Buhari appoints Aishah Ahmad new CBN deputy governor

President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded the name of Mrs. Aisha Ahmad to the Senate for confirmation as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Ahmad is to replace Dr. Sarah Alade, the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who retired in March this year.

Alade once served as the acting Governor of the bank following the suspension of the former CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano.In accordance with the provisions of Section 8 (1) (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007, President Buhari urged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to consider the expeditious confirmation of Ahmad, who would then resume work immediately.hmad, a seasoned banker, financial advisor is current Executive Director, Retail/Consumer Banking at Diamond Bank Plc.In the same vein, the President has written the Senate, seeking the confirmation of appointment of members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN.

They are to replace four members, whose tenure expires at the end of this year. The nominees are: Professor Adeola Festus Adenikinju; Dr. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi; Dr. Robert Chikwendu Asogwa and Dr. Asheikh A. Maidugu.After Senate clearance, the new members are to resume duties next January, Adesina said in a statement yesterday.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday asked the CBN to immediately remove the surcharge placed on commercial banks by the apex bank on destruction of old mutilated naira notes in the country.The lawmakers also directed that the CBN as a matter of statutory responsibility withdraw old and mutilated notes from circulation and re-issue new ones.

The members’ resolutions followed the consideration and adoption of a motion by Sergius Ogun (PDP, Edo), entitled, “call for removal of surcharge by the Central Bank of Nigeria on mutilated notes,” which was unanimously supported at plenary.
Leading debate on the motion, Ogun cited Section 20 of the CBN Act of 2007, which he said provided that “the currency notes and coins issued by the CBN shall be the approved medium of exchange, and as a result, should be accepted for all transactions in Nigeria.”
He lamented the action of the apex bank, which either refused to accept worn out notes from commercial banks, or expects them to pay fees for their replacement.

Ogun said in the past, “such notes were replaced by commercial banks, but now, the banks routinely reject torn, defaced and mutilated Notes which customers bring for deposits.”‎
He further argued that despite the regulatory position of the CBN, it has consistently rejected the notes.Ogun worried that the continued circulation of worn out, dirty and mutilated Notes called for concern, thereby heightening the need for close investigation and constant monitoring of the process of destruction of the notes.

The motion was passed and referred to the House Committee on Banking and Currency to liaise with the CBN to harness the modalities for handling, returning and destroying damaged and mutilated Notes and report back within eight weeks for further legislative action.

Hyundai consistently ranked among world’s top-valued brands

•  Named in top-40 most valuable brands for three years by Interbrand
• Global brand value reaches US $13.2 billion, up 5.1% year-on-year
• Result reflects increased product competitiveness and defined blueprint for future mobility

 
Hyundai has maintained its position as one of the world’s 40 most valuable brands for the third year in a row, according to the latest Best Global Brands report from respected international consultancy Interbrand.

 The carmaker retained its place as the world’s 35th most valuable brand and sixth most valuable automotive brand, despite challenging conditions in many global markets. Interbrand’s rankings are calculated using companies’ financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’s potential profit.

The analysis assessed Hyundai’s brand value as growing to US $13.2 billion for 2017 - a 5.1% increase on the previous year. The ranking comes after Hyundai sold 4.86 million units annually worldwide, and places the Hyundai name above Audi, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Porsche.

This follows a period of exponential growth for South Korea’s leading automotive manufacturer that has seen a fourfold increase in brand value since 2005, rising from US $3.5 billion to its current record value.

 “Hyundai Motor aims to be a lifestyle brand rather than simply an automotive brand, so we are building on our ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction and moving into new automotive spaces that allow people to experience our brand value at every touchpoint,” said Wonhong Cho, Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company.

 “Our brand philosophy and blueprint for future mobility has resulted in the rise of our brand value and, in addition to quality, technology and price, our creativity and innovation will lead us to achieve sustainable brand growth in the future.”The ranking is based on a combination of attributes, each contributing to a brand’s cumulative value.

These include financial performance of branded products and services, the role the brand plays in influencing customer choice, and the strength of the brand in commanding a premium price or securing earnings for the company. 

 “A key element of Hyundai Motor’s sustainable growth in brand value was its ongoing commitment to the development of its vision for ‘Future Mobility’, in spite of tough market conditions,” said Mike Rocha, Global Director of Brand Valuation for Interbrand.

“Hyundai Motor is working incredibly hard to realize its vision for Future Mobility by developing affordable autonomous driving technology and connectivity for everyone, under its brand direction, ‘Modern Premium’.” In addition to maintaining its reputation for the highest quality, Hyundai also strengthened its global product portfolio, including the new-generation Azera and significant upgrades to the Sonata, both available in Africa and the Middle East and featuring the latest evolution of Hyundai’s unified design language.

Internationally, the company unveiled the Kona premium compact SUV and the i30N, the first model of the company’s high-performance N lineup.

The i30N draws on Hyundai’s involvement in motorsport, in addition to demonstrating its desire to put thrilling driver experiences at the heart of new car development. In outlining its future direction, during the past year Hyundai also set out its blueprint to move into new automotive spaces, which incorporates the launch of 15 eco-friendly vehicles by 2020.

The company is also advancing its research into affordable autonomous driving and connectivity technologies, through its future-focused Project IONIQ and open-innovation collaborations with external parties. “Hyundai is adding excitement to our brand, both for the products we have now and for those we will be bringing to the market in the future,” said Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East, Mike Song. “We are well-established as a dependable brand, and the increasing value of our name shows that we are also transformed into a desirable brand.” 

The annual Interbrand Best Global Brands report identifies the 100 most valuable global brands, analyzing the ways in which the strength of a brand benefits organizations, from delivering on customer expectations to driving greater economic value.Beyond its innovations in new products, Hyundai continues to grow its brand identity through high-profile marketing campaigns. These include long-term sponsorships of major art installations at the Tate Modern in London, and at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and also the opening of an interactive brand experience at the Hyundai Motorstudio in Goyang, South Korea.



Other initiatives included ‘Shackleton’s Return’, a campaign following the grandson of legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, as he explored Antarctica with a standard 2.2-litre diesel Santa Fe. Within two months of launching, the campaign exceeded 140 million views on YouTube, the highest number of views for an automotive campaign. In the United States, a promotion for the American football Super Bowl showed military personnel stationed in Poland experiencing the match with their families at home, using satellite technology and 360-degree immersive pods to transport them to the stadium. A video of the initiative attracted more than 41 million views.

Sex In High Places: IGP Is A Randy Man, Impregnates Junior Female Officer, Dating Another – Senator Misau

Wednesday turned the heat on Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris exposing how he allegedly impregnated a female Police Officer and married her secretly in Kaduna.

Misau said the IGP married the Police Officer whose name he simply gave as (DSP Esther) when the female officer became 4 months pregnant for him.

Misau said the Police Chief was neck deep in another affair with another female Police Officer, (Amina) just about the same time.

Misua made the allegation on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday when he gave explanations about what transpired between him and the IGP while Senate was on recess.
Misha told his colleagues that the IGP attacked his person and that of his father who retired as
Assistant Inspector General because he dared to expose the massive corruption that was going on under the watch of the IGP.


Misua exposed how the Police generate huge revenue in form of special duties and deployment of officers to oil companies, banks and even to private individuals.

He also exposed how officers are forced to give bribe with as much as N2.5 million for promotion; accusing the IGP of favouring his those close to him especially his “women” with “plum” appointments and transfers.

He said it is against Police Act for the IGP to engage in illicit affairs with female officers and even getting married to one while in service.Misua also accused the IGP of illegally diverting funds meant for the purchase of Armoured Personal Carriers.

He said instead of buying 8 (APC ), Idris diverted the money to buy for himself luxury vehicles.
On his discharge from the Police, Misau said his exit from the police was properly processed and document with the Police Service Commission.

The Police had labelled him a “deserter” a tag, Misau said shows the IGP has no knowledge of the workings of the police institution.
Senate refers the matter to two Ad-hoc committees.

One to examine the issues of ethics as it relates to the disengagement of Misau from the Police, the other to investigate allegation of corruption and misappropriation of funds in the Police.
Source-City Rovers

Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade Honoured

For some wealthy Nigerians, the usefulness of their huge wealth lies in keeping money in their pockets or splashing it on the most expensive things money can buy. 

Not so Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade. For Aare Kankanfo of Owu Kingdom, money is not just a ticket to a life of opulence and comfort, it is also the key to unlock the gates of hope for the poor and the downtrodden. 

In the South West region in particular, Akin-Olugbade  is more like a deity because of his kind and generous nature which has left an indelible mark in the minds of many indigent people in the region who have at one time or the other benefited from his humanitarian gestures. 

On account of his generosity towards needy people, he was last week honoured with Philanthropist personality of The Year Award by Leadership Excellence Awards (LEA) 2017, the initiative of Association of Online Publishers, recognising outstanding Nigerians in their respective choosen career and  their human kindness to the society, Akin-Olugbade adjudged the award , setting the stage for his emergence as the Leadership Excellence's  Philanthropy of the year. Receiving the award, the celebrated billionaire thanked the organizers of the award for the honor done on him, bestowing such a prestigious award.

