COVID-19: MFM unleashes 40-prayer points, counsels Nigerians against panic - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Leading healing and deliverance ministry, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), has mashalled out some 40 prayer points against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) ravaging the world, reports ITREALMS.

MFM, informed ITREALMS that this weekend were led by the Holy Ghost to arrest the continuing spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease and advised Nigerians not to take panic. 

It has also, in compliance with the ban on gatherings and religious activities by the Lagos and Ogun State governments, suspended all church activities at all of its branches in Lagos and Ogun States forthwith till further notice.

General Overseer (GO) of the MFM, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, in a statement by his Media Office, reminded Nigerians of the various steps being taken by the Federal and State Governments to contain the pandemic.

Olukoya, who is a scientist and Prophet of God, said, having considered all involved and under the leading of the Holy Spirit, "I urge all Christians and men of faith, irrespective of denomination and religion, to pray the following prayers to receive protection and healing from the virus and other pestilence likely to come this year." 

Quoting from the scriptures: 3Jn.1:2, which says "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth", Psalm 91:1-16, among others, he advised Nigerians that: “These prayers should be done along with the officially released hygiene and sanitation protocols.

1. I soak my blood, bones and flesh in the wonder working power of the blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus.
2. I barricade my body from every invasion by disease germs, in the name of Jesus.
3. Holy Ghost fire, burn all disease deposits in my body to ashes, in Jesus’ name.
4. Blood of Jesus, laminate my life, in the name of Jesus.
5. I silence the voice of sickness speaking against my life, in the name of Jesus.
6. Let the blood of Jesus immunize me from every infirmity, in the name of Jesus.
7. Anything I have eaten or swallowed, presently working against my health, be dissolved by the power of God, in the name of Jesus.
8. My body, resist and reject every killer disease, in the name of Jesus.
9. Any organ in my body performing below expectation, receive the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus.
10. I shall not die but live to declare the works of God, in the name of Jesus.
11. All arrows of infirmity fired against me, go back to the sender, in Jesus’ name.
12. Thou power of the wasters, my body is not your candidate, clear away, in the name of Jesus.
13. Any curse of infirmity working against me, die, in the name of Jesus.
14. Any ladder or pipe supplying evil current into my body, break away, in the name of Jesus.
15. I receive divine tonic and vitamins by the power in the blood of Jesus.
16. My immune system, become unchallengeable by any infirmity, in Jesus’ name.
17. Yokes and covenants of diseases, break, in the name of Jesus.
18. Any programme of the spirit of death for my body, be extinguished, in the name of Jesus.
19. Witchcraft sponsored infirmity will not come close to my camp, in Jesus’ name.
20. I speak woe unto every troubler of the Israel of my life, in the name of Jesus.
21. By the power in the stripes of the Lord Jesus Christ, I chase every infirmity out of my body, in the name of Jesus.
22. Every garment of infirmity, catch fire, in the name of Jesus.
23. I drink the blood of Jesus and pass out from my body system every demon of infirmity, in the name of Jesus. (Do this prophetically)
24. I inhale the fire of God and pass out every deposit of infirmity from my body, in the name of Jesus. (Do this prophetically)
25. Every anchor of wasters, vanish from my body, in the name of Jesus.
26. Let the power of the shadow of the Almighty overshadow me, in Jesus’ name.
27. O Lord, make my body too hot for every demon of sickness, in Jesus’ name.
28. My blood, be vaccinated by the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus.
29. Diseases unto death, I am not your candidate, die, in the name of Jesus.
30. I render my body undevourable to eaters of flesh and drinkers of blood, in the name of Jesus.
31. Anything that I have eaten or swallowed assigned to attack my health, die, in the name of Jesus.
32. Rain of divine immunity, envelope and soak me, in the name of Jesus.
33. Holy Ghost fire, secure my defense against infirmity by fire, in Jesus’ name.
34. Every dark prophecy, dark prayer and dark wish against my well-being, I dash you to pieces, in the name of Jesus.
35. I crush every serpent and scorpion of generational infirmity, in Jesus’ name.
36. Blood of Jesus, Holy Ghost fire, detoxify my body, in the name of Jesus.
37. Power drinking the blood of my wholeness, die, in the name of Jesus.
38. Agenda of wasters for our land, be nullified with the blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus.
39. You dark stronghold, in charge of sickness and disease in our land, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus.
40. We use the blood of Jesus to sanitize our land and cleanse it from every coven-sponsored sickness and disease, in the name of Jesus.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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COVID-19: WHO, WhatsApp partner on free health alert service - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with WhatsApp has launched a health alert, reports ITREALMS.

The new service, which is free to use, has been designed to answer questions from the public about Coronavirus, and to give prompt, reliable and official information 24 hours a day, worldwide. This will also serve government decision-makers by providing the latest numbers and situation reports.

How the WHO Health Alert on WhatsApp works:

Start by clicking WHO Health Alert, then simply text the word ‘Hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started. The service responds to a series of prompts and will be updated daily with the latest information.

You can also visit the WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub at whatsapp.com/coronavirus, and click on the WHO link on the homepage to open up a chat with the WHO Health Alert if you have WhatsApp installed.

The WHO Health Alert will provide official information on topics such as how to protect yourself from infection, travel advice, and debunking Coronavirus myths. The service is initially launching in English but will be available in all six United Nations languages within the coming weeks (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.)

Since February, WhatsApp has reached out to dozens of governments to assist their efforts to provide accurate information to the general public. The WHO Health Alert is the latest official NGO or government helpline to become available on WhatsApp, joining the Singapore Government, The Israel Ministry of Health, the South Africa Department of Health, and KOMINFO Indonesia. We are actively working to launch local services with other countries as well.

Earlier this week WhatsApp, in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and UNDP, launched the WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub, to provide simple, actionable guidance for health workers, educators, community leaders, nonprofits, local governments and local businesses that rely on WhatsApp to communicate. The site also offers general tips and resources for users around the world to reduce the spread of rumors and connect with accurate health information.

WhatsApp also announced a $1M grant to the International Fact Checking Network to support fact-checking for the #CoronaVirusFacts Alliance, to report on rumors that may be circulating on various messaging services including WhatsApp or SMS.

