64th Independence Anniversary: Makinde Extends Subsidised Transport Scheme By Six Months•••Relaxes Measures For Agric Credit Loans To Small Holder Farmers

by

  By Adeleke Maria  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on residents of the state to keep hope alive as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, noting that his government will continue to take decisions that serve the best interest of the people. Governor Makinde stated this on Tuesday, during his Independence Day Address relayed on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). The governor maintained that as part of decisions to mitigate the economic challenges facing the people, he has directed an immediate change in the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loan for small farmers. According to him, instead of the requirement that allowed only civil servants to guarantee farmers seeking the loan, residents who seek to access the loan can now be guaranteed by community associations, farmers and artisanal associations. He equally declared a six-month extension for the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Transport Scheme, which has seen intra-city and inter-city transportation in state government-owned Omituntun Buses subsidised by more than half, noting that he has also directed that a similar subsidy be introduced on trucks for crop transportation across the state. These measures, the governor said, were introduced to reaffirm his government’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the people amid the cloudy economic times in the country. He said: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience. “Here in Oyo State, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity. “They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. As we face these cloudy economic times, we must remember our resilient spirit. Rest assured, the sun will rise. “As your government, we use this Independence Day celebration to reaffirm our commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of Oyo State. “This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations. “We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another six months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme. The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for evacuation of farm produce. This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions. “Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us—our shared identity, our culture, and our history. We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends. “We will, as a government, continue to give strength to democratic institutions because we believe this is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations. “I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the security of our people remains a top priority. During your celebrations, you may notice an increased security presence. Do not be alarmed—they are there to ensure your safety and guarantee a peaceful celebration. “So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 64, let us not dwell on the difficulties of the present. Instead, let us use this period to reflect on what we can do differently, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past. “Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead.”

Bridging the Divide: How Eniola Taiwo’s Smartsave is Bringing Offline Nigeria into the Digital Economy

by

An Exclusive Interview with CityBuzzNews CityBuzzNews: In today’s Nigeria, fintech startups seem to emerge almost every week, many of them targeting the same digital-savvy population. But there’s still a large segment of the population that operates mostly in cash. What inspired you to focus on this overlooked group? Eniola Taiwo: You’re absolutely right. We looked at the market and saw a gap wide enough to drive a truck through. Everyone was building for the online user, but no one was building a bridge for the offline user to cross over. That’s the problem we decided to solve with Smartsave. We wanted to make financial inclusion truly inclusive. CityBuzzNews: That’s an interesting perspective. So how exactly does Smartsave bridge that gap between offline and online users? Eniola Taiwo: Smartsave operates on what we call a “phygital” model – essentially a blend of physical and digital services. Instead of expecting users to come fully online immediately, we meet them where they are. We have a network of trained field agents, or what we call account officers, who go into communities, register customers physically, and collect cash savings directly from them. Once the agent collects a deposit, they log it into our admin app. Within moments, that transaction reflects in the customer’s Smartsave digital wallet, and they get an SMS confirming it. From there, they can download our app and begin tracking their balance in real time. It’s seamless. CityBuzzNews: That sounds like a clever way to build trust. What made you believe this model would work in a cash-heavy society like Nigeria? Eniola Taiwo: It all comes down to trust. You can’t just tell someone who has dealt in cash their whole life to suddenly trust a mobile app. You have to start with a handshake, a receipt, and a human conversation. Once they see that their physical cash is now safely reflected in a digital balance they can view, the fear fades. That’s when adoption begins. We realized that digital transformation for this segment has to start from relationship before technology. CityBuzzNews: Impressive. How has the response been so far in terms of growth and adoption? Eniola Taiwo: It’s been very encouraging. We’ve already onboarded over 5,000 users, even though we’re still in our growth phase. What’s more exciting is that about 40% of those who started with only physical deposits have now downloaded the Smartsave app to track their savings and even make bill payments. So far, we’ve processed over ₦30 million in transactions, including savings and bills. Every week, our field officers keep signing up dozens of new customers who eventually begin engaging with the app themselves. It’s a gradual but powerful migration from offline to digital. CityBuzzNews: Beyond the business numbers, what does this mean to you personally as a founder? Eniola Taiwo: For me, this goes beyond business. It’s about empowerment. Smartsave is not just helping people save – it’s helping them build financial confidence. When I see a woman who has always relied on cash now using the Smartsave app to pay her electricity bill or track her savings, that’s deeply fulfilling. We are guiding people into the digital economy one Naira at a time, and that, to me, is the real impact. CityBuzzNews: Finally, where do you see Smartsave – and the future of fintech in Nigeria – heading next? Eniola Taiwo: I believe the future of fintech in Nigeria isn’t purely digital; it’s phygital. For financial inclusion to truly work in a country like ours, innovation must walk hand-in-hand with accessibility and human connection. Smartsave is proving that you can merge both worlds successfully – and that’s where we’re headed.  