Baru: A Reporter'S Nightmare

Since he was appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on July 4, last year, Dr. Maikanti Baru has been a nightmare to reporters.

He neither grants interviews nor takes reporters’ questions at events or after delivering lectures – the few occassions when he meets face-to-face with reporters.
He also does not give his telephone number(s) to reporters.

A few months ago, the NNPC refuirbished tanks and he was in Lagos to inaugurate them.

On such an ordinarily happy occasion, when they thought he would be disposed to speaking, the reporters’ attempt to ask him some questions was rebuffed.

It is not unusual for security men to form a ring around the NNPC GMD immediately after finishing his lecture delivery and after an address to visitors at the NNPC headquarters in Abuja.

Baru rose through the ranks in the NNPC to become an Executive Director before his appointment as GMD to replace Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who blew the whistle on his activities with his August 30 letter to
President Muhammadu Buhari.
That was the situation at the time the minster’s letter found its way to the media on Tuesday.
Since that time, it has been virtually impossible to reach Baru, a PhD holder and First Class Mechanical Engineering graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to speak on the matter.

IGP,Ibrahim Idris, Honours Rank And File Officers

 
The Inspector-General of Police IGP Ibrahim Idris has named a new office complex in Lagos Police Mobile Force Headquarters Squadron 20 (MOPOL 20), Ikeja Lagos after two Gallant Mobile Police Officers Chukwudi Iboko, and Sunday Agbo, who lost their lives during a  robbery attack in  Owerri.


The Inspector General of Police said Chukwudi Iboko and Sunday Agbo who died while repelling a robbery attack in one of the Zenith Bank branch in Owerri Imo state earlier in February this year were immortalized as a result of their selfless service in the Nigeria Police force to inspire other officers to put more effort at the discharge of their various duties.


According to IGP Idris, the officers were honored because they are patriotic to the discharge of their duties. "The officers have shown serious Commitment in delivering their gallant duty while they are on duty and the Nigeria Police force will never forget them".


IGP Idris Ibrahim also added that the Mega Office Complex which is situated at the Police Mobile Force Headquarters, Squadron 20, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, has been erected to enhance the smooth discharge of officers’ duty to gallantly combat crime to the barest minimum. In reactions to the honorary kind gesture, the families of the deceased officers expressed their gratitude to the Inspector General of Police for remembering the fallen heroes who died while gallantly combating crime in their nation, they urged IGP to help in facilitating all the financial benefits of the falling officers.                      

Recall that the two policemen who have also been pronounced heroes by many Nigerians after the video of the shoot-out with the robbers went viral on the Internet have also been recommended for a post-humous promotion by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, to encourage other officers in actively discharging their duty to serve and protect Nigerians

Also, in attendance at the commissioning of the Office complex are DIG: NorthWest Zone- Magairi Dikko, DIG Folusho Adebanjo, Ag. Commissioner of Police, Lagos Police Command- CP Imohim Edgal, amongst several other senior officers.

Movie Review: 'Annie Waits' By Funsho Akinwale

 

I just  saw Annie Waits  and I was very pleased with the movie.

You are such a fantastic and promising actress that will go places.

With your lead role in the film, you have shown your raw talent.

The film was all fun and interesting .

 It is a comedy that depicts what happens when a lady  meet  wrong  guy for  love for the first time and given her all  (sex,time and love)  just to make it work.

 Long story short, Annie ends up getting herself into a world of trouble that she never expected until she eventually met her kind of man(Patrick) who promised her marriage abroad.  

One of the best things about this movie is that it’s so relatable. We all have those awkward moments (many of them having to do with our love lives) that make us cringe.

 Regardless of your embarrassing situation..

Overall, this is a great movie with a mix of fun  and a love story all rolled into one. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up or to laugh hysterically, this is undoubtedly the movie for you.  

The casting for this movie is truly perfect, and the actors did not disappoint.  

EVERYTHING YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT THE LEGENDARY APRIL KELLEY
When you set out in search of  most beautiful celebrities Hollywood has  ever have , British born stand out among them and the top of the Britain cadre is April Kelley.Talk of  outstanding Hollywood actresses who have given out their best  in the movie world and you will be making mention of people like Kelley. The award winning actress, has always been a delight to watch, especially with her latest film 'Annie Waits' which is now a must watch online for many around the world. Her dressing, beauty and charisma, has won her many accolades as an international brand. With 'Annie Waits', the sky is her limit as the film is presently  having a massive viewing at the on-going San Diego International Film Festival, Carlifornia, United States.