July 8, 2024

[GIST] Lifeline for PoS operators as CAC extends registration deadline

[GIST] Lifeline for PoS operators as CAC extends registration deadline

Guardian Nigeria News https://bit.ly/4bBVXSr

A TWO-MONTH lifeline has been handed Point of Sales (PoS) operators in the country by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for them to register with it.

Specifically, PoS operators now have till September 5, 2024 to register with CAC or risk clampdown.

In May 2024, the CAC gave the operators till July 7, 2024, to register or face sanctions. The need to register was premised on the need to check the rising fraud cases associated largely with PoS businesses in the country.

But due to calls and pressures on the CAC from several quarters across the country, deadline extension was announced.

CAC, on its X handle, at the weekend, said: “The Corporate Affairs Commission wishes to notify fintech operators, also known as Point of Sale (POS) operators, that the initial deadline of July 7, 2024 given for the registration of sole agents, super agents and other agents has been extended for a period of 60 days beginning from July 7, 2024 to the September 5, 2024.

“This is to give sufficient time to the operators, particularly those in remote areas who might have encountered network challenges, to register and continue with their businesses. Operators, who fail or refuse to register at the end of the extended deadline, run the risk of losing such businesses and prosecution for aiding and abetting criminal activities.”

Since the deadline was announced in May, some of the PoS operators have been complaining about difficulties in getting their registration done on the commission’s portal. This prompted the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to appeal to the commission to simplify the process.

The governor appealed to the commission, on Thursday, during a courtesy call on him by the Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, at Alausa, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, suggested that the CAC could adopt a model similar to the state tax card, which provided a database for the government to manage infrastructure needs without burdening businesses.

While expressing the state government’s willingness to collaborate with the CAC to ensure seamless registration of businesses in the state, he emphasised the need for more sensitisation to correct the perception that registering with the CAC was difficult.

The Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) claimed that the move by CAC would hinder the growth of the agent banking sub-sector, whose worth was put at N13 trillion.

AMMBAN, while responding to earlier deadline of July 7 by CAC , had stated the forceful registration would impact on members negatively.

The National President, Fasasi Atanda, noted that registration was not a means of fighting fraud, as a lot of registered companies are into all forms of fraud.

According to him, fraud in agency banking is not about CAC registration, but about collective action of the stakeholders, which AMMBAN is working with all the security agencies.

The post Lifeline for PoS operators as CAC extends registration deadline appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.

July 7, 2024

[GIST] Deadly strikes hit Gaza as war enters tenth month

[GIST] Deadly strikes hit Gaza as war enters tenth month

Guardian Nigeria News https://bit.ly/3SeH5mf

Israel carried out deadly air strikes in the Gaza Strip as the war entered its tenth month on Sunday, with fighting raging across the Palestinian territory and fresh diplomatic efforts under way to halt the violence.

Israel has said it will send a delegation in the coming days to continue truce talks with Qatari mediators that began recently in Doha.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman said “gaps” remained with Hamas on how to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

“It was agreed that next week Israeli negotiators will travel to Doha to continue the talks. There are still gaps between the parties,” the spokesman said in a statement on Friday.

Meanwhile, the fighting in Gaza continued unabated, with the Palestinian Red Crescent saying Sunday that the bodies of six people, including two children, who were killed in Israeli strikes had arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central city of Deir al-Balah.

Paramedics also said Sunday that six people had been killed in an Israeli strike on a house in a northern area of Gaza City.

The day before, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said 16 people had been killed in a strike on a school run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) that was sheltering displaced people in Nuseirat, in central Gaza.

The Israeli military said its aircraft had targeted “terrorists” operating around the Al-Jawni school.

The military earlier said it had conducted operations across much of the Gaza Strip, including Shujaiya in the north, Deir al-Balah and Rafah in the south.

Shujaiya is among the areas the military had previously declared to be cleared of Hamas, but where fighting has since resumed.

The Hamas press office and paramedics said four journalists working for local media outlets were killed in strikes overnight into Saturday, and UNRWA said two of its employees had been killed.

UNRWA, which coordinates much of the aid delivered to Gaza, says 194 of its employees have been killed in the war.

– ‘Ball in Israel’s court’ –
The United States, which has mediated ceasefire negotiations alongside Qatar and Egypt, has talked up the prospects of a deal, saying there is a “pretty significant opening” for both sides.

US President Joe Biden announced a pathway to a truce deal in May that he said had been proposed by Israel.

It included an initial six-week truce, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza’s population centres and the freeing of hostages held by Palestinian militants.

