APC Writes AGF Over Attempt To Perpetuate Electoral Fraud In Akwa Ibom State

The Attorney General of the Federation

Federal Ministry of Justice
FCT, Abuja.

Sir,
Attempt to Perpetuate Electoral Fraud in Akwa Ibom State

We want to place on record and bring to your attention the very obvious and noticeable attempt by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, in collusion with agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Akwa Ibom State Government to perpetuate electoral fraud by destroying electoral materials needed to substantiate the election petitions of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

We observe with deep regrets that since Mr. Mike Igini superintended over the worst general elections ever conducted in Akwa Ibom State, that was fraught with manifest irregularities and wide spread electoral infractions, the REC is now unveiling a grand scheme to thwart and create a chaotic environment to pave way for the pervasion of justice.

We have been reliably informed that the REC is now intimidating electoral officers who participated in the just concluded general elections in the State, particularly, Collation Officers, Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), handing over their phone numbers to hired assassins and PDP killer squad to forcefully coerce them to concoct and fabricate false reports of violence, ballot paper snatching, all in a bid to justify the clandestine activities of Mr. Mike Igini days after the purported declaration of results, seeing that unit results will expressly show that candidates of the All Progressives Congress clearly won the elections by the votes directly delivered at the polling units across the state.

This latest action by the leadership of INEC in Akwa Ibom State has vindicated our stand expressed in various foras before the general elections that Mr. Mike Igini is a biased umpire, heavily compromised by the Akwa Ibom State Government to truncate the smooth conduct of a free and fair elections. We therefore reiterate in unambiguous terms, that INEC under Mr. Mike Igini cannot guarantee credibility and the ethos of fair play as demonstrated with this plot hatched to frustrate the electoral process.

Consequent to these, we hereby demand as follows:

1. The immediate relocation of the elections tribunal to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to forestall breakdown of law and order that this show of impunity might incite if not forestalled.

2. That we reiterate our call for the immediate redeployment of Mr. Mike Igini to pave way for a level-playing field for all parties that partook in the elections.

3. that any report that originates from any electoral officer in Akwa Ibom State remains an afterthought and should be completely disregarded forthwith.

4. That we call on security agencies to provide adequate security to all ad-hoc staffs of INEC in the state and properly investigate and bring to book, thugs paid by the PDP to intimidate or coerce non-yielding election officials.

5. We urge international agencies to pay particular interest to the continuing efforts of Mr. Mike Igini to perpetuate electoral fraud in Akwa Ibom State.

We have taken time to chronicle the unfolding complicity of Mr. Mike Igini in collaboration with the State Government and PDP to rob our party of our impending victory at the tribunal.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

Obong Ini Okopido
APC State Chairman

cc:

HE The President
Federal Republic of Nigeria

The National Security Adviser

National Chairman
All Progressives Congress

The Chairman
Independent National Electoral Commission

The Inspector General of Police

DG, Department of State Security Service

DG, National Intelligence Agency

40 Years of G-Class: Weststar Celebrates the Iconic Off-Roader in Nigeria

The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs to bear the three-pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name. The G-Class celebrates a landmark as it turns 40 this year.

What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives and significant milestones. The first concept to be developed was already different. The team designed a vehicle which impressed with superior off-road capability, while at the same time appealing to customers as a full-featured and safe vehicle suitable for recreational purposes. All-wheel drive and 100-percent differential locks have also been part of the "G" since that time, as has the robust ladder-type frame.

At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance range from of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with a short or long wheelbase. In 1989 the vehicles of the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base and emphasized its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And since 1993 the vehicle was labeled with an official name; the G-Class.

The G-Class models used for the "Popemobile" are famous around the world. The off-road Mercedes-Benz 230 G painted in “mother of pearl” with a transparent special body accompanied Pope John Paul II on numerous journeys from 1980.
The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival of a very special model on the market, honed by Mercedes-AMG; the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Its eight-cylinder power unit (350 kW/476 hp, 700 Nm of torque) gave the robust off-roader an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated the tremendous potential of the G-Class.
The G 500 4x4² of 2015 added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also a ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive on-road performance. Since 2015, the “designo manufaktur” range has been providing customers with the option to take a G-Class and make it their own individual "G" – with exclusive equipment variants that are perfectly coordinated with each other.

Thanks to the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the iconic G-Class reinvented itself once more in 2017. With its superlative V12 engine (fuel consumption, combined: 17.0 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 397 g/km), portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive appointments in the rear compartment, this very special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units, meets the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their vehicle. Arguably the most exclusive form of open-air driving pleasure.

The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching (combined fuel consumption: 12.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 289 g/km). Equipped with a range of off-road features including all-terrain tires mounted on black 16-inch rims and a sturdy roof rack, the anniversary vehicle embarked on new adventures last year. G-Class fans around the world determined the vehicle specification by voting for their favourite equipment and appointments on the official G‑Class Facebook page.

The new G-Class has been hailed as the “biggest transformation” in the G’s 40 years-old history, as it raises the bar higher in all relevant areas while maintaining familiar and popular features from its design icon. The new G-Class performs even better off-road, while on the road it is significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. This new model gives the “G” a befitting persona to marking its landmark age. At Weststar, authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, we acknowledge this landmark occasion with a sense of pride as the G-Class continues to make history not just across the globe but also here in Nigeria. The new G-Class is currently available in authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships across Nigeria, courtesy of Weststar Associates Limited.

Ecobank Storms Mushin With EcobankPay Zone

Ecobank Nigeria in its avowed commitment to deepen financial inclusion has launched an Ecobankpay zone at the Amu market, Mushin Lagos. 

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan who launched the digital payment zone explained that the EcobankPay zones in various market clusters across the country are to facilitate easy, secure and convenient transactions in the market place, adding that it will boost business activities in the country.

Mr. Akinwuntan said customers and non-customers of the bank who patronize the market will now have quick access to the bank’s digital payment offerings, stressing that it would remove the trauma associated with delays in paying for goods in the market.  

According to him, EcobankPay’s unique offering is that anyone from any bank in Nigeria can pay with MasterPass, mVISA, and mCASH with any phone by scanning QR code or using USSD. “If the person that wishes to buy goods is coming from a bank that has MVisa and wishes to pay, the same QR Code would accept MVisa payment and vice versa. That creates interoperability and convenience for the merchants. The QR Code is much cheaper than having a point of sale (PoS).” he noted.

“Traders can now enjoy more possibilities to grow their business as they can also sell to customers with EcobankPay in 32 countries in Africa. EcobankPay is free to set up as the shop owner only needs his/her QR code and phone for notifications to start receiving quick and easy payments. 

EcobankPay, a special merchant QR Code product of the Pan African Bank, enables customers to make seamless payment for goods and services across the three major payment platforms without the use of plastic cards.”

For the merchants, the beauty of the EcobankPay is in the cost of setting up, as the shop owner simply prints the QR Code on a paper and can stick it anywhere and do not run any risks.

It would be recalled that EcobankPay Zone was first launched in Alaba International market in February this year.

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Afterschool Entertainment Sign New Artistes.......

Two new artists have been signed under Afterschool Entertainment record label based in Ogba Ikeja

, Lagos, Nigeria.

This was made know In a press conference held at the label office on Wednesday, 

The CEO of the recording outfit, Prince Adelegan Olubummo know as Toff Prince in the entertainment circle disclosed to journalists that the two new artists were selected after a rigorous exercise. 

While unveiling the artists who just came back from Dubai after two weeks of familiarizing tour said the artists were expected to drop hits back to back that will shake and change the country's music industry. 

Toff Prince also said that arrangements are already in pipeline for the artistes to commence the tour of six cities of Nigeria and also Accra in Ghana before proceeding on a European tour. He said

#SheVentures – 4 Reasons Every Nigerian Business Woman Should Seriously Consider This New Proposition

Reports show that women make up 49% of Nigeria’s adult population. However, only about 42% of them have access to formal financial services. Moreover, 42.7% of Nigerian women are business owners out of which only an estimated 2% have access to capital and loans to grow their businesses. It is also reported that around 7 million businesses will be set-up by Nigerian women in the year 2021 with the potential to create 8.9 million jobsand unlock billions in revenue for the country.

On Thursday March 07, 2019 at an impressive ceremony in Lagos, leading Nigerian financial institution First City Monument Bank (FCMB)unveiled #SheVentures, its brand-new proposition to support the growth of businesses owned or managed by women. The event, which was part of the Bank’s activities to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme “Balance for Better” provided the right opportunity to highlight how FCMB is helping women close the gaps in the world of business.

If you are a woman who runs a business in Nigeria, here are 4 reasons you should seriously consider FCMB’s #SheVentures proposition:

1. Mentorship– through a network of qualified mentors carefully selected by FCMB, #SheVentures offers Nigerian businesswomen access to guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling

for a successful career.

2. Capacity building and training – The Bank has also partnered with consultants in various fields of business to provide key professional services at discounted rates to its women in business customers. Not forgetting exclusive business training events which FCMB either directly organizes or in partnership with other leading organizations.

3. Access to loans at zero (yes, zero!) or competitive interest rates – through its flagship zero percent loan product, FCMB offers short-term loans to female customers who need quick access to funds. At the #SheVentures launch event alone, about 40 female SMEs were awarded loans of between N500,000 to N5,000,000 at zero percent interest. In addition, there are other loans such as the FCMB BOI Gender Loan, which comes at 15% interest.

4. Supporting women in business is of strategic importance to FCMB – at the launch of #SheVentures, Mr. Adam Nuru, said the Bank strongly believes in the power of entrepreneurship. He added that the contribution of women to economic development cannot be understated, as over 30% of businesses owned globally are either female owned or managed. On her part, FCMB’s Executive Director, Business Development, Mrs. Bukola Smith, said ‘’the #SheVentures proposition is as much a statement of substance as it is one of intent.

We are passionate about supporting women in business. The #SheVentures offerings are tailored to offer sustainable benefits to women-owned SMEs and support them to increase their productivity and contributions in the areas of job and wealth creation, poverty reduction, empowerment and the overall development of Nigeria.”    

So, now you know – FCMB is providing the right support to help the Nigerian businesswoman thrive in all #SheVentures to do! For more information about #SheVentures, please click https://on.fcmb.com/SheVentures-10.

Shareholders Laud Transcorp Plc’s Outstanding Results

Shareholders of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) have commended the Board and Management of the company for their remarkable achievements demonstrated in the company’s record-setting financial performance in 2018. 

Speaking at the company’s 13th Annual General Meeting, which was held at the iconic Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Friday, March 15, 2019, the shareholders lauded Transcorp for remarkably exceeding its financial performance in previous years while positively impacting the lives of its stakeholders across the country. 

Transcorp’s results for the financial year ended December 31, 2018, showed that the Group’s revenue hit an impressive N104.16bn translating into a 30% revenue growth compared to the preceding year’s results. Profit Before Tax closed the year at N22.40bn; a significant leap compared to the Profit Before Tax of N12.31bn recorded in 2017. 

While addressing the shareholders at the meeting, Valentine Ozigbo, The President/CEO of Transcorp stated that “the group's performance for the year ended 2018 is the result of an unflinching commitment to deliver superior value to our wide clientele base." 

Elaborating further, he said, “Our hospitality business recorded a 26% increase in revenue year-on-year as the Transcorp Hilton Abuja saw an increase in occupancy following the release of the newly upgraded rooms after the US$100m upgrade of the hotel. Our power business also achieved a 31% increase in revenue year-on-year; a testament to an operating environment characterized for the most part, by stability in gas supply, foreign exchange rates, and the payment assurance programme of the federal government. These and our focused efficiency measures across the Group resulted in a 23% reduction in operating costs, ensured that our Profit Before Tax soared by 82 % year-on-year." 

