BREAKING: Here Is The Cause Of Herbert Wigwe’s Helicopter Crash

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February 11, 2024

United States authorities have travelled the cause of a helicopter crash which led to the death of of Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.

Speaking during a media briefing on Saturday night (3am Nigerian time, Sunday), a National Transportation Safety Board member, Michael Graham, said preliminary reports suggest that a wintry weather condition was among the factors that contributed to the chopper crash that killed Wigwe.

Wigwe, his wife and son were onboard the helicopter when it crashed in California near the Nevada border on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Also on board was the former group chairperson of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

Graham said officials were on the scene to gather perishable evidence adding that the team was “methodically and systematically reviewing all evidence” and considering all potential factors to determine the probable cause of the crash.

He noted that although the information provided was only preliminary, witness reports suggested that a wintry weather condition was among the factors that contributed to the accident.

“The crew consisted of a pilot in command and a safety pilot. The accident flight was operated by Orbic Air LLC as a Part 135 charter flight,” Graham said.

“Witness reports of the weather conditions at the time of the accident suggest rain and a wintry mix.

“The helicopter was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder. This helicopter was not required to be equipped with those types of recording devices,” Graham added.

Asked about more information on the passengers, Graham stated there were no details but added that “any names will be released through the coroner’s office” without specifying a time frame.

He added that the NTSB would look into the chopper’s airworthiness; maintenance and structure of the helicopter, operations, meteorology, and air traffic control.

“Parties to the investigation include the FAA and Orbic Air LLC. As the investigation continues, other parties could be named,” he said.

Breaking: Herbert Wigwe Is Dead !

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bvichannel1

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February 10, 2024

Herbert Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank and the founder of Wigwe University, is dead.

He was also the CEO of Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank.

He died in a fatal helicopter crash in California, with five others on board including his wife and two children, with Bimbo Ogubanjo. So sad.

The chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night.

The US government confirmed all on board were dead.

Such terrible, terrible news.

May his soul rest in peace.

STATE, THE MARKET, WEALTH AND POVERTY -Kingsley Moghalu

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bvichannel1

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February 9, 2024

The positionl that the state has NO role in the market is wrong. True, capitalism is the greatest creator of wealth the world has experienced. But to succeed, markets require a competent state that creates truly enabling environments for business and enforces accountability.

In African countries, the state has been a problem because it is heavy-handed, arbitrary, crony-based, and corrupt. This is why we have a few people who are extremely wealthy, and then the vast majority are extremely poor. Huge inequality! Even Jesus Christ said there will always be poor people (because we don’t all work equally hard and we are not equally smart, or even equally interested in being wealthy).

But the hallmark of development is that even the poorest should have opportunities to certain basics of life (including some form of social security). The state can create frameworks for market competition, but there must be a level playing field for all. When, as in the recent past, “connected” individuals could obtain forex from the Central Bank of Nigeria at low “official” rates that are not available to 99% of Nigerians, and then sold at the black market for huge profits, this is not capitalism. It’s a kleptocracy fed by greed, corruption, and the absence of accountability.

Again, the state can’t replace the market. The government should not as a rule set the prices of things or “ban” ordinary products. That breeds arbitrage, corruption, and smuggling. Over-regulation also distorts the market and makes business difficult. That’s why many who succeed in business in our countries achieve success not because of the government, but rather in spite of the government.

When this is the case, the state is failing, often because it lacks capacity to manage the country’s economy, or because peculiar societal forces are at work. Culture can eat strategy for breakfast. In this case, we need to dig far deeper to re-examine the foundation and structures of the state itself as the basis of economic resurgence and inclusive wealth creation.

BDFCG Reechoes SMBLF Recent Call For Genuine Constitutional Reforms In Nigeria

By

Joseph Albert

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February 9, 2024

Biafra Defacto Customary Government, BDFCG, has once more expressed concern over what it termed “deceptive sidelining of the crucial 2014 National Conference reports.

It urged President Bola Tinubu to reflect on Nigeria’s historical events and prioritize genuine reforms, including the implementation of the 2014 National Conference Reports.

The group, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, noted that the call is support of recent meeting of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, wherein they specifically advocated the implementation of critical reports, notably the 2014 National Conference (CONFAB) organized by former President Goodluck Jonathan, and the El Rufai Committee Report on True Federalism of 2018 commissioned by the APC government.

It noted that the recent calls for reforms were necessary in addressing longstanding issues of federalism, autonomy, and equitable representation, adding that such reforms are crucial in fostering national unity, safeguarding minority rights, and promoting inclusive governance for the sake of over 250 million Nigerians it said are suffering due to the insensitivity of the ruling APC.

BDFCG commended SMBLF for the recent meeting, but noted President Tinubu’s association with the suppression of the National Conference Reports by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC, of which Tinubu was the national chairman at the time.

Details of the statement:
Resurrectting 2014 National Conference Reports: BDFCG Calls for Genuine Constitutional Reforms

Resurrectting 2014 National Conference Reports: BDFCG Calls for Genuine Constitutional Reforms

The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) extends its commendation to the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum for convening a pivotal meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024, in Abuja. Chaired by esteemed national leaders, including Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the gathering assembled distinguished figures such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Engr (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Dr Pogu Bitrus, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and numerous other elder statesmen from across the country.

During the deliberations, the Forum emphasized the imperative for President Tinubu to take concrete steps towards constitutional reform. Specifically, the Forum advocated for the implementation of critical reports, notably the 2014 National Conference (CONFAB) organized by former President Goodluck Jonathan and the El Rufai Committee Report on True Federalism of 2018 commissioned by the APC government.

The BDFCG echoes the sentiments expressed at the meeting, affirming the urgent need for genuine constitutional amendments to address longstanding issues of federalism, autonomy, and equitable representation. Such reforms are crucial in fostering national unity, safeguarding minority rights, and promoting inclusive governance.

Acknowledging the historical context shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the pivotal year of 2015, the BDFCG expresses concern about the deceptive sidelining of the crucial 2014 National Conference reports during that period. We highlight President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s association with the suppression of the National Conference Reports by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC, of which Tinubu was the national chairman at the time.

Furthermore, we draw attention to President Tinubu’s past criticisms of Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the then Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, in 2016. Tinubu, as a prominent figure within the APC, took issue with Kachikwu’s realistic assessment of challenges in the oil sector. Today, we find President Tinubu grappling with the same issues he once criticized. His performance, both as Minister of Petroleum Resources and as the President of Nigeria, falls short, surpassing the shortcomings of his predecessors.

As proponents of democratic principles and the right to self-determination, the BDFCG stands in solidarity with the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum in their call for meaningful reforms. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reflect on these historical events and prioritize genuine reforms, including the implementation of the 2014 National Conference Reports.

For the sake of over 250 million Nigerians suffering due to the insensitivity of the ruling APC, we implore President Tinubu to heed the lessons of the past and commit to a more transparent and inclusive political future.

Prosper Odinga
Spokesperson, BDFCG
Phone: +19173465419
Email: biafradefactogov@gmail.com
Website: www.bdfcg.org

Centre For Peace And Self Values Re-orientation Presents ‘Service Ambassador’ Award To Dr. Omenugha

By

Joseph Albert

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February 9, 2024

… recipient dedicates award to Anambra youths

Centre for Peace and Self Values Re-orientation has presented ‘Service Ambassador’ (Integrity Stewardship) to the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr Nelson Omenugha.

With headquarters in Garki, Area 11, Abuja, the non governmental organization champions selfless service and good governance.

Presenting the award in Awka, the Executive Director of the NGO, Comrade Abubakar Oyibo, said the objective of the organization is to enthrone a corrupt-free society by promoting ethical leadership and awakening the spirit of service among citizens.

He said that only display of ethical leadership, work ethics compliance, attitude against corruption, commitment to the progress of the state and nation, obedience to the rule of law and total patriotism, as well as dedication to the peace and unity of the state and nation can earn one the award.

Comrade Oyibo emphasized that Dr Nelson Omenugha merited the award after he was independently assessed and scored high in all required areas, and encouraged him to sustain the tempo.

He noted that the award is expected to encourage him to do more for youth development in Anambra State and beyond.

Responding, Dr. Omenugha, represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment Programme, Comrade Valentine Mbadugha, appreciated the group for the honour and promised greater commitment to duty.

He noted that Anambra State Government under the leadership of Governor Soludo is particular about good governance and value re-orientation, and highlighted few areas the Governor has changed the narrative to include cutting cost of governance, reward for excellence and value, youth development and empowerment, adding that Governor Soludo’s policy has reawakened progressive and healthy competition which he said is taking the state to greater height.

Dr. Omenugha charged the group to continue championing the course of good governance in order to address many challenges confronting today’s society.

He dedicated the award to all Anambra youths who are striving to add value and contribute to the building of livable and prosperous homeland.

Credit: Dr NOO Media

Dollar May Get To N2000 If …. Anaenugwu Ndubuisi

By

bvichannel1

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February 8, 2024

To have stability in our exchange rate, Tinubu Government must demonstrate fiscal discipline and high sense of responsibility in the manner he manages both human and material resources. In the absence of reliable data in Nigeria,what drives the exchange rate is speculation and market perception. Unfortunately , President Tinubu has done so much to demarket Nigeria,leading to negative perception .

No matter how President Tinubu tries,the fact remains that he is incapacitated for several reasons ;

1. He believes so much in government of patronage . This frustrates institutional development and stability.

2. He is not physically and mentally strong to withstand Nigeria hydra headed issues.

3. Constitution discourages a productive system . Nigeria system is consumption driven and does not have provision for incentives that would have created economic opportunities.

4. Economic and political institutions are too weak.

Dollar will surely hit N2000 if nothing drastic is done now to alter our institutional framework that will encourage production.

As a survival strategy,I will encourage the masses to cut down their daily cost components to the barest minimum and concentrate on local food items that would keep body and soul together. This is not best time for fixed income earners and not the best time to keep idle naira fund in the bank. Try as much as possible to increase your earnings .

Really , our Government is irresponsible. Without people flooding the street to protest against bad economic and political decisions,the situation will get worse as people in Government can never be sensitive to their plight . Ndubuisi GGM

Breaking : Fire guts Local govt secretariat

By

bvichannel1

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February 8, 2024

A part of the building housing the Dunukofia Local Government Area secretariat in Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, has been gutted by fire.

It was gathered that the fire outbreak, which occurred late on Wednesday, was a result of bush burning close to the local government secretariat.

We had earlier reported that two separate fire outbreaks were also recorded at the Timber Market in Nnewi and behind the Sinai Gas Plant in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The fire, which occurred at different times on Tuesday, raged for hours but was controlled by the intervention of the men of the Anambra State Fire Service.

The Anambra State Fire Chief, Martin Agbili, who confirmed Wednesday’s incident at the LG secretariat, said it started around 6:53 pm on Wednesday.

Agbili said, “At about 18:53hrs (6.53 pm) of Wednesday, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a heavy fire outbreak at Dunukofia.

“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant Firefighters to the scene of the fire and fought, controlled and extinguished the fire.

“The cause of the fire was a bush fire which was started by unknown person(s) and encroached into the local government council secretariat.

“During the firefighting operations, we were able to control and extinguish the fire and prevent it from destroying a lot of things at the local government council.

“We withdrew from the fire scene at about 20:30hrs after fighting the fire to a standstill and calming the situation.

“It is also important that we clear all bushes around our environment, especially at this dry season and harmattan, to avoid ‘had I known’. Fire kills but you can prevent it.”

AFCON 2023: Nigeria Triumphs Over South Africa in Thrilling Semi-Final Clash

By

bvichannel1

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February 7, 2024

In a nail-biting encounter at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, the Super Eagles of Nigeria emerged victorious over South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023. The match culminated in a penalty shootout, showcasing the resilience and skill of both teams.

With an electrifying atmosphere, Nigeria secured their spot in the AFCON 2023 final by prevailing over South Africa on penalties.

Details shortly

The Failure Of Soludo Administration

By

bvichannel1

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February 7, 2024

Tension as Anambra not listed amongst states capable of paying workers’ salaries in 2024.Anambra State is missing among 11 States in Nigeria Capable of Generating enough income to pay workers’ salaries in 2024 fiscal year.