Talks subsequently stalled, but a US official said Thursday that a new proposal from Hamas “moves the process forward and may provide the basis for closing the deal”.

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told AFP that new ideas from the group had been “conveyed by the mediators to the American side, which welcomed them and passed them on to the Israeli side”.

“Now the ball is in the Israeli court.”

There has been no truce since a one-week pause in November when 80 Israeli hostages were freed in return for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Pressure has mounted domestically for another hostage release deal, with regular protests and rallies in Israel.

“It’s important that we reach a deal so that all the mothers can embrace their children and husbands, just as I hug my mother every morning now,” rescued hostage Almog Mair Jan said in a recorded message to a rally in Tel Aviv Saturday.

The war began with Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The militants also seized hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza, including 42 the military says are dead.

In response, Israel has carried out a military offensive that has killed at least 38,098 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.

The war has uprooted 90 percent of Gaza’s population, destroyed much of its housing and other infrastructure, and left almost 500,000 people enduring “catastrophic” hunger, UN agencies say.

The main stumbling block to a truce deal has been Hamas’s demand for a permanent end to the fighting, which Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners strongly reject.

The veteran hawk demands the release of the hostages and insists the war will not end until Israel has destroyed Hamas’s ability to fight or govern.

– Lebanon attacks –
Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement have exchanged cross-border fire almost daily since the Gaza war began, but attacks have escalated over the past month.

This has raised fears of a major conflagration between the bitter enemies that could draw in others including Iran.

Israel’s army said late Saturday that its jets had struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and troops had fired artillery across the border “throughout the day”.

Earlier Saturday, sirens blared over northern Israel and the military said it had downed a “suspicious aerial target” and that two “hostile aircraft” launched from Lebanon had hit open ground.

A source close to Hezbollah said an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in eastern Lebanon Saturday, killing a Hezbollah official.

Israel said he was part of the group’s air defence unit.

The post Deadly strikes hit Gaza as war enters tenth month appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.

[GIST] Be accountable to citizens, Tinubu tells public servants

[GIST] Be accountable to citizens, Tinubu tells public servants

Guardian Nigeria News https://bit.ly/3SeH5mf

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored public servants to live up to expectations by upholding public trust where they must all be accountable to the citizens.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call on Saturday at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He restated his administration’s determination to create an environment where merit was rewarded, and where every public servant felt valued and motivated to give their best.

Tinubu urged them always to be guided by the fact that the nation’s public institutions were not personal enterprises, and that, as public servants, they were employees of the Nigerian people.

He said the event was not just about the awards ceremony, but about embedding a culture of recognition and reward in the ethos of the country’s public service.

Tinubu noted that some loopholes were still being exploited by those saddled with the nation’s trust despite the institutional measures put in place to prevent any form of irregularities in the public service.

“More than ever, our public service must live up to its expectation as a public trust where every official must account to the people, and ours is to create an ecosystem where they not only stand out but stand apart from those who sabotage us.

“Even though we have set in place institutional measures to forestall any form of dysfunction in our public service, there are still cracks often exploited by those given the trust of the nation.

“But what we must never get tired of doing is reminding ourselves that our public institutions are not personal enterprises and, for that, each of us is an employee of the Nigerian citizen,” he said.

While underlining the significance of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), a private sector initiative in partnership with the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Tinubu gave the initiative his full support.

He said that it was strategic to inspire the bulk of the nation’s workforce to set benchmarks and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our society.

According to him, reward and recognition are the very markers of every thriving institution, and indeed, nation.

He noted that the essence of any successful entity, whether a private enterprise or public institution, was in its ability to honour those who work to uphold its values and drive its progress.

“Our labour force remains the ultimate reflection of our principles, as practised by men and women who rise every day with a commitment to building a better future for all citizens.

“We, therefore, owe these silent architects of our national progress more than just a debt of gratitude.”

The President, who showered praises on Nigerian public servants, maintained that their place must be remembered in order to motivate them to inspire others and make clear “that excellence is not an orphan”.

Tinubu said NEAPS also played a crucial role in introducing more role models to a nation in search of mentors and in telling the awardees that, “we see them, and the excellence with which they have served the nation”.

“The 44 persons we are here to honour set in motion a chain of actions to build a culture of hard work and commitment to noble principles in our public service.

“We must also strive to make sure that the values that have set them apart are deeply ingrained in our culture.

“There’s no better way to water this forest of high performance, integrity, and accountability than our collective refusal to underplay the efforts of those who labour day in and day out to hold our nation together.”

