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A14-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by seven suspected cultists at Ogboli village in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State has narrated her ordeal in the hands of her rapists. The girl (names withheld) who went through one week of intensive medical examination and treatment at a government hospital in Asaba, told members of the State Child’s Rights Implementation Committee and Sexual Offences Unit of the Ministry of Justice how she was beaten and repeatedly raped by one Aboy Nwaise, Sunday, Michael, Abraham, Uche, Jungle Boy and another who were supposed to be her big brothers living in the same neighbourhood. Speaking to the government officials after the police had obtained her statement at the hospital, she alleged that Aboy’s mother had earlier threatened to deal with her through the son, but she never envisaged it would be by violent rape. She said they are tenants in Nwaise’s family compound and usually they run errands for Aboy’s father who usu...

BIBLE STUDY THE FEBRUARY PLAN Day 1: Isaiah 28 - 29 Mark 7: 1 - 13 Day 2: Isaiah 30 - 31 Mark 7: 14 - 37 Day 3: Isaiah 32 - 33 Mark 8 Day 4: Isaiah 34 - 36 Mark 9: 1 - 29 Day 5: Isaiah 37 - 38 Mark 9: 30 - 50 Day 6: Isaiah 39 - 40 Mark 10: 1 - 31 Day 7: Isaiah 41 - 42 Mark 10: 32 - 52 Day 8: Isaiah 43 - 44 Mark 11: 1 - 18 Day 9: Isaiah 45 - 46 Mark 11: 19 - 33 Day 10: Isaiah 47 - 49 Mark 12: 1 - 27 Day 11: Isaiah 50 - 52 Mark 12: 28 - 44 Day 12: Isaiah 53 - 55 Mark 13: 1 - 20 Day 13: Isaiah 56 - 58 Mark 13: 21 - 37 Day 14: Isaiah 59 - 61 Mark 14: 1 - 26 Day 15: Isaiah 62 - 64 Mark 14: 27-53 Day 16: Isaiah 65 - 66 Mark 14: 54-72 Day 17: Exodus 1 - 3 Mark 15: 1 - 25 Day 18: Exodus 4 - 6 Mark 15: 26- 47 Day 19: Exodus 7 - 8 Mark ...

BIBLE STUDY JANUARY PLAN D.1:  Genesis 1 - 3          Romans 1 D.2:  Genesis 4 - 6            Romans 2 D.3:  Genesis 7 - 9           Romans 3      D.4:  Genesis 10 - 12           Romans 4 D.5:  Genesis 13 - 15           Romans 5 D.6:  Genesis 16 - 17           Romans 6 D.7:  Genesis 18 - 19           Romans 7 D.8:  Genesis 20 - 22           Romans 8:1-21 D.9:  Genesis 23 - 24          Romans 8: 22-39 D.10:  Genesis 25 - 26              Romans 9:1-15   D.11:  Genesis 27 - 28              Romans 9:16-33               D.12:   Genesis 29 - 30           ...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele has announced that the new CBN policy to improve the Diaspora remittances into the country takes effect today, Dec. 4. Emefiele made this in his remarks on “Improving remittance Inflows into Nigeria ” obtained from the apex bank’s official website. He said that policy measures were designed to boost and facilitate an efficient flow of remittances sent home by Nigerians in the Diaspora. “In an effort to liberalise, simplify and improve the receipt and administration of the Diaspora remittances into Nigeria, CBN wishes to announce as follows: “Beneficiaries of Diaspora Remittances through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) shall henceforth receive such inflows in foreign currency (U.S. dollars) through the designated bank of their choice. Such recipients of remittances may have the option of receiving these funds in foreign currency cash (U.S. dollars) or into their ordinary domiciliary accounts. “These changes are necess...