Oct 1st: IGP Orders Water-Tight Security, Felicitates With Nigerians On 64th Anniversary …Orders Clampdown On Miscreants

by

  As we celebrate our nation’s 64th Independence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM has ordered water-tight security across the country to create a safe and conducive environment for citizens of our great nation to celebrate this landmark occasion. As part of the IGP’s comprehensive plan to ensure a seamless celebration, the IGP has ordered the deployment of adequate human and tactical resources to enable a maximum level of security for the independence celebration. The Police, in synergy with other security agencies, will fortify various designated event venues and the major highways across the country, to forestall any threats to lives and property and the celebration. Additionally, the IGP has directed all personnel deployed for various operations during the celebrations to be courteous and firm in their engagements with members of the public. The Inspector-General of Police also felicitates with Nigerians as we commemorate our independence anniversary, noting that Nigerians are urged to reflect on the journey, triumphs and challenges that have shaped our nation, honoring the sacrifices of our founding fathers and the generations that have contributed to our nation’s growth, unity and progress. IGP Egbetokun reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding our nation’s security, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and upholding the rule of law. We are dedicated to serving our communities with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. As we move forward, let us rekindle our sense of national pride, foster unity, and work together towards a brighter future for all Nigerians. As we commemorate our journey to freedom and self-governance, let us remember our responsibilities to promote peace and respect for the rule of law.

Woman Arrested For Stealing 7-Day-Old BaBy During Naming Ceremony In Nasarawa

by

    The Nassarawa State police command has arrested a woman for stealing a 7-day-old baby girl during the child’s naming ceremony in Keffi Local Government Area of the state. The spokesperson of the command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, September 29, 2024, said the suspect claims to be pregnant. “On 28/9/2024 at about 1830hrs, Police operatives attached to Keffi Division arrested one Khadija Aliyu ‘F’ for stealing a seven days old baby girl during a naming ceremony in Keffi,” the PPRO stated. “The suspect, who has been claiming to be pregnant, attended a naming ceremony at Behind INEC office, keffi. “While the event was ongoing, she sneaked into the house and stole the baby that was laid to sleep, carried the child behind her back, covered her with a veil and escaped before she was later arrested.”

Anthony Joshua Suspended From Boxing

by

  Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been handed a 28-day suspension from boxing by the British Boxing Board of Control following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last Saturday at Wembley Stadium. Joshua was floored four times and ultimately knocked out in the fifth round by Dubois’ devastating right hand. The suspension, a standard medical precaution after a KO or TKO loss, prevents Joshua from entering the boxing ring during this period. However, with no confirmed upcoming fights, this enforced break is unlikely to affect the former two-time heavyweight world champion’s immediate plans. Joshua’s loss to Dubois marks his fourth professional career loss, following setbacks against Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk. Despite speculation about his future, Joshua has dismissed retirement talks, expressing his determination to come back stronger. He has hinted at possibly invoking a rematch clause to face Dubois again. In a social media message, Joshua reflected on his career, saying, “We’ve got to look at the positives… It’s far from over yet,” while vowing to make the right steps forward to return to the top. Promoter Eddie Hearn has also suggested potential future bouts, including a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury. Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, mentioned that Dubois could fight again in February, leaving the door open for a rematch if Joshua chooses to pursue it. Meanwhile, Joshua could also wait for the outcome of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout scheduled for December.   Business Day

Tinubu Appoints 1988 OAU First Class Graduate Adviser For China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership

by

  President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Tegbe as director-general and global liaison for the Nigeria-China strategic partnership reached by the two countries during the President’s visit in September. Mr Tegbe, a 1988 first-class graduate in civil engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Osun State, will report directly to the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Sunday. Mr Tegbe is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. “He will immediately submit a strategic action plan to enable Nigeria to benefit from the agreements between the two countries in Beijing. As the czar of the strategic partnership, he will lead day-to-day operations, engage continuously with the Chinese counterparts, and ensure that all deliverables are met and synchronised with national development goals. “In the strategic plan, he will outline the specific deliverables, timelines, and key performance indicators for each area of cooperation. This will include priority projects, projected investments and expected socioeconomic outcomes,” the statement said. At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping pledged 360 billion yuan, about 51 billion dollars, in new financing to African nations in the next three years. He also pledged support for 30 infrastructure projects to boost connectivity across the continent and create one million jobs. During his official visit before the FOCAC, Mr Tinubu also obtained a commitment from Jinping to support Nigeria’s economic diversification plans, infrastructure development, technology transfer and job creation. Nigeria and China, among others, agreed to collaborate on expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and creating new industrial parks. The two countries committed to establishing hospital alliances and collaborating on medical research. Under the agreement, Chinese healthcare professionals will be deployed to support Nigeria’s healthcare system. China and Nigeria agreed to collaborate to advance education and talent development, focusing on vocational training, STEM education, and academic exchanges. Joint initiatives, such as establishing engineering technology academies and providing scholarships, will help equip Nigerian youth with skills needed in a modern workforce. The two countries also planned to improve Nigeria’s agricultural practices through knowledge sharing, technology transfer and investment in sustainable farming techniques. “Tegbe, 58, who will ensure the actualisation of the agreements, had his education at Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, and Obafemi Awolowo University, and has about 35 years of experience in business strategy. He was the senior partner and head of advisory services at KPMG in Africa, with a portfolio and responsibilities that included the Middle East. He also led subnational governments such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, and Bayelsa, in investment drives to South Africa, Denmark, China, India, Singapore, and the UAE,” the statement indicated. NAN

Breaking: Lion Kills 35-Year-Old Worker In Obasanjo Library’s Zoo

by

  The Ogun State Police Command on Sunday confirmed that a 35-year-old zoo worker at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Babaji Daule, was on Saturday killed by a lion. The spokesman for the state police command, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Sunday. The Bauch State born lion handler was said to have forgotten to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal. This reportedly allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in injuries to his neck and eventual death The victim’s body was said to have been removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, while the wild lion was shot to release its grip on the handler. Details later

5 Worshippers Died, Others Hospitalised For Eating ‘Feast’ In Ibadan Church

by

  Five worshippers have been confirmed dead, while others are on admission at the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, after they took part in a feast known in Yoruba parlance as ipese organised by an Ibadan-based white-garment church. However, as of the time of filing this report on Saturday, about 50 of the worshippers had been discharged from the centre Sunday Tribune gathered that the incident happened during a service held in the church last Sunday. The feast otherwise known as ipese, as reliably informed, is part of the traditional events in conformity with the church’s doctrine. A source in the church said that it has not been established medically whether the ipese was responsible for the death of the affected victims. According to him, “I ate the prepared beans like every other member, including the victims and nothing happened to me. “The incident was not all about ‘ipese’ as made to believe. “The various organs of government, including the police, Directorate of State Services, (DSS), media organisations, World Health Organisation (WHO) have been to this place on a fact-finding mission “Their findings are yet to be made public, but I can tell you that it is not about ipese as being insinuated. “It is true that some victims are still undergoing treatment at IDC Olodo. “Also, there is no iota of truth in the rumour that the church premises have been put under lock and key. “The Shepherd-in-Charge has been attending to visitors since morning. He is taking his test. You (our correspondent) can’t see him now unless you come tomorrow during the service.” Also, a senior medical staff at IDC Olodo, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the incident. He said 50 of the victims that were rushed to the IDC have been treated and discharged. According to him, “Some of the affected persons were brought to the centre for treatment. As of today (Saturday), 50 of them have been discharged while others are still on admission. “The state commissioner for health is likely to address the press on the incident next week. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident. According to him, “Investigation is ongoing on the matter.”

School Resumption: Oke-Ogun Group Donates Uniforms To 83 Indigent Students

by

  According to the Coordinator of the forum, Surveyor Eegundiran Abiodun, during the presentation of the uniforms to students at Iseyin District Grammar School (IDGS), Iseyin, on Friday, said the forum has contributed towards the educational growth of the State in the past, which was recorded in the distribution of ten thousand exercise books to primary and secondary schools, provision of nose masks during the Covid-19 pandemic, supply of whiteboards and markers to schools, payment of Joint Admission And Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for indigent students. A socioeconomic development group, named Oke-Ogun Dynamic Forum (OODF) has distributed new uniforms to eighty-three indigent students of various public schools across the region. The gesture which was part of the group’s contribution towards the reduction of out-of-school children in the State and contribute towards stamping out societal vices among youths. According to the Coordinator of the forum, Surveyor Eegundiran Abiodun, during the presentation of the uniforms to students at Iseyin District Grammar School (IDGS), Iseyin, on Friday, said the forum has contributed towards the educational growth of the State in the past, which was recorded in the distribution of ten thousand exercise books to primary and secondary schools, provision of nose masks during the Covid-19 pandemic, supply of whiteboards and markers to schools, payment of Joint Admission And Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for indigent students. Among the schools where the uniforms were distributed on Thursday and Friday are Baptist Secondary School, Koso, Iseyin, Muslim Grammar School, Iseyin, Ekunle High School, Iseyin, Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin and Anwar-Ul- Islam High School, Iseyin. Others are Baptist High School, Ilero, Ilua Community Grammar School, Ilua, at Kajola Local Government while they visited Baptist Grammar School, Otu, Ipapo Grammar School, Ipapo, Oke-Amu Community High School, Oke Amu and Komu Baba Ode High School, School at Komu in Itesiwaju local government for the same mission. Abiodun called on people of means in the society to wake up and assist those in need, especially in the present economic situation of the country that might worsen the rate of school enrollment, as most parents may not be able to afford basic materials like uniforms for their wards. “The Okeogun Dynamic Forums, originally inaugurated in December 2018 as the Okeogun Community Development Forum, has grown significantly since its inception. “The organization, which encompasses members from 10 local governments in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, was founded with the cardinal objectives of fostering socio-economic development, promoting peaceful coexistence, enhancing educational and welfare opportunities, supporting cultural activities, campaigning against societal vices, and promoting a culture of excellence and moral values. “Since 2019, the forum has carried out several impactful initiatives, including distributing over 10,000 exercise books to primary and secondary school students, providing nose masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplying whiteboards and markers to schools, paying JAMB, NECO, and WAEC fees for selected students, and organizing career talks and entrepreneurship programs. “Today marks the last day in which the forum has been distributing school uniforms to selected students in Iseyin, Itesiwaju and Kajola local governments. “We plan to extend these efforts by visiting five selected secondary schools in Iwajowa Local Government in the coming week apart to capture the envisaged eighty-three beneficiaries. “We are using this opportunity to call on people that have opportunities that these children don’t have to please assist in whatever way to complement the efforts of government to keep these children in school and thereby curb social vices that arise from their not having education,” he pleaded. Surveyor Eegundiran added that in 2024, the organization officially changed its name from Okeogun Community Development Forum to Okeogun Dynamic Forums following its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and has since contributed towards achieving an Oke-Ogun region with viable socio-economic development.

Court Invites Kemi Alao-Akala Over Late Former Gov’s Estate

by

  The wife of the late former Governor of the Oyo State, Kemi Alao-Akala, has been invited by the state High Court to appear before it within 30 days. The court ordered her and her co-defendant in a suit number 1/443/2023 filed before the Court over the alleged illegal obtaining of a letter of administration over the estate of her late husband, Adebayo Alao-Akala without the consent of the claimant. The court gave the order while granting an ex-parte motion on an order of substituted service brought before it by Dipo Olasope, SAN, counsel to the claimant, Toyin Alao-Aderinto, against Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi, over alleged mismanagement of the estate of late Adebayo Alao-Akala by the defendants and their privies. The service of a writ of summons, a copy of which was obtained by PUNCH Online on Saturday in Ibadan, said, “You are hereby commanded that within 30 days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of this service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in action at the instance of the claimant.” The suit marked I/443/2024 is challenging the actions of the defendants, Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi, who have been accused of illegally obtaining a letter of administration from the state High Court on October 6, 2022, in connection with late Alao-Akala’s estate, mismanaging the deceased’s assets and property and further excluding the claimant/applicant from benefitting from the distribution of the assets of the estate of late Alao-Akala, the claimant’s father. Oluwatoyin Alao-Aderinto, the first daughter of the deceased, is seeking the leave of the court to declare as illegal, null and void a letter of administration illegally obtained by the duo of Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi from the registry of the state High Court and to also grant an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants, including Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi, by themselves, agents or privies or whomsoever is claiming through them, from continuing to sell or dispose any asset (real or personal), belonging to the late former Governor of the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.