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Debt Recovery: Court Fixes January 18 for Preliminary Objections by Oyo Govt, Governors’ Forum, Others

Published

6 years ago

November 26, 2020

Eric

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, from fixed January 18, 2021, to hear the preliminary objections of the Oyo State government, Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and others to the suit filed against them by the Principal Partner of Femi Kehinde and Co, Hon Femi Kehinde.

The plaintiff had sued Ned Nwoko’s law firm, the Oyo State government, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and five others over the refusal of the law firm to pay 40 per cent of the sum of the N1 billion paid to it by the Oyo State government, through the Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

He had also asked the court to restrain the Oyo State government, Nigerian Governors’ Forum and three others from making any payment as it relates to professional or consultancy fees in respect to foreign loan recovery.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, counsel to the first to fourth defendants, Jephthah C. Ngikonyi (SAN) and other defendants informed the court of the notice of their preliminary objections.

But, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako halted the adoption of the objections and adjourned till January 18, next year for the hearing of the objections to the suit.

Hon Femi Kehinde had, in a Writ of Summons numbered, FHC/ABJ/CS/212/20, filed through his counsel, Bola Aidi prayed the court to order Ned Nwoko Solicitors to pay him, “The sum of N400 million, being 40 per cent of the N1 billion (1st tranche) paid to the 1st defendant (Ned Nwoko Solicitors) as legal fees for services rendered by same as it relates to Oyo State government for the recovery of foreign debts.”

The Plaintiff also prayed the court for an order compelling the 1st defendant, which is a registered Law firm with the Law Society of England to pay him N20 million, representing 40 per cent of a consent judgment as well as another £159, 098, 00 as expenses incurred for prosecuting an arbitration in a London Court.

He also wants the court to order the 5th to 10th defendants in the suit to pay him 40 per cent of all the subsequent tranches of the professional fees due to the 1st to 4th defendants on the Oyo State foreign debts recovery or deduction from the Local Governments in Oyo State and for the court to order the defendants to pay him N20 million for prosecuting the suit.

The Plaintiff said, in a statement of claim that the 1st defendant engaged his services in 2007 to handle all issues pertaining to Oyo State foreign debt and that the condition for his engagement as an agent to the 1st defendant was dependent on the 1st defendant, being appointed as Solicitors to the Oyo state government to recover its foreign debts within four weeks.

He averred that the conditions, as contained in a retainership letter, as a local Attorney on March 24, 2007, including collation of all information and documentation of the various loans and agreements since 1982, provision of support needed by Ned Nwoko Solicitors, including litigation in any Nigerian court in any matter arising from the proposed contract with Oyo state, among others.

“The retainership agreement states clearly that the Plaintiff will be entitled to 40 per cent of whatever received from the Oyo State Government and that remains the understanding of parties.”

According to the Plaintiff, the Oyo State government enjoyed its services as an agent of Ned Nwoko Solicitors from December 7, 2007, to February 23, 2011, when a total sum of $148, 231, 966.94 million (which was paid in five tranches) was received by the state government.

He said the Oyo State government refused to comply with the terms of the agreement and did not pay Ned Nwoko Solicitors, a situation, he said made the 1st defendant give the Plaintiff the go-ahead to commence arbitration proceedings in London against the Oyo State government.

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Glo Introduces “More Data More Value” Offer to Boost Customers’ Experience

Published

1 hour ago

June 6, 2026

Eric

Determine to enrich the digital experience of its subscribers, Globacom has introduced a new data offer, tagged “More Data More Value only on Glo”. The new offer gives customers as much as 10 percent more data across its bundles as the Nigerian telecom landscape shifts toward a data-led economy.

Globacom explained in a statement that “The new offer is designed to ensure that every Naira spent by a Nigerian consumer yields the highest possible digital return”, thus reinforcing the company’s long-standing reputation for affordability and empowerment.

“More Data More Value” offers a variety of weekly and monthly options planned to balance daytime and night-time usage. The weekly plan includes ₦1,000 option which provides 3.7GB of total data, consisting of 1.7GB main data and 2GB night data, while that of ₦2,000 offers 9GB in total, divided into 6.5GB main data and 2.5GB night data.

The monthly plan also comes with different options including that of ₦1,500 which delivers a total of 5.2GB (2.2GB main data paired with 3GB night data); the ₦2,000 option offering 6.25GB data, a combination of 3.25GB main data and 3GB night data and16.5GB, comprising 14.5GB main data and 2GB night data which goes for N5,000. There is also the ₦10,000 and N15,000 options, with N10,000 providing 42GB total, 38GB main data and 4GB night data, while ₦15,000 offers 64GB in total, consisting of 62GB main data and 2GB night data.