In an apparent move to boost dollar supply into the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday introduced new rules that allow beneficiaries of diaspora remittance and transfers into domiciliary accounts to receive their money in foreign currency. Previously, beneficiaries of diaspora remittance can only receive in cash the naira equivalent of the amount transferred. Also foreign currency cash withdrawal from domiciliary accounts was restricted to money paid into such accounts by cash lodgements. Announcing the policy change yesterday, CBN’s Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. O Nnaji, said the new rules were to liberalize, simplify and improve the receipt and administration of diaspora remittances into Nigeria, as well as to ensure the stability of the foreign exchange market. He said the removal was also consequent on the improved capabilities of the apex bank to monitor transactions, forestall money laundering and prevent the adverse effect of dollarization in th...

Though what the Federal Government offered striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, fell beyond the lecturers’ expectations, they agreed to suspend their eight months industrial action because of the economic situation in the country and pressures from some stakehoders. The decision was not based on the negotiating ability of the government team which the union has not been comfortable with, checks by Vanguardhave revealed. As ASUU and FG teams met penultimate Friday, the National Bureau of Statistics announced that Nigeria had gone into another round of economic recession, as the Gross Domestic Products, GDP, shrank for the second consecutive quarter. The fact was corroborated by the World Bank which described the recession as the worst in over 30 years. A leader of ASUU, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence, said if the union was to consider government’s handling of the issue, the strike could go on for a very long time. “Though the government trie...

The World Bank on Friday announced the appointment of Cyndo Obre as the new International Finance Corporation (IFC) representative in Benin. A national of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr Obre holds a Master’s degree in International Finance and Business from the Institut Supérieur du Commerce de Paris. As country manager, he will work closely with IFC’s regional representation based in Accra, Ghana, and with the World Bank and MIGA teams. He will coordinate the increase of IFC’s interventions in Benin, particularly in key sectors such as access to finance for SMEs, infrastructure and value chains in the agricultural sector. In Benin, the new director’s most immediate priority will be the implementation of IFC’s COVID-19 response, according to an official statement. With a strong background in investment project structuring and IPP project development, Mr Obre also has transaction expertise covering a wide range of sectors, including industry, agribusiness, financial institutions, health, real estat...

To address infrastructural challenges at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Anambra State, former Governor Peter Obi has launched a N5 billion development fund for the institution. It was at the university’s 60th Founders’ Day where he was the guest lecturer. Obi decried the pace of development at the university, stating its alumni had done very little or nothing to help their alma mater. He said the fund-raiser would run for five years with a target of N1 billion yearly from the alumni from next year. “If about 10,000 alumni of the university can come together and make annual contribution of N100,000 each, we should be able to raise N1 billion yearly to help our alma mater,” he said. Obi, who promised to pay two per cent of annual fund mobilisation, said he would make funds available to the university to furnish the office apartment where the fund drive would be coordinated. “I will be fully involved and will supervise activities of the office,” he promised. The Vice-Chance...

Dr. Thomas W. Ikubese Former Presidential Aspirant, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has written President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting 10 solutions to the ongoing protest by Nigerian youths against police brutality, tagged, #EndSARS. Dr. Ikubese, in the letter, also alerted the president of what he described as a looming danger if the demands of the protesters are not met. Dr. Ikubese, who is also the Convener, YesWeFit Revolutionary Movement, however, urged the president to take expedient action in meeting the demands by the youths as well as many other solutions he suggested. The statement reads thus: President Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Complex, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria. “Dear President (Muhammadu Buhari) 10 THINGS YOU MUST DO URGENTLY! Your Excellency, permit me to skip felicitations, as happenings around Nigeria at the moment does not call for such. I consider it expedient to write you this open letter in order to avoid the looming disaster that may alter your pla...