The National President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr. Faruk Umar, reiterated praises from other shareholders and applauded the management of Transcorp for keeping their promise to deliver superior returns to shareholders. "We are over N22bn (PBT) and we are sure this trend will continue." 

He also thanked Transcorp for consistently emerging as the first company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to host its AGM, which he described as a mark of strong corporate governance.

The Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, used the occasion of the Annual General Meeting to congratulate the President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari for his re-election ‎and urged him to prioritize the power sector. He also spoke on the importance of creating an enabling environment for domestic investors to succeed, emphasizing that the steady supply of power will boost businesses and make the economy more competitive. 

“Transcorp Plc remains committed to the purpose for which it was founded, which is to improve lives and transform Nigeria. ” He said.

he Tony Elumelu Foundation to Announce Selected Entrepreneurs for 2019 Programme on March 22, 2019

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading African philanthropy committed to empowering African entrepreneurs, will announce the selected applicants for the 2019 cohort of the Foundation’s flagship Entrepreneurship Programme on March 22, 2019. The event, which marks the 5th round of the Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme, will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Every year, the Tony Elumelu Foundation opens its application portal to African entrepreneurs, with businesses of less than three years old. Through its $100million Entrepreneurship Programme, the Foundation empowers 1,000 entrepreneurs annually, who receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to mentors, a 12-week training programme and opportunities to promote their businesses to a global audience. All applicants receive access to TEFConnect, Africa’s digital entrepreneurial hub, which provides access to networks, training, further capital sources and business opportunities.

As a means of cascading its proven entrepreneurial tool kit to the huge numbers of applicants, the Foundation launched in 2018, TEFConnect, the digital networking platform for African entrepreneurs. The platform, which has currently over 400,000 users, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to network, receive training and forge business partnerships to scale their businesses beyond physical borders.

In the five years since the Foundation launched its Entrepreneurship Programme, it has empowered 4,000 African entrepreneurs directly and an additional 470 entrepreneurs supported by the Foundation’s partners. The Foundation recently appointed Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu as CEO effective from April 1. Mrs. Ugochukwu succeeds Parminder Vir, OBE, who will continue to lend her experience and expertise as a member of the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

The incoming CEO, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, emphasised the importance of partnership in reaching additional entrepreneurs beyond the Foundation’s annual commitment of 1,000 entrepreneurs.

“Each year we see a significant uplift in applicants. Our execution partner, Accenture Development Partnerships, are currently reviewing and finalising the applications. Over 215,000 African entrepreneurs applied from across 54 African countries, up from 151,000 applications last year, with an increase in female representation from 62,000 in 2018 to 90,000 in 2019. These rising figures demonstrate the burning desire of the African entrepreneur to develop our continent, and we must urgently convert this passion into viable businesses to develop our continent.

Our Programme has developed a robust mechanism for directing capital effectively and efficiently, to those who can deploy it in local communities with the greatest impact. We are looking forward to working with partners to collaborate with us, to scale the platform and process we have created. Empowering African entrepreneurs must be a shared responsibility to create economic prosperity for all”, she said.

Speaking on the Entrepreneurship Programme, Osato Noah, West Africa Lead, Accenture Development Partnerships, said:

“We have worked with the Tony Elumelu Foundation since the inception of the Entrepreneurship Programme. In 2015, the first round of the Programme saw us review 20,000 applications for the Foundation and this year we reviewed over 215,000 applications. The sheer diversity and speed at which applications have scaled in the last four years have been incredible. We commend the Tony Elumelu Foundation for their commitment to the transparency of the programme, and Accenture is proud to partner in the delivery of this Pan-African project.”

The Selection Announcement will also feature a Nigerian TEF Alumni Meet up, as well as an interactive dialogue with TEF Founder, Tony O. Elumelu, CON.