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Tag: nigerian

  • Are Nigerian Banks at risk? CBN responds to viral allegations

    Are Nigerian Banks at risk? CBN responds to viral allegations

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has moved to dispel concerns about the stability of the country’s banking sector following controversial claims circulating on social media.

    In a statement issued by Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the CBN reaffirmed that Nigeria’s banking system remains strong, secure, and resilient.

    “The CBN wishes to categorically reassure the public, depositors, and stakeholders that the Nigerian banking sector remains resilient, safe, and sound,” she stated.

    Sidi-Ali clarified that all licensed banks, including the institution referenced in the circulating reports, are in full compliance with stringent regulatory standards, ensuring the safety of customer deposits.

    The apex bank also reiterated its commitment to ongoing oversight of financial institutions through robust risk management frameworks that help identify and address potential issues early.

    “These mechanisms ensure that any emerging issues are promptly addressed to protect the integrity of the financial system,” she added.

    The CBN urged the public to disregard unverified or sensational claims and to rely solely on information from official channels regarding the state of the financial sector.

    Mrs. Sidi-Ali concluded by emphasizing the CBN’s continued efforts to maintain a secure and stable banking environment where the public can trust that their funds are well-protected.

    “The CBN will continue to monitor and evolve strategies to safeguard the financial interests of all Nigerians and stakeholders,” she said.

  • Professor returns to Nigeria after 48 years in Canada without one achievement

    Professor returns to Nigeria after 48 years in Canada without one achievement

    …no child, no fortune

    A Nigerian academician, Professor Amos Mabayomije Ishola Awodiya, has shared an account of his return to Nigeria after spending 48 years in Canada, revealing that he has no wife, no child, and no personal wealth to his name.

    Professor Amos, who will turn 81 in June, shared his emotional story in an interview with cleric Agbala Gabriel, who later posted their over 40-minute conversation on Facebook.

    The post was captioned: “He spent 48 years in Canada without NOTHING. HE IS BACK HOME WITH NOTHING. NO WIFE. NO CHILD. NO HOUSE. He needs our HELP.”

    During the interview, the professor, who claims to be the first in the world to specialize in heuristic education, reflected on his life journey.

    He recalled returning to Nigeria in 1995 when he was appointed a minister, serving as a senior special adviser to Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon on secret intelligence information.

    The scholar, who is also an author and lecturer, revealed that he wrote the Nigerian Encyclopedia intending to publish it but was defrauded of N81 million naira, which birthed the beginning of his struggles.

    He revealed that the Encyclopedia was a 2000-paged handwriting book.

    He shared that he had been married at some point, but his wife passed away without bearing children.

    The professor and the cleric mostly communicated in Yoruba, highlighting the depth of his connection to his roots despite decades abroad.

    His story has sparked reactions online, with many expressing sympathy and offering assistance.

  • 13-year-old Nigerian boy dies after ‘attempting viral social media challenge’

    13-year-old Nigerian boy dies after ‘attempting viral social media challenge’

    A 13-year-old Nigerian Glenn Ohaeri., who is based in Southern California has died after attempting a dangerous social media challenge similar to past trends that have claimed multiple young lives.

    According to Ohaeri’s family, the young boy was found dead in his bedroom on February 3, just a day after watching the Grammy Awards with his family.

    Reports indicated that the mother of the deceased immediately performed CPR on him, while his father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., sought help from a neighbor who called emergency services.

    However,  efforts to save Glenn proved abortive, as he was later pronounced dead.

    Glenn’s parent began their investigations after initial signs pointed to a possible suicide. This is when they discovered that their son was influenced by a hazardous social media challenge that dares participants to render themselves unconscious.

    The trend, similar to the infamous “Blackout Challenge,” has been linked to several deaths in recent years, raising concerns among parents and authorities.

    According to the deceased parent, the boy did not have social media accounts, and his phone was equipped with strict parental controls, leading them to suspect he learned about the challenge from classmates or friends.

    Grieving their son, the family warned other parents, urging them to be vigilant about the content and trends their children may be exposed to, whether online or through peer influence.

    Ohaeri Sr. reflected on the tragedy, acknowledging that while he had educated his sons about the dangers of drugs, he had not considered the risks of social media challenges.

    “We don’t talk about not following social media trends or playing social media games,” he said. “And maybe we need to.”

    Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, and it remains unclear whether the incident is being investigated as a suicide or an accident. The Murrieta Police Department has not provided further details on the case.

  • US Embassy issues fresh directive for Nigerian visa applicants

    US Embassy issues fresh directive for Nigerian visa applicants

    The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced updates to its immigration visa process, effective January 1, 2025.

    Applicants with scheduled interviews will now need to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice as part of the application procedure.

    The embassy shared on its official X page that “For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, applicants are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

    “This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”

    According to details on the embassy’s website, the first visit will involve an “In-Person Document Review” with a consular staff member.

    The embassy explained, “This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews. The review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing.”

    The second visit will be the visa interview itself, conducted by a Consular Officer. This appointment will be scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC).

    “If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment,” the embassy noted.

    These changes, the embassy said aim to enhance efficiency and reduce delays caused by incomplete documentation.