After two days of cautious trading, the nation’s bourse on Friday recorded N164 billion growth following renewed investors interest. Specifically, the market capitalisation which opened at N14.815 trillion rose by N164 billion or 1.11 per cent to close at N14.979 trillion. Also, the All-Share Index rose by 315.41 points or 1.11 per cent to close at 28,659.45, from 28,344.04 on Thursday. Total led the gainers’ table growing by N10.20 to close at N112.20 per share. Presco followed with N5.40 to close at N65.90, while Zenith Bank garnered N1.55 to close at N21.55 per share. NASCO gained 90k to close at N13, while Guaranty Trust Bank added 85k to close at N30.35 per share. On the other hand, Eterna topped the losers’ chart, dropping 39k to close at N4.90 per share. Cutix trailed with 18k to close at N1.62, e Transact also dipped 18k to close at N1.73 per share. Fidson Healthcare was down by 6k to close at N3.50, Red Star Express lost 5k to close at N3.25 per share. In the same vein, the v...

The drums of war between the two main towns of Isokoland, Oleh and Ozoro, are beating feverishly as I write and I call on President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to act swiftly to prevent a needless bloodbath, an unmanageable refugee situation and the general horrors associated with wars and civil unrest. Nigeria, as the world, is currently reeling from the global coronavirus pandemic; we cannot afford to add to our troubles here at home by inaction. Yesterday, Friday, 16 October 2020, the town of Oleh, headquarters of the old Isoko Division and now of Isoko South LGA, was thrown into deep mourning by the news of the murder of 9 of its inhabitants (among them a child) by persons reasonably suspected to be from Ozoro. A full 24 hours after, there has been no denial that the murderers are from Ozoro. For some years now, Ozoro has been disputing ownership of lands at its border with Oleh. The Delta State government is very much aware of the dispute and had set up a conflict...

The Federal Government has promised to pay N40 billion, being the pending Earned Academic Allowance, EAA, of University teachers. This is as the ongoing dialogue between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, will continue on Wednesday, 21st October to enable the leadership to consult their organs on the conclusions reached at this last meeting. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, disclosed this while presenting the outcome of the meeting between the government and the university teachers. According to a statement issued by Mr Charles Akpan, Deputy Director/Head Press, the Minister stated that out of the N40 billion pending Earned Academic Allowance, N30 billion would be paid on or before 6th November, while the remaining N10 billion would be spread equally over two tranches to be paid on May 2021 and February 2022. He said that the government’s commitment to pay was in response to “the demand by ASUU for the payment of two tranches o...

First Bank CEO, Adeduntan First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan has been honoured with membership of Bretton Woods Committee (BWC). FirstBank has also joined Bretton Woods Committee as an Organisational Supporter in line with the commitment to demonstrate cooperation and foster global well-being. The membership, which is by invitation only, is in recognition of Dr. Adeduntan’s sterling leadership qualities including efforts in ensuring that FirstBank remains at the forefront in promoting financial inclusion in Africa. According Bretton Woods, ‘’committee members are leaders at the top of business, academic, and nonprofit sectors. Influencers from every region of the world – including industry CEOs, international policymakers, and former U.S. officials – we champion efforts to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty, and advance global financial stability. Given your leadership and background, we believe you would be a...

Abubakar Suleiman, CEO, Sterling Bank PLC The CEO of Sterling bank PLC, Abubakar Suleiman, has announced that the Bank has obtained the Central Bank’s approval in principle to enable it restructure as a Holding Company. The Bank’s desire to operate as a Holding Company was driven by its plan to spin off its Non-Interest Banking window which became operational in January 2014 into an autonomous entity. The Bank believes that the proposed structure incorporates efficiencies around operations and financing efforts that will support the individual businesses in reaching full potential through: • Increased portfolio diversification – The Holding Company structure enables the Non Interest Bank and other non-core businesses achieve greater results based on focused management of the distinct businesses • Improved efficiency resulting from the consolidation of key functions such as Compliance, Risk Management and other support functions, yielding improved prospects for individual business grow...

