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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

President Buhari Appoints New FIRS Chairman

6:48 PM 0
President Buhari Appoints New FIRS Chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Muhammad M. Nami as the new chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Naija News reports that Nami’s appointment was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday after by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President.
This online news platform understands that Nami replaces Babatunde Fowler, whose tenure expired today, Monday, December 9.
Naija News reports that Nami is a tax consultant and graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, northern Nigeria.
Shehu said in the statement that Fowler is expected to hand over to the most senior director on the board, who will take charge, pending the Senate confirmation of the new board.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the composition of a new board for the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, subject to Senate confirmation.
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The statement reads as thus; “The President nominated a renowned tax consultant, Muhammad M. Nami as the new chairman.
“The board is composed of a member representing each of the six geographical zones and statutory representatives from a select number of ministries and government agencies.
“Mr. Muhammad, a well-trained Tax, Accounting & Management professional with highly rated qualifications and professional practice and licenses from relevant professional bodies, has almost three decades of practical working experience in Auditing, Tax Management and Advisory and Management services to clients in the banking, manufacturing, services and public sectors as well as non- profit organizations.
“He is an expert in rendering advisory support services to investors in respect of new business start-ups and management of existing businesses. He has also continuously rendered outsourced services to clients in trading, service and manufacturing sectors of the nation’s economy.
“Muhammad Nami attended Bayero University Kano and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology (1991) and a Masters of Business degree (2004) respectively.
“He is a fellow of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Institute of Debt Recovery Practitioners of Nigeria and Associate Member of Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.
“He started his career with PFK in 1993 and rose to the position of a Senior Consultant in charge of Tax management and advisory services. He is currently the managing consultant of Manam Professional Services (Chartered Tax Practitioners and Business Advisers) based in Kaduna, Abuja, Niger State.
“Mr. Muhammad has served and is still serving, on many companies’ Board and Statutory Board Audit Committees. He was appointed as a member, Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Stolen Assets in November 2017 by President Buhari. He is married with children.

“Chairman of FIRS, Babatunde Fowler, whose term of office expired on Monday, 9th December 2019 is expected to hand over to the most senior director on the board, who will take charge, pending the Senate confirmation of the new board,” the statement added.

Instagram Billionaire Mompha Deletes All Posts On Instagram After EFCC Frees Him

6:12 PM 0
Instagram Billionaire Mompha Deletes All Posts On Instagram After EFCC Frees Him

Ismaila Mustapha a.k.a Mompha, the Instagram celebrity who was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for 14 counts of fraud and money laundering has deleted all his posts on the social media platform.

The man who calls himself, ‘sky man’ and ‘citizen of the sky’, and who had used Instagram to display an ostentatious lifestyle has gone blank on the platform.

He, however, did not state any reason for doing so, while stating that his 683,000 followers were shocked to find all his posts gone on Tuesday.

Yesterday Mompha was released from detention after he perfected the bail conditions handed to him by a Lagos High Court.

Heavyweight Boxer Anthony Joshua Speaks On Fighting In Nigeria

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Heavyweight Boxer Anthony Joshua Speaks On Fighting In Nigeria


British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has expressed a desire to defend his heavyweight titles in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that Joshua had defeated Andy Ruiz after 12-round of a thrilling fight on Saturday night.

Anthony Joshua (AJ) won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring AJ 118-110. 118-110. 119-109.

Joshua reclaimed WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight world titles in front of 15,000 spectators.

Recalls that Ruiz had defeated the former heavyweight champion in the seventh round back in June, at the Maddison Square in New York.

Joshua is expected to return to London to defend his titles against Kubrat Pulev but his promoter Eddie Hearn has received numerous offers to stage future bouts elsewhere.


Speaking after his fight with Ruiz, Joshua said: “People have been telling me I should go back for ages. It was crazy because they don’t have 24-hour electricity but they still know me and support me.

“I went to the ghettos of the ghettos where it’s not all about egos and beef, it’s about people who are hungry to survive.

“It was one of the best things I’ve done. Africa’s rooting for me for sure, so I would definitely love to fight out there.”

Joshua’s parents are both of Nigerian descent, and the fighter made a bid to represent the country at the 2008 Olympics, only to be turned down by boxing officials.

