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Experts Laud CBN Over Postponement Of Cashless Policy

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Some financial experts have commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for suspending the implementation of the cash less policy.

They told newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos yesterday that the deferment of the policy implementation till January 1, 2013, would enable the CBN to prepare well for its take off.

The spokesman of the apex bank, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, announced the suspension of the policy in a press statement on Monday in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the CBN initially gave March 31 for the commencement of the cash less policy.

A former President of Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), Mr Eddie Osarenkhoe, told newmen that the CBN might have realised that there was inadequate public awareness about the policy.

He said that the postponement was part of the efforts to create the appropriate public awareness.

Osarenkhoe said that under the new policy, an individual could withdraw up to N500,000 and a corporate entity N1 million daily.

“The CBN has the capacity to review any policy so that the objective can be achieved,’’ Osarenkhoe said.

He advised government to put in place appropriate infrastructure for the success of the policy.

A senior lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Dr. Kazeem Bello, told  newsmen that the decision was in the right direction.

He said that the apex bank was beginning to think about the public generally before implementing the policy.

Bello urged the apex bank to ensure that all business transactions passed through the banking system for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of carrying less cash around.

He said that the CBN should introduce measures to restore investor confidence in the Nigerian economy and make people to trust the banking sector.

Mr Wole Olowu, General Manager of True Bond Micro Finance Bank, described the CBN decision as a positive development.

“It will provide more time for the apex bank to carry out more researches on the cash less policy,’’ he said.

Olowu urged the apex bank to provide more Point of Sales (POS) terminals to ease business transactions.

He said that literacy level in Nigeria was very low and that the apex bank needed to provide more public enlightenment for people to use the POS machines.

A lecturer in the Department of Economics, Lagos State University (LASU), Dr Taiwo Opeyemi, said that the CBN needed to work harder to ensure that more Nigerians embraced the policy.

He said that the apex bank should encourage banks to make their interest rates attractive so that more people could embrace banking.

Opeyemi also said that the CBN should make interest rate on savings attractive so that more people would be encouraged to open savings accounts.

The lecturer called for stiffer punishment to persons that issued dud cheques to bring to popularise the use of cheques for payment.

The CBN has reduced the processing fees on cash withdrawals above the limit for individual customers from 10 per cent to three per cent.

The processing fee for withdrawals above the limit for corporate bodies has also been reduced from 20 per cent to five per cent.

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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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