Inflation, Govt Policies Frustrating Mortgage Banks

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July 18, 2022

Nigeria’s inflationary pressure and weak government policies are slowing down mortgage business in the country, the Managing Director of Living Trust Mortgage Bank, Adekunle Adewole, has said.

The MD said this at an event, ‘Facts Behind the Figures – Living Trust Mortgage Bank’ organised by the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Monday.

Prices of commodities are currently at five years high as inflation has risen to 18.9 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Adewole believes that the setbacks could hamper lenders’ effort to close the 20 million housing deficit suffered in Nigeria.

He said, “Our environment is volatile. Palpable fear remains over insurgency in the North Eastern parts. While remaining expansionary plans, terrorism continue to affect the economic participation of a large section, safety of lives and products, limitations of movements/operational time and cost of security.

“Government policies have really slowed down our growth. Elongated justice process; prohibitive cost of securing land titles; non-de-risk of financial service sector; complex administration system affects sub sector.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria set a Cash Reserve Ratio of 27.5 per cent for the banking sector and any infringement could lead to 40.24 per cent interest charge.

Sokoto specialist hospital gets N347m for renovation, modern equipment –CMD

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Cleopatra Okohai

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July 18, 2022

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The Sokoto State Government has approved N347 million for the general renovation and provision of modern equipment at the Specialist Hospital in the state.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Nuhu Maishanu, of the hospital, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday.

According to him, the approval was given based on direct labour to facilitate the completion of the renovation and the provision of the equipment.

“The project will take care of the renovation of 10 dilapidated wards, laboratories, clinic, offices, maternity unit, amenity wards, road network, and landscaping of the hospital.

“However, aside from procurement of modern medical equipment, the works included in the project are the provision of the arts medical furniture and office equipment,” he said.

He added that after the completion of the renovation, the facility would meet all the standards required of a specialist hospital.

Maishanu thanked Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for the approval, pointing out that, “this has indicated the commitment of the state government towards improving the health sector in the state”.

He appealed to the people in the state to continue to support and cooperate with the hospital for the attainment of the set objectives.

Delta NSCDC Nabs 42 Suspected Pipeline Vandals In Six Months

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Koko Lawrence

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July 18, 2022

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Operatives of Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested about 42 suspected criminals for various offences, ranging from pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, kidnapping, child molestation and human trafficking, within the past six months.

The Command’s Public Relations officer, Emeka Peters Okwechime told newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Asaba that achievements were made in fighting criminality, especially in the riverine areas of the state, but with challenges.

Okwechime disclosed that the last six months have been tough for them while they engaged the suspects, which led to the arrest of over 42 suspects for various crimes ranging from dealing in illegal petroleum products, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, kidnapping, human trafficking, child molestation and fraud.”

NSCDC’s image maker said in May, about eight of the suspects were convicted, while scores are being prosecuted for fraud and related offences.

He said: “We have arrested 12 suspects for trafficking. One of them was arrested for baby factory and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded”.

He explained that the Command’s anti vandalism squad “gave a hot chase to a gang of kidnappers, who disguised as transporters using a bus. They loaded the bus at Uromi junction in Agbor to Warri, but diverted into Abavo bush. Our men chased them and rescued the kidnapped victims unhurt.”

Also, Okwechime said that a locally made boat was intercepted with an unquantified amount of crude oil hidden beneath the boat, saying that the suspects are being trailed.

“In the Udu area, the Command invaded an illegal dump site where illegal diesels were stored in underground tanks. We have confiscated it, and cordoned off the area. Suspects are on the run.

“On herders/farmers clash, the Agro rangers department has since waded into it and has brought peace, stability and sanity to some areas, where herders are giving farmers tough times.

Autopsy Indicates Angola Ex-Leader Died Of Natural Causes, Spanish Court Orders More Testing

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Koko Lawrence

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July 18, 2022

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Preliminary autopsy results show the death of Angola’s former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos was due to natural causes, a Spanish court said on Monday while ordering further examination.

Dos Santos died two weeks ago in Barcelona at the age of 79.

The court also decided to delay the handover of his body to his family, a court spokesperson said on Monday.

“Despite the fact that the provisional autopsy report indicates that Dos Santos’ death was natural, the court has decided to order complementary testing to that usually done in an autopsy, given that a complaint about possible threats to this person was previously filed,” she said.

The Carmen Varela family law firm representing Dos Santos’ daughter Tchize dos Santos said she had asked for a full autopsy due to alleged “suspicious circumstances of his death”, though neither the law firm or the daughter provided evidence of such circumstances.

According to the office of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, Dos Santos, who stepped down five years ago after ruling the country for nearly four decades, died at the Teknon clinic in Barcelona, where he was being treated after a prolonged illness. The clinic declined to comment on the request for an autopsy or the details of his death.

He had been receiving medical treatment since 2019 and Portuguese news agency LUSA reported in June he was in intensive care in Barcelona, citing a source close to him, as the Angolan government said the former leader had suffered a deterioration in his health.

Osinbajo’s Surgery: NMA tasks political office holders on Nigeria’s Health system

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Cleopatra Okohai

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July 18, 2022

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The Nigerian Medical Association has urged political office holders in the country to end medical tourism and fix the country’s fragile health system.

The NMA also prays for Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s quick and complete recovery from leg surgery.

Recall that the vice-president had on Saturday undergone leg surgery at the Duchess International Hospital, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Medical doctors, who performed the surgical operation on Osinbajo described it as successful.

However, in a statement released on Sunday by the President of the NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinmah made available to Newsmen, the association commended the Vice-President for demonstrating confidence in the Nigerian doctor and the country’s health care system.

The statement read, “NMA wishes to thank God for seeing our

Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo through surgery.

“All Nigerian doctors are praying for his quick and complete recovery.

“NMA hereby also commends Mr.Vice,-President for demonstrating confidence in the Nigerian doctor and healthcare system.

“We are certain that he was impressed. We call on other political office holders in Nigeria to emulate the Vice President and end medical tourism.

“It is time to fix our fragile healthcare system to the benefit of the common man and our economy.”

Ojinmah said the time for action is now, urging those concerned to do the needful.

Osinbajo’s Spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, had posted a statement from the hospital confirming that the vice-president had a successful leg surgery on Saturday at the Duchess International Hospital, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

“The vice-president was admitted to Duchess International Hospital, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, today on account of a fracture of his right femur (thigh bone), possibly related to a longstanding injury associated with a game of squash.

“He had a surgical operation performed by a team of specialist doctors, including Dr. Wallace Ogufere, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Om Lahoti, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Dr. Babajide Lawson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

“Others were Dr. Ken Adegoke, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Dr. Oladimeji Agbabiaka, Consultant Anaesthetist, and Dr. Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi, Consultant Physician and Medical Director.

“The operation was successful and Osinbajo is expected to be discharged within the next few days,” Dosunmu-Ogunbi said.

While Osinbajo sought treatment at home, his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari has a preference for foreign medical care, a situation that has continued to anger many Nigerians.

NMA has continued to express displeasure at the neglect suffered by the health sector amid the president’s frequent medical trips.

Seven years and two months since his regime began on May 29, 2015, President Buhari has spent over 201 days on medical leave based, according to information made public by the presidency.

The presidential clinic caters to the president, vice president, their families, and members of staff of the presidential villa, Abuja.

Despite the existence of the presidential clinic, Buhari’s preference for foreign medical care has remained a concern to stakeholders in the health sector.

Stakeholders in the health sector say the attraction to foreign health care by political office holders demonstrated the failure of leadership.

According to them, the continued patronage of foreign hospitals by privileged Nigerians, including the president and his immediate family, has increased the lack of confidence in the sector, thereby increasing medical tourism and wastage of public funds on such adventures.

Immediate past General Secretary of the NMA, Dr. Philip Eke, in an earlier interview with PUNCH Healthwise on the president’s frequent medical trip, credited the private sector for a majority of the development recorded in the health sector.

He said, “We could have committed more funds to make the health sector better. But unfortunately, it is even the private sector that is improving the health sector, not the public sector, because the government is not even buying equipment.

“It may seem as if the workers are paid relatively higher, but that money is nothing when the cost of food is very high. By and large, I don’t think there is much improvement in the health indices in the country as expected. The private sector has done a whole lot trying to improve the health sector.

“But one thing again is that the behaviour of the public office holders tells you that there has not been any improvement in the health sector because if they had improved the health sector, they would have the confidence to stay and get treated.”

“What is the illness that the president has that we don’t have the personnel or manpower in Nigeria to treat such that he has to travel out of the country?

“That tells you that even if he does not trust the system and if the President does not trust the system, it means he is not leading by example and means other public office holders will also leave.”

According to him, the neglect of the health sector has been a major reason for the brain drain in the sector with many health workers moving to Canada, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and other developed countries.

Largest healing crusade with Pastor Chris; participants set for avalanche of miracles

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Henry Williams

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July 18, 2022

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The Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris is set to hit the airwaves and the internet again, starting from July 29 to July 31, and reaching billions of people around the world with the healing power of God.

No fewer than 6.7 billion people worldwide participated in the March edition that recorded extraordinary miracles of salvation, healing, blessings and deliverance.

Armando, one of the participants from a healing center in Dubai in the March 2022 edition, had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma two years before, suffered a fractured lumbar vertebra, and his kidneys were failing.

While Pastor Chris was praying for the sick, Armando realized that he did not feel the pain in his back anymore and he began to rejoice. Today, he is in perfect health. “No more dialysis!” he declares.

Also, following the healing services in March 2022, Lerato from South Africa wrote: “My sister’s baby girl had big pimples on her head and neck. They were so painful that the baby cried so much and couldn’t sleep. We heard about the Healing Steams Live Healing Services and participated. When Pastor Chris said we should lay our hands on our sick loved ones, we laid our hands on the baby. The following day, there were no traces of the painful pimples. The baby is healed!”

According to Pastor Rhoda Olusina, who spoke on behalf of the organizers, “These are just some of the countless testimonies resulting from the outpouring of God’s healing power. The 29th to 31st of July will be another season for birthing miracles and wonders. And those interested can immediately register via www.healingstreams.tv/3days.”

According to the organiser’s the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris is a special online program designed by the Holy Spirit to bring divine healing to everyone that requires healing for their bodies.

NPFL Round-up: Remo Stars Secure Continental Ticket As Pillars, Three Others Are Relegated

By

Emenike Agu

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July 18, 2022

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The last games of the Nigerian Professional League (NPFL) 2021/22 season were played on Sunday with the confirmation of the four teams to be relegated.

This concluded an intensive seven-month action-packed season-the shortest in NPFL history.

The 10 games played on Sunday, July 17, produced 20 goals with nine home victories and an away win.

Rivers United ended the league as champions with 77 points. They became the club with the highest total of points in an NPFL season as they defeated Gombe United by a lone goal.

Chijioke Akuneto scored from the spot for the Port Harcourt landlords in the 11th minute. Akuneto ended the season with 19 goals.

In Ikenne, Remo Stars sealed their third position and a continental slot with a three-nil win over Tornadoes. This will be the first time in the club’s history they would qualify for the continent.

Andy Okpe’s hat-trick sealed the club’s highest points secured in an NPFL season.

Just like in Port Harcourt, it was a party galore at the Ikenne stadium, where Remo Stars’ fans trooped in en masse to celebrate the impressive feat Gbenga Ogunbote and his boys achieved in their debut season.

Remo Stars broke the deadlock from the spot through Andy Okpe in the 30th minute after Stanley Okorom committed an infringement.

The first half had a few lost chances on both sides with thrilling support from the fans.

Remo Stars into the second half doubled the lead with Andy Okpe’s header from a Seun Ogunribide cross.

Okpe completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute.

Away Win

NPFL ended their miserable campaign on a sour note after a 1-0 home loss to Nasarawa United. Although they had already confirmed their relegation, they couldn’t hold on to their pride as Chinedu Ohanachom’s 32nd-minute strike sent the Lagos-based side to the lower division for the next season.

Escapees

Shooting Stars had a moment to seek restitution after they escaped relegation based on goal difference.

Although they lost to relegated Kano Pillars 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Katsina United, who lost 2-0 to Wikki Tourists, faced the axe of relegation.

Godspower Aniefiok scored in the first half while Rabiu Ali scored for the relegated Pillars from the spot.

Also, Dakkada escaped relegation after a 3-0 victory over Sunshine Stars. A brace from Edidiong Ezekiel and Aniekan Okon scored to help the Uyo-based side to see NPFL action next season.

Lobi Stars and Abia Warriors also escaped relegation after Katsina United failed to hold Wikki Tourists.

Abia Warriors defeated Lobi Stars 3-0 with Godwin Obaje, Valentine Odoh and an own goal from Francis Odinaka saved Imama Amapakabo’s side.

Relegated

After over two decades in the league, Kano Pillars kissed the top flight league bye-bye with 45 points above MFM.

Although they defeated Shooting Stars it wasn’t enough as the LMC has earlier slammed the Sai Masu Gida with a three-point deduction that confirmed their relegation.

Heartland said bye-bye to the NPFL with a 1-0 win over Kwara United in Okigwe.

Kabiru Dogo’s side walloped Katsina United 2-0 to send the Northern side packing from the league. Fuad Ekeleojuoti and Ibrahim Sale scored the goals that condemned Katsina United.

Results

Heartland 1-0 Kwara United

Remo Stars 3-0 Niger Tornadoes

Dakkada 3-0 Sunshine Stars

Plateau United 1-0 Enyimba

Wikki Tourists 2-0 Katsina United

Abia Warriors 3-0 Lobi Stars

Rangers 2-0 Akwa United

Rivers United 1-0 Gombe United

Kano Pillars 2-1 3SC

MFM 0-1 Nasarawa United

Italian PM Heads To Algeria To Finalize Gas Supply Deals

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Zoe Maven

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July 18, 2022

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With his government’s fate in limbo, Italian Premier Mario Draghi is visiting Algeria’s capital on Monday to finalize deals boosting Algerian gas supplies to Italy as Europeans brace for a possible cutoff of Russian gas.

The Italian delegation includes the foreign minister, interior minister, justice minister and ecological transition ministers. They’ll hold a day of talks, meet with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and sign joint agreements.

Algeria is set to displace Russia as the main supplier of gas to Italy, after a major agreement was reached during a trip by Draghi to Algeria in April between Algerian energy giant Sonatrach and Italian company ENI to increase gas exports.

EU countries have scrambled to diversify energy sources after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Monday’s trip comes at a precarious time for Draghi, who had to cut it a day short because of political troubles at home.

A main partner in his pandemic unity government, the populist 5-Star Movement, boycotted a confidence vote in the Senate last week on an energy costs relief bill, jeopardizing the survival of the 17-month-old government.

The political turmoil forced Draghi to reduce his Algeria visit from two days to just one.

Amid concerns that payments for Russian gas and oil are funding President Vladimir Putin’s war, Europe is trying to cut its reliance on Russian natural gas imports and prepare for a potential Russian cutoff in reprisal for EU sanctions.

Prior to the war, Russia provided Italy about 29 billion cubic meters of gas per year, compared with about 23 billion from Algeria.

India’s Parliament Begins Voting For New President

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Zoe Maven

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July 18, 2022

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India’s parliament began voting on Monday for a new president, with a female politician from the country’s marginalised tribal community the favourite for the post.

Droupadi Murmu, from the Santhal tribe, has been nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for the largely ceremonial position.

If elected, she would be India’s first tribal president and second female president. The incumbent, Ram Nath Kovind, is the country’s second president from the Dalit community, the bottom of the Hindu caste system.

Murmu began her career as a schoolteacher in the eastern state of Odisha before going into politics. She has held ministerial positions in the state government and been governor of the neighbouring state of Jharkhand.

Her main opponent for the presidency is veteran politician Yashwant Sinha, an ex-BJP member and former finance and external affairs minister, who has been backed by opposition parties including Congress.

He is now a vocal critic of Modi’s government and tweeted at the weekend: “This year the Presidential election is not a contest between two individuals but two ideologies.

India’s president is chosen by nearly 5,000 elected members of both houses of parliament and regional legislatures across the country.

Each of their votes is weighted according to the size of their constituency, and they rank the candidates in order of preference.

If no-one has more than 50 percent support, the lowest-scoring candidate is eliminated and their votes redistributed until someone reaches the mark.

The result will be announced later this week.

Indiana Gunman Kills Three Before Being Fatally Shot

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Zoe Maven

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July 18, 2022

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A gunman killed three people when he opened fire in the food court of a shopping mall outside Indianapolis in the US state of Indiana on Sunday before a bystander fatally shot the assailant.

Two other people were injured in the incident, which took place in the early evening at Greenwood Park Mall, the Indianapolis Star reported, citing Greenwood Police Chief Jim Ison.

The paper reported that police believe a bystander who also had a weapon saw the shooting and opened fire on the gunman.

The shooter was alone and had a rifle and several magazines of ammunition, according to the newspaper.

The shootings occurred amid widespread concerns over the drumbeat of US shootings in schools, workplaces and public areas that regularly make headlines.

A spate of gun massacres since May at a New York grocery store, a Texas elementary school and an Illinois Independence Day parade have renewed fierce US debate over gun regulations.

The US House Judiciary Committee will take up proposed legislation this week that would ban certain assault weapons, the panel said on Friday.

It is not expected to pass the Senate.