Monday, December 9, 2019

STYLE BY ZENITH 2.0: Lifestyle at its Best

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STYLE BY ZENITH 2.0: Lifestyle at its Best
Following the success of the maiden edition, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc is set to ignite Lagos with the second edition of its highly anticipated Lifestyle Fair, “Style by Zenith 2.0”, which holds from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1, 2019.
First launched in 2018, the “Style by Zenith 2.0” initiative, which was created with the objective of supporting and creating value for customers by focusing on various aspects of their lifestyle, will hold at the Eko Energy City, Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This year, “Style by Zenith 2.0” takes things up a notch with the theme, “Style the Life you Desire”, aimed at encouraging Nigerians to live their best lives and be extraordinary.
Zenith Bank ignites Lagos with “Style by Zenith 2.0”
“Style by Zenith 2.0” caps a year of all-encompassing customer lifestyle engagements by Zenith Bank through events such as the Aspire Music Festival, a musical concert for millennials held in Lagos in September and the Aba SME Fair organised for SMEs in the Aba Fashion Market, Abia State last month. This is in addition to the Light-Up Ceremony of the yuletide decorations on Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island coming up by the second week of this month.
The three-day fair has an interesting line up of activities including runway modelling by leading Nigerian and international models accessorized by top designers, modelling masterclasses, an exhibition of lifestyle, beauty, health & fitness products, food and drinks, games arcade for both children and adults as well as a musical concert featuring Nigeria’s biggest artistes.
Fashion One, the leading global fashion and lifestyle channel will once again be working with Zenith Bank on the “Style by Zenith 2.0” initiative.
Attendance at the fair is free for everyone. However, the music concert is exclusively reserved for Zenith Bank customers, although non-Zenith customers can still attend the concerts by simply opening a Zenith Bank account and registering to attend at www.zenithbank.com/style.
Zenith Bank Plc is recognized as one of the most innovative financial institutions in Nigeria and was voted the most customer-focused bank in Nigeria for the Retail and SME segments in the 2018 KPMG Annual Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS).

Cardi B Wants Real Nigerian Experience As She Begs For Nigerian Jollof

9:28 AM 0
Cardi B Wants Real Nigerian Experience As She Begs For Nigerian Jollof


Controversial American rapper, Cardi B who arrived in Nigeria yesterday evening has once again cried out for a real Nigerian experience.

The Queen of Bronx took to her Insta story this morning to brood over the hotel food and expensive neighbourhood she’s being hosted.

Cardi reveals that she wants to experience the real Nigeria, the local outlets and of course the famous Nigerian Jollof rice every tourist can’t wait to have a taste of.

“Alright this 7 o’clock in the morning I want to go to the f**king hood. I want to see the real Nigeria. I want to eat the hotel food I want like real Nigerian food, all that fish, all that Nigerian Jollof rice, all that, all that,” she said.

Cardi B To Star In ‘Fast And Furious 9’

9:27 AM 0
Cardi B To Star In ‘Fast And Furious 9’

Cardi B To Feature In Action Movie
Award-winning American rapper, Cardi B is billed to appear in the next installment of the fast and furious movie, ‘Fast & Furious 9’.
Movie star, Vin Diesel made the disclosure in a video shared on his Instagram page in which Cardi B is seen with him on set.
In the video, he revealed they both finished shooting on the set for the movie with both stars in obvious need of rest.
“Day 86 here on the set of Fast 9. We all gave every single thing we could for this movie,” Vin Diesel said.
Cardi added: “I’m tired, but I can’t wait. I ain’t gonna front, I think this is going to be the best one. I need to take a nappy-nap. I’m ready to take my nappy-nap.”
Watch the video below.

Chelsea legend Drogba finally grants Mbappe's 10-year-old wish

9:27 AM 0
Chelsea legend Drogba finally grants Mbappe's 10-year-old wish

The Frenchman had his wish granted after it was turned down by the African football great a decade ago at Stamford Bridge.
Kylian Mbappe had his decade-long request to Didier Drogba granted during the 2019 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris.
Drogba who co-hosted Monday’s event with Sandy Heribert disclosed he denied a 10-year-old Mbappe (who was on trial at Chelsea) a picture following Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
According to him, he snubbed the Frenchman because he was infuriated by referee Tom Ovrebo’s decisions as the Blues crashed out to a late Andres Iniesta goal at Stamford Bridge.
“Ten years ago after a match, a child came to me and wanted to take a picture,” he said.
“That day I said no because of the result [and the refereeing]. I learned that the child was Kylian Mbappe. I want to pay my debt now.”
Shortly after this, the Ivorian asked the audience to stand and get in the back of a selfie with the PSG star.

Friday, December 6, 2019

BUSINESSJust In: CBN Gets New Currency Operations Director

5:51 PM 0
BUSINESSJust In: CBN Gets New Currency Operations Director



The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has appointed Ahmed Bello Umar as the new Director, Currency Operations.

Naija News understands that the appointment took effect on Thursday, December 5, 2019.