Earlier, Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said NEAPS, a private sector-driven initiative, recognised and rewarded innovation, purposeful leadership and hard work by exceptional individuals and organisations in the country’s public service across all levels of government and the private sector.

He explained that the process of selecting the honourees was based on empirical facts and figures that were verifiable.

The SGF assured that efforts would be made to ensure the initiative was maintained as a regular feature to motivate and encourage excellence in the country’s public service.

He urged recipients of the awards not to relent in their efforts towards making Nigeria a more prosperous and progressive country.

Among the 44 persons who clinched the NEAPS were retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Peace Building Award) and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (Parliamentary Excellence Award).

Others are the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (Parliamentary Excellence award); and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila (Leadership and Administration award).

Also, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, bagged the Administrator par Excellence award.

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State was also recognised among others.

The post Be accountable to citizens, Tinubu tells public servants appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.

July 6, 2024

[GIST] PDAC Foundation hosts Summer Personal Development Boot Camp

[GIST] PDAC Foundation hosts Summer Personal Development Boot Camp

Guardian Nigeria News https://bit.ly/3SeH5mf

The Foundation for the Personal Development of African Children (PDAC) has announced the seventh edition of its Summer Personal Development Boot Camp, scheduled to take place from July 10 to August 8, 2024. This esteemed programme has been empowering African youths for seven years, with this year’s edition promising to be the most impactful yet.

Under the visionary leadership of its Chairman, Ogo Ogbueli, the PDAC Foundation has designed a comprehensive 30-day initiative to foster personal growth and development in children.

The boot camp is carefully structured to cater to different age groups (six-13+ years), ensuring a tailored learning experience for all participants.

The program focuses on essential skills like emotional intelligence, leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and vocabulary expansion. Participants will engage in various activities, including reading and reviewing 30 books, exploring new topics, reflection, journaling, affirmations, and presentations.

The boot camp is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to engage with materials at their own pace. This approach has proven successful in previous editions, with testimonials from past participants available on the foundation’s website.

The inspirational books the youngsters will be exposed to include ‘Simple Life lessons on Personal Growth,’ ‘Simple Life lessons on   Self-discipline,’ ‘Simple Life lessons on  Habit,’ ‘Simple Life lessons on  Gratitude’ and  ‘Simple Life lessons on Focus,’ ‘Simple Life lessons on  Mentorship.’ Others are ‘Simple Life lessons on  Leadership,’ ‘Simple Life lessons on  Potential,’ ‘Simple Life lessons on  Vision Board,’ ‘Simple Life lessons on  Goal Setting’ and ‘Simple Life lessons on Attitude.’

Registration is now open, and interested families can sign up using the link (https://bit.ly/PdacSummer2024). An early bird discount is available until July 20, with a program fee per family. Refreshers are free for returning participants, and all materials, including books and flashcards, will be provided for download at no extra cost.

By investing in the future leaders of tomorrow, the PDAC Foundation is shaping the lives of African children through holistic personal development initiatives. Ogbueli enjoins families to ensure their children join the journey and witness the transformative impact of the Summer Personal Development Boot Camp 2024 urging early registration to be part of empowering the next generation!

Visit the PDAC Foundation’s website https://bit.ly/4cMH4h2 for more information and to learn about the program’s impact. Follow @pdacfoundation on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay updated on this exciting initiative!

The post PDAC Foundation hosts Summer Personal Development Boot Camp appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.

July 5, 2024

[GIST] Bago redeems N200,000 allowance pledge, delivers truck of rice, cows to corps members

[GIST] Bago redeems N200,000 allowance pledge, delivers truck of rice, cows to corps members

Guardian Nigeria News https://bit.ly/3zrso8F

About 48 hours after Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State pledged to earmarked N5 billion for the construction of a new NYSC orientation camp, one truck containing bags of rice, 20 cows and a bonus of N200,000 to each corps members serving in the state were on Thursday delivered to the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC). This was disclosed by the state NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Abdulwahab, in in Minna yesterday.

Bago had made the pronouncement during the swearing in of 2024 Batch B Stream One orientation course on Tuesday.

She noted that the governor had equally promised to sink five boreholes and additional toilet facilities for both male and female hostels.

Mrs Olayinka further disclosed that she has taken delivery of 600 bags of rice and 20 cows, adding that the items were received with
elation by both corps members and camp officials.

She revealed that the process for the payment of the N200,000 was ongoing, while the survey for the five boreholes and the toilets has commenced.

The NYSC state coordinator said the donation of the items would help mitigate some of the challenges faced by course participants during orientation exercises.

