transportation, has apprehended fake enforcement officers for illegal operations.

Mrs. Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Transport, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday.

She stated that the impersonators were arrested in the Agege area of Lagos.

The statement said that the clampdown on fake officers was in line with the government’s efforts to sanitise the transport sector against individuals parading themselves as government enforcement personnel.

The fake enforcers paraded at the Ministry of Transportation named; Olayinka Daniel, Shola Babarinde and Ilesanmi were reported by a motorist who claimed they had forcefully gained access to his vehicle and accused him of not having a stage carriage permit.

The motorist explained that he was asked to pay N15,500 despite having other vehicle documents intact.

The fake enforcement personnel later confessed in addition to the alleged fine collected, to have been selling unauthorised Local Government emblems to vehicle operators plying the area under the supervision of one “Mr. Tunji” who live around Oniwaya axis in Agege area.

Also, some fake enforcement officials were arrested at Ago Palace Way, Okota for illegal extortion of truck drivers.

They claimed to be working for the Local Government, but they were unable to provide identification upon their arrest.

Reacting to the fraudulent surge of the activities of the fake enforcers, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, stated that while the culprits had been handed over to the police for further prosecution, he assured that decisive actions would be taken on them in line with the state’s traffic law 2018, for tainting the name of the state government and inflicting pains on motorists.

Reiterating the position of the government on criminality, Toriola also warned against destruction and theft of road signs and other road furniture across the state.

He emphasized further that investigations had revealed that unauthorised cart pushers and metal scrap collectors are the major perpetrators of the dastard act.

He referred to an instance of a road sign already vandalised and in the process of being taken away in a truck, affirming that anyone found guilty of such act would be penalised in line with the transport reform law of the state.

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Gov. Bello’s Aide, Makama Debunks Arrest By DSS

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DSS

EkoHotBlog reports that Elder Friday Sani Makama, Kogi State Director General, Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Fire Arms and Other Related Crimes has debunked the rumored arrest by the Department of State Service.

The social media including some mainstream media was awash with the news that the former Kogi lawmaker was arrested over alleged involvement in the assassination attempt of Social Democratic Party Governorship candidate in Kogi Alhaji Muri Ajaka.

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Addressing journalists on Thursday, Makama said the news of his arrest was the handwork of mischief makers who want to destroy his reputation.

According to him, he is currently receiving training with the DSS to be better equipped in discharging the mandate given to him to stop the illegal smuggling of firearms into the state.

Makama explained that, since his appointment as DG Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Fire Arms and Other Related Crimes, he has been receiving several threatening calls and messages from criminal conspirators within and outside the State.

He warned that anyone behind the importation of firearms into Kogi State will be brought to book no matter how highly connected in the Country.

“The rumors of my arrest do not come to me as a surprise. The DSS has a supervisory role both in the national and the State of the federation on illegal smuggling of firearms. The DSS has a lot of role in training and equipping me with the knowledge to be able to carry out this responsibility without bias.

FURTHER READING  

“The nitty-gritty of the training is what I cannot disclose to the public, but be rest assured that, at the end of the training, whoever is involved in either sponsoring, or trading on illegal firearms, the current training I am undergoing will equip me to come after you”.

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DSS Raids EFCC Office In Lagos

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JUST IN: DSS Raid EFCC Office In Lagos

  • The Department of State Security (DSS) have stormed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Lagos.

  • This unexpected move has triggered a tense standoff between the two law enforcement agencies, fueling concerns over an ongoing dispute regarding the ownership of the building.

  • Reports indicate that the DSS operatives arrived at the EFCC office premises located in Ikoyi, Lagos, as early as 7:00 am on Tuesday.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a shocking and unprecedented turn of events, operatives belonging to the Department of State Security (DSS) have stormed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Lagos, effectively barricading and blocking access for EFCC officials.

This unexpected move has triggered a tense standoff between the two law enforcement agencies, fueling concerns over an ongoing dispute regarding the ownership of the building.

EDITOR’S PICK

Reliable sources within both the DSS and EFCC have confirmed the existence of simmering tensions between the agencies concerning control of the office space.

Reports indicate that the DSS operatives arrived at the EFCC office premises located in Ikoyi, Lagos, as early as 7:00 am on Tuesday. Despite efforts at dialogue and discussions between representatives from both agencies, the DSS operatives adamantly refused to vacate the premises, causing a significant disruption to the EFCC’s operations.

