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Global Integrity Crusade Network Retracts Allegations Against Guaranty Trust Bank, Apologizes for Misleading Public

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A civil society organisation, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has retracted allegations of corruption and unwholesome activities made in a Private Investigation Report (PIR) against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Limited, a subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc.

In a statement made available to Blueprint in Abuja, Tuesday, signed by President of the organisation, Edward Omaga Esq., he stated that he presented the PIR to the media on 3rd October, 2024 and later submitted same to certain agencies in Nigeria, UK, USA and Ghana for further action.

He said the documents relied upon to compile the PIR, were obtained from the internet and were baseless and do not depict the true state of affairs about GTB Limited and its management.

“In other words, the position taken by Global Integrity Crusade Network in the PIR was misguided. It has become clear that Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, its Management and the entire GTCO brand are not under any financial or regulatory scrutiny in Nigeria or abroad as alleged.

“The issues raised about Unsolicited Accounts Opening for customers were unnecessary, as the bank operates in line with the highest standards of compliance and due process, whilst preventing the breach of data privacy laws,” he said.

On the issue of profit declaration for the period ended June 30, 2024, Omaga stated that records abound to show that GTB Limited fully complied with the applicable legal requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

“It was therefore not appropriate for GICN to query the Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the period ended June 30, 2024, released by GTCO Plc to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

“In the same vein, the corporate image and integrity of GTB Limited remains intact in foreign countries where it carries on business.

“The financial penalties paid in the United Kingdom by Guaranty Trust Bank (UK) Limited coupled with the suspension of its Foreign Exchange Trading Licence in Ghana were minor regulatory issues, which have been sorted out long time ago.

“The group wishes to sincerely apologize through this medium for misleading the public towards having any negative perception about GTB Limited.

“Specifically, GICN implores Mr. Segun Julius Agbaje, being the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, to forgive its shortcomings and consider the group as a partner in the sustained drive of the bank to provide quality financial services across Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

“In keeping with its resolve to set the records straight, the group had on Thursday, 27th February 2025 written to withdraw the PIR and all court cases relating to this matter,” he added.

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COAS Calls for Sacrifices to Safeguard Nigeria’s Peace and Security

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has charged Nigerian Army troops to make necessary sacrifices to maintain peace and security in the nation. The COAS gave the charge today while addressing troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army Institute of Science Education and Technology and those of the Nigerian Army College of Education, Ilorin.

The COAS assured the troops of his commitment to improve their welfare by giving adequate attention to Barracks infrastructure, improvement of schools for their children, medical services for their families and provision of necessary kits and platforms to enable them perform their jobs satisfactorily. Lieutenant General Oluyede noted that troop’s Ration Cash Allowance was recently enhanced to spur them to make more sacrifices in keeping the nation peaceful and united. He stated that without a peaceful environment, no form of development can take place. He therefore enjoined the troops to strive to eliminate all threats to peace and security of the nation.

The COAS further urged the troops to go all out to ensure criminals do not have any foothold in Kwara State and beyond. While reminding the troops that Nigerians are looking up to them to keep the nation safe secured and united, he assured them of his unflinching support to ensure that they succeed in all their assigned tasks.

In a statement signed by Appolonia Anele Acting Director Army public relations said the Commander 22 Armour Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, the Commandant Nigerian Army Institute of Science Education and Technology, Brigadier General Damian Dieke as well as the Provost, Nigerian Army College of Education Brigadier General Chidi Echebiwe in their separate briefings, highlighted the activities and challenges of their respective formations and institutions.

 

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KEDCO Renovates Primary School in Kano as Part of CSR Efforts

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The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has renovated Sallari Special Primary School in Babban Giji, underscoring its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community development.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Abubakar Yusuf, Managing Director of KEDCO, emphasized the company’s belief that a nation’s strength lies in its education system. “Meaningful corporate success is measured not only by profit but by our impact on the communities we serve,” Yusuf said.

Yusuf dismissed the notion that KEDCO solely distributes electricity and collects revenue, noting that the company actively contributes to socio-economic development. “We complement the efforts of the Federal, State, and Local Governments in improving the lives of our host communities,” he stated.

Under its School Outreach Programme (SOP), KEDCO undertook various renovations, including the refurbishment of classrooms and a staff room to create a more conducive learning environment. The company also rehabilitated the school’s water system, ensuring access to clean drinking water for pupils and staff.

Kumbotso Local Govt Chairman presiding over the commissioning

Kumbotso Local Govt Chairman presiding over the commissioning

As part of the initiative, KEDCO provided 135-seater chairs and tables to accommodate students, refurbished staff room furniture, and distributed exercise books to all pupils. “Every child deserves a dignified place to learn,” Yusuf remarked, adding that the gesture was a declaration of trust and a long-term investment in the community’s future.

Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government, Ahmad Muhammad Ibrahim Sekure, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of education. “We must seek both Islamic and Western education to empower future generations,” Sekure said.

Inside the renovated classrooms

Inside the renovated classrooms

Sekure also disclosed that the local government had allocated ₦600 million for school renovations, reinforcing its commitment to improving educational infrastructure. “Investment in education is an investment in our future,” he asserted.

Yusuf reaffirmed KEDCO’s pledge to collaborate with government institutions, community leaders, and residents to foster initiatives that uplift and inspire. “Together, we must light up not only homes and streets but minds and futures,” he concluded.

 

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Dont Go On Air To Defame And Insult -Kano Govt And NBC Urges Political Presenters

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The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has organized a two-day sensitization workshop for political programme presenters and media commentators.

While delivering his opening remarks at the event, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the ministry organized the workshop to enlighten political programme presenters and media commentators in the state, with the aim of promoting decency in language.

The Commissioner emphasized that any reasonable and patriotic citizen of Kano State should not go on air to insult or defame others under the guise of political opposition.

Comrade Waiya further stated that the Kano State Government has no intention of suppressing political opposition, but is committed to ensuring that political discourse remains meaningful and free from insults or false accusations.

He noted that participants at the sensitization workshop were drawn from various political parties, in line with the government’s objective of promoting civility in political communication across the state.

Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar during the presentation

Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar during the presentation

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, said the purpose of the training is to enhance the competence of political programme presenters and commentators, ensuring their content complies with regulations and deepens their understanding of NBC rules and guidelines. He added that this will foster peace and unity among the populace.

The Permanent Secretary urged participants to take full advantage of the training by acquiring new skills that will contribute to the growth of politics in both the state and the nation at large.

On the first day of the programme, the Chief Imam of Al-Furqan Jumu’ah Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, delivered a lecture on promoting decent speech and avoiding abusive language in the media from an Islamic perspective. Also, the Kano state Coordinator National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Adamu Salisu, presented a paper titled “NBC Regulation of Political Programmes: The Kano State Experience.”

In a statement signed by Director Special Duties Sani Abba Yola says tomorrow marks the second and final day of the workