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Lagos state government shuts down Oshodi Market, Relocates traders to newly built Isopakodowo

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Crowded Oshodi Market in Nigeria

 

 

Lagos State Government yesterday shut Owonifari market within the notorious loop of Oshodi, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, aimed at addressing the security challenges in the axis.

 

It will be recalled that the State Government often arrest hoodlums in Oshodi to stern the activities of petty thieves who often deprive commuters of their property.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who disclosed this, lamented that the market has constituted a menace and an eyesore within the locality.

Ayorinde noted that they have relocated affected traders and shop owners to the newly built Isopakodowo market stalls at Bolade area in Oshodi.

The government has also commenced the fencing-off of the set-back on Agege Motor Road that stretches from Ilupeju end of Oshodi all the way to the PWD/Ikeja GRA end of the area.

According to the statement, the Owonifari loop will be transformed into an ultra modern bus terminus with new bus shelters that are befitting of a structured park in a mega city.

It added that the fencing-off of the long stretch of the set-back is being undertaken to assist the Federal Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation in particular with a view to beautifying it and safeguard lives along the railway corridor by discouraging street trading and indiscriminate use of the space.

Ayorinde said the ongoing fencing-off and beautification of the road set-back from Ilupeju bypass to PWD/Ikeja GRA would constitute the first phase of the transformation of the Oshodi area. The second phase, he added, would begin from PWD/Ikeja GRA and stretch all the way to Agege/Pen cinema axis.

He stated further that Lagosians should expect from this transformation exercise, a new Oshodi that will be sane and safe and where both traders and commuters would be pleased to visit and trade.

The commissioner assured that the traders being relocated have been properly allocated shops within the Isopakodowo market and that the demolition of the loop is in the best interest of the people who should expect a world-class bus terminus there.

 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

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Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

 

Lagos, Nigeria – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions.

 

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.

 

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience.
Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to get the full value of every payment they receive, whilst also ensuring a more seamless and efficient payment experience.”
The Zero Processing Charge campaign aligns with GTBank’s ongoing efforts to empower businesses with innovative financial solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

 

For more information, merchants are encouraged to contact their Relationship Managers or reach out to the Digital Banking Support Team at poshelpdesk@gtbank.com.
About GTBank

 

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions that empower businesses and individuals. With a strong focus on technology and customer satisfaction, GTBank continues to redefine the banking experience across Africa and beyond.

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

 

The Federal Government and former diplomats have condemned Canada’s decision to deny visas to top Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other senior officers. The controversy arose after Gen. Musa revealed that several high-ranking officials were barred from attending a Canadian event honoring war veterans, leaving some delegation members stranded.

 

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expressed outrage at the development during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday. Ribadu described the visa denial as “disrespectful” and declared, “Canada can go to hell.” He applauded Musa for addressing the issue publicly and emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its internal capacity.

 

“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work,” Ribadu stated.

 

Gen. Musa called the incident a “wake-up call” for Nigeria to stand firm against being taken for granted by foreign nations. “This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he urged.

An official from the Canadian High Commission, speaking anonymously, indicated that an official response would be provided on Friday.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, criticized the visa denial as inconceivable and proposed a reciprocal delay in processing Canadian visa applications. He also recommended summoning the Canadian High Commissioner for an explanation.

“High officials of the rank of the CDS, COAS, and Service Chiefs should normally hold diplomatic passports. Application for visas of such top officials should be routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and forwarded with a Note Verbale,” Akinkuolie explained. “If such a denial occurs, the Nigerian mission in Canada should delay all diplomatic, official, and private applications of Canadians visiting Nigeria as a reciprocal measure.”

Ambassador Akinkuolie also emphasized the importance of limiting delegations to official personnel to avoid unnecessary complications.

Similarly, retired Ambassador to Algeria, Amb. Mohammed Mabdul, described the visa denial as “highly undiplomatic” and urged the Canadian High Commission to reconsider. “The issue of security should not be taken for granted,” Mabdul warned, stressing that diplomatic relations should not be jeopardized by such actions.

However, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, criticized Ribadu’s language, calling it undiplomatic.

“I don’t think the NSA handled the matter in the best possible way, and the language used cannot be considered diplomatic,” Farounbi said. He suggested that the issue should have been referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Every sovereign nation has the right to grant or deny visas to any applicant. Considering the bilateral relationship, the matter could have been addressed through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the best agency for handling such matters, and they would have used appropriate language,” he added.

Farounbi further warned against ministries and agencies taking on roles that fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“There are instances where top officials visit foreign countries without informing the Nigerian Embassy in those countries. This is not how such matters should be handled,” he said.

As diplomatic tensions rise, all eyes are on Canada’s official response and any potential actions Nigeria may take to address the issue.

 

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Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

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Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made serious allegations against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming that the agency misused $59 million to accommodate illegal migrants in luxurious hotels.

 

The billionaire entrepreneur revealed this in a tweet on Monday morning, stating that the discovery was made last week. According to Musk, the funds were intended for American disaster relief but were instead diverted in violation of national regulations.

 

He wrote: “The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President’s executive order. That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high-end hotels for illegals! A clawback demand will be made today to recoup those funds.”

 

The revelation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that FEMA’s allocation of funds should prioritize American citizens affected by disasters. The allegations have also intensified scrutiny on FEMA, which has faced previous accusations of financial mismanagement.

 

An inspector general audit recently revealed that FEMA mishandled nearly $10 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. The audit stated that $8.1 billion in costs remained questionable, while $1.5 billion was allocated prematurely and could have been better utilized for other emergencies.

 

As scrutiny mounts, former President Donald Trump has reportedly considered abolishing FEMA, describing the agency as “a disaster.” To address these concerns, Trump has established a council, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to review FEMA’s operations and propose necessary reforms by late June.

 

The allegations against FEMA have triggered a broader debate on the proper allocation of taxpayer funds and the government’s role in disaster management. More updates are expected as the situation develops.

 

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