HAVING survived a civil war, security challenges, political and religious upheavals, it is desirable for the country to celebrate its 60thh anniversary, the Federal Government said yesterday. The activities will be staggered within one year and they will be low-key, Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said. According to him, the economic situation of the country caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will not allow an elaborate activities. Mohammed spoke at a news conference in company with Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Pantanmi and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq – all members of the media sub-committee of the event. Mohammed said the Buhari administration is “working assiduously to build a new Nigeria.” As part of the celebration, the President will launch the “National Ethics and Integrity Policy” and the ”Integrity Award” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Independent Co...

IMPORTERS and their agents have said that a 5.0 per cent increase is now effected in duty payable on all imports following the implementation of the new exchange rate by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS. The Customs, Vanguard Maritime Report gathered, commenced the enforcement of the new regime following the devaluation of the Naira exchange rate to N381 to a US Dollar, from N361, a development which most importers say will further impact negatively on the economy, especially the inflation rate. National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Joseph Attah, who spoke with Vanguard Maritime Report on the development explained that the increase is not a function of the Customs but that of exchange regime because as the Customs tariff has not changed. However, the exchange regime may result in a higher amount payable. The duty payable when the exchange rate N300 will not be the same when it is N450’’, he stated. Former National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freigh...

A man has been arrested in northern India after slashing his pregnant wife’s stomach with a sickle, leaving her critically ill and causing the death of their unborn baby boy, police and her relatives said. The woman was in intensive care in a hospital in the capital, New Delhi, said police in Budaun district in northern Uttar Pradesh state, following Saturday’s attack. According to Nypost, her brother said the attack took place because the husband wanted to know the baby’s gender. The couple already had five daughters. “He attacked her with a sickle and ripped her stomach saying that he wanted to check the gender of the unborn child,” the woman’s brother, Golu Singh, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Police said the baby was stillborn late on Sunday and a man had been remanded in custody. Daughters are often seen as a burden in India, with families having to pay dowries when they marry, while sons are prized as breadwinners who inherit property and continue the family name. Abortio...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has reduced interest rate to 11.5 per cent. What this means is that banks can now lend to their customers and other borrowers at around 11.5 per cent interest rate. Addressing journalists at the end of bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele said that to arrive at the decision, the Committee opted to “provide cheaper credit to improve aggregate demand, stimulate production, reduce unemployment and support the recovery of output growth”. This is the second time the MPR has been reduced in four months. MPR was reduced from 13.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent on the 28th of May, 2020. The Committee, however, observed that with inflation trending upwards, easing of the policy stance (reducing interest rate) may exacerbate the current inflationary pressure through an increase in money supply. The Committee decided to reduce the MPR by 100 basis points to 11....

A 35 years old woman, Ms Blessing Emmanuel, on Saturday, fell into labour and was delivered of a baby boy under the flyover bridge in Ajah area of Lagos State. The incident occurred at about 4.30p.m.The woman, who hails from Cross River State, was said to be homeless, but personnel from Lagos State Ambulance Services from Eti-Osa, were said to have come to her rescue. Both mother and baby were said to be fine, and have been taken to Island Maternity. Confirming the incident, Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, appreciated the Ambulance Services’s intervention, adding that mother and child were responding fine to treatment.

Honest Digbara, a.k.a Boboski Few hours after his arrest, the most wanted Rivers State criminal and notorious killer, Honest Digbara, aka Boboski is dead. He died following multiple gunshot injuries and machete wounds sustained during the crossfire that led to his arrest this morning. Vanguard had reported how Boboski was arrested. According to the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Joseph Mukan, Boboski and his gang on sighting “Police engaged and in a return fire, his driver was fatally wounded, while he was arrested alive. Dastardly acts carried out by them include kidnap of Barrister Emelogu who was killed after collecting ransom, kidnap and killing of DCO, Afam, SP Moses Egbede after collecting ransom. “Killing of a soldier and a personnel of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, at Gio pipeline, Ogoni last year. Kidnap of Chief Mbu of Ogu/Bolo who they kidnapped and collected ransom of 7million Naira.”