Announcing the service, Facebook Founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg said in a post: “We've worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) on a way to get authoritative information about coronavirus sent directly to your WhatsApp. With WHO Health Alerts, you can receive their daily situation report, which has the latest numbers of cases by country around the world, as well as tips on how to protect yourself, and answers to frequently asked questions that you can easily send to friends and family. So many people wanted this service that even before we could announce it, people shared the link around WhatsApp and almost half a million people had already signed up.”

To sign up, just tap this link if you have WhatsApp installed:

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COVID-19: Why Catholics cancel some holy week ceremonies - ITREALMS

ForTheRecords@ITREALMS:

TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL

Dear Msgri. /Frs., Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

ON CURTAILING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19


Greetings from the Chancery. God bless you all.

You would recall that we issued a Special Circular on March 15, 2020, in which we gave further directives on the proactive ecclesiastical steps we needed to take as an Archdiocese to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We emphasized that these are critical times and as such critical measures needed to be taken. We also mentioned that we shall continue to monitor the situation in order to make adjustments as required.

The Corona Virus pandemic has continued to ravage the world and the number of people infected has increased at an alarming rate within one week in our country Nigeria. This has made the Government of Lagos State to put a limit on the number of people that can gather together in public at 50. 

As a Church, we are concerned about Public health and welfare as well as the protection of our faith and practices at the same time. We have been rather appalled at the level of preparedness to confront the pandemic in our Public health facilities given the experiences related by some of those who have had the need to contact the facilities or have had to use them. 

We worry that the areas that need to be addressed such as the land borders, (through which an infected person was reported to have already arrived in the country), are still largely unattended with regard to the coronavirus spread; the public transportation system and other public gatherings that could be sources of the spread of the virus are still very much unregulated. These make us fear that the measures we are to take with regards to public gathering to worship may be undermined by these other factors. 

However, we have a responsibility to cooperate with government with regard to welfare of citizens while also taking cognizance of the sacredness of our faith and practices. For this reason, we are constrained to make some adjustments that would alter some aspects of our lives as a faith community.

Given our duty to help protect public health in cooperation with the State Government as well as protect the values of our faith, we hereby make the following pronouncements:

a. In line with the authority that devolves to the Local Ordinary at critical  times such as this, we hereby pronounce that the elderly (65 years and above), pregnant women, nursing mothers and children below 18 years and those with serious health conditions who are more susceptible to infection by the virus are hereby relieved of their obligation to attend Mass even on Holy Days of Obligation and Sundays for the period of the next four weeks with immediate effect.

b. At this critical time, those among the faithful who consider that their health is jeopardized by attending Public gatherings, including Masses are also relieved of the obligation to attend Mass even on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation for the period of four weeks with immediate effect.

c. We actively encourage all the faithful to take advantage of following the Mass to be streamed live and on the Lumen Christi Television Network during the period of this emergency. We can make a Spiritual Communion at the appropriate time during the Mass. It is a part of our spiritual heritage that when circumstances such as the present one happens and we are not able to go to Mass, we can make a Spiritual Communion. Our faith teaches us that the Spiritual Communion is as effective as when we physically receive the sacred species, the Body and Blood of Christ. This is necessary so as to ensure that Sunday Masses are not crowded beyond the number 

d. Celebration of Masses: Public Masses on Sundays would be with not more than 50 persons.

• Parishes should consider making use of other available spaces within the Church premises such as Parish Halls to increase the number of Masses to be celebrated on Sundays.

• Parishes should also use the Small Christian Communities as venues for Masses.

• Parishes can also make use of projector screens to transmit Mass to other locations around the Church. 

• At this time, Saturday evening Mass in lieu of obligation for Sunday should be used more. 

• It is important to emphasize the need for maintaining the required social distance and spacing especially when attending Mass.

• We shall review this present directive with regards to Public Mass in due course as we continue the process of discernment.

e. Other Sacraments:
• At this time, Penitential Service with General Absolution is permitted, taking care not to have more people than the recommended number and with the appropriate social distance. 

• Visit of the sick for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick should be done ONLY when ABSOLUTELY necessary and should be done with extreme caution even if it means using cotton wool for the anointing and wearing facial masks. 

• Funerals should be celebrated only if absolutely unavoidable and should be with no more than 50 people in attendance.

f. Meetings of Societies: Associations of the lay faithful can have their meetings as long as they are not more than 50 people in attendance.

g. Devotions: Parishioners are encouraged to have the Stations of the Cross as private devotions. Blessing of religious articles and persons must be without touching.

h. Holy Week Ceremonies:
• Palm Sunday: Public procession with Palm fronds is suspended. The Rite of blessing palms in the Church is to be used. 

• Chrism Mass: The Chrism Masses would be only for Priests and those appointed.  It would be celebrated observing the required Social distance in the big Churches that we use for the two Masses. Priests should make arrangements to collect the Sacred Oils from the Chancery at their convenience.

• Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Parish Priests should choose those who will be in attendance from among the different groups and Associations in accordance with the size of their Church buildings. There should be no washing of feet. 

• Good Friday: Veneration of the Holy Cross on Good Friday should also be by choosing those to be in attendance according to the size of the Churches ensuring that the Social distance required is maintained. Adoration of the cross would be by simple genuflection.

• Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday: Celebration should be limited to those previously chosen according to the same conditions as on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

• Easter Monday: Parish Galilee Day Celebration is hereby suspended.

i. Live Streaming: Kindly note that efforts are being made that the activities of Holy Week would be streamed live from the Cathedral and would also be broadcast on Lumen Christi Television Network.

j. Churches: Our Churches remain open and are available for private prayers. We know that the importance of prayers cannot be over-emphasized especially now. We need God’s intervention at this critical time more than ever before. 

• The checking of temperature is mandatory in all parishes. 

• Where possible running taps with soap should be provided around the church premises or at the very least hand sanitizers. The faithful should be encouraged to take their hand sanitizers with them all the time.