Umar succeeds Priscilla Ekwueme Eleje, who bowed out same-day having reached the statutory retirement age.

A statement signed by the Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor confirmed that Umar, until his redeployment, was the Director, Trade, and Exchange.

Born on July 10, 1963, Umar joined the services of the CBN in May 1989. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.

Umar is certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria (Associate-AIIAN), the Information System and Control Association (ISACA) and the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)

8 Nigerian Foods That Have Similar Versions Across West Africa

3:06 PM 0
8 Nigerian Foods That Have Similar Versions Across West Africa
Culture is fluid and dynamic, and while it differs from community to community, there are always similar elements that remind me that humans are more connected than we think. This is especially true for West Africa and is more obvious in the culinary elements of our cultures. And unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, I’m sure you’ve heard about the light-hearted Jollof Wars; which is basically banter between Ghanaians and Nigerians about who has the best Jollof. Well, it’s banter for some of us, some people have carried the matter on their heads. In my opinion, Nigerians and Ghanaians don’t have mouth in this matter because Senegal is the real pioneer of Jollof or as they call it: Wolof rice. 
Anyway, I’ve always thought how interesting and cool it is that our cultures are interconnected and food is a pretty important part of a culture, so I want to talk about food across West Africa that share the same elements. 

  • JOLLOF RICE

A continuous source of beef and controversy upon the TL, jollof rice is one of the dishes that cuts across many cultures- even the whites want a piece of it e.g Jamie Oliver and the infamous #Jollofgate. Originating from the ancient Wolof or Jolof empire in Senegal during the 14th-16th century, the dish literally translates to “one-pot”. Since then it has travelled from place to place, morphing into specific recipes in these places which include Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia and Cameroon.
While these recipes differ from region to region, the underlying ingredients are constant and the rice is usually simmered in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions and peppers, some also add vegetables. Spices also play an important role in the making of Jollof rice because what is African food without spice?
It is a staple in Nigerian parties, restaurants and during the holidays. Seriously though what is a party without Jollof rice? Even festivals are held in its honour;  so one thing we can all decipher is that Jollof rice is pure magic.

  • FUFU

Not quite as revered as Jollof rice, Fufu is another staple that exists in many places in West Africa and has even spread outside of Africa to the Carribean. Made from pounded cassava, fufu has a distinct and peculiar scent, and while many are averse to it because of this, others love it despite this fact. It is popular in West and Central Africa and is even one of the staple ‘swallows’ in Ghana. 
Image via Nigerian Food Recipes on Youtube
Image via Nigerian Food Recipes on Youtube

  • BANGA SOUP

Also known as palm fruit soup, this is another delicacy that cuts across a few West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana. As the name implies, the main ingredient is the palm fruit or palm nut, gotten from the palm tree which is one that grows in these tropical parts.
Image via All Nigerian Recipes.com
Image via All Nigerian Recipes.com

  • GROUNDNUT SOUP

‘Granat soup’ as the people of Sierra Leone who speak Krio call it, groundnut soup is another delicacy a popular to people of these (Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana) parts, and so naturally, any soup made from groundnuts would be a very obvious food choice. 
Image via Serious Eats dot com.
Image via Serious Eats dot com.

  • KELEWELE

Known as Dodo in Nigeria, Kelewele is basically diced, spiced fried plantain, another favourite. Actually, maybe the closest thing to Kelewele in Nigerian cuisine is Gizdodo; which is plantain and gizzard fried together with pepper and other spices. I know the name gizdodo is not very inspiring, but I assure you that the taste is.
Image via The Only Way is Ghana dot com
Image via The Only Way is Ghana dot com

  • EGUSI SOUP

Known as agushi soup in Ghana, egusi soup is another dish that is known far and wide. Elite in any form, this soup is made with the seeds of cucurbitaceous plants like melon and squash and is cooked with palm oil, protein(meat or fish). It’s also used/eaten in other countries like Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso, Benin and Cameroon.
Image via Low Carb Africa dot com
Image via Low Carb Africa dot com
  • AMALA

The most disrespected of all swallows, in fact, all Nigerian dishes, Amala is also a staple in some other parts of Africa.  Made from yam chips flour, amala is also eaten in Benin. 
Image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest


  • POUNDED YAM

This is another dish that’s quite popular across West Africa. According to Zikoko, it’s called Igname Pilée in Benin Republic. It’s an elite swallow so I’m not surprised.
image via Symplinatural dot com
image via Symplinatural dot com

Are there any other foods you think are similar or share the same elements across West Africa? Share with us!
Featured image via Sympli Natural