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CBN Disburses N1.452trn For 337 Real Sector Projects

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it had disbursed N1.452trillion to 337 large real sector projects in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and mining under the Real Sector Support Facility as part of the effort to diversify the nation’s economic base.
The CBN, Director, Corporate Communications Department, Osita Nwanisobi, who disclosed this, yesterday, during “CBN Special Day” at the ongoing 33rd Enugu International Trade Fair, also noted that N948billion was disbursed to 4,478,381 smallholder farmers under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.
Nwanidobi stated that the programme was yielding the desired objective as the beneficiary farmers cultivated 5.2million hectares of farmland, creating 12.6million direct and indirect jobs across the country.
Reeling out other interventions the apex bank had taken to revive the economy and create access to credit, he said CBN had extended the interest rate of 5percent across all its intervention loans to March, 2023.
He said “the recently launched Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme (TIES) is an innovative financing model that will create jobs, enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support economic growth and development through Agribusiness, Creative Industry, Science & Technology and Information Technology/software development.
“The broad objective of the 100 for 100 Policy on Production and Productivity (PPP) is to boost production and productivity, necessary to transform and jumpstart the productive base of the Nigerian economy.
“It is also expected that the Initiative will reverse the nation’s over-reliance on imports, by creating an ecosystem that targets and supports the right companies and projects with potentials to immediately transform Nigeria’s productive base at every 100 days.
“The Bank has so far disbursed the sum of N29.51billion to 31 projects, comprising 16 in manufacturing, 13 in agriculture, and 2 in healthcare sector. The RT200 FX Programme, which stands for the ‘Race to $200billion in FX Repatriation was recently announced by the CBN in consultation with the Bankers’ Committee.’”
He added, “under our Targeted Credit Facility (TCF), which was meant to cushion the severe effects of COVID-19 pandemic, we have disbursed N368.79billion to 778,000 beneficiaries comprising 648,052 households and about 130,000 SMEs.
“The Bank also recently disbursed $8.50billion to six healthcare projects under the Healthcare Sector Intervention Facility (HSIF), bringing the cumulative disbursements to N116.72billion for 124 projects, comprising 31 pharmaceuticals, 56 hospitals, and 37 other health-related services.
“As part of the effort to further support the resilience of the healthcare sector, an additional tranche of N14.7 million was disbursed to five Researchers under the Healthcare Sector Research and Development (HSRD) Grant.”
Nwanisobi, however, noted that the theme of the fair, “Opening up Nigeria Business Windows for Competitiveness in the Emerging Global Market”, could not have come at a better time than now when the world economy is gradually opening up to businesses after the global lockdown that affected economies, leading to recessions.
While commending the leadership of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for her efforts in organising this year’s Trade Fair, he said CBN was delighted that they are driving pragmatic conversations on reshaping the Nigerian economy through the fair.
“This perfectly fits into the bank’s drive towards diversification of the nation’s economic base and encouraging the export of non-oil commodities.
“It also underscores the CBN governor’s clarion call on Nigerians to not only focus on the production of commodities in which they have comparative advantage but to produce, add value and export so as to grow Nigeria’s economy and create jobs.”
Earlier in an address, the President of ECCIMA, Jasper Nduagwuike, commended CBN for its interventions in various sectors of the economy, adding that it had more than proved its commitment to seeing to the welfare and wellbeing of the Nigerian economy.
“The CBN can raise its shoulders in pride for the uncommon contributions it has made to not only the economy but the day to day life of the ordinary man.”

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

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