• Parishes should enlist the help of medical and health workers to assist in creating awareness and sensitizing the faithful. We encourage our parishioners to avoid close contact with people who show symptoms of the virus.

• Parishioners who feel unwell are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance.
Knowing full well that the salvation of souls is the supreme law, we enjoin priests to apply pastoral discretion in carrying out the above directives.

Finally, my dear brothers and sisters, we want everyone to understand that these are extreme circumstances with safety of life and public health at stake. We expect all Catholics to comply with these directives. We strongly encourage all our people to intensify their prayers, both as individuals or families that the Lord will deliver us from this evil and bring an end to this Pandemic, bring healing to those affected and repose to the souls of those who have died. Be glad in hope, constant in tribulation, persevering in prayer. (Romans 12:12).

Ab omni malo: Libera nos Domine!

(signed)
+Alfred Adewale MARTINS
Archbishop of Lagos
March 20, 2020
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Adewale-Martins suspends Palm Sunday, Galilee Day celebrations - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has suspended the 2020 Palm Sunday, Galilee day celebrations in his domains due to rising spread of Corona virus also known as Covid-19, reports ITREALMS.

The Archbishop in a epistle sent to all priests, religious working in the archdiocese of Lagos and lay faithful, and made available to ITREALMS, Martins said that the church has to take certain actions to curtail the spread of COVID-19

"You would recall that we issued a Special Circular on March 15, 2020, in which we gave further directives on the proactive ecclesiastical steps we needed to take as an Archdiocese to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We emphasized that these are critical times and as such critical measures needed to be taken. We also mentioned that we shall continue to monitor the situation in order to make adjustments as required.

"The Corona Virus pandemic has continued to ravage the world and the number of people infected has increased at an alarming rate within one week in our country Nigeria. This has made the Government of Lagos State to put a limit on the number of people that can gather together in public at 50.

"As a Church, we are concerned about Public health and welfare as well as the protection of our faith and practices at the same time. We have been rather appalled at the level of preparedness to confront the pandemic in our Public health facilities given the experiences related by some of those who have had the need to contact the facilities or have had to use them.

"We worry that the areas that need to be addressed such as the land borders, (through which an infected person was reported to have already arrived in the country), are still largely unattended with regard to the coronavirus spread; the public transportation system and other public gatherings that could be sources of the spread of the virus are still very much unregulated. These make us fear that the measures we are to take with regards to public gathering to worship may be undermined by these other factors.

"However, we have a responsibility to cooperate with government with regard to welfare of citizens while also taking cognizance of the sacredness of our faith and practices. For this reason, we are constrained to make some adjustments that would alter some aspects of our lives as a faith community.

"Given our duty to help protect public health in cooperation with the State Government as well as protect the values of our faith, we hereby make the following pronouncements:

"a. In line with the authority that devolves to the Local Ordinary at critical times such as this, we hereby pronounce that the elderly (65 years and above), pregnant women, nursing mothers and children below 18 years and those with serious health conditions who are more susceptible to infection by the virus are hereby relieved of their obligation to attend Mass even on Holy Days of Obligation and Sundays for the period of the next four weeks with immediate effect.

"b. At this critical time, those among the faithful who consider that their health is jeopardized by attending Public gatherings, including Masses are also relieved of the obligation to attend Mass even on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation for the period of four weeks with immediate effect.

"c. We actively encourage all the faithful to take advantage of following the Mass to be streamed live and on the Lumen Christi Television Network during the period of this emergency. We can make a Spiritual Communion at the appropriate time during the Mass. It is a part of our spiritual heritage that when circumstances such as the present one happens and we are not able to go to Mass, we can make a Spiritual Communion. Our faith teaches us that the Spiritual Communion is as effective as when we physically receive the sacred species, the Body and Blood of Christ. This is necessary so as to ensure that Sunday Masses are not crowded beyond the number

"d. Celebration of Masses: Public Masses on Sundays would be with not more than 50 persons," he said.

The Archbishop also directed that Parishes should consider making use of other available spaces within the Church premises such as Parish Halls to increase the number of Masses to be celebrated on Sundays.

"• Parishes should also use the Small Christian Communities as venues for Masses. Parishes can also make use of projector screens to transmit Mass to other locations around the Church.

"• At this time, Saturday evening Mass in lieu of obligation for Sunday should be used more.

"• It is important to emphasize the need for maintaining the required social distance and spacing especially when attending Mass.

"• We shall review this present directive with regards to Public Mass in due course as we continue the process of discernment."

Further, Archbishop Martins emphasised that in other sacraments that at this time, Penitential Service with General Absolution is permitted, taking care not to have more people than the recommended number and with the appropriate social distance.

• Visit of the sick for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick should be done ONLY when ABSOLUTELY necessary and should be done with extreme caution even if it means using cotton wool for the anointing and wearing facial masks.

• Funerals should be celebrated only if absolutely unavoidable and should be with no more than 50 people in attendance.

f. Meetings of Societies: Associations of the lay faithful can have their meetings as long as they are not more than 50 people in attendance.

g. Devotions: Parishioners are encouraged to have the Stations of the Cross as private devotions. Blessing of religious articles and persons must be without touching.

h. Holy Week Ceremonies:

• Palm Sunday: Public procession with Palm fronds is suspended. The Rite of blessing palms in the Church is to be used.

• Chrism Mass: The Chrism Masses would be only for Priests and those appointed. It would be celebrated observing the required Social distance in the big Churches that we use for the two Masses. Priests should make arrangements to collect the Sacred Oils from the Chancery at their convenience.

• Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Parish Priests should choose those who will be in attendance from among the different groups and Associations in accordance with the size of their Church buildings. There should be no washing of feet.

• Good Friday: Veneration of the Holy Cross on Good Friday should also be by choosing those to be in attendance according to the size of the Churches ensuring that the Social distance required is maintained. Adoration of the cross would be by simple genuflection.

• Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday: Celebration should be limited to those previously chosen according to the same conditions as on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

• Easter Monday: Parish Galilee Day Celebration is hereby suspended.

i. Live Streaming: Kindly note that efforts are being made that the activities of Holy Week would be streamed live from the Cathedral and would also be broadcast on Lumen Christi Television Network.

j. Churches: Our Churches remain open and are available for private prayers. We know that the importance of prayers cannot be over-emphasized especially now. We need God’s intervention at this critical time more than ever before.

• The checking of temperature is mandatory in all parishes.

• Where possible running taps with soap should be provided around the church premises or at the very least hand sanitizers. The faithful should be encouraged to take their hand sanitizers with them all the time.

• Parishes should enlist the help of medical and health workers to assist in creating awareness and sensitizing the faithful. We encourage our parishioners to avoid close contact with people who show symptoms of the virus.

• Parishioners who feel unwell are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance.

Knowing full well that the salvation of souls is the supreme law, we enjoin priests to apply pastoral discretion in carrying out the above directives.

Finally, my dear brothers and sisters, we want everyone to understand that these are extreme circumstances with safety of life and public health at stake. We expect all Catholics to comply with these directives. We strongly encourage all our people to intensify their prayers, both as individuals or families that the Lord will deliver us from this evil and bring an end to this Pandemic, bring healing to those affected and repose to the souls of those who have died. Be glad in hope, constant in tribulation, persevering in prayer. (Romans 12:12)."


Chuks Egbune/DoP

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NUJ leads Champion staff to protest over unpaid 54 months salaries - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

For unpaid 54 months salary arrears, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council on Friday, led former staff of Champion Newspapers to protest at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of 2020 Champion Newspapers Excellence Awards, reports ITREALMS.

The protest against the management of the Newspapers was led by the Council Chairman, Dr. Quasim Akinreti as well as the National Trustee of the Union, Mr. Sylva Okereke.

It was gathered that as the protest was going on, the management of Champion Newspapers threatened to arrest the Council chairman and his team of protesters, who were unperturbed over the threats by the police and management of the hotel. 

The protesters claimed that the Publisher of the Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the Managing Director of the Company, Mrs. Nwadiuto Ihekanwa have been considered very insensitive to the plights of the past and present staff of the company, as over 25 staff have so far died due to non-payment of over four years salaries. 

It was gathered that despite selling the property of Champion Newspapers to Promasidor company for N2.5 billion, the heartless management refused to pay the over N100m owed to the staff. Protesters were seen carrying placards with inscriptions, "No Pay, no award! Madam, You're Wicked!! You have enslaved our members!!!

Others read in part, “Champion management you're heartless! Pay us our money" and “Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu enslaved our members.”

ITREALMS recalls that the 2020 Champion Newspapers Excellence Award was expected to attract at least two governors, including Governors Ayade and Ugwuanyi. Other recipients include, the CEO Airpeace, the GMD of Zenith Bank, Seplat and Globacom among others.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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NAF to partner Ekiti on cargo airport project - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has assured Ekiti State government of its readiness to partner with the state government on its agro-allied airport project, reports ITREALMS.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubarkar, who made this known during a visit to Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday, hinted on the readiness to establish a security unit at the airport when it becomes fully operational.

Air Marshal Abubakar, who together with top officials of the Force had a meeting with Governor Fayemi and his team, said the visit was in continuation of the meeting the Governor had with him at the Force Headquarters, Abuja last month, in respect of the cargo airport.

The Air Force Chief said the Force would continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the country is secured.

He said President Mohammadu Buhari was passionate about the security of the country, adding that this accounted for the establishment of about 13 units of the Force in different parts of the country in the last four and a half years. This, he said is in addition to the acquisition of more aircrafts in the fleet.

“Since the establishment of these units and other efforts by security agencies, we have seen substantial progress in terms of managing the security in those areas”., he said, adding that the NAF had also within the time frame procured 22 aircrafts to support other security agencies in combating crimes and making the country safe for people to legitimately carry out their businesses without hindrances.

Abubakar said: “I am very excited with this idea of a cargo airport in Ekiti. The potentials are enormous and I want to assure you again that the Nigeria Air Force will be most willing to be part of this. That is why we have everybody that is relevant to this here. In this entourage, we have Chief of General Operations that deals with the issue of flying; we have the Chief of Logistics who will look into the issue of ensuring that we get an apron and making sure that we have a small unit that takes care of the Airport by the time that it is fully operational.

“We also have the Director of Air Traffic Services who is also here to look into all the logistics relating to air traffic services, so I want to assure Your Excellency, the government and good people of Ekiti State, that the Nigeria Air Force is ready to work with you to ensure that you achieve the objective of the airport.”

Expressing optimism that the project would receive support from President Buhari Muhammadu, The Air Marshal said, “After this visit we are going to put together papers and other arguments and I am sure that the way Mr President has always looked at the issue of security will give us an opportunity to have a unit that will support all that is going on here.

Earlier, Governor Fayemi had disclosed that the establishment of the cargo airport would not only trigger local economy but provide support for the utilization of the medical and biomedical resources available in the State.

The Governor, who boasted that Ekiti has produced best minds in medical profession with establishments outside the state, mentioned that the cargo airport would provide the opportunity to attract them back to the State to be of service to the people and humanity in general.

He said, ”What we are actually trying to do is to develop a goal to cargo airport that is not just useful for Ekiti but for all the neighbouring states around us in Ekiti and we have Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Osun and Edo as neighbours.

”Most people are not aware we have the best state- of- the -art teaching hospital in this country in Ekiti today. This is not just an agro cargo vehicle, it is also going to be hub for many core tourism because on a daily basis sir, open heart surgery renal surgeries are taking place at the Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital and we have a lot of our medical experts, we have produced the very best minds in Medicine but because we don’t have a space for retaining them they are all over the place, they are outside the country. This is an opportunity for us to bring them back home to be of service to our people and to humanity in general.

Fayemi restated that the establishment of smart city around the airport to create a knowledge economy hub would also help the State to sustain its educational heritage and create wealth for the people of the State.

The Governor said, “We don’t want to lose that edge we want to take that advantage that we already have and turn it to a wealth creator, you can have education for education sake but you can also have education to serve a wider purpose, particularly for wealth creation and that is why we are building the smart city to turn this to knowledge economy as a hub in our country.”

