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Committee Of Bank In Nigeria Donates Multimillion Naira Relief Materials To Jigawa Flood Victims

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1 year ago

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The Committee of Banks in Nigeria on Thursday lifted the victims of the recent flooding in some parts of Jigawa State with a solidarity visit to Dutse, the state capital, during which they made donation of assorted items of relief materials to the State Government as part of their own contribution to alleviate the plight of those impacted by the September 2024 natural disaster.  

 

The donation of the relief materials comprising food items, including bags of rice, cartons of vegetable cooking oil, mattresses, and beverages were presented to the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar A. Namadi, by a high-powered delegation of the Committee of Banks in Nigeria led by their Chairman and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Dr. Oliver Alawuba.

 

Other banks’ CEOs that were on the delegation included the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), Access Bank Plc, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji; and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO); Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.

 

In his remarks while presenting the relief materials, Dr. Alawuba stated that the gesture by the bankers was one of the ways to empathise with the government and people of Jigawa State, and importantly the residents who were severely impacted by the floods. He added that the relief materials were targeted at boosting the current multi-stakeholder efforts to support the flood victims in getting back on their feet, as well as supporting critical institutions that provide care for the victims, especially public hospitals.

 

“I stand before you today as the Chairman of the Committee of Banks in Nigerian, to demonstrate our solidarity with the Government and good people of Jigawa State. Principally, we are in Jigawa State to empathize with the State Government, families, and relations of those who were severely impacted by the recent flooding that occurred across some local government areas of the state, in specifically in September this year. We pray for the repose of souls that were lost in the devastating floods, as well as comfort for their families. We also pray for the recovery and restoration of those who lost properties and valuables during the floods,’’ he said.

 

Speaking further, Dr. Alawuba asserted: “We are here today to lend our hand of help to the State Government by donating relief materials worth several millions of Naira in support of the affected residents, and also critical institutions that provide care such as public hospitals. We believe the relief materials consisting of food items such as; bags of rice, cartons of vegetable cooking oil, mattresses, and beverages would go a long way in providing comfort and lessen the burden of the victims impacted by the floods.’’

 

The Chairman, Committee of Banks in Nigeria added that the humanitarian gesture was a testament to the Nigeria banking sector’s commitment to supporting the well-being of Nigerians in times of need. “As bankers, we are not just concerned about the economic implications of natural disasters; we are also deeply troubled by the human suffering that accompanies them. We believe that it is our collective responsibility to support those affected and help them rebuild their lives,’’ he noted.

 

Dr. Alawuba stated that the gesture further affirmed the commitment of the Nigerian financial institutions to leading from the front as agents of positive change in society, while assuring that they would continue to work together to support those in need, promote economic growth and development, and to contribute to the well-being of our great nation.

 

He expressed gratitude to his colleague CEOs of Nigeria banks for their generosity and contribution to the relief effort. “Your support underscores our unrelenting passion for national development and care for the environment where we do our business,’’ he applauded.

 

Dr. Alawuba affirmed the long history of commitment of the Nigerian banking and financial institutions to the well-being of the Nigerian people and the environment, stating that the banking sector provided similar interventions to the victims of the 2011 flooding which affected 28 states and that of 2013 flooding which affected 32 states of the federation. Other interventions by the financial institutions include corporate support for the management and containment of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, including funding support for public healthcare infrastructure, and access to credit for micro and small businesses to stay afloat in the post-pandemic era.

 

He said, “Notably, we were proud to be part of the Central Bank of Nigeria-led Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) Relief Fund, where we contributed significantly to the Fund’s efforts to provide palliatives to vulnerable Nigerians and strengthen the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The intervention of the banking sector resulted in over Thirty-two Billion Naira (N32 billion) being pooled to fill a significant funding gap for the governments during the unexpected global pandemic.

 

“Furthermore, as we navigated the post-pandemic era, Nigerian banks played important roles in helping businesses recover. Banks in Nigeria supported firms of all sizes, to mitigate the impact of the extended lockdown and disruption to business activities in many ways. Through the stabilization funds, Nigerian banks provided loans and credits to small and medium businesses to stay afloat, thereby ensuring business sustainability, preventing job losses, and fostering national economic growth.’’

 

Additionally, Dr. Alawuba said Nigerian banks also support many other laudable initiatives across both economic and non-economic sectors, one of which is in the area of security. For example, he said banks have continued to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, which has become a model copied by other states for sustainable funding of the training, equipment, and welfare needs of personnel of the Nigeria Police deployed to the state. He said the support has led to improved security of lives and property in the state.

 

He disclosed further that the banking sector supported the government in rebuilding and remodeling of Police stations destroyed in the wake of the #EndSARS protesters, in 2020. With the support, he added that officers and men of the Nigeria Police now have more befitting workplaces to function.

 

The bankers commended Governor Namadi, the federal and state governments, donor agencies and other stakeholders for the efforts in responding to the need of the victims of the flooding, while noting that, through collective efforts and actions, we could all make a big difference in the society, as well as build a prosperous nation that works for all.

 

Responding, Governor Namadi thanked the Committee of Banks in Nigeria for their humanitarian gesture, describing it as a rare demonstration of love, care and empathy for humanity. He said he was particularly touched receiving such a high number of bank chiefs leaving their offices to come and show solidarity to the families and individuals affected by the flood.

 

“On behalf of the government and people of Jigawa State, I want to most sincerely thank you for this visit. Certainly, what you have done today has demonstrated a good sign of love, care and maturity because, I don’t think it has ever happened like this, for four managing directors of the big Nigerian banks leaving their offices and come and sympathise with us on the incident that happened to us; that has shown the serious sign of love, care and maturity,’’ he enthused.

 

Governor Namadi assured that the state government would continue to seek opportunities to work together with the financial institutions as critical enablers of socio-economic growth, adding that with the significant support of the banks, the task of supporting the flood victims to get back to normal life had received a boost.

 

He stated, “So whilst I really thank you very much, I assure you that as we go on we will continue to work together for the betterment of this country. Certainty, some time two of you at one time or the other has done something to help out Jigawa State and today again we are putting ourselves together as the body of banks’ CEOs also coming to our aide, to help our people and bring them back to life in order to move forward.’’

 

The governor gave the assurance that the donated relief materials would be judiciously used and get to the people they were meant for. “I also want to assure you that the Jigawa State government will continue to work together with you, to ensure that we improve the lives of those affected by the devastating floods.

 

“Like we said, these people have really suffered a lot; they lost their means of livelihood which is not easy at this time, but with the people and body like yourself, these people have a lot of hope and then at least they are being shown they have brothers and sisters that are there for them in their time of need. So, we really appreciate this gesture and we are not taking it for granted. We pray that God almighty will replenish your purse for what you have done for our people,’’ Governor Namadi stated.

 

Other personalities on the delegation for the donation of the relief materials were President, Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa; the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Akin Morakinyo, and others.

 

 

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Ignore Fake February 2 Sit-at-Home Order, IPOB Lawyer Tells South-East Residents

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15 hours ago

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January 31, 2026

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A human rights lawyer and lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has urged South-East residents to completely ignore what he described as a “fraudulent” sit-at-home order allegedly scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, by a faction of the group.

Recall that the pro-Biafran group, through its spokesman Emma Powerful, had directed a sit-at-home on February 2 across the region in solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market.

Powerful said the total shutdown in Biafraland is a direct, peaceful, and unified response to the actions of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week.

But in a counter statement released on Saturday, Ejiofor said the source behind the directive, operating under the guise of “Emma Powerful,” has been compromised and is acting against the collective interest of Ndi-Igbo.

He insisted that IPOB has formally and decisively distanced itself from the false sit-at-home order and directed Ndi-Igbo to go about their lawful activities without fear.

The statement read in part: “Once again, the well-worn theatre of misinformation has opened its curtains, this time with a particularly lazy script and an insultingly predictable cast.

“Late yesterday, a report was widely circulated alleging that a total lockdown of Ala-Igbo had been ordered under the guise of a sit-at-home directive purportedly issued by ‘Emma Powerful,’ slated for Monday, February 2, 2026.

“Let it be stated clearly, unequivocally, and without ambiguity: this directive is fake, a phantom, a calculated falsehood.

“Upon careful inquiry and diligent verification, especially considering the delicate and hard-won calm presently returning to our homeland, it became glaringly obvious that the so-called ‘Emma Powerful’ platform has been fatally compromised.

“It has been hijacked by vested interests whose business model thrives on fear, disruption, extortion, and the cynical exploitation of vulnerable communities.

“The peaceful global movement of the IPOB has formally and decisively disowned this fabricated publication, categorically distancing itself from the false sit-at-home order and directing Ndi-Igbo to go about their lawful and normal activities without fear.

“Going forward, the message from IPOB is unmistakable: any publication attributed to ‘Emma Powerful’ should be treated with extreme suspicion, if not outright contempt.

“Frankly, one cannot but express astonishment, bordering on disbelief, that at such a critical juncture, when relative peace is cautiously resurfacing in Ala-Igbo, anyone would recklessly circulate information capable of reopening wounds and inviting criminal infiltration.

“History has taught us, at unbearable cost, what happens when fake directives fall into the hands of violent opportunists masquerading as enforcers.

“It is therefore no longer sufficient to merely advise our people to ‘ignore’ publications from this source. The time has come for greater clarity and firmness. The platform known as ‘Emma Powerful,’ in its current corrupted state, has positioned itself as an adversary to Ala-Igbo’s peace, progress, and collective well-being.”

According to Ejiofor, the peaceful global movement must go further by publicly and definitively explaining why this source has become unreliable, compromised, and hostile to the collective interest of Ndi-Igbo. Silence, ambiguity, or polite distancing, he said, only leaves room for further abuse.

“A masquerade that dances with fire should not be mistaken for a messenger of truth,” the statement concluded.

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Joint Task Force Crushes Terrorist Cells In North East, Heavy Weaponry Seized

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17 hours ago

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January 31, 2026

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In recent operations across the North East, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralized scores of terrorists and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) in a statement said intelligence has confirmed the killing of JULAIBIB, a top ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, during an encounter around Kimba, Damboa LGA of Borno State, on 30 January 2026.

According to the statement, the elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation.

In a related operation, troops of OPHK, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised 3 terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.

It said the operation followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements in the area, as troops laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of 3 insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries.

The statement said troops recovered two AK-47, adding that the operation forms part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the Theatre.

It said troops also recorded multiple successes in Adamawa State, adding that on 29 January, 2026, troops responded swiftly to a distress call from Barama community, Mubi North LGA, foiling an armed robbery attempt. Two armed robbery suspects attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Items recovered include 3 cutlasses, 2 laptops, 4 mobile phones, and one power bank.

 

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Appeal Court Affirms Death Sentences for Five Offa Bank Robbery Convicts

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1 day ago

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January 31, 2026

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The Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State has affirmed the death sentences passed on five 2018 Offa robbery convicts.

The court dismissed their appeals as lacking merit.

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state, Mohammed Akande, who witnessed the proceedings, said that the three Appeal Court judges unanimously agreed on the judgement and affirmed the verdict of the state High Court condemning the five persons to death by hanging.

“The Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division comprising of Hon. Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi JCA, Hon. Justice Gabriel Kolawole JCA and Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo today, Friday affirmed the judgment of Hon. Justice H. A. Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court, that sentenced the Appellants: Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayoade Akinnibosun and Adeola Abraham to death by hanging for the involvement in the Offa Bank Robbery”.

Another official of the Court also said that the appellate court rejected all the grounds of appeal filed by the convicts and ordered their immediate return to prison custody.

“The court dismissed all their grounds of appeal and upheld their convictions. They have been taken back to prison,” the official said.

The official said that the arguments raised at the Court of Appeal were unconvincing and may not succeed if repeated at the apex court.

It is recalled that Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham were convicted of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.

A sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, died in custody before the commencement of the trial.

At least 32 people were killed, including nine police officers, two of whom were women, making it one of the deadliest bank robberies in Nigeria’s history.

Justice Haleemah Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court had earlier sentenced the five convicts to death by hanging after a trial that lasted about six years and attracted nationwide attention.

In her judgment, which lasted over four hours, Justice Salman held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

She said the convicts “acted contrary to the law and allowed their connections with those in power at the time to lead them astray”.

In addition to the death sentence, the trial court also sentenced them to three years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms, in line with provisions of Nigeria’s penal laws.

Lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), described the appellate court’s decision as thorough and well considered, despite the prolonged delays that characterised the trial.

On the defence side, Abdullah Jimba, counsel to one of the convicts, said that preparations were underway to pursue a final appeal at the Supreme Court.

 

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