Financial Street

20/09/2024

Massive support as Ighodalo unveils strategic vision for Edo


Edo State gubernatorial candidate on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, alias AI, has unveiled his strategic vision and insights on driving sustainable development and progress in the state.

A fund-raising dinner, organised by Corporate Nigeria for AI, comprising investment bankers, investment financiers, infrastructure financiers, capital market dealers, legal practitioners and private sector leaders within and outside Edo, at the weekend in Lagos, presented Ighodalo the opportunity to unveil his plans for the state themed ‘Pathway to Prosperity for All’.

Ighodalo, one of corporate Nigeria's finest and distinguished lawyers, says he’s stepping into the political foray to convert his great ideas into transformative action for the people of Edo.

As governor, Ighodalo’s capacity, global networks and proven track record will be at play as he unlocks the people’s rich potential and transforms latent talents into valuable assets.

He believes that despite the state’s rich heritage, it has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, with the advent of democracy contributing to several efforts to restore its glory.

Ighodalo disclosed his desire to consolidate on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s transformative policies in education, healthcare, agriculture and other key sectors of the economy.

20/09/2024

Three-dimensional challenges before Edo voters

By Ozioma Ubabukoh

About this time four years ago, Edo State was preparing to enter the governorship election, just as it is today. Coming barely a year after the 2019 general election, which magically brought back the then President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office, the Edo electorate mobilised against any form of imposition that could ensue from the notorious inconclusive verdict of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

As a result of that political consciousness, the people did not leave room for any doubt as to where their allegiance lies. It was on that premise that ‘4plus4 Ogbane’ became the rallying cry for all Edo adults of voting age. The people did not want a disruption of the quiet developmental revolution going on in their state under the watch of Governor Godwin Obaseki. They resolved that the investment banker, who deployed his expertise, pro bono, in setting up the scheme for good governance in the state, under a preceding administration, should retain the mantle.

So, having seen what the governor was doing by way of adroit laying of sound socio-economic foundation for the state, the electorate across the three senatorial districts insisted that ‘GO’ must have the full complement of two terms of four years apiece.

With that popular resolve, the ‘4plus4 Ogbane’ maxim was born. Of course, that central theme, which united the people of the Heartbeat of the Nation, has gone a long way to show their ability to defeat outside influence and deliver the mandate to whom it fits. Ever since, Nigerians have come to appreciate that Edo people are not only politically aware, but are also very particular about excellence, even as they preserve and project their common interest.

Like the 2020 governorship poll, the people of Edo are once more faced with the challenge of making a valid choice in the face of existential and circumstantial threats.

20/09/2024

Ighodalo reiterates end to godfatherism, says Edo deserves reliable leader

*Disciples dare Wike, party’s fifth columnists

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate in next Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has declared that godfatherism does not have a place in the state’s politics, stressing that Edo voters should elect a governor that will work for them independently.

This was as some followers of the PDP candidate warned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other selfish politicians to stay away from Edo or contend with their fury.

The governorship contender spoke when he was hosted to a fund-raising dinner by friends under the aegis of Corporate Nigeria for AI, comprising investment bankers, investment financiers, infrastructure financiers, capital market dealers, legal practitioners and private sector leaders, at the weekend, in Lagos.

The PDP flagbearer urged prospective voters going to the polls on Saturday to x-ray the strategic visions and programme outlines of all the candidates and remember the tough battle they waged to defeat godfathers and godfatherism in the state four years ago.

While clarifying his ‘Pathway to Prosperity for All’, the corporate lawyer said Edo had come too far that it should no longer be bogged by the activities of political jobbers and godfathers.

01/08/2024

As we welcome a new month, let's remember that every voice counts and together, we can create a powerful wave of change.

Happy New Month!

29/07/2024

The 2024 Afrinvest Banking Sector Report, to be launched on Wednesday, July 31, is expected to unravel issues around banking recapitalisation, the Federal Government’s plan to achieve $1tn economy and the geopolitical economic trends shaping the global financial landscape.

It will further discuss issues around the impact of global economic risks and domestic policy reforms on Nigerians and the banking sector, as well as recapitalisation of the Deposit Money Banks to support the economic target.

The report will digest issues around global economic outlook, global banking sector performance, domestic macroeconomic issues, monetary policy and financial sector regulatory environment.

Released yearly by Afrinvest West Africa Limited led by Ike Chioke and other executives within the group and subsidiaries, the year’s edition of the report will dissect issues around ‘Banking Recapitalisation: Catalyst for a $1tn Economy’.

There will be discussions on ‘Down Memory Lane… The Need for 2004/2005 and 2010 Banking Recapitalisation’, ‘How Banks Have Fared vs Capital Benchmark…The Birth of a Fresh Banking Recapitalisation Exercise’, ‘Banking Recapitalisation as a Driver of the $1tn Economy Ambition…Lessons from Indonesia and Banking in Post-Recapitalisation Period: A Potent Arsenal for Driving Infrastructural Development’.