Earlier the Technical adviser to the Governor on the Airport project, AVM Adeniyi Ojuawo, (rtd) who made a presentation on the project, disclosed that the State government had secured approval from the Federal Government, State Security Services, paid NCAA permit and certification fees of N125million and has conducted aerial survey and Land Survey of the project area.

Ojuawo added that the State Government has started crop enumeration, perimeter fencing, resolved all litigations regarding the projects and has turned the SOD of the land.

He said the airport project would enhance farmers productivity, make the State accessible through air, bring about rapid economic growth and development and fulfill the desire for national defence.

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Pix: L-R: Technical Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Airport Project, AVM Adeniyi Ojuawo (rtd); Ekiti State Deputy Governor , Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Secretary to State Government, Hon. Biodun Oyebanji; during the visit of the Chief of Air Staff to the Governor in Ado-Ekiti….on Wednesday.

COVID-19: FG closes all Tertiary institutions nationwide, unity schools - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government (FG) has ordered the closure of all tertiary institutions (Universities, Polytechnics etc ) across the nation as a measure to check rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) spread, reports ITREALMS.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Sonny Echono, made this disclosure Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

As said by him, they have directed all higher institutions to close this weekend.

"We have directed all higher institutions to close this weekend,” he said.

Echono also said that Unity Schools that have completed their exams are to close immediately.

Others, he said, are to hurry and close latest on 26th March.

Meanwhile, ITREALMS gathered that the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has ordered a closure of the institution for three (3) weeks, and others are expected to follow suit.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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COVID-19: Over 600 confirmed cases in Africa - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Over 600 cases of CoronaVirus, aka COVID-19 have been confirmed in 34 countries in Africa as of 19 March, reports ITREALMS.

This when compared with 147 cases one week ago is over 300 per cent increase.

Although the region has seen a significant increase in confirmed cases recently, there are still fewer cases than in other parts of the world.

“The rapid evolution of COVID-19 in Africa is deeply worrisome and a clear signal for action,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “But we can still change the course of this pandemic. Governments must draw on all of their resources and capabilities and strengthen their response.”

Twelve countries in the African region are now experiencing local transmission. It is crucial that governments prevent local transmission from evolving into a worst case scenario of widespread sustained community transmission. Such a scenario will present a major challenge to countries with weak health systems.

“Africa can learn from the experiences of other countries which have seen a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases through rapidly scaling up testing, isolating cases and meticulously tracking contacts,” said Dr Moeti.

Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic will evolve in Africa is still a work in progress. The response will need to be adapted to the African context – the demographics on the continent are very different from China, Europe and the USA. Africa has the world’s youngest population and it appears that older people are more vulnerable to COVID-19. However, preliminary analysis finds that people with underlying conditions are at higher risk. Across the Region, nearly 26 million people are living with HIV. Over 58 million children have stunted growth due to malnutrition. So it is possible that younger people will be more at risk in Africa than in other parts of the world.

WHO has been supporting governments with early detection by providing COVID-19 testing kits to countries in Africa, training lab technicians, and strengthening surveillance in communities. Forty-five countries in Africa can now test for COVID-19: at the start of the outbreak only two could do so. WHO is also providing remote support to affected countries on the use of electronic data tools, so national health authorities can better understand the outbreak in their countries. Personal protective equipment has been shipped to 24 countries, and a second shipment is being prepared for countries with confirmed cases.

“COVID-19 is one of the biggest health challenges Africa has faced in a generation,” said Dr Moeti. “We can only stop this virus through solidarity. And the world is coming together. Donors are stepping up to the plate and providing funding while private sector in many countries are offering their support as well.”

Lessons learnt in addressing previous epidemics are being used as a foundation to respond.

Basic preventative measures by individuals and communities remain the most powerful tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For this reason, WHO is helping local authorities craft radio messaging and TV spots to inform the public about the risks of COVID-19 and what measures should be taken. WHO is also conducting rumour management in all affected countries, and is guiding countries on setting up call-centres and hotlines to ensure the public is informed.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Zinox bags coveted SON certificate - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Zinox Technologies Limited, Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost technology company, has bagged the coveted Quality Management Systems (QMS) certificate of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), reports ITREALMS.

Equally important, Zinox was issued the certificate on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The certification confers an unerring mark of quality on the various products and solutions under the Zinox stable, for implementing and maintaining a management system that conforms to the globally-recognized requirements of SON’s applicable management system standards.

The certificate was received by General Managers, Uche Onyechere and Mrs. Chioma Nwoke, accompanied by other Management staff of Zinox.

Presenting the certificate, Deputy Director, Management System Certification at SON, Mr. Richard Adewunmi, praised the quality orientation behind the Zinox brand. Further, he urged the company to continue on the path of quality in its effort to contribute its quota to technological development in Nigeria and beyond.

Explaining why the certification is important, Adewunmi stated that deserving companies are awarded the QMS only after such companies must have met the QMS requirements and undergone the vigorous SON mandatory conformity assessment tests. He added that such acts go a long way in ensuring that only genuine technology solutions find their ways into the hands of end-users and consumers.

Meanwhile, Managing Director, Zinox, Mrs. Kelechi Eze-Okonta has expressed her delight at the development, even as she disclosed that the certificate was a reaffirmation that Zinox was on the right track. She added that Zinox was the first indigenous computer hardware manufacturing company to receive the ISO 9001 2000 for standardization and quality assurance, a disposition that is corporate culture and mission. Further, she reiterated that Zinox would not relent in its efforts to ensure that Nigerians and Africans have access to affordable and genuine technology products and solutions.

Mrs. Eze-Okonta said: “The certification gladdens our hearts. It shows that Zinox is consistent on the path of quality. This mark of quality has remained evident in our products and services.

“The SON QMS is one of the several certifications Zinox has received over the years since we started out. We are grateful to our teeming customers and other stakeholders for their continued patronage. We pledge to remain the preferred company of choice and assure them of committed services.’’

Nigeria’s first internationally recognized Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Zinox Technologies Limited, has been at the forefront of leading the ICT revolution in Nigeria. For over 18 years, Zinox has been Nigeria’s IT identity, delivering a suite of cutting-edge but affordable technological solutions, which include high-end personal computers (PCs), laptops, power service, servers, workstations and a host of IT solutions.

