I have finally met Mr. Right – Yvonne Nelson

                            
Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson who had a depressing 30th birthday because she was still single had met her Mr. Right few days after her birthday. The pretty actress revealed this on the Drive Time show a programme aired on Joy FM radio station in Ghana as she co-hosted the show with Lexis Bill who is the presenter of the show.

She disclosed this as Lexis Bill asked her a question on her relationship. She said, "I have met Mr. Right and am preparing myself to have kids because I love Kids."

Yvonne, talked about her new movie ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ as she hope the movie will get nominations for different award categories especially as ‘the movie of the year’.

The actress who used to have a cordial relationship with John Dumelo who is her colleague in the industry also spoke on their relationship as tongue keeps wagging that the two actors are no longer cool together after they had different views on the power crises that had affected their country in three years.

In response to this, she stated; "the last time I saw John? It has been a while. He came to my house with Fred but then I called him after that, he did not pick up nor returned my call. I believe we are cool, there is no way I will see John and not talk to him."

Expose blackmailers, Saraki tells online media practitioners

                           
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has advised publishers of online media organisations to separate the real professionals among them from those using the platform to blackmail law- abiding Nigerians.

A statement by his Special Assistant (New Media), Bankole Omishore, on Friday, quoted him as saying this while receiving the President of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, who was accompanied by a member of the Executive Committee of the association, Mr. Daniel Elombah, in his office.

The senate president was said to have given assurance to the online publishers that the red chamber had no intention to pass any legislation to control or gag the press.

He encouraged OPAN to do its part to ensure that international best practices are quickly established to enable the country to increase its learning phase from the wholesome adoption of data communication.judiciary and legislature to enable the country to respond positively to the discomforting aspects of the current situation."

　

He also said the bill should be supported to sift the real online publishers and journalists that follow the ethos and ethics of sound journalism practices from those that simply set up to use their platforms to extort and blackmail.

The senate president seized the opportunity of the meeting to explain the method of presenting, processing and eventual passage of bills, especially a private member bill like the frivolous petitions bill.

He noted that the senate had made good use of various online and social media platforms to deliver on this mandate and wish to do more.

The senate president also cited instances before, during and after the elections when social media played a major role in ensuring accountability in government. This, he said, the senate would ensure is sustained.

Saraki, who described himself as ardent user of social media, assured the practitioners that he will in no way, support any form of censorship or attempt to slow the progress made so far.

Awoyemi, assured the senate president that members of OPAN are credible publishers of online platforms and newspapers modelling their platforms along best practices.

He also disclosed that efforts were underway to strengthen the industry, through a better self-regulation strategy.

Awoyemi urged Saraki to sustain the current conversation in a collaborative manner that builds consensus between key stakeholders

-Punch

Why I’m defecting to APC - Alao-Akala

                          
Ex-Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State who was the gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party in the state in the April 11, 2015 general elections has declared his intention to leave the Labour Party (LP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because of "the reality of the moment".
Alao-Akala spoke of his decision to join the APC at a meeting he held in his Ibadan residence with his supporters on the Destiny Group platform.
In attendance at the meeting were Hon Tajudeen Abisodun, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Sen Brimo Yusuf, Dr Kola Balogun, Alhaji Omilabu Ghandi, among other politicians in the state.
According to Alao-Akala, the decision to leave Labour Party had become expedient considering that the different political parties were set to commence their congresses, as well as the fact that "APC offered the best political platform" at the moment.
The former governor hinted that a date for a formal declaration for the APC would be made public as soon as he finished consultation with the leadership of the APC.
He called on his supporters to join him in the APC but advised that lawmakers elected on the platform of Labour Party from the state should continue on that platform in the meantime.
Shedding light on the development, the erstwhile Director of Alao Akala Campaign Organisation, Dr Kola Balogun, who the ex-governor asked to speak on his behalf, described Alao Akala’s decision as "a response to the yearnings of supporters who wondered what their next step was on the political scene".
He said, "The party members had been asking Alao Akala what our next step would be considering our not-too-good experience with the Labour Party and with the PDP. Alao Akala had said that at the right time, he would call a meeting where we would jointly decide after looking at all options available. We looked at the available options which are PDP, Labour, Accord, APC. Accord is not an option, Labour is not an option at all.
"For APC, we have never had any dealings with them. We have only been interacting with the APC and they are waiting for us to help strengthen the structure of the party. The APC knows our worth politically, we also know their worth. We think if we come together, we can solidify the structure of the APC. APC will be a mega party.
"And, the majority of members have made up their mind and advised him to join the APC. The final decision therefore is that all supporters of Alao Akala will join APC. We will inform the general public on when we will make a formal declaration after meeting with the leadership of the APC."

We’ll publish names of looters soon – Buhari

                          
President Moham- madu Buhari said yesterday that his government will soon publish names of those who have returned portions of their loot from public coffers. This was as one of his spokesmen, Garba Shehu, said in Kaduna that the Presidency would step on toes in their anti-corruption fight. Shehu said that the Presidency would do so for the interest of Nigeria.

President Buhari, according to The Cable News, said that the Central Bank of Nigeria will soon publicly name those who looted Nigeria and who have returned part of they wrongly appropriated.

He said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was holding on from publishing the list in order to avoid jeopardising investigations and further recoveries.

He was speaking at the 15th session of the Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation lecture at the International Conference Centre, in Abuja yesterday. In his lecture, Buhari said during electioneering, the issue that gained "higher currency" in the psyche of the people was that Nigerians needed leadership that could be relied upon to tackle the orgy of corruption in the country.

"We have taken steps towards recovering a reasonable amount of the money that was looted or misappropriated from public coffers. Investigations are ongoing on public officers who served, or are still serving, and those whose conduct are questionable will be compelled to accept the path of honour and surrender their loot," he said. "As I stated recently, a good number of people who abused their positions are voluntarily returning the illicit funds.

I have heard it said that we should disclose the names of the people, and the amount returned. Yes, in due course, the Central Bank of Nigeria will make information available to the public on the surrendered funds, but I must remark that it is yet early days, and any disclosure now may jeopardize the possibility of bigger recoveries. "But we owe Nigerians adequate information, and it shall come in due course.

It is part of the collective effort to change our land from the bastion of corruption it currently is, to a place of probity and transparency. "Quite frankly, the anti-corruption war is not strictly about me as a person, it is about building a country where our children, and the forthcoming generations, can live in peace and prosperity. When you see dilapidated infrastructure round the country, it is often the consequence of corruption.

"Poor heal-thcare, collapsed educa-tion, lack of public utilities, decayed social services, are all products of corruption, as those entrusted with public resources put them in their private pockets. That must stop, if we want a new Nigeria. And that was why I said at another forum that people need not fear me, but they must fear the consequences of their actions.

"Corrupt acts will always be punished, and there will be no friend, no foe. We will strive to do what is fair and just at all times, but people who refuse to embrace probity should have every cause to fear."

In Kaduna, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, reiterated the Presidency’s commitment to anti-corruption war, speaking in a manner that indicated that the government may still go after top Nigerians who have breached public trust. "The President may step on big toes," he said of groups and individuals who have swindled the country in the recent years.

This was as the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai stated that the success of president Buhari’s administration depended on the media input. Shehu made the disclosure in his welcome remarks at a three day retreat of the State House Correspondents in Kaduna on Saturday.

Shehu who was the Chief Convener of the event themed "Journalism and Change Mantra: State House in Focus", stated that the government needed the media support to succeed in the fight against corruption. He recalled that the present government was a product of media’s determination to entrench a corruption-free society, stating that president Buhari would not fail Nigerians.

According to him, the president would not halt the ongoing investigations and would not come to the rescue of anyone who is found culpable in the anti-corruption war. He said: "President Buhari has embarked on an anti-corruption campaign that is bound to offend many. Big toes will be stepped on, personal interests will be cast aside. As the popular saying goes, when you fight corruption, corruption fights back.

"Yes, anti-corruption is a war. And the press can help President Mohammadu Buhari to win that war. You are of the government most lethal weapons in this battle against the forces that aim to pull down Nigeria. "The power of the media lies in their ability to expose wrong-doings. This power of exposure is a far more effective deterrent in many countries including our own, than the court systems that deliver judgement and not necessarily justice.

"If they know that they will be exposed, many crimes will not happen and herein lies the challenge of the media under Buhari administration. Use your power to expose wrong-doings, the days of impunity are gone. This is the best way to help the change that the government is advocating especially now that we have a government with the will and capacity to right all wrongs."

Expressing appreciation to the media, Shehu also appealed to the media to key into the change agenda of the present government.

"As always, the government of President Mohammadu Buhari is grateful to the Nigerian media for the role you played in igniting the change agenda which has swept into Nigeria in March 2015. The press contributed immensely to the success of APC to the historic election of President Buhari. That was only the beginning of the change agenda. The change is still ongoing.

"This government still requires

the assistance of the media to continue that process of change. President Buhari has embarked on the building of a new Nigeria and we need you, the Press, to keep the public informed of its many activities and policies that are geared towards improving the lives of Nigerian people according to the change agenda.

"The government needs the press to remain impartial and eschew spurious incentives when reporting and carrying our your responsibilities, the government needs you to avoid partnerships with enemies of progress who are bent on bringing down the government not minding if the entire country collapses while they are at it", he said.

Also making his remarks, Governor el-Rufai who was the chief host of the retreat squarely put the success of the government on the media. "The responsibility that has been thrust in the hands of the new government is immense. The APC inherited a country at the tip of failure. As is becoming clearer by the day, some of the things that went on under the previous government are stranger than fiction.

"The consequences of the incompetence, the thievery and the divisive ethos that reigned are only becoming clear. Nigerians are only beginning to realise that the Jonathan government, despite years of $100 oil, was borrowing to pay salaries. The PDP simply ran this economy aground. Our party and our president will do their level best to pick up the pieces, restore economic vitality and make life better for Nigerians.




　

Winners emerge in UBA NEC competition, as GMD extols values of reading

Winners have emerged in the fifth edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria.

In a keenly contested competition, Miss Emediong Uduak Uko, a 15 year old student of British Nigerian Academy, Abuja, won the coveted prize of N1m education grant.

Emediong emerged the winner from over 3,326 entries received across the country.

Starish Ugie-Oritse-Ete Enonuya of The Lagoon School, Lagos and Eze Ugochinyere Golden of Living Word Academy School, Abia, emerged first and second runner ups, winning N750,000 and N500,000 educational grants respectively.

Speaking during the event at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, GMD, Phillips Oduoza, commended all the participants and the schools for encouraging the students.

Oduoza explained that the digital age of technology called for increased interest in reading culture among youths, adding that this had led to the decision of UBA, through its foundation, to begin the Essay Competition.

He said, "UBA Foundation believes in sustainability and in supporting of the environment where we operate, and that is why we have earmarked a certain percentage of our profit to this end.

He noted that the competition which started in 2011 in Nigeria had also be extended to Ghana and Senegal which had also produced winners in the last few years.

Stressing the nuggets for success, he said, "Reading is essential to broaden your knowledge and horizon and most importantly youths should maintain self-discipline and ensure that they determine their career part and get mentors to assist them in their goals.

He also explained that the bank remains committed to dedicating resources towards grooming world leaders, because UBA believes so much in the youth and their ultimate success.

On her part, the MD/CEO, UBA Foundation, Miss Ijeoma Aso, commended the participants and expressed delight at the increase level of participation recorded this year.

She said, "compared to the last edition, we had an increase of almost 100 per cent in the number of entries received, and this shows that there is a growing level of awareness amongst the youth."

She added that the impact of UBA Foundation is being felt by many educational institutions and communities in Nigeria.

According to her, the initiative is not only to test the aptitude and knowledge of our students but has become a pipeline to groom future UBA Ambassadors, adding that the winners who would go to any university of their choice in Africa would remain part of the UBA family provided they are of good behavior and remain focused.

"In UBA we appreciate and nurture talents. All the finalists here today have opportunity to excel in life and UBA is delighted to play a part in the process," she noted.

The 12 finalists selected by a panel of judges made up of professors from reputable Nigerian Universities are; Ayomide Omole; Udochukwu Melvin Okonkwo; Emediong Uduak Uko; Jonathan Favour; Obiabunmo Precious and Starish Ugie-Oritse-Ete Enonuya. Others are Comfort Macaulay Uwem; Dada Oluwatobi Joshua; Osagiede Omosefe; Olaoye Promise Oluwatobiloba; Eze Ugochinyere Golden and Peter G Okon.

Each of the 12 finalists received a laptop as a consolation prize for getting to the final of the competition.

As a the CSR platform for the UBA Group, UBA Foundation works through four areas of focus, education, economic empowerment, environment and special project. Communities across Nigeria and other parts of the continent continue to benefit from the foundation through these focus areas


　

UBA Chad and Senegal win ‘Bank of the Year” awards

                             
The Banker Magazine has named UBA Chad and Senegal as "Bank of the Year" in their respective countries for 2015. Both awards were presented recently at the Hilton Bankside, London.

While UBA Chad is winning the award for the first time, this is the fourth consecutive year that UBA Senegal is winning the award having won in 2012, 2013, 2014.

"We are proud of winning this award for the fourth consecutive year. It shows we are now the dominant bank in Senegal and the bank all other banks have to look forward to beat. The recognition will only continue to challenge us to explore opportunities to further deepen our market share in the country said Amie Sow, Managing Director/CEO, UBA Senegal.

Also speaking on the recognition, Salami Aliyu, Managing Director and CEO, UBA Chad said "This award shows that the efficiency and business growth drivers which we put in place are beginning to pay-off and get us results. We assure that we will sustain this performance to enable us retain the award in 2016."The aim of the awards, according to the Banker Magazine "is to highlight industry wide excellence within the global banking community."

The Banker selects one winning bank from each of the 120 participating countries. Over 1,000 applications are collected and Judges select winning banks based on those they believe have made the most progress over the past 12 months.

Associate Publisher Asia and Africa of The Banker magazine, Mr. Philip Church stressed that the award is a testimony to the trust the bank’s clients have shown on its operations over the past months.

"The recognition of being named as Bank of the Year in your own country by the world’s longest running international banking title is testament to the strong management, sound business model and prudent risk approach of your bank." Said Phillip Church

The Banker, a publication of Financial Times Newspaper which is regarded as the most influential newspaper in the world, is a global financial intelligence magazine published since 1926. It is the definitive publication that provides guide to bank ratings and analysis globally and the definitive reference on international banking for finance experts, governments, chief finance officers, CEOs, central bank governors, finance ministers, and other decision makers globally.

The UBA Group is a highly diversified financial services provider, one of the largest financial institutions in Africa, with business offices in New York and Paris and a subsidiary in London. The bank controls significant market share in 19 different African countries.

The Group has a strong retail penetration across the African continent with more than seven million customers who enjoy a bouquet of products and services tailored to meet their different financial needs and backed by a cutting edge e-banking platform that offers secured and convenient real-time online banking services.