I'm a product of strong female forces, says Tony Elumelu – Newstrends
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I’m a product of strong female forces, says Tony Elumelu

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I’m a product of strong female forces, says Tony Elumelu

Tony Elumelu has acknowledged the impact women have made in his life and has chosen to celebrate this dedicating the rest of the month (March) empowering them.

The foremost economist and philanthropist said having been a product of strong female forces, he would be dedicating his social media accounts to honouring the women in his life.

The Heirs Holdings chairman stated that he had been positively influenced all his life by women, including his mother, wife, and sisters.

He wrote on X: “I am a product of strong female forces in my life. My first influence was my mother, whose experience as an entrepreneur served as my initiation into a world where hard work translates to success.”

He stated that he is a father of five girls and, together with his wife Awele Elumelu, he is showing his daughters “what is possible through hard work, resilience and discipline.”

He also acknowledged Heirs Holding female CEOs, directors, and colleagues, whom he said had all been impactful in his life and business.

On LinkedIn, he wrote: “At work, I am continuously inspired by our women who have shattered ceilings.

“At Heirs Holdings, 40% of our CEOs are women, with 36% representation at the executive management level.

“At UBA Group, 50% of our board members are women, with 8 remarkable female CEOs steering the ship of Africa’s most formidable financial institution.

“Across our Group, the message is clear: the leadership table is set for everyone and anyone willing to work hard.”

He stated that he is and will continue to be a strong advocate for inclusion in every area of life.

He wrote: “I have witnessed first-hand the impact of investing in, working with, and learning from women.”

He added: “We will continue to provide the platform, visibility, and opportunity for female advancement.”

He then detailed how he, through his foundation and businesses, is working towards gender inclusion.

He wrote: “The Tony Elumelu Foundation, our philanthropic arm, also serves as an expression of our commitment to gender inclusion.

“Since inception, we have disbursed USD40 million to support female entrepreneurs across 54 African countries.

“Over 650,000 women have received technical support from TEF, women who are creating jobs – over 150,000 jobs created on the continent, impacting their communities!

“For us, gender inclusion is in our DNA. We believe that together, we can create a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can achieve their full potential and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world.”

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Lagos Rail Mass Transit part of FG free train ride – NRC

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Lagos Rail Mass Transit part of FG free train ride – NRC

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has disclosed that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) trains are included in the Federal Government’s free train ride initiative for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The LRMT, which currently includes the Phase 1 Blue Line Rail and the Phase 1 of the Red Line Rail, operates under the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

This announcement was made by Ben Iloanusi, the Acting Managing Director of the NRC, during an interview on NTA News TV on Friday, following the launch of the initiative earlier that day.

While Iloanusi stated that Phase 1 of both the Blue Line and Red Line Rail projects are part of the program, LAMATA has yet to confirm this inclusion.

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Iloanusi outlined the other routes benefiting from the scheme, which include the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service, Kaduna-Abuja Train Service, Warri-Itakpe Train Service, Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mass Transit in Lagos. Notably, little was previously known about the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mass Transit service until this disclosure.

“Let me mention the routes where this free train service is happening. We have the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service, we have the Kaduna-Abuja Train Service, we have the Warri-Itakpe Train Service, we have the Lagos Rail Mass Transit trains, we have the Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service, and we have what we call the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mass Transit, which is also in Lagos,” he stated.

Iloanusi provided operational updates, stating that passengers nationwide can access free tickets online or, for those unable to do so, at train stations where they will be profiled and validated.

He noted that passengers using NRC-managed services (excluding the Lagos Rail Mass Transit) should reserve tickets via the official website, www.nrc.gov.ng, with a valid ID required. He also advised travelers to plan, arrive on time, and bring valid identification.

Lagos Rail Mass Transit part of FG free train ride – NRC

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NNPC denies claim of Port Harcourt refinery shutdown

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Port Harcourt refinery

NNPC denies claim of Port Harcourt refinery shutdown

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has denied claims in media reports that the newly refurbished Port Harcourt refinery has shut down.

The national oil company denied the claim in a press release issued by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Saturday.

Soneye said the claim was false and urged Nigerians to disregard it. He stressed that the Port-Harcourt Refinery is fully operational.

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The statement read, “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed two months ago has been shut down. 

“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC.”

He noted that preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing, and added that claims of the shutdown are “figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip-off Nigerians.

NNPC denies claim of Port Harcourt refinery shutdown

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CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX weekly from NFEM

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CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso

CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX weekly from NFEM

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Bureau de Change (BDC) operators temporary permission to purchase up to $25,000 weekly in foreign exchange (FX) from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Bureau de Change (BDC) operators temporary permission to purchase up to $25,000 weekly in foreign exchange (FX) from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). 

This move, detailed in a circular dated December 19, 2024, is designed to meet seasonal retail demand for FX during the holiday period. 

The circular was signed by T.G. Allu, on behalf of the Acting Director of the Trade and Exchange Department. 

The arrangement will be in effect from December 19, 2024, to January 30, 2025. 

Under the directive, BDCs may purchase FX from a single Authorized Dealer of their choice, provided they fully fund their accounts before accessing the market.  

Transactions to occur at the prevailing NFEM rate 

The transactions will occur at the prevailing NFEM rate, and BDCs are required to adhere to a maximum 1% spread when pricing FX for retail end-users.

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All transactions conducted under this scheme must be reported to the CBN’s Trade and Exchange Department. 

The circular read in part:

In order to meet expected seasonal demand for foreign exchange, the CBN is allowing a temporary access for all existing BDCs to the NFEM for the purchase of FX from Authorised Dealers, subject to a weekly cap of USD 25,000.00 (Twenty-five thousand dollars only).

This window will be open between December 19, 2024 to January 30, 2025. 

“BDC operators can purchase FX under this arrangement from only one Authorized Dealer of their choice and will be required to fully fund their account before accessing the market at the prevailing NFEM rate. All transactions with BDCs should be reported to the Trade and Exchange department, and a maximum spread of 1% is allowed on the pricing offered by BDCs to retail end-users.” 

The CBN assured the general public that PTA (Personal Travel Allowance) and BTA (Business Travel Allowance) remain available through banks for legitimate travel and business needs.”

These transactions are to be conducted at “market-determined exchange rates” within the NFEM framework.

This initiative reflects the CBN’s strategy to stabilize the FX market and manage seasonal surges in demand.

CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX weekly from NFEM

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