Recently, the foremost tech company has diversified into the lifestyle consumer market, with the iTEC brand which has won the hearts of a growing audience with a range of lifestyle and home & kitchen appliances including TV sets, generators, electric kettles, microwaves, toasters, coffee makers and sandwich makers, among others.

Zinox, which has forged close alliances with other global OEMs, has worked assiduously with multinationals and other reputable local organizations, such as Shell, Chevron, Total, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Ministry of Education over the years in a bid to decentralize technology to the Nigerian market and beyond.

*Editor
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23-yr Oladipupo wins N5m @AirtelThanks CashToken rewards - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The family of Daniel Oladipupo, a 23-year-old who has now become a multi-millionaire has expressed heartfelt gratitude after winning N5,000,000 (five million naira) cash reward under ‘AirtelThanks’, a CashToken reward programme by leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, in conjunction with CeLD, reports ITREALMS.

The winner, Oladipupo, was presented with a N5, 000, 000 cheque during a ceremony, which held on March 16th at Airtel Headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos and was attended by prominent members of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

Veronica Onoja, Director, Customer Experience, Airtel Nigeria, who was speaking during the prize presentation, said AirtelThanks will create life-changing opportunities for its over 50 million customers.

“This is a platform we have created to reward and appreciate our customers, with numerous benefits; ranging from cash rewards to Birthday appreciation gifts, Invites to Special events, Priority Service access and Personalized Relationship Management, among others.

“When CeLD Innovation Limited approached us with the cash token initiative, we felt it was something Airtel could key into, so as to reward our customers with life-changing cash opportunities.

“The CashToken Reward scheme is aimed at giving Airtel customers the opportunity to earn cash back, rather than just airtime and data bonuses,” she added.

Further explaining how the reward platform works, CEO, CeLD Innovations Ltd, Lai Labode, stated that each time customers purchase data or airtime, they are potentially turning things around for themselves, as this is an avenue by Airtel which is aimed at impacting the lives of its loyal customers.

“The CashToken is an electronic reward commodity, and as long as a customer stays loyal to the Airtel Network, their life can potentially change. The young man, Daniel Oladipupo is an attestation to the fact that anyone’s life could be touched by this innovative platform.

"I am proud that Airtel is the only network providing such an illustrious platform right now and this goes on to show it is truly dedicated to uplifting its customers”, he said.

The State Coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Priscilla Onuzula, stated that the reason for the commission’s presence at the event was to ensure that Airtel and CeLD kept their promise to deliver cash to the winner. She further stated that demonstrating transparency is key in ensuring winners are chosen fairly.

“We are here now and can see that winners have emerged and one of them is here to claim his money. Transparency is key in lottery, so the commission’s job is to ensure that promises are kept to people who emerge winners in this kind of scheme,” Onuzula said.

Oladipupo, the 23-year-old winner of the N5, 000, 000 cash reward expressed heartfelt gratitude to Airtel and CeLD for the reward initiative.

“I could not believe it when I first got the call. I ran to my father and relayed the information that I had just won five million naira and he was equally in disbelief. I never thought that this could happen to my family and I. We are still in shock as this was really unexpected and I can’t thank Airtel enough for turning our lives around,” he said.

The winner went on to praise Airtel for the programme, stating his family’s story has been changed forever with the unexpected win.

“If anyone had told us we would be millionaires, we wouldn’t believe such statement. My family’s story has been changed and we have Airtel to thank for this CashToken Reward platform. May God continue to bless Airtel for all that you do for your customers”, he added.

With CashToken rewards, every customer can win cash with each purchase of data and airtime. To subscribe to AirtelThanks CashToken Rewards scheme, customers are required to just dial *479# to get started. The CashToken Draw offers a chance to win big every week.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Bankers Committee, CBN to meet over N1.1trn intervention - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Plans have been advanced to host a strategic meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers Committee over the disbursement plan of the N1.1 trillion intervention fund to support critical sectors of the economy, over the Coronavirus (Covid’19) pandemic, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this to ITREALMS, the CBN governor said Wednesday that the management of the CBN will meet with the Bankers Committee this Saturday at 10.00 am to work out the modalities for the intervention.

has voted the sum of N1.1 trillion intervention fund to support critical sectors of the economy, over the Coronavirus (Covid’19), reports ITREALMS.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele made this known to ITREALMS said that out of the N1.1tn, about N1tn would be used to support the local manufacturing sector as well as boost import substitution.

Also in a press statement available to ITREALMS, the governor was quoted as saying that the balance of N100bn would be used to support the health authorities to ensure laboratories, researchers and innovators work with global scientists to patent and produce vaccines and test kits in Nigeria.

Emefiele noted that has become imperative following the Coronavirus pandemic, stressing that the N100bn would enable the country to prepare for any major crises ahead.

He said given the continuing impact of the disease on global supply chains, the CBN will increase its intervention in boosting the economy.

He said, “First, the CBN is directing all Deposit Money Banks to increase their support to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

“In local drug manufacturing, in increased bed count in hospitals across Nigeria, in funding intensive care as well as in training, laboratory testing, equipment and R&D.

“In addition to the N50bn soft loans to small businesses already announced, the CBN will increase its intervention by another N100bn in loans this year to support health authorities.

“Secondly, given the continuing impact of the disease on global supply chains, the CBN will increase its intervention in boosting local manufacturing and import substitution by another N1tn across all critical sectors of the economy.”

The N1.1tn intervention is coming about three days when the apex bank announced an N50bn facility for the Small and Medium Enterprises sector of the economy.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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Covid’19: CBN votes N1.1trn for critical sectors - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has voted the sum of N1.1 trillion intervention fund to support critical sectors of the economy, over the Coronavirus (Covid’19), reports ITREALMS.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele made this known to ITREALMS said that out of the N1.1tn, about N1tn would be used to support the local manufacturing sector as well as boost import substitution.

