*Nigeria reaffirms commitment to Global Economic Stability at G20 meeting*

The Nation Newspaper
February 28, 2025
https://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-reaffirms-commitment-to-global-economic-stability-at-g20-meeting/

........made this pledge during a meeting with international financial leaders at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.
*-------------------------------*
*The G20 consists of 20 member countries, including:*
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
- European Union (represented by the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council)

*US Senate Banking Committee Hearing on the Framework of Digital Assets: A Comprehensive Overview*

Published: February 27, 2025
https://medium.com/roymavila/the-senate-banking-committee-hearing-on-the-framework-of-digital-assets-a-comprehensive-overview-a226cc22d1d3

*LIVE VIDEO:* https://youtu.be/C7iZ2lgoKCY?si=pQ9cb01dOTBv-Wuo

*STABLECOIN REGULATION:* Stablecoins were identified as a *key area for IMMEDIATE LEGISLATIVE ACTION.* Their potential was widely recognized to enhance financial inclusion, streamline payments, and strengthen the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. However, concerns about AML compliance, privacy, and systemic risks must be addressed.

*Market Structure and Jurisdictional Clarity:* The hearing highlighted the need for clear rules determining whether digital assets are securities or commodities. This clarity is essential for providing a predictable regulatory environment and ensuring market participants can operate confidently.

Zim Masari, Chief Legal Officer at Lightspark: Masari focused on the potential of stablecoins to revolutionize payments by enabling instant, low-cost transactions. She stressed the importance of robust reserve requirements, redemption guarantees, and a competitive landscape for stablecoin issuers.

Masari also highlighted the need for strong anti-money laundering (AML) and privacy protections to address risks associated with digital assets.

Tim Massad, Former Chair of the CFTC: Massad provided a critical perspective on the Genius Act, arguing that it falls short in several areas, including reserve requirements, bankruptcy protections, and enforcement mechanisms. He called for stronger credential standards for stablecoin issuers and a dedicated resolution process to ensure consumers can quickly recover their funds in the event of an issuer’s failure. Massad also cautioned against rushing to rewrite securities laws, advocating for a phased approach to market structure legislation.

*Key Themes and Takeaways*
Consumer Protection: Witnesses and lawmakers AGREED that consumer protection must be at the heart of any regulatory framework. This includes ensuring transparency, safeguarding against fraud, and providing recourse for consumers during losses.

*International Competitiveness:*
The lack of regulatory clarity in the U.S. has driven innovation and investment offshore, with jurisdictions like the EU and UK taking the lead in establishing comprehensive frameworks. Witnesses urged Congress to act swiftly to reclaim the U.S.’s position as a global leader in digital assets.

Worship makes more sense when its backed by a knowing than when its backed by a feeding!

Strive to know what God has done for you and you will enjoy worship better!

#emosabamukong
#christfamilyministriesinternational
#intimacyconference

PRESS RELEASE

Makinde Drives Infrastructural Growth Five Years On - Oyelade

One month after the Implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage in Oyo State, the Oyo State Executive Council has approved the immediate construction and rehabilitation of Schools across the State to provide a more conducive environment for Students and Teachers alike to fester educational development in Oyo State.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, perimeter fencing, construction of toilet facilities, drilling of solar boreholes, installation of solar lights and procurement of furniture will form the main intervention of the State Government, involving 50 Contractors at a cost of ₦9,974,332.00 (Nine billion, nine hundred and seventy-four million, three hundred and thirty-two thousand naira).

The Council, which sat last night, also approved the second phase upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.

According to the Council, Governor Seyi Makinde is determined that the stipulated standard of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is conformed with.

The second phase upgrade will cost ₦7,008,688.00 (Seven billion, eight million, six hundred and eighty-eight thousand naira).

Governor Seyi Makinde had said at the flag-off of the airport last year that the State will not compromise the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to International status and that all due diligence will be followed in this regard.

Several Aviation Experts from the Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Air Force, are members of the Airport Upgrade Committee.

According to the Commissioner for Information, compensation of ₦2,399,428.00 (Two billion, three hundred and ninety-nine million, four hundred and twenty-eight thousand naira) has also been approved by the Council for the 32.2km Southeast segment of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular road project.

The Council also took a decision on the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) phase two.

The Council recalled that after the successful implementation of the first phase, which included intervention on transportation, food relief packages, food security, health insurance and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), it has therefore approved the phase two of SAfER, which will concentrate on the continued subsidy on transportation and healthcare, the cost of which is ₦2,000,588.00 (Two billion, five hundred and eighty-eight thousand naira).

The Commissioner said that the Governor expressed his delight at the concept and the implementation of the first phase because the template of SAfER in Oyo State is not only more sustainable but more helpful to the masses at a time of need.

The Council also approved the scope of work on the Asphaltic improvement of some roads in Ibadan metropolis at a cost of ₦1,000,700.00 (One billion, seven hundred thousand naira).

The roads include: the NNPC/General Gas road, Anglican Church road off Kolapo Ishola junction and some others.

E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation
Oyo State
26th February, 2025

BREAKING: Police restore Obasa’s security details, Withdraw Meranda’s as ex-Lagos speaker set for return, per Daily Trust

Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa who was impeached as speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, is set to return as the new Speaker

Obasa's security details has now been restored just as those of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, have been withdrawn.

Meranda was Obasa’s deputy before the impeachment. After his removal, the house unanimously elected Meranda, making her the first female to occupy the position in the history of the state.