    As announced earlier, in a related development, the embassy has transitioned to a new visa services provider for its Abuja and Lagos consulates on August 26, 2024.

  • BEWARE: FG directs Nigerians close to river banks to relocate immediately

    BEWARE: FG directs Nigerians close to river banks to relocate immediately

    The Federal Government, via the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has directed Nigerians living around river banks along the River Benue Basin to quickly move to safer grounds.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG, reports this was contained in a statement on Thursday, NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, warned that water on the River Benue has reached the flooding level due to increased rainfall.

    He also urged those along the River Niger to move to a safe location as the management of Kainji and Jebba Dams are working to control the floodwaters.

    The NIHSA boss urged Nigerians to cooperate with the emergency management agencies and work together to build resilience against flooding in Nigeria and minimise the effects of the flood.

    Recently, the government warned Nigerians to relocate to safe ground after the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. This followed the release of water from the overflowing Alau Dam killed over 30 persons and swept away thousands of homes in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State.

    In 2022, flooding ravaged many states, claimed 665 lives, displaced 2,437,411 persons, and affected 4,476,867 persons, according to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    TNG recalls in 2023, devastating floods affected 159,157 individuals, caused the loss of 28 lives, and displaced 48,168. The release of water from the Lagdo Dam contributed to some of the flooding cases experienced.

    For 2024, NEMA said flooding affected 1,048,312 people between April and September 2024, displaced 625,239 persons and killed 259 lives.

  • SEE LIST: NDIC to liquidate 87 Nigerian banks revoked by CBN

    SEE LIST: NDIC to liquidate 87 Nigerian banks revoked by CBN

    The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) will, at the expiration of its notice released on August 23, 2024, approach a Federal High Court to grant the order to dissolve 87 microfinance banks and primary mortgage banks in the country.

    The Corporation disclosed this in a statement titled “Notice of intention to terminate liquidation activities” published on its website.

    The statement reads, “NOTICE is hereby given to the General Public that the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), in its capacity as the Liquidator of the under-listed closed Microfinance Banks and Primary Mortgage Institutions, in accordance with the provisions of its enabling law and other relevant laws, will at the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of this publication present an application to the Federal High Court to obtain dissolution orders of the closed banks and to release/discharge Corporation as Liquidator of the banks.”

    See Affected Banks and their dates of licence revocation

    1. Galilee MFB, Abuja – 26 September 2018

    2. Pinnacle MFB, Abuja – 4 February 2014

    3. Royal Children Heritage MFB, Abuja – 26 September 2018

    4. Savings Corp MFB, Abuja – 26 September 2018

    5. Spec MFB, Abuja – 26 September 2018

    6. Imad MFB, Abuja – 26 September 2018

    7. Ihima MFB, Kogi – 4 February 2014

    8. Liberty MFB, Kogi – 26 September 2018

    9. Ovidi MFB, Kogi – 24 November 2020

    10. New Mercantile MFB, Abuja – 4 February 2014

    11. Altitude MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    12. Bonded MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    13. Hybrid MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    14. Mar-Bonch MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    15. Coral MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    16. Lasu MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    17. Shoreline MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    18. Sovereign MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    19. Wealthbasket MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    20. EDS MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    21. Compass MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    22. Enterprise MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    23. Freegate MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    24. Funds Matrix MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014
    25. Green Field MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    26. Interglobal MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    27. Kings MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    28. Keystone MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    29. Vinning MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    30. Marvelous MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    31. Santrust MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    32. TSM MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    33. Biztrust MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    34. Gideon Trust MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    35. Ethics MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    36. First Credit MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    37. Gapbridge MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    38. New Gate MFB, Lagos – 24 September 2010

    39. Primate MFB, Lagos – 24 September 2010

    40. Mustason MFB, Lagos – 24 September 2010

    41. Mustard MFB, Lagos – 26 September 2018

    42. Southwest MFB, Lagos – 24 September 2010

    43. Trust One MFB, Lagos – 23 May 2023

    44. Traders MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    45. Citiserve MFB, Lagos – 4 February 2014

    46. SVP MFB, Rivers – 4 February 2014

    47. CKC MFB, Rivers – 4 February 2014

    48. Acorn MFB, Rivers – 4 February 2014

    49. Aracom MFB, Ondo – 4 February 2014

    50. Homeland MFB, Bayelsa – 24 September 2010

    51. First Golden Mercury MFB, Osun – 4 February 2014
    52. Cubic MFB, Edo – 24 September 2010

    53. Solace MFB, Delta – 4 February 2010

    54. Top Mega Trust MFB, Delta – 4 February 2014

    55. Advance MFB, Akwa Ibom – 26 September 2018

    56. Umu-Uma MFB, Anambra – 4 February 2014

    57. First Amalgamated B/S, Kwara – 5 January 2015

    58. Horizon Building Society, Abuja – 6 August 2012

    59. Imani Savings & Loans, Abuja – 6 August 2012

    60. New Capital Savings & Loans, Abuja – 6 August 2012

    61. Owners Home S & L, Abuja – 6 August 2012

    62. Perennial Building Society, Abuja – 6 August 2012

    63. Primrose Savings & Loans, Abuja – 6 August 2012

    64. Global Building Society (Confluence S&L), Abuja – 5 January 2015

    65. Melrose Savings & Loans, Abuja – 6 August 2012

    66. Acclaim Homes and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    67. CB Homes Savings and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    68. Coastal Homes Savings and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    69. Crest Mortgage Savings and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    70. Estaport Building Society, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    71. Guardian Trust S & L, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    72. Home Trust Savings and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    73. Mars Home Investment Savings and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    74. Omono Building Society, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    75. Secure Savings and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    76. Urban Shelter Savings and Loans, Lagos – 6 August 2012