Glo’s enhanced bundles provide the necessary incentive for students, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to browse longer, whether for TikTok trends, Instagram aesthetics, YouTube streaming, or high-stakes gaming and stream without fear, ensuring their professional and social lives remain uninterrupted.

These improved bundles from Globacom give entrepreneurs, remote workers, and students the incentive they need to browse longer, whether for high-stakes gaming, YouTube streaming, Instagram aesthetics, or TikTok trends, and stream on end, while ensuring seamlessness in their social and professional lives.

Beyond individual users, the “More Data More Value” offer also extend its benefits to families and SMEs. With the reliance of small businesses and households on mobile hotspots for their daily operations, Glo has optimized its offerings to serve as the preferred network for high-volume usage.

The offer also serves as a driver of digital transformation through the Glo Café app. Customers are encouraged to utilize the app for seamless bundle subscriptions, as it allows them to manage their “more than 10% extra” data with ease, thus ensuring rewarding user experience.

“More Data More Value” offer underscores Glo’s commitment to providing the best value-for-money which gives Nigerians the benefit of not compromising on their digital lifestyle

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Otti to Build 35,000-Capacity FIFA-Standard Stadium in Aba

Published

11 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Eric

Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to construct a FIFA-standard stadium in Aba with a seating capacity of approximately 35,000, in what is being described as one of the most significant sports infrastructure projects in the State’s development agenda.

The proposed stadium is designed to meet international football standards, making it suitable for hosting top-tier domestic league matches, continental competitions, and other global sporting events.

The facility is expected to feature modern pitch technology, upgraded spectator stands, advanced lighting systems for night games, VIP lounges, media centres, locker rooms, and safety and security installations that align with FIFA requirements.

The project is also expected to include auxiliary facilities such as training pitches, parking spaces, and support buildings that will enhance its overall functionality as a multi-use sports complex.

According to the governor’s vision, the stadium is not just a sports project but part of a broader economic revitalisation plan for Aba.

The city, already known as a major commercial hub in South-eastern Nigeria, is expected to benefit significantly from increased sporting activities, which will drive business for hotels, transport operators, food vendors, and local entrepreneurs.

The initiative is also positioned to strengthen grassroots football development and provide a modern home ground for local teams, especially Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs.

The project is expected to be executed through a structured development approach that may involve partnerships aimed at ensuring timely delivery and high construction standards.

When completed, the stadium is projected to elevate Abia State’s profile in national and African football circles while creating new opportunities for youth engagement, talent development, and sports tourism.

Overall, the Aba stadium plan reflects a strategic push by the state government to combine sports, infrastructure, and economic development into a single long-term growth vision for Abia State.

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June 12: FG Unveils Plans for ‘Modest’ Democracy Day Celebrations

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Eric

The Federal government has announced plans for a modest commemoration of Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu expected to lead activities by addressing a joint session of the National Assembly and delivering a nationwide presidential broadcast on June 12.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disclosed this on Tuesday during the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee charged with coordinating preparations for the annual celebration.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, further disclosed that Akume, who inaugurated the committee at the Shehu Shagari Complex, said that with barely 10 days remaining before the anniversary, members must immediately commence implementation of activities outlined for the event.

According to him, a week-long programme has been scheduled for the celebration, culminating in a Democracy Day Gala Night on June 12.

The activities include a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on June 7, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, as well as Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10.

The SGF stated that the administration remained conscious of prevailing economic realities and its commitment to prudent management of public resources, noting that this year’s events would be deliberately scaled down.

He said the decision reflected the government’s awareness of the current national mood and determination to ensure fiscal responsibility in the execution of public programmes.

Akume also paid tribute to heroes of the June 12 democratic struggle, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, describing his sacrifice as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a foundation upon which the country’s democratic institutions have evolved.

He said the annual observance of Democracy Day serves as an opportunity to honour the memory of those who fought for democratic governance while celebrating Nigeria’s progress in sustaining civilian rule and strengthening democratic institutions.

According to Akume, the occasion will also provide the Tinubu administration an avenue to showcase progress made in consolidating democracy, repositioning key institutions, and implementing reforms aimed at addressing national challenges despite prevailing socio-economic difficulties.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated for the anniversary is chaired by the SGF and comprises senior government officials drawn from the executive, security, and administrative sectors.

Members include ministers responsible for Information, Interior, Federal Capital Territory, Health, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defence, and Budget and Economic Planning, alongside the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, presidential aides, and permanent secretaries.

The committee has been mandated to coordinate and execute all approved Democracy Day activities, engage relevant organisations and stakeholders where necessary, preserve records of the events for historical purposes, and undertake any additional assignments required for the successful delivery of the programme.

Akume further directed subcommittee secretaries to promptly submit budget proposals to facilitate the seamless implementation of the planned activities.

Democracy Day, celebrated annually on June 12, was instituted in honour of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest polls and won by the late MKO Abiola.