Though she’s yet to officially resign as the Speaker of the House, her fate was reportedly sealed over the weekend by key All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders who intervened in the crisis rocking the House of Assembly.

Former National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Muiz Banire and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and some of the lawmakers had met over the weekend to find a resolution to the crisis.

It was at the meeting that the fate of Meranda was sealed as she was reportedly asked to vacate her seat.

There are indications that Obasa might return as the Speaker as following the resolutions reached by the leaders which largely favoured Obasa’s return.

- Journalist KC

Breaking News: Buhari, Osinbajo, El-rufai others Absent as APC NEC Endorses Tinubu for 2027

A noticeable absence of key founding members and former political officeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja has fueled speculation over internal rifts within the ruling party.

Among those absent were former President Muhammadu Buhari, his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as well as former governors such as Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti). Others missing included former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, former Speaker and current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several other heavyweight party members.

As statutory members of the NEC, their absence raised eyebrows, with many speculating it may be linked to their recent critical stances on the party and the administration.

Tinubu's 2027 Re-election Bid Gains Momentum

Despite the notable absences, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election chances received a significant boost as members in attendance overwhelmingly endorsed him with chants of “no vacancy at Aso Rock.” The atmosphere at the party’s national secretariat was charged with support for Tinubu, as attendees sang the APC anthem “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” upon his arrival.

Smiling throughout the endorsement, Tinubu made no effort to stop the chants, further solidifying speculation that he may seek a second term in 2027.

APC National Chairman Laments Party’s Financial Liabilities

In his speech, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, disclosed that the party inherited a staggering N8.987 billion in legal liabilities, stemming from election-related litigation at various levels.

“As part of the commitment to secure and own a national secretariat complex befitting of a ruling party, we have formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA),” Ganduje said, appealing for President Tinubu’s intervention to actualize the project.

Key Attendees at the NEC Meeting

Despite the absence of some top figures, the meeting was attended by several incumbent and former governors, including:

Incumbent Governors Present:

Monday Okpebholo (Edo)

Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo)

Hyacinth Iormem Alia (Benue)

Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti)

Musa Sani (Kaduna)

Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa)

Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)

Usman Ododo (Kogi)

Dapo Abiodun (Ogun)

Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger)

Jigawa Governor (unnamed)

Former Governors in Attendance:

Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara)

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) – Minister of Budget and National Planning

Yahaya Bello (Kogi)

Bello Matawalle (Zamfara)

Also present were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, and other key National Assembly members and Ministers.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also participated in the meeting.

Implications for APC’s Future

The absence of key political figures, coupled with the endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy, signals possible realignments within the APC ahead of the next election cycle. With growing speculations of internal disagreements, all eyes remain on how the party leadership will manage emerging cracks as it prepares for the next electoral battle.

El-Rufai breaks silence, says Tinubu rejected him as ministerial nominee not national assembly...
#Aidee
#News
#Politics

Senate 'll Promote Progressive Governance, National Development - Akpabio

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has reiterated the commitment of the Senate under his leadership to progressive governance, economic empowerment, and national development.

Akpabio stated this in his acceptance speech after his investiture as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Lagos on Friday.

According to Akpabio, "the Senate’s commitment to progressive governance, economic empowerment, and national development remains unwavering. And I assure you that this honor will not be taken lightly. If anything, it will only spur me to work harder, to push further, and to serve better.

"I stand before you today deeply honored, profoundly humbled, and immensely grateful. To receive the Honorary Fellowship of this distinguished institution is not just a privilege; it is a testament that there are values we hold dear—the values of service, excellence, and unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

Akpabio noted that, "for over five decades, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers has stood as a beacon of professionalism, integrity, and nation-building. You are the silent architects of Nigeria’s urban transformation, the custodians of our nation’s physical wealth, and the guardians of the principles that sustain our economy—accountability, due process, and strategic planning."

"Your work ensures that our cities are well-planned, our investments are secured, and our future is built on a solid foundation. Without you, the skylines of Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt would remain concepts, not realities. Without you, businesses would struggle to find the confidence to invest, and without you, the dream of homeownership for many Nigerians would remain just that—a dream.

"So today, as I receive this honor, I do so not as an individual, but as a representative of the Nigerian Senate, as a servant of the Nigerian people, and as a voice of the Nigerian people. I also know that leadership is about legacy. Therefore, I dedicate this award to the 10th National Assembly and the great people of Nigeria, who have entrusted us with the sacred duty representing them in the governance of this country..

"This recognition is not just a celebration of what has been done, but a call to action for what must be done. It is a charge to lead with renewed vigor, to continue to fight for policies that will make housing more affordable, land administration more transparent, and infrastructure more sustainable.

"It is a call to ensure that Nigeria’s land and property assets are managed with the efficiency, integrity, and foresight that will secure our economic future.

"To my brothers and sisters in the real estate and valuation profession, I say—your work is critical to Nigeria’s development. And we, in government, are listening. The policies we craft, the laws we enact, the reforms we champion—all must align with the vision of a Nigeria where economic growth is not just a statistic, but a reality that uplifts every citizen.

"To the leadership of NIESV, I thank you again for this recognition. To the distinguished guests here today, I thank you for your presence. And to the Nigerian people, I reaffirm my commitment to you—because in the end, governance is about service, and service is about people.

Jackson Udom,
Special Assistant, Media To The President Of The Senate

Enzo Maresca: “Noni Madueke will be out until international break probably. We can have most of the players back then, maybe all of them and for us it can be a big boost”.
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Video captures the moment a Delta Airlines jet crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with 75 passengers on board leaving 18 injured.