December 25, 2019

Social Media Bill, Attempt To Muzzle Free Speech, Says CDD

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has described the debate on the ‘Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019 (SB 132),’ known as the Social Media Bill as an attempt to muzzle free speech.

According to a statement signed by the Director, CDD, Idayat Hassan, the legislation which has passed a second reading in the Senate, is an attempt to use the legislative process to muzzle freedom of expression.
Hassan noted that the bill purports to tackle the increasing problem of false information in Nigeria.

He further stated that a number of draconian provisions in the bill empowers …

International Breweries Appoints New MD

A change of baton has been announced at International Breweries Plc (IB Plc), a part of the ABInBev group, the world’s largest brewer. Mr. Hugo Dias Rocha will replace Annabelle Degroot as Managing Director effective 1st January, 2020. According to a statement by IB Plc’s Company Secretary and General Counsel, Muyiwa Ayojimi, Annabelle is moving on to take up new responsibilities in Europe within the ABInBev Group, having successfully driven the company’s transformational agenda, which has seen IB Plc become the second largest brewer in Nigeria in the last 2 years.

The incoming Managing Director, Rocha is expected to consolidate …

APC National Reconciliation Committee as Revenge Vehicle

There are well placed concerns that the All Progressives Congress National Reconciliation Committee constituted by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the party is primed to achieve a take over of the structure of the party in Edo State through the back door, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

National Reconciliation Committee constituted recently by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the chairmanship of Senate President, Ahmed Lawan supposedly to reconcile aggrieved members in the party, though appears sportsmanly to the undiscerning in the face of the orchestrated crisis championed by the latter-day apostle of peace, but …

Melaye: An Integrated System Helps Prevent Corruption

The Information Officer, Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, Timothy Melaye in this interview with Ugo Aliogo, speaks about the focus of the organisation in the anti-corruption fight, among other issues. Excerpts:

What has been the focus of Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in the anti-corruption fight?
GIABA’s focus has been building the capacities of stakeholders in member States of ECOWAS to fight Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in West Africa. As corruption is one of the prevalent predicate offences of money laundering, GIABA has worked with several anti-corruption agencies through …

2019: Race For Capital Raising For Insurance Sector

The insurance industry in its continued struggle to realise its potential in 2019, met a lot of challenges.
Top among these challenges was harsh business climate which manifested itself in lull in underwriting business as not many of the expected policy renewals came the way of insurers during the year.

The problem was compounded by the regulator’s demand for over 300 per cent increase in the minimum paid up share capital of operating firms and persistent apathy of Nigerians to insurance.

Indeed, as the industry operators were about to heave a sigh of relief from the trauma of the …

APC Seeks Probe Of Clash Between Protesting Groups

Following last Monday’s clash between pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) and some civil society organisations demanding the release of the convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, other detainees, Agba Jalingo and Dadiyata, the ruling party has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure adequate actions are taken against anyone found to have overstepped his bounds

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) had gathered at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office in Maitama, Abuja, to present a letter to the chairman of the Commission when the miscreants allegedly invaded the venue and attacked the protesters.

FirstBank Organises Free Eye Tests for Women

FirstBank Nigeria Limited, in partnership with the International Women Society (IWS) and Vision Spring, has organised a free eye check and the provision of medicated glasses for over 500 women, notably widows.

The event which was part of the bank’s ‘Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness’ (SPARK) initiative coincided with the ‘Giving Tuesday,’ a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organisations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity.

Speaking at the event, the Group Executive, Energy and Infrastructure, FirstBank, Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu, said the bank’s corporate responsibility and sustainability activities aligns with the objectives …

Between UK And Nigerian Elections

If a Nigerian had arrived Britain in November, he would need to tune to news channels to be aware that elections were due in few weeks. Campaign posters posted on every available space that is characteristic of electioneering in Nigeria are missing. He won’t find party flags hoisted indiscriminately nor will he see large party insignias mounted at capital cities. Football stadia or public squares are not taken over suddenly for mega rallies. British boroughs remain serene and scenic.

Why not; because every day Britain has no posters or banners defacing the town in order to the get attention of …

Christmas: Lawan, Omo-Agege Send Message To Nigerians

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has felicitated with Christians as they celebrate Christmas and New Year festivities.

Lawan, in a goodwill message in Abuja on Tuesday, urged Christians and Nigerians not to forget the essence of the season, which was a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the ideals for which he lived.

“The birth of Jesus Christ is a great example of humility. He lived and preached peace, love, tolerance and self-sacrifice, and left mankind with the hope of eternal joy.

“These virtues transcend religion and deserve to be embraced by all Nigerians especially as we go

MTN

MTN Supports Physically Challenged Persons

In shaping an enabling and more inclusive society for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), MTN Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Abuja, Nigeria.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) was established by the United Nations in 1992 and observed annually on December 3. The theme for this year’s IDPWD “The Future is Accessible” focuses on creating a future; inclusive, fair, and conducive for persons with disabilities to excel without barriers and restrictions.

MTN Nigeria, through the MTN Foundation which was established in 2004 as the social …