    77. Consolidated Estate Building Society, Lagos – 5 January 2015

    78. Home Foundation Savings and Loans, Lagos – 5 January 2015

    79. Password Savings and Loans, Lagos – 5 January 2015

    80. Supreme Savings and Loans, Lagos – 1 October 2018

    81. Midland Mortgages, Rivers – 5 January 2015 (Self-liquidation)

    82. Garden City MFB, Rivers – 26 September 2018 (Self-liquidation)

    83. Combined Benefit MFB, Bayelsa – 4 February 2014 (Self-liquidation)

    84. Corporate MFB, Oyo – 4 February 2014 (Self-liquidation)

    85. Lofty Heights MFB, Edo – 4 February 2014 (Self-liquidation)

    86. Express MFB, Abia – 4 February 2014 (Self-liquidation)

    87. Multi-Banc Savings and Loans, Lagos – 5 January 2015 (Self-liquidation)

  • Nigerian breaks GWR after 3-day gaming marathon

    Nigerian breaks GWR after 3-day gaming marathon

    A 24-year-old Nigerian, Oside Oluwole, has broken a world record by continuously playing a soccer video game for three days, according to the Guinness World Records (GWR).

    The GWR said Oluwole, with the nickname, “Khoded”, performed the longest videogame marathon playing a soccer game, registering a time of 75 hours.

    It said he far surpassed the previous record of 50 hours, set by Englishman David Whitefoot in 2022.

    “Oside, a qualified biochemist who currently works as a car dealer, attempted this record to raise money for a local hospital in his hometown of Ijebu Ode.

    “Unlike all seven previous record holders who played either FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer during their attempts, Oside played mobile game Dream League Soccer 2023 on his iPhone, which he connected to a TV screen.

    “Oside has been an avid fan of the free-to-play soccer sim ever since first downloading it in 2016.

    ”He played over 500 matches during his record attempt.”

    For rules of all ‘longest marathon’ records, GWR said Oluwole accumulated five minutes of rest time after each hour of gaming , only during these breaks could he eat, nap or use the toilet.

    “I really enjoyed myself playing for 75 hours straight with just some hours of rest.

    ”It wasn’t an easy task, but I must say it was all fun.

    “It was such a great moment; the event was very interesting and I’m grateful to God that it was successful,” Oluwole said.

    According to Oluwole, he now hopes to set more world records through playing soccer videogames, including those on consoles such as the FIFA and PES series.

  • Nigerian pilgrim returns lost €1,750 pounds in Hajj

    Nigerian pilgrim returns lost €1,750 pounds in Hajj

    Another good Nigerian pilgrim, Muhammad Na’Allah from Gumi Local Government Area of Zamfara state has returned the sum of €1,750 (One thousand seven hundred and fifty euros) which he found at the Haram in Makkah to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for onward delivery to the owner

    Gumi, was accompanied to the Hajj Commission office in Ummuljud, Makkah by officials of the Zamfara State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

    Receiving the Money, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi praised the Pilgrim, saying the gesture symbolizes the name of the Pilgrim “Na’Allah” which demonstrated the Pilgrim’s closeness to Allah.

    “This shows his pilgrimage has positively impacted his personal character, behavior and attitude,” he said.

  • Why I love being underestimated- Wizkid

    Why I love being underestimated- Wizkid

    Nigerian singer, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has said he loves to be underestimated.

    According to him, it is his biggest motivation.

    The musician disclosed this in an Instagram live session with TEFLives when the host asked how he handles the external pressure to constantly prove himself.

    Wizkid said,

    “I love it when people underestimate me, it fuels me more than anything else in the world.”

     

  • Why I tore all my prayer requests — Toke Makinwa

    Why I tore all my prayer requests — Toke Makinwa

    Popular Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa  has revealed why she tore apart all her prayer requests to God.

    She took to the micro blogging platform Twitter, X, to share her deepest concern\ about why there is so much suffering in the world.

    According to her, she woke up and tore her prayer requests because the people that are suffering are not God’s enemies.

    She said, “I know God is real, but I struggle to understand why there is so much pain in the world, why good people die, why death has to be so excruciating, why does it seem like when you’re about to enjoy life, something goes wrong? Why do kids/young people die? Why were they born sef?

    “Today I woke up and tore up all my prayer requests, cos the people that have tragedy befall them are not God’s enemies. I have realized he owes us nothing. Good and bad happens to all. Just do your own bit and relax, life has already been programmed to happen how it will. ❤️”