Also in a press statement available to ITREALMS, the governor was quoted as saying that the balance of N100bn would be used to support the health authorities to ensure laboratories, researchers and innovators work with global scientists to patent and produce vaccines and test kits in Nigeria.

Emefiele noted that has become imperative following the Coronavirus pandemic, stressing that the N100bn would enable the country to prepare for any major crises ahead.

He said given the continuing impact of the disease on global supply chains, the CBN will increase its intervention in boosting the economy.

He said, “First the CBN is directing all Deposit Money Banks to increase their support to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

“In local drug manufacturing, in increased bed count in hospitals across Nigeria, in funding intensive care as well as in training, laboratory testing, equipment and R&D.

“In addition to the N50bn soft loans to small businesses already announced, the CBN will increase its intervention by another N100bn in loans this year to support health authorities.

“Secondly, given the continuing impact of the disease on global supply chains, the CBN will increase its intervention in boosting local manufacturing and import substitution by another N1tn across all critical sectors of the economy.”

He said the management of the CBN will meet with the Bankers Committee this Saturday at 10.00 am to work out the modalities for the intervention.

The N1.1tn intervention is coming about three days when the apex bank announced an N50bn facility for the Small and Medium Enterprises sector of the economy.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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Ecobank names Donkor Non-Executive Director - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI, (www.Ecobank.com) the Lomé-based parent company of the Ecobank Group, has named two new appointments and changes on its Board of Directors, reports ITREALMS.

Accordingly, Dr. Georges Agyekum Nana Donkor has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to replace Mr. Bashir Mamman Ifo as the representative of Ecowas Bank for Investment & Development (EBID) on the Board of ETI. 

Dr. Donkor was recently appointed President of EBID following the retirement of his predecessor Mr. Bashir Ifo. Dr. Donkor is a Lawyer, Banker and Marketing Consultant with over twenty-five years’ experience in Senior Management capacities across several fields such as Finance, Strategic Management, Marketing, Legal, Compliance and Administration.

The Board also revealed the appointment of Mrs. Zanele Monnakgotla as a Non-Executive Director and nominee of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) of South Africa on the Board. 

Mrs. Monnakgotla has over 20 years’ public and private sector experience in Structured Finance and Strategy. She is replacing Dr. Daniel Matjila who resigned from the ETI Board when he left his role as Chief Executive Officer of PIC.

Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, Chairman of the Board of ETI, commenting on the changes said: “We must first of all, sincerely express our appreciation to Mr. Ifo and Dr. Matjila for their contributions on the Board and their tireless dedication to the Ecobank Group. We know that they will always remain members of the Ecobank family. As we formally bid them farewell, I do warmly welcome, both Dr. Donkor and Mrs. Monnakgotla and believe that their respective expertise would be most beneficial to the Board.”

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9mobile goes to Kaduna with 4G-LTE coverage - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Nigeria’s innov­ative telecommunicat­ion company, 9mobile, over the weekend added Kaduna to the list of cities that now enjoy superior quality service, thanks to the expanded coverage of the telco's 4G-LTE service in the historic city, reports ITREALMS.

Amidst high-pitch entertainment, fun, games and showers of gifts that delighted the residents, 9mobile switched on its uniquely superior highspeed 4G-LTE service which enables new and existing customers of the telco in Kaduna and its environs to enjoy quality voice and data services.

The telco's funfair train berthed at Barnawa, Southern Kaduna, for the 4G awa­reness campaign amidst fun, music, games and shower of gifts to the delight of residents, who trooped out en-mass to FMA Event Centre, along Algeria Road, Barnawa Phase 1.

​Speaking at the fun fair, Head, Region North, Sales, 9mobile, Kabiru Kaz­aure, said as a caring network, the expanded coverage of 4G-LTE in Kaduna as well as the rewarding of new and existing customers through the presentation of valuable gifts items underscored the telco's commitment to empowering subscribers to achieve more.

“At 9mobile, we are passionate and consistent­ in enabling individu­als, families, busin­esses and communities to grow and advance their various inte­rests, and the latest of such is the 4G-LTE coverage that we are expanding across Kaduna, “he said.
​
Not a day for lengthy speeches, there were live perfo­rmances by popular hip hop and R’n’B sin­ger and member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, Chibuzo Oji aka ‘Fa­ze’, who thrilled the audience with his popular trac­ks like ‘Kpopodikpo’, ‘Face Alone’ and Kolomental’, throwing them into a frenzy. The event also featured upcoming afr­o hip hop rapper, Chr­istopher Omenye aka ‘Yung L’.

Memorable highpoints of the day included the prese­ntation of a 220-volt power generating set to Cephas Ketah, who emerged the grand prize winner of the day’s raffle draw.

An excited Ketah exclaimed, "Thank God!! It is just God! I thank 9mobile greatly for this generator. I got my SIM card three days ago; ever since I have been praying to win something gr­eat in this event. Now God has met this important need through 9mob­ile. May God bless and increase 9mobile beyond expectations.”

Other amazing prizes won by customers included 5kg gas cy­linders, 10kg bags of rice, cartons of groundnut oil, rechar­geable standing fans, sewing machines, microwave ovens, elec­tric kettles, pressi­ng irons, cordless electric kettles, tab­le refrigerator and free airtime.

9mobile is the only Nigerian network that provides its custo­mers with 4G-enabled SIM cards right from the point of purch­ase since its entry into the Nigerian market over a decade ago; therefore, customers do not need to requ­est a SIM swap or up­grade to enjoy 4G LTE services.

9mobile recently inc­reased investment in the deployment of cutting-edge technolo­gy and creative solu­tions across its val­ue chain to deliver improved quality of service, and to enhance availability of 4G network to subscribers in cities across Nigeria to open a who­le new world of expe­rience and possibili­ties for new and exi­sting subscribers.

​Chuks Egbune/Editor

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FG places travel bans travel on China, USA, UK, Germany, 9 others

ITREALMS:

THE Federal Government (FG) has issued a travel ban on 13 countries over the spread of the Coronavirus, otherwise known as CoVID19, with effect from Saturday, March 21, 2020, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this development, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with the Presidential Task Force Committee on COVID-19 in Abuja, that the ban affected some 13 countries including China, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Italy, USA, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, France, and Japan.

