Top Stories
Ekiti Will Engage Youths in Value Orientation , Cultural Promotion – DG
The Director General, Ekiti State Council of Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre has urged youths to be part of the cultural reorientation and promotion of traditional heritage in the state.
Ojo Lanre said this while interacting with leadership of the Federation of Ekiti State Students, Ekiti State University Chapter, who visited him in his office in Ado Ekiti.
He said the council’s mandate was to rejuvenate, promote and support any idea that would enhance creativity, job creation and add value to the people of the state.
“You are the strength of the nation, you need to be involved in the development of the land especially in promotion of local festivals and traditional events, not in a violent way but in a way that will redefine and take our culture to a greater level of economic development.
“I expect you to come out with a solid plan and agenda that will enhance cultural activities and creativity among you, most of you are talented and culturally endowed and traditional activities will showcase you to the world.” the DG said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President, Federation of Ekiti State Students, Ekiti State University (EKSU ) chapter, Mr Alagbeleye Temitayo averred that the activities of the Council since the assumption of duty of the Director General has been a great source of inspiration to the body.
Also, in his contribution, the Senate President of the Association, Mr Adewale Damilola appreciated the Director General for his words of encouragement which according to him has given them another clue at harnessing their talent which they hope would be of immense benefit to all stakeholders as they hope to present a working proposal as a way of collaboration between the body and the council.
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Yahaya Bello wanted for an alleged financial crime to the tune of N80.2 billion,” Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency announced.
“Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 Billion,” the EFCC stated in a Thursday evening Facebook post titled ‘Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Wanted By the EFCC.’
“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest police Station,” the statement continued.
This declaration follows the absence of the chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Federal High Court in Abuja earlier in the day for a suit instituted against him by the EFCC.
Consequently, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the suit and called for substituted service and the possible arraignment of Bello for alleged money laundering.
-
Opinion3 days agoTinubu’s Naira Miracle: Abracadabra or Economic Wizardry? | By Adeniyi Olowofela
-
Politics3 days ago
Why Oyo State cannot afford another 3 years of Makinde’s mismanagement of council funds
-
News1 week ago
FERMA House C’ttee Chair, Oseni Consoles Sen. Buhari over mum’s death
-
Politics1 week ago
APC Urges Fairness in Oyo LG Election