According to the report, which summarises the banking sector performance in 2023 and first quarter of 2024, the Nigerian banking sector has witnessed several recapitalisation episodes in a bid to shore up the minimum capital required to compete locally and globally.

17/07/2024

Ehizua Hub Limited, a leading and Test House Tutorials, known as GBrains, have announced their strategic partnership to transform education by merging creative technology programmes with traditional high school subject tutorials.

Ehizua is an EdTech provider while GBrains is a renowned tutorial service provider.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ehizua Hub, Matthias Ehizua, in a statement, noted that the two academic groups were investing in personalised support for gap-year students, adding that experienced tutors would help navigate JAMB and WAEC syllabi, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

The Creative Tech tutorial programme combines technology education with conventional subjects, preparing students not only for exams but also for the digital economy.

“Ehizua and Gbrains are leading the charge, empowering students with essential tools for success. The objective is to holistically develop and equip students beyond academics, reduce reliance on illegal activities, make them job-ready with practical skills for the workforce to deter cybercrime, promote ethical awareness to minimises illicit online behaviour, and help them align with Edo’s vision for the digital economy.

“Ehizua Hub’s state-of-the-art facilities, including Computer Lab, Smart Classes, Virtual Library and Computer-Based Testing Centre, will enhance the learning experience. Creative technology tools will be accessible, ensuring students are well-equipped for the challenges of the modern world,” he stressed.

The collaboration between Ehizua Hub and Test House Tutorials not only prepares students academically, but also equips them with essential skills for the digital era.

“By empowering students and offering alternatives, we contribute to a safer online environment and support the state’s vision of becoming a knowledge and innovation hub,” he emphasised.

05/07/2024

Initiative has congratulated the Dean, School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, on her nomination as member of the Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group for the 2024 to 2026 term.

In a statement signed on behalf of the Chairperson, Initiative, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili; SPPG, members of the Work Study Group (WSG) and entire staff, the Executive Director of , Africa, Anthony Ubani, noted the prestigious appointment as a testament to Akiyode-Afolabi’s unwavering dedication, profound expertise and significant contributions to advancing gender equality and combating gender-based violence.

He added, “Your remarkable achievements and steadfast commitment to these critical issues have played a crucial role in earning you this distinguished recognition. Indeed, it is a strong and compelling testament to the quality and tangible impact you have made that you were selected as one of the 17 members of the Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group following a rigorous review of 140 applications.

“We are confident that your participation in the Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group will further amplify your impact, bringing valuable insights and fostering meaningful change on a global scale. We deeply admire and appreciate your tireless efforts to promote social justice and empower marginalised communities. Your leadership will continue to inspire us, and we are honoured to witness your ongoing journey of excellence and advocacy.”

The initiative urged the nominee to accept its warmest congratulations, as it looks forward to supporting her and celebrating her continued success.

is a value-based movement created to disrupt African politics and reconstruct Nigeria by building a bottom-up citizen-led political movement, while SPPG is integral to the fulfilment of the mission to elevate the Office of the Citizen to its rightful place in our nation and develop a political class of servant leaders.

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29/06/2024

Asaba multi-billion naira hotel not mine, says Obiano

As detractors circulate misleading video


The immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has denied ownership of a multi-billion naira hotel in Asaba, Delta State, which online media reports erroneously traced to him.

A viral video that emerged over the weekend linked Obiano to the high-end hotel, which is still under construction. The 55-second inaudible video showed different dimensions of the sprawling edifice and its environs, with a write-up alleging that the hotel project belongs to Obiano and wished it was built in Anambra, his home state.

But in a statement, the former governor denied the allegation, describing it as the trademark of detractors bent on embarrassing him.

“This is the hallmark of detractors out there to embarrass me and what I stand for. I do not own such a property, and I have no plans either now or in the future for such a property. I do not know about this property. I am not in any way connected to it. It is wrong to claim a property that belongs to someone else.

“It is baffling that someone sat at home to conjure this blatant falsehood, just to cast aspersion on an innocent fellow,” the statement reads.

Obiano wondered how he would leave Anambra, a state he governed for eight years, to build such a magnificent structure, which could create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for his people, in another state.

“With the resources God blessed me with, even before I became governor, I did not erect such a structure in my state. How could I go to another state to do such? Is it not the height of superfluity?” the former bank executive wondered.

He urged the public to disregard any story linking him to such a structure in any part of Nigeria and beyond.

27/06/2024

Three prominent Nigerians and democracy enthusiasts, Tito Adeniyi Aderoju, Bimbo Oloyede and Adeola Azeez, have supported the demand by the Office of the Citizen for local government autonomy and conduct of credible elections for sustainable democracy.

24/06/2024

17/06/2024

Happy Eid-el-Kabir to all our Muslim brothers

Eid Mubarak