He also said the committee after a meeting concluded that all officials in the Ministries, Department, and Agencies, comprising parastatals to stop all forms of travels out of the country for whatever reasons.

“At the conclusion of the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Task Force on the control of COVID-19, the committee has reached some decisions.

“We have decided to advise that all officials in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies including parastatals, that government has banned all forms of travels out of the country for whatever reasons.

“Whether for meetings, bi-lateral, multilateral, conferences, seminars, workshops and any form of other ceremonies. And this ban will remain in place until further notice and until the situation of pandemic nature of the COVID-19 stops.

FG warned that “By this notice, any prior approval to travel abroad on official assignment during this period is accordingly resisted.”

As said by Mustapha, the committee equally urged for scaling up the nation’s health emergency system to the highest level and put in measures to curb further spread of the disease.

The committee headed by the SGF also advised the citizens strongly in their own interest to cancel or postpone all non-essential travel abroad including business and vacation trips.

“This is especially so, especially when it comes to the countries known to be seriously affected by the COVID-19.

“Secondly, we urge anyone returning to Nigeria from any country to strictly self-isolate for 14 days. And that all people returning from countries with high community transmission rate, especially countries that have recorded a thousand cumulative cases and above would be actively isolated for 14 days by the health authorities,” he said.

The nation’s chief scribe said that the Nigerian government was also in support of measures taken by the government of other countries, particularly high burden countries who have urged their citizens to stay home and avoid non-essential travels.

*Uboshe Uboshe with additional reports from NAN

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MFW4A calls for essays on financial sector development - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Making Finance Work for Africa Partnership (MFW4A) has invited researchers and students enrolled in an academic institution to submit an essay on the African financial sector, reports ITREALMS.

The call for this year's essays aimed at fostering a better understanding of the issues challenging financial sector development on the continent and to gather thoughts, opinions and innovative ideas on how to develop the sector.
ITREALMS gathered that some of the topics selected for this edition aligned with MFW4A’s priority themes, including:

• Addressing financial illiteracy in Africa (financial inclusion);
• Deposit and Consignment Funds and African institutional investors: Roadmap for better social and economic outcomes (long-term finance); and
• Regulating non-bank financial services and Fintechs (governance and financial stability).

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years of age in 2020 and registered at an academic institution (university, college, etc.) either as student or researcher. There are no restrictions regarding a candidate’s field of study, however, the essay must be original, unpublished, and must relate to one of the above topics. Applicants from all countries are eligible to submit their essay, either in French or English.

The winning author will be awarded a 1,000-euro grant and will also be invited to discuss his/her essay with financial sector specialists during an MFW4A or partner event. The winning essay, along with the two runners-up, will be published on the MFW4A portal, the MFW4A newsletter and the blog section of the websites of MFW4A donors and partners.

Please submit a short outline that provides an overview of the essay by March 31, 2020. Selected authors will be invited to submit their full essay no later than May 15, 2020.

No fees are required from applicants.

The secretariat particularly encourages essay submissions by women and students from the African Development Bank’s regional member countries.

The Making Finance Work for Africa Partnership (MFW4A) is a unique platform for African financial sector development research, advocacy, knowledge management and networking. Its partners share a common vision of innovative, robust and competitive African financial systems, providing near-universal access to financial services by 2030, and offering a full range of products and services for the continent.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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Zenith Bank excites shareholders with N87.9bn dividend payout - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc were excited during the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Bank held Monday, at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre, Abuja as they unanimously approved the proposed final dividend of N2.50 per share, bringing the total dividend payment for the 2019 financial year to N2.80 per share with a total value of N87.9 billion, reports ITREALMS.

This followed the recent release of the Bank’s audited financial results for the 2019 financial year.

According to the audited financial results for the 2019 financial year, Zenith Bank recorded a profit after tax (PAT) of N208.8 billion, an increase of 8% from the N193 billion recorded in the previous year, thus achieving the feat as the first Nigerian Bank to cross the N200 billion mark.

The Group also recorded a growth in gross earnings of 5% rising to N662.3 billion from N630.3 billion reported in the previous year. This growth was driven by the 29% increase in non-interest income from N179.9 billion in 2018 to N231.1 billion in 2019. Fees on electronic products continue to grow significantly with a 108% Year on Year (Y-o-Y) growth from N20.4 billion in 2018 to N42.5 billion in the current year. This is a validation of the bank’s retail transformation strategy which continues to deliver impressive results.

Profit before tax also increased by 5% growing from N232 billion to N243 billion in the current year, arising from topline growth and continued focus on cost optimisation strategies. Cost-to-income ratio moderated from 49.3% to 48.8%.

The drive for cheaper retail deposits coupled with the low-interest yield environment helped reduce the cost of funding from 3.1% to 3.0%. However, this also affected net interest margin, which reduced from 8.9% to 8.2% in the current year due to re-pricing of interest-bearing assets. Although returns on equity and assets held steady YoY at 23.8% and 3.4% respectively, the Group still delivered an improved Earnings per Share (EPS) which grew 8% from N6.15 to N6.65 in the current year.

The Group increased its share of the market as it secured increased customer deposits across the corporate and retail space as deposits grew by 15% to close at N4.26 trillion. Total assets also increased by 7% from N5.96 trillion to N6.35 trillion. The Group created new viable risk assets as gross loans grew by 22% from N2.016 trillion to N2.462 trillion. This was executed prudently at a low cost of risk of 1.1% and a significant reduction in the non-performing loan ratio from 4.98% to 4.30%. Prudential ratios such as liquidity and capital adequacy ratios also remained above regulatory thresholds at 57.3% and 22.0% respectively.

In recognition of its track record of excellent performance, Zenith Bank was voted as the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria 2019 by the World Finance and the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto & Co. The Bank was also recognised as Bank of the Year and Best Bank in Retail Banking at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards. Most recently, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria, for the third consecutive year, in the recently released Banker Magazine “Top 500 Banking Brands 2020”, the Best Bank in Nigeria 2020 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020, and the Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the Thisday Awards 2020.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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