The post Bago redeems N200,000 allowance pledge, delivers truck of rice, cows to corps members appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.

July 4, 2024

[Music + Video] Blessing Light โ€“ Not Ashamed

[Music + Video] Blessing Light – Not Ashamed

 

 

Blessing Light

Blessing Light - Hallelujah Dance

[Music + Video] Blessing Light – Not Ashamed

Gospel Choice Award, USA Nominated and Gospel Train USA ,Award Winning Gospel Minister, Blessing Light, AKA Apostle Dr Ada Ngozi Ambrose Esq, releases her latest official song and musical video- “NOT ASHAMED”.
NOT ASHAMED is -the 2ND of her JESUS KINGDOM series or collection!

Blessing Light or Blessing Light ‘Ngozi is an American, Nigerian/ Naija Contemporary AfroBeat gospel artist, Singer, Musician and Songwriter, with a heartfelt message and a soulful sound for the soul. Her unique style is riveting and has reached the masses of her listeners as she expresses her message of Jesus Christ through her music.

Blessing Light is the artist name of Apostle (Dr) Ada Ngozi Ambrose ESQ. Her unique style has captivated and touched the hearts of everyone that has come in contact with her music. Blessing Light’s deepest desire is to touch and bless the hearts of the people with the healing touch and strength of Christ as she had been, by continually contributing her voice to the music industry and the community.

“ NOT ASHAMED ” is my special song for you my friends! It is a song and anthem! It is a declaration for those that have had an Encounter with the Lord in one way or another, In Christ, our shame and fears are wiped away by the blood of Jesus Christ.
It is a song for those that have prevailed and are doing so well . It is also a prophetic declaration of those that are waiting on the LORD and are yet to prevail in their different situations.

It is a Kingdom call to the Believer of JESUS KINGDOM to testify of the goodness of God through Christ. for the Lord presents the believer to the father everytime we pray for BREAKTHROUGHS out of every situation in the name of JESUS CHRIST.
The opposite of “NOT ASHAMED” is to “BE ASHAMED’ .

one definition of “ASHAMED” is a reluctance to do something through fear of embarrassment or humiliation. SHAME is a product of fear.

“ NOT ASHAMED ” is an APOSTOLIC PROPHETIC PRAISE and WORSHIP song. It means that we are not ashamed to talk about our Lord and Savior. We are not ashamed to TESTIFY of the goodness of God in our lives.
It is a song of ACTIVATION of MIRACLES
God is spirit and those that worship Him must do so in Spirit and in TRUTH, in reality.
To not to be ashamed but to testify of the Lord is an act of Worship.

Something happens in the Spirit realm to impact our lives and those around us when we testify in words and actions about the Lord.
Our Faith increases, the faith of the hearer increases, our Lord is GLORIFIED and happy with us and is not ashamed to present us to the father in answer to our prayers , Mountains bow, doors open , shackles are broken! It is a ripple effect.

“‘NOT ASHAMED” is a song of victory and continuous victory. It is a song of PRAISE, a Prayer from the innermost being of the God Seeking heart and the worshipping heart of the believer in Christ , just as the PSALMIST declared in PSALMS, the woman at the well and others declared in the gospels and The APOSTLES declared in ACTS. .

It is a cry and affirmation from the innermost being and soul of the believer that God is King! He is SOVEREIGN! HE REIGNS and we are heirs of HIS KINGDOM .

God gives us access to Heaven and His Kingdom through Christ. He gives us access to that realm as heirs of His Kingdom. We look to the LORD, we are Lightened and we are ‘ NOT ASHAMED” according to the PSALMIST .

“I pray that this day, this month and this year , you experience open heavens in all areas and live on earth as it is in heaven to push forward and upwards to daily victories in all areas of your lives for wellness and Purpose as you listen, affirm, sing and dance to this song. I hope this song blesses the people with the healing touch of Christ as it has blessed me while writing it, composing it, directing it, producing it and releasing it – LUKE 9:26; PSALM 34:5;”… she says. This official song and musical , its audio version , instrumental and official videos- ‘NOT ASHAMED” and her other releases are now available on her website and all major platforms worldwide…!

Stream, Download, Listen, Sing, Dance  View, Spread The Word And Enjoy.

Open "BLESSING LIGHT . NOT ASHAMED (Official Lyric Video)" directly

PURCHASE SONG HERE

CONNECT WITH HER ON: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM 1 | INSTAGRAM 2 | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE | VEVO: @blessinglightvevo5339

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