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Economy: Coalition Blasts Groups Calling For Emefiele’s sack
…says economic challenges’re global problems
…CBN Governor has performed credibly well
Coalition of Civil Society Groups, CCSG, Tuesday, blasted groups calling for the sack of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele’s sack over economic challenges.
This was contained in a statement signed by President, CCSG, Etuk Bassey Williams, and Secretary, CCSG, Ibrahim Abubakar, where the group described statements from some Nigerians are intentional and fabricated lies to create disaffection.
According to the group, many cooked up stories making rounds are mere fiction of the imagination of uninformed group of people who doesn’t mean well for Nigerians.
The statement reminded Nigerians of the massive impact of Mr Emefiele’s leadership of the Apex Bank on the drastic turnaround it has brought into the economy since he was appointed on his first and second terms as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This is just as the coalition totally condemned the report by an online platform that the Central Bank Governor is planning to sell Polaris Bank for N40 billion to one Mr Awwal Gombe, the son-in-law to former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, describing it as cheap blackmail, and that the report totally false and untrue.
The statement reads in part, “It is really terrible to hear unfounded comments by some so-called groups that are not really put to cause disaffection among Nigerians.
“Their stock in trade is to cast aspersions on people who are working hard to ensure Nigerians live a better life, which the CBN Governor has been in the lead to ensure Nigerians become employed and entrepreneurs.
“This ‘bandits’ are liers who should not be taken serious by any Nigerian because they are just fill with hate and sentiments who are out to malign the hard working and committed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria with baseless comments that doesn’t make any sense because they are simply sponsored by some failed politicians who are their paymasters.
“It is very pertinent to state that the economic situation in Nigeria is not just about Emefiele but a global issue as most countries are in economic quagmire including the United States of America, United Kingdom, France, and other developed economies.
“So it is not only Nigeria the economy is biting but it is across borders. But this present Governor of CBN is not resting on his oars but working round the clock with his team to keep the economy afloat since COVID-19 pandemic struck unexpectedly, and there is marginal growth of the economy as businesses are still moving on.
“‘The sharp rise in inflation across both the advanced and emerging market economies has generated growing concerns but Nigerians should understand among central banks as the progressive rise in inflation driven by rising aggregate demands and wage growth has put sustainable pressure on price levels’.
“We are all living witnesses following the drastic policies, programmes and interventions injected into various sectors of the economy under the Emefiele’s leadership of the Apex Bank.
“We want to point out salient achievements and impacts made by the workaholic and patriotic CBN Governor;
“The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to vote unanimously to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) has been sustained even at 13 per cent decision for national interest after two years of not raising it.
“A decision at the right direction to ensure the economy is sustained amidst daunting challenges from the global and local fronts.
“On the value of the Naira as it concerns foreign exchange, leading currencies are exchanging very low to the US Dollars including the Japanese Yen, Chinese Yuan, Euros, and others.
“The CBN Governor is putting in place measures now to ensure the Naira is strengthened against the US Dollars. So the depreciation of the Nara is traceable to the global economic downturn occasioned by global energy crisis, the Russia-Ukraine War.
“We are very much aware that those who want to drag the impeccable character and name of Mr Emefiele in the mud are using all manner of falsehood to give him a bad name and hang him.
“That is why they brought the report of the so called sale of Polaris Bank for N40 billion to one Mr Awwal Gombe, a son-in-law to former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). This report by one online platform is not only fake and false but a cheap blackmail.
“We therefore totally condemn this falsehood, which is nothing but the figment of the imagination of those promoting it.”
“If not for his foresight and good thinking team he has the Nigerian economy would have been in shambles by now but for the timely introduction of the Anchor Borrowers Scheme and NIRSAL Plc, the nation would have been caught in the web.
“He has been able to mobilize the private sector and salvage the situation, despite the harsh financial state of the country, he also introduced several policies to support the poor; the farmer’s Anchor Borrower Programme that just witnessed first of its kind of rice pyramid.
“The Apex Bank’s policies and programmes have been so designed in such a way that jobs are being created and fostering inclusive growth.
“In addition, to key macroeconomic concerns such as inflation and exchange rate is still sustainable in the country.
“Through his people based policies, Nigerians have been offered numerous interventions and support for Small Medium Enterprises, SMEs and others.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
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