This was gathered from comparing the 2024 personnel costs and revenue estimates for the 36 Nigerian states in the country.

Recall that since the Chris Ngige administration in 2003, Anambra State has been paying workers’ salaries regularly. Under Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s government, workers and pensioners in the state receive their salaries regularly on or before the 25th of of every month.

But in the recent report,FIJ found that only Kaduna, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Zamfara states will generate enough money to offset personnel costs in the 2024 fiscal year.

For most of the remaining states, however, federal allocations constitute more than 50 percent of their total revenue for the 2024 fiscal year. By implication, these states cannot fund the salaries of their workers without federal government disbursement or a loan.

STATE IGR (Naira) PERSONNEL COST (Naira)
Kaduna 120,001,818,558. 76,206,260,777

Edo 71,691,130,754.62 65,167,577,994.68

Gombe 22,318,245,500. 21,925,000,000.

Kano. 101,956,874,541. 87,465,825,287

Rivers 231,057,836,945 99,588,939,939.39

Kwara. 71,788,763,444. 50,997,629,672.

Lagos 1.251 trillion

Ogun. 240,538,655,485. 122,400,076,062.

Osun 104,770,526,130. 82,361,903,000

Zamfara 55,534,775,000. 35,579,537,000.

States with Higher Revenue Than Personnel Cost in 2024

The report also compared the revenue estimates of the 36 states to their total recurrent expenditures to determine which of the states would be self-sufficient. It found only Lagos, with a N1.25 trillion revenue, and Enugu, with a N252 billion revenue, can fund their 2024 expenditures comfortably.

Only Rivers State and Lagos have revenue projections that exceed the federal allocations budgeted for them in 2024.

On the other hand, six states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Nassarawa, Rivers, Plateau, and Yobe state will spend more than their independent revenue in 2024 to service both foreign and domestic loans.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the cumulative revenue of the states in Nigeria increased by more than N1 trillion in 2022, with Lagos and Rivers as the top two earners for that fiscal year.

States in Nigeria generate revenue from services provided by MDAs, taxes and fines paid by citizens and industries local to their respective states.

Anambra State Government Stops Salary Of Medical Officer For Absconding From Duty

By

Joseph Albert

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February 6, 2024

… pay more attention to COOUTH/Amaku, other health facilities in rural communities – Okeke

Following discovery made from the biometric (clock in) devices installed across government-owned facilities by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration to monitor activities of health workers, the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has stopped salary of a medical officer for absconding from his duty post.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who disclosed this on his Facebook page, explained that on visits to Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area, it was discovered that the Chief Medical Officer in charge of the facility (name withheld) only attended work once in a week, reason he instructed Dr. Adaobi Igwebuike to take over as the new Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Obidike expressed regret over nonchalant attitude of some health workers in discharging their duties, especially those in government hospitals, and reemphasized that monitoring activities of health workers is never meant to witch hunt anyone, insisting that it is the duty and responsibility of the government to ensure that people have access to quality, affordable healthcare in all government-owned hospitals.

He warned that going forward; any hospital that fails to meet government standards, the person in charge would be stepped down with immediate effect.

The Health Commissioner further explained that the reason Dr. Igwebuike was directed to take the position of the CMD of Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu was because of her dedication and commitment to duty in the hospital, which he said that people working at the facility can attest to.

At General Hospital Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka LGA, the Health Commissioner expressed joy that health workers at the facility were at their duty posts attending to patients; even though he did not inform them about his visit.

He reiterated the commitment of the Soludo administration in repositioning the healthcare sector of the state, urging all healthcare givers to double their efforts so as to meet the daily needs of people seeking medical attention.

Commissioner Obidike promised to continue his unannounced visits to government hospitals; so as to fish out health workers who earn salary without working.

Reacting to the development, a Facebook user with the name, Basil Okeke, urged the Commissioner to pay more attention to Amaku (Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka), and other health facilities in rural communities.

He alleged that the hospital (Amaku) has the pride of being the worst medical institution, as they display nonchalance and unprofessional acts with pride and disgust.