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Sit-at-home: Soludo Orders Schools, Banks, Shops, Parks to Open on Mondays

Published

4 years ago

March 27, 2022

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, yesterday ordered all markets, schools, banks, public servants and motor parks in the state to resume normal activities with effect from Monday, April 4, 2022.

Speaking at the Women Development Centre in Awka, the state capital, Soludo expressed unhappiness that the state, and indeed the whole of the South-east, was losing billions of naira in revenue as a result of the boycott of economic activities on Mondays.

He warned that any market leader or chairman, who failed to mobilise traders for business on Mondays in their marketplaces would lose his position, adding that any trader who also failed to open his shop on Monday would lose his shop in the market.

The warning is coming just a few days after some unknown gunmen sent letters to some Anambra communities warning them of the dangers of not complying with the sit-at-home order on Mondays.

Although the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which introduced the sit-at-home order, had on several occasions, announced the suspension of the order, some hoodlums have continued to enforce the order.
However, the governor, who sternly warned that the Monday sit-at-home must end, also cautioned the market leaders and relevant authorities to ensure compliance.

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“Every Monday sit-at-home must end in Anambra. Normal activities must resume in earnest. With the Monday sit-at-home, the South-east economy is sinking gradually. When you boycott activities in Anambra or any other part of the region, normal activities are going on in other parts of the country. When normal activities are going on in other places, the person or persons you want to show your anger to is not actually feeling what you are doing. You are only destroying your home.

“It is high time we came back to our senses and do the right thing. We have proper ways and procedures to express our agitations than to engage in activities that can only destroy our home.

“In other parts of the country, schoolchildren attend classes for five days; but in Anambra and other parts of the South-east, it is only four days. At the end of the day, our children will go into common or unity exams with other children from other parts of the country.

“Today, many businesses and investors are relocating to Asaba and other places. This is killing our economy and we cannot afford to continue that way.

“Personally, I endorsed the joint decision of Igbo elders, bishops and others that there should be a tripartite conversation about the issue of Nnamdi Kanu and Biafra agitation. Therefore, we must do things the right way; while we await such conversation.

“Therefore, with effect from Monday, April 4, 2022, every school, bank, market, motor pack and other human activities will resume in earnest. Any market leader who fails to mobilise traders in his market will be sanctioned; and any trader who fails to open his shop for business every Monday will also face sanction. School heads and operators of financial institutions should also take note.

“On our part as government, we are mobilising security agencies, including the armed forces and informal security organisations to take charge, and to move all over the state to ensure that lives and property of our people are protected. Very soon, our people will start seeing the heavy presence of the security operatives.”

THISDAY

Related Topics:Banks Mondays parks schools shops sit-at-home Soludo

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Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Published

6 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, has died at the age of 50 after a prolonged illness, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the ministry disclosed that Lele passed away on April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, where he had been receiving medical attention before his death.

The ministry explained that Lele was serving as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before his nomination and Senate confirmation as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It noted that although he had been confirmed for the diplomatic posting, he died before formally assuming duty as Nigeria’s envoy to Algeria.

The statement read in part: “The late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

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Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, before joining Nigeria’s Foreign Service, where he built a long-standing career in diplomacy.

He served Nigeria in several foreign missions, including postings in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, where he was widely regarded as a disciplined and experienced career diplomat with deep expertise in international relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a committed officer with strong intellectual capacity and strategic insight, noting his contributions to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in the Middle East and Gulf regions.

“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the ministry added.

His death has been described as a major loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic service, with officials noting his role in strengthening the country’s international engagements and diplomatic relations.

His remains were received in Abuja by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being moved to Kano State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Further arrangements for condolence visits and official tributes are expected to be announced by the federal government and the diplomatic community.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

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CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

CBN Warns Nigerians Over Fake Messages, Rising Cyber Hack Attempts on Bank Accounts

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh alert to Nigerians over increasing cyber hack attempts targeting personal and bank accounts through fraudulent messages and emails falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.

In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the regulator said it had identified a surge in phishing attacks designed to deceive members of the public and gain access to sensitive personal information.

According to the CBN, the fraudulent communications—circulating via emails, SMS, and online platforms—often contain misleading claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions, while prompting recipients to click on suspicious links.

The apex bank warned that such messages are crafted to trick unsuspecting users into revealing confidential details such as banking credentials, passwords, and verification codes, which can then be used to compromise accounts.

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites,” the statement said.

The CBN urged Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from the bank through its official website and recognised media platforms, stressing that it does not request sensitive information via unsolicited messages.

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It also advised the public to report any suspected fraudulent emails, websites, or messages to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities for prompt action.

The warning comes amid a broader rise in cybersecurity threats in Nigeria’s financial sector, as increased digital banking adoption continues to attract cybercriminal activity.

In response, the CBN said it is strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other regulators to safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

Recent developments have heightened concerns over digital vulnerabilities. On April 15, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirmed a cyberattack on its information systems, raising alarms about data security within critical government platforms.

Similarly, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently launched an investigation into an alleged data breach involving Remita Payment Services Limited and Sterling Bank, alongside other entities.

Experts say these incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger digital protection measures, as cybercriminals increasingly exploit weak security practices and user vulnerabilities.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ financial data and urged individuals and organisations to remain vigilant, adopt secure online practices, and promptly report suspicious activities to prevent financial losses.

CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

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BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Adebayo Adelabu

BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially resigned from office to pursue his long-standing ambition of contesting the Oyo State governorship election, bringing days of speculation to an end.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision was driven by the need to fully concentrate on his gubernatorial bid in line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which requires political office holders to step down before seeking elective positions.

The letter was submitted through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, following a meeting between the former minister and the President on Tuesday, where he formally communicated his intention to exit the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” Adelabu stated, noting that the aspiration dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelabu previously contested the Oyo State governorship election in 2023 under the Accord Party but lost to incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During his tenure, Adelabu said his administration implemented power sector reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s electricity market, including tariff adjustments and a N4 trillion debt restructuring programme.

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According to him, these measures significantly boosted market revenue—from about N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024 and N2.3 trillion in 2025—while improving investor confidence and setting the sector on a path toward long-term sustainability.

He also cited progress in rural electrification and renewable energy deployment, which expanded access to electricity in underserved communities, including schools and healthcare facilities across the country.

Despite these gains, Adelabu acknowledged that the sector continues to face critical challenges such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and inefficiencies across the electricity value chain.

To address these issues, he recommended the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies for vulnerable Nigerians, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, and sustained investment in transmission infrastructure to improve grid stability.

He further proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to oversee strategic alignment across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors, noting that such integration would enhance both thermal and hydroelectric power generation.

Adelabu’s resignation is widely seen as part of early political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to be a key contender.

The Presidency is expected to announce a replacement or interim leadership for the Ministry of Power to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms and projects within the sector.