An EFCC official, speaking anonymously, shed light on the longstanding battle over ownership, stating,

“There’s been a running battle between us and the DSS over who owns the office because the office was used by them before the EFCC came on board and it was handed over to us.”

The official further emphasized that the matter had remained an administrative issue, without any prior violent confrontations or legal disputes. Expressing bewilderment, the official questioned the necessity of the DSS blockade, particularly given the recent transition of power to a new government.

In contrast, a DSS source asserted, “The office used to be ours, and we have been fighting over it for years now, and the EFCC knows.”

Despite attempts to elicit statements from the respective agencies’ spokespersons, namely Wilson Uwujare from the EFCC and Dr. Peter Afunaya from the DSS, there has been no response to inquiries regarding the current situation.

JUST IN: DSS Raid EFCC Office In Lagos

The sudden occupation of the EFCC office by DSS operatives has sparked concerns over its potential impact on ongoing investigations and operational activities conducted by the anti-corruption agency.

This standoff between the two agencies underscores the pressing need for a swift resolution to the ownership dispute, as it poses a significant risk to the effective fight against corruption and jeopardizes the smooth functioning of law enforcement in Nigeria.

FURTHER READING  

As developments in this unprecedented situation unfold, the public and stakeholders will closely monitor events, eagerly hoping for a prompt resolution that restores access to EFCC officials. Their work is crucial in combating financial crimes and corruption within the country, and it is vital that their operations regain momentum without further hindrance.

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Gunmen Invade Niger Community, Kidnap 50 Residents

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  • Gunmen launched an attack on a Niger community and abducted 50 residents.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the village head of Fugge community in Rijau local government area of Niger State, Mallam Abdullahi Zaure, along with 49 others, has been kidnapped by gunmen.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when the terrorists invaded the village on several motorcycles, shooting into the air and causing panic among residents.

EDITOR’S PICKS  

It was learnt the majority of the abductees were women and children with few males while several cattle were rustled.

It was also gathered that fighter jets descended on the terrorists when they were moving with the abductees which resulted in the death of several of the bandits and rustled cattle.

Some of the residents claimed to have seen some bodies of the terrorists and corpses of cows killed or injured by the airstrike.

The residents claimed that the terrorists have gone into their den which is located in the forest bordering Niger State and Kebbi State.

The residents said that the terrorists have begun contacting the families of the abductees demanding fuel and motorcycles as ransom for their release.

FURTHER READING  

At the time of filing this report, efforts to contact the Niger Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Wasiu, and Commissioner of Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar proved abortive. Their lines didn’t connect when called.

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Abba Yusuf To Review Sanusi’s Removal As Kano Emir

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  • Kwankwaso has announced that Kano Governor-elect, Abba Yusuf will revisit Sanusi’s removal as Emir of Kano.

  • Sanusi was dethroned on March 9, 2020.

  • Following his dethronement he was banished from Kano and exiled to Loko, a remote community in Nasarawa State.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the NNPP and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has announced that the incoming Kano government will look into the issue of the dethronement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, the 14th Emir of Kano.

During the last tenure of Kwankwaso as governor, Sanusi was appointed as the Emir of Kano.

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However, he was later dethroned by the outgoing Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who had previously served as the deputy governor during Sanusi’s installation.

Sanusi was removed on March 9, 2020, and also banished from Kano and sent to Loko, a remote community in Nasarawa State, while the expenses of the emirate under him were probed.

Ganduje had also split the emirate into five and appointed emirs who were at par.

But speaking in a viral video, Kwankwaso said the dethronement and balkanisation of the emirate would be reviewed by the government of Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor-elect, who is popularly known as Abba Gida-Gida.

“We have campaigned and as you know we are popular in Nigeria, especially in Kano state, we are now back and God willing we will continue with the good works our administration left. This incoming governor and his team will take them up,” he said.

“As elders, we will continue to advise them to do the right thing. We tried not intervene in the issue of bringing or removing any Emir, but now, an opportunity has come.

“Those who were given this opportunity will sit down and see to the issues. They will look at what they are expected to do. Besides the Emir, even the emirate has been divided into five places. All these need to be studied.

Usually, a leader inherits good, bad and issues that are hard to reconcile.”

He further prayed for God’s intervention to allow the incoming governor to be able to handle things easily.

No regrets about dethroning Sanusi

One year after he removed Sanusi, Gaduje had said he took the decision to save the system and the traditional institution from abuse.

He spoke at the presentation of a book on former President Goodluck Jonathan, authored by a journalist, Mr. Bonaventure Melah.

Ganduje had said Sanusi was not the best man for the throne, alleging that the deposed emir was appointed to spite former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan had in April 2014 removed Sanusi as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over claims by the ex-CBN governor that $49 billion was stolen by some persons under the Jonathan administration.

Faulting Sanusi’s public outburst over the alleged fraud, Ganduje said the ex-CBN governor ought to have discussed the matter privately with the former president who in turn could have directed an investigation into the allegation.

“Jonathan took a bold step in [removing] Sanusi as CBN governor, which created bad blood in certain circles. When Sanusi said $49 billion was lost in Jonathan’s government, I said in my mind that no, you could have discussed with him (Jonathan) privately.

“You could have given him this clue and then he would know how to investigate even before those who had stolen the money would find a way of hiding the money.

“That statement, I said in my mind was not honourable. That statement created bad blood… Sanusi was appointed Emir of Kano not because he was the best man for the throne but to retaliate what Jonathan did to him.

“That was in order to prove that what Jonathan did to him was wrong and that the people of Kano wanted their son as emir and, therefore, they decided to appoint him as emir. But when he was appointed, there were a lot of demonstrations with people burning tyres here and there. But because of government backing, he was sustained on the stool.

“When I became governor, (that’s why you will laugh), I said yes, Jonathan medicine is an important medicine. That medicine, even though I am not a medical doctor, but that medicine would serve the same purpose, for the same disease and for the same patient.

FURTHER READING  

“So I took my Jonathan medicine and decided to save the system, to save the institution and I applied it effectively. So Jonathan and I are on the same page. Actually, I have no regrets.”

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‘Lagos Is A Fertile Ground For Investments’ — Sanwo-Olu Woos Investors In US

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  • Sanwo-Olu recently visited the United States to participate in an event on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings.

  • At the event, he told potential investors about various reasons why Lagos is the right place to invest in.

  • The Lagos governor said the state has the market, talent, physical infrastructure, and enabling environment for the success of investments.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged existing and potential investors to continuously see Lagos, “the crown sub-national jewel of the African economy,” as a choice place for investments.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu spoke at a High-Level US-Nigeria Council for Food Security, Trade and Investment (UNSC) event on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC, United States on Thursday.

EDITOR’S PICKS  

The governor reportedly said Lagos State is the right place for investments in FinTech, EdTech, Health-Tech, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Talent Training and Placement, or Physical Infrastructure like Data Centers, among others.

“It is always my very great pleasure to engage with existing and potential investors and business people in Nigeria, and most especially, Lagos State, the crown subnational jewel of the African economy,” he was quoted as saying.

“I am sure many of you will be familiar with the numbers, the fact that Lagos is the fifth largest economy on the continent, the most populous city, and the fastest-growing urban center, with a very vibrant and entrepreneurial population, made up of mostly young people.

“We have the market, we have the talent, we have the enabling environment, we have the physical infrastructure, all in place. And we have the success stories, great testimonials of what is possible when people come together to develop and implement great ideas and solutions, backed by the power of private capital and the support of understanding and enthusiastic governments.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, addressing investors in US

Sanwo-Olu, during the event, spoke on the achievements of his administration in different sectors, especially in Infrastructure, Food Security and Digital Technology, in line with the THEMES six pillars developmental agenda – Transportation and Traffic Management, Healthcare and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment, Tourism and Sports, and Security and Governance.

He said: “One of the accomplishments we are proudest of, in our first four years, has been the completion of the first phase of the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line – the first modern intra-city rail system in Lagos State.

“As I speak test-running is going on, allowing Lagosians to have a long-overdue feel of what it is to belong to a city with the 21st-century rail system.

“We are also completing work on the first phase of the Red Line; together the Blue and Red Lines form two of the planned total of six Lines that will crisscross the metropolis.

“At the beginning of this year, the President joined us in Lagos to commission the Lekki Deep Sea Port, on the eastern corridor of Lagos. It will interest you to know that the Deep-Sea Port is the first Deep Sea Port to be built in Nigeria, and is now the most modern one in West Africa. A real game-changer for shipping and logistics in Nigeria and all of the West Coast of Africa.

“Lagos State owns a 20 percent stake in that Port, while private investors own 75 percent. The Port will create an estimated 170,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate government revenue over of $200 billion over its 45-year concession period.

“It is in our view among the biggest and most transformational infrastructure investments in Lagos State in several decades, and we worked very hard with the private sector and the Federal Government to deliver it.

“Expect more of these kinds of collaboration in the next four years, especially as we look to deliver on a new bridge across the Lagos Lagoon, the 4th Mainland Bridge, and a new International Airport in Lagos.”

The governor said some of the large-scale infrastructure projects being implemented by his administration are a 10-lane Expressway, linking Nigeria to Benin Republic; a network of Access Roads to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Speaking on the Lagos State Government’s commitment to agriculture and food security, Sanwo-Olu said his government focus is on processing and storage because of the state’s population, which makes it Nigeria’s biggest food consumption hub.

“We are also very blessed with water – a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, which means fisheries is a huge opportunity. It is with these opportunities in mind that we have recently completed the largest rice mill in sub-Saharan Africa, which will be managed by private players, while also building what will be the largest Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

The governor also spoke about Lagos State Government’s success in digital technology and innovation, noting that Nigeria’s ICT Sector, a component of the digital economy, was the only sector of the economy that grew by double digits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FURTHER READING  

“Lagos, I am proud to say, is the Fintech Capital of Africa, the city where companies like Flutterwave, Paystack and Interswitch were birthed. And these are only three of several thriving startups in our ecosystem,” Sanwo-Olu added.

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Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Leaders In Kaduna Forest

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  • Troops have killed two notorious bandit leaders in Kaduna forest.

  • Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

  • The troops also captured arms, ammunition and other equipment.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the troops of Operation Forest Sanity under 1 Division Nigerian Army have killed two bandit leaders in Kaduna State.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

EDITOR’S PICKS  

Though he did not mention the exact location, he said troops acting on a tip off from human intelligence sources also captured arms, ammunition and other equipment.

He said, “Earlier, intelligence sources revealed that a bandit leader named Isiya Danwasa intended to send his errand boy Yunusa to purchase some arms and ammunition in Kaduna town.

“Subsequently, the errand boy was trailed and picked up by plain-cloth soldiers and later used to lure two of the bandits’ leaders to a selected ammunition collection point.

Upon their arrival, troops who had laid in an ambush engaged the criminals with superior firepower and neutralised the two bandits leaders.

“Items recovered from the criminal elements include one motorcycle (destroyed institu), two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, two hundred and fifty rounds of 7.62 mm special, one power bank, two charm vest and the sum of two hundred thousand naira.

“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Punch Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops for their professional conduct and perfect execution of task. He further charged the troops to go after all bandits and show them no mercy.

FURTHER READING  

“Again, the GOC appealed to the general public to continue to avail the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information so as to bring banditry, kidnapping and other crimes to a lasting end.”

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5 Essential Financial Management Tips for Small Business Owners

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Small scale

Running a small business is a challenging and rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful financial management to be successful.

Effective financial management is critical to the long-term viability of a small business, and it requires planning, budgeting, and careful tracking of income and expenses.

EDITOR’S PICK: 

In this article on EKO HOT BLOG, we would be looking at essential financial management tips for small business owners.

1. Keep Accurate Financial Records

One of the most important financial management tips for small business owners is to keep accurate financial records. This includes tracking income and expenses, keeping receipts and invoices, and reconciling bank statements. Accurate financial records not only help small business owners keep track of their finances but also provide essential information for tax purposes and when applying for loans or funding.

2. Create a Budget and Stick to It

Creating a budget is another essential financial management tip for small business owners. A budget can help you plan and prioritize expenses, and it can also help you identify areas where you can reduce costs. When creating a budget, be realistic and take into account all of your fixed and variable expenses. Stick to your budget as closely as possible to avoid overspending.

3. Monitor Cash Flow

Cash flow management is critical for small business owners. You need to have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses, pay your employees, and invest in growth opportunities. Monitor your cash flow regularly to ensure that you have enough money to cover your expenses and to identify any potential cash flow problems before they become a crisis.

4. Separate Business and Personal Finances

Small business owners should always keep their personal and business finances separate. This means opening a separate bank account for your business and using it exclusively for business expenses. Mixing personal and business finances can cause confusion and make it more difficult to keep track of your finances.

5. Plan for the Future

Finally, small business owners should always plan for the future. This means creating a long-term financial plan that takes into account your goals and objectives. It also means regularly reviewing and updating your plan as your business evolves. A solid financial plan can help you make informed decisions and stay on track to achieve your goals.

FURTHER READING

Effective financial management is essential for the success of small businesses. By keeping accurate financial records, creating a budget, monitoring cash flow, separating business and personal finances, and planning for the future, small business owners can manage their finances effectively and build a strong foundation for long-term success.

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JUST IN: CBN Releases Cash, Orders Banks To Operate On Weekend

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  • The CBN has released more cash into the economy.

  • The CBN has also ordered commercial banks to operate on weekend.

  • The development is coming days after NLC threatened to stage protests at CBN offices nationwide.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has confirmed the evacuation of banknotes from its vaults to commercial banks across the country as part of a coordinated effort to ease the circulation of banknotes of various denominations.

The CBN has also directed all commercial banks to open for operation on Saturdays and Sundays.

EDITOR’S PICKS  

The Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, disclosed this in Abuja, on Friday, stating that a substantial amount of money, in various denominations, had been received by the commercial banks for onward circulation to their respective customers.

According to him, the CBN had directed all banks to load their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as well as conduct physical operations in the banking halls through the weekends.

“Branches of commercial banks will operate on Saturdays and Sundays to attend to customers’ cash needs,” he noted, adding that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, would personally lead teams to monitor the level of compliance by the banks in various locations across the country.

FURTHER READING  

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to be patient as the current situation would ease soon with the injection of more banknotes into circulation.

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Wike Denies Being Leader Of G5 Govs, Reveals Real Head

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Wike has denied being the leader of the aggrieved PDP governors.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has said he is not the leader of the aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), popularly known as G5.

Wike, in a recent interview on BBC, named the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom as leader of the G5.

EDITOR’S PICKS 

“We can’t leave our house to armed robbers, we can’t do that. No way. And we won’t leave this party,” he said.

“I don’t lead the G5; our leader is the governor of Benue State.
“We are not like them. We would stay inside this house and fight.
“And we know they have no choice than to allow peace to reign.”

The PDP has been enmeshed in crisis after the party’s national convention in May 2022 where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar defeated 12 other aspirants, including Wike, to emerge the party presidential candidate for 2023 elections.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary, Wike and his associates are demanding the replacement of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu with a southerner to correct “regional imbalance” in the PDP considering Messrs Atiku and Ayu are both northerners.

Apart from Wike and Ortom, other governors who are members of the G5 are Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

FURTHER READING

The G5 governors, who were appointed into the PDP presidential campaign council, withdrew their membership and have since boycotted PDP presidential rallies.

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US Basketball Star Freed From Russian Prison In Swap Deal

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US basketball star Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison in a swap deal.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the United States Basketball star Brittney Griner has been freed after the Biden administration negotiated her release from a Russian penal colony in exchange for an arms dealer, according to a senior administration official.

EDITOR’S PICKS

President Joe Biden signed off on the trade, which took place in the United Arab Emirates, even though it meant leaving behind Paul Whelan, an American corporate security executive who remains jailed in Russia.

Brittney Griner

“She is safe, she is on a plane, she is on her way home,” Biden said in remarks from the White House on Thursday morning. “She will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones and she should have been there all along.”

“I’m proud that today we have made one more family whole,” Biden said, adding that he will continue to work to free Whelan. “We’ll keep negotiating for Paul’s relief. I guarantee it.”

US President Joe Biden

Brittney Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, was in the Oval Office with Biden, and the two were able to speak with her by phone, according to a senior administration official.

Cherelle Griner, speaking after Biden, expressed her “sincere gratitude” to Biden and several other officials she mentioned by name for their work.

Griner will be flown to a medical facility in San Antonio, where she will receive care, a senior administration official said. Cherelle Griner will meet her there, according to a senior administration official.

The move marks one of the most high-profile prisoner swaps between Moscow and Washington since the Cold War, with the Kremlin seeing the return of Viktor Bout, who Russian President Vladimir Putin has wanted to get back — and who had served 11 years of a 25-year sentence in the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Griner’s return to the United States will cap a monthslong saga that began in February when she was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after Russian authorities said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. She was later jailed on drug charges.

The 32-year-old Phoenix Mercury player was the subject of prolonged and often public negotiations between the two countries after a trial that underscored frayed relations amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

FURTHER READING

Biden’s administration had sought the release of both Griner and Whelan.
“I’m telling you, I am determined to get her home and get her home safely — along with others, I might add,” Biden said of the situation on November 9.

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Why I Used Late Ifeanyi’s Photo To Celebrate Davido’s 30th Birthday – Imade’s Mother

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Davido

Imade’s mother has revealed why she used Ifeanyi’s photo to celebrate Davido’s birthday.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the mother of Davido’s first daughter, Imade Adeleke, Sophie Momodu has disclosed the reason she celebrated the singer’s 30th birthday using a family photo that had all his three children.

This online media platform gathered that 7-year-old Imade via her Instagram on Monday celebrated her father’s birthday with a family photo of herself, the singer, and his other two kids, including the late Ifeanyi Adeleke.

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Imade Adeleke had shared the photo with the caption: “Happy birthday daddy! I wish you peace, joy & love ❤️.”

However, this did not sit well with fans of the singer who called out the mother of the seven-year-old for using such a photo, as many suspected she was the one behind the account.

According to aggrieved fans, using such a photo to celebrate the singer was insensitive and wrong.

Addressing the development via a statement on Tuesday, Sophie apologized to fans who felt offended about the post.

She, further said that she’s trying her best to guide her daughter through the difficult emotion of grief from the loss of her brother, hence the need for that photo to celebrate her father’s birthday.

The statement reads: ”I realize that the earlier post may come across as insensitive and I sincerely apologize as that was not the intention.

“Imade deeply loves her father and all her siblings, and as a mother, I am doing my best to guide her through the difficult emotion of grief from the loss of her brother whilst trying to celebrate her father’s birthday.

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“I ask for your consideration and hope that you all can be understanding during these times. Thank you.”

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Ohanaeze Reveals Preferred Presidential Candidate

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The apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze, has revealed who their presidential candidate for the 2023 election will be.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, a socio-cultural organization has revealed that they will support the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

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The group said in a statement made available on Sunday that their choice of candidate for the 2023 election is based on conscience and morality.

In the statement titled ‘2023: On SMBLF Position We Stand,’ signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, the group noted that Obi brought hope to the Igbo people.

“Ohanaeze works in collaboration with the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), comprising the Afenifere, PANDEF, Middle Belt Leaders, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by an elder statesman, Chief E. K. Clarke. The group, in its quest for Nigerian unity, peace, and sustainable national development, has endorsed Mr Peter Obi as its candidate for the 2023 general elections.”

Ohanaeze added that it is the turn of the South-East to produce a president in 2023, and it is ready to seek for support for its preferred candidate.

“In the first place, going by the principles of zoning and rotation of power in Nigeria, which have been in existence since 1999, it is the turn of the South East of Nigeria to produce the president in 2023.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has canvassed to various eminent persons in Nigeria, seeking their support for the presidency in the South East come 2023. We are delighted by the responses from various groups and highly placed patriotic Nigerians.

“On the other hand, Ohanaeze brought a commodity to the market, and now the world is clamouring for it. We are rather excited, happy, and fulfilled that Nigeria is now in full possession of the commodity.”

The Igbo group also maintained that their candidate is a true representation of “Nigerian conscience, moral probity, generational hope, redemption epiphany, and above all, the Igbo collective unconscious.”

In their words, they chose their candidate because of “merit, competence, a track record of accomplishments, and the veritable ideas that Obi espouses for a better Nigeria” and that ‘the Obidient Movement’ was “a massive disruptive reaction against the deplorable Nigerian pathologies.”

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“People use the Obi phenomenon to express dissatisfaction with the status quo. It is a revolt against injustice, poverty, unemployment, corruption, and all other forms of vicious circles that have become the trademark of Nigeria. In other words, every revolution is a structural change,” Ohanaeze added.

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US Midterms: Bill Clinton Draws Contrasts Between Democrats And Republicans

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Former president Bill Clinton joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto for a labour-focused get-out-the-vote event here, urging Nevadans to not make a protest vote or get caught up in anger.

Eko Hot Blog reports that he said, referring to the GOP in general and Republican leaders, “You can’t just cast a protest vote, because they’re actually for something.”

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“They are voting to cut Social Security, to cut Medicare, to get rid of all those restraints on drugs that are holding down the drug prices,” He continued.

Cortez Masto is in a tight race with her GOP opponent, Adam Laxalt. The visit came after Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer asked Clinton on Friday to join Cortez Masto on the trail.

“I can’t think of any member of the Senate who’s done more useful things. And she doesn’t go around demonizing Republicans; she just gets up and does what she thinks is right,” Clinton said, citing Cortez Masto’s support of the Inflation Reduction Act, the infrastructure bill, and the Chips and Science Act.

On the trail in Henderson, Clinton alluded to his wins in Nevada and Hillary Clinton’s win in the state during her 2016 presidential run, as well as his role in the party.

“I haven’t been in office for more than 20 years,” he said. “And I have never felt more strongly that everything I worked for all my life is on the line right now.”

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Attendees of the event, primarily union volunteers from other states who traveled to Nevada to assist in get-out-the-vote efforts, swarmed Clinton for photos. He stopped for extended conversations with supporters as he slowly made his way down the rope line.

SOURCE: The Washington Post

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2023 Presidency: Obi Leads Tinubu, Atiku, Others In Electorate Poll

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Obi Leads Tinubu

Obi Leads Tinubu, Atiku, Others In Electorate Poll

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has led other presidential candidates in an electorate poll conducted by NOI Polls and commissioned by ANAP Foundation.

 

This online media platform gathered that the foundation announced the result of the poll in a statement issued on Thursday by its Chairman, Atedo Peterside.

 

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The statement stated that the poll suggested that the presidential election is between Obi, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

It added that in the nationwide poll conducted this month, Obi stands at 21% while both Tinubu and Atiku are tied in second place with 13% each, while Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is at a distant fourth with only 3%.

 

The statement also described the former Governor of Kano State as a ‘dark horse’ in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

 

The statement read in part: “The results showed a significant lead for Mr Peter Obi with 21% of voters proposing to vote for him if the presidential election were to be conducted today, and 13% each proposing to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who are both tied in second place. Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso was a distant fourth with 3% of voters proposing to vote for him.

 

“Obi’s 8 percentage point lead at this early stage is significant, but not sufficient to separate him completely from a leading pack of candidates scoring 21%, 13% and 13% respectively.

 

“Undecided voters and those who prefer not to reveal their preferred candidate add up to a whopping 32% and 15% respectively, adding that the gender split of undecided voters shows that 39% of women are undecided versus 27% of male voters.

 

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“The percentage of registered voters according to ANAP foundation is as follows in each of the zones – 99% in the North East, 90% in the South-South, the North Central and the North West respectively. The lowest registered voter percentages were in the South East with 88% and the South West with 85%.“

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VIDEO: Nigerian Lady Pledges To Donate Kidney To Ekweremadu’s Daughter

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Ekweremadu

  • Nigerian Lady Pledges To Donate Kidney To Ekweremadu’s Daughter

  • The daughter of the lawmaker, Sonia Ekweremadu has been in the news over a kidney-related ailment and needs a transplant 

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that a Nigerian Lady identified as Martha Uche, on Saturday pledged to donate her kidney to the daughter of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

The daughter of the lawmaker, Sonia Ekweremadu has been in the news over a kidney-related ailment and needs a transplant.

The development made Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, Nwanneka Ekweremadu take a young man to the United Kingdom for organ donation.

They were, however, arrested by the UK police for allegedly facilitating the travel of the boy said to be a minor.

The developing issue has stirred reactions across all boards in Nigeria and beyond.

Martha in a video spotted online vowed to donate her kidney to save Sonia, adding that she was instructed in her dreams to help the lawmaker’s daughter. .

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When asked why she wants to donate the kidney to the girl, she said, “I need to do that because I need to help the girl. She’s dying and they have already shown me in my dream that I should help the girl. I already saw her a long time ago and I saw her again this morning. I need to help her.

“I don’t have any demands for now. I just need to save her life.”

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2022 Hajj : First Batch Of Lagos Pilgrims Departs Tuesday

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  • About 462 Lagos pilgrims will leave on Tuesday for 2022 Hajj

  • ..Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, he urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria 

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the first batch of intending Muslim pilgrims from Lagos State would leave for Madinah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (tomorrow).

In a statement signed by the Asst. Director, Public Affairs in the state pilgrims welfare board, Mr Taofeek Lawal, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, the State Commissioner for Home Affairs made this disclosure during a one-day seminar organised for intending pilgrims by the state pilgrims’ welfare board.

About 462 intending pilgrims are expected to make the inaugural flight that would be operated by FlyNas from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Hajj Terminal in Lagos directly to Prince Mohammed Bn Abdulaziz International Airport.

He appealed to those on board to be adequately prepared for the trip while congratulating and rejoicing with the intending pilgrims for being counted amongst those that would perform the exercise through the State.

Elegushi added that many who could afford the increment in Hajj fare were not accommodated due to insufficient slots.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had allocated 1,500 slots for the state which were exhausted almost immediately as there were backlogs of intending pilgrims from 2019.

Elegushi also informed the intending pilgrims that NAHCON has approved $800 out of the Hajj fare as their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) adding that the State has put necessary arrangements in place for their comfort while in the Holy land.

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Also present was the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, he urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria while performing the spiritual exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia noting that the challenges facing the nation are enormous but with concerted efforts and prayers, the problems would be surmounted.

He also implored the pilgrims to pray for the peace and tranquillity of Lagos State and for a peaceful general election in 2023 as well as for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his quest to become the next President of Nigeria.

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BREAKING: INEC Rejects Gov Bello, Mamman As APC Chairman, Secretary  

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INEC

  • Nigerian Electoral Body, INEC, has Rejected Governor Abubakar Bello as Chairman, Mamman as Secretary of APC Caretaker Committee.

  • According to an inside source, Governor Bello, upon resumption as Chairman of the CECPC of APC, transmitted a letter dated 8th March 2022, informing INEC of the change of guard at the party’s national secretariat.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Governor Bello introduced himself in the said letter as the acting Chairman while Professor Tahir Mamman was introduced as the acting Secretary of the party.

The crisis bedevilling the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may have started yielding negative effects on the party, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the nomination of Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State as the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party.

Read Also: Yoruba Nation: Sunday Igboho Sues For Calm Among Supporters

According to an inside source, Governor Bello, upon resumption as Chairman of the CECPC of APC, transmitted a letter dated 8th March 2022, informing INEC of the change of guard at the party’s national secretariat.

Bello introduced himself in the said letter as the acting Chairman while Professor Tahir Mamman was introduced as the acting Secretary of the party.

Both Governor Bello and Professor Mamman were said to have signed the letter.

The source also added that the letter served as notice to the commission, of APC’s CECPC decision to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for next Thursday, 17th March, 2022.

But, in a swift reaction, the Commission was said to have replied the letter on Wednesday, 9th March, 2022, saying it was not aware of any change of guard in the APC, and would not honour it, since it was not signed by the known CECPC Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni and Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe.

The letter was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony.

“The Commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman (Buni) and National Secretary (Akpanudoedehe) of the CECPC, contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).

“Furthermore, the APC is reminded of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’ and electing members of executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective offices,” a copy of the letter obtained by newsmen.

Governor Bello’s letter, according to a source at INEC, remains strange as there was no time the Commission was invited to observe or monitor any meeting where the changes took place, hence, the letter was not honoured.

“Section 82(2-3) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) makes it mandatory for all registered political parties in Nigeria to involve INEC in any meeting, congress or convention where elections or decisions to nominate executives or governing bodies of the party shall be taken.

“The same section also provided that, in a case of replacement of any vacant position in the party, INEC must be fully involved too,” the source added.

The source further maintained that the Commission was not invited to any meeting or Congress where Mai Buni was removed as Chairman, and as such, could not deal with what was not legally constituted.

“The APC will be heading for an illegal NEC meeting by next week by the provision of the law. It is the duty of the Commission to properly guide the party, just as it will do to any of the opposition parties,” the source further stressed.

The source also added that the letter served as notice to the commission, of APC’s CECPC decision to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for next Thursday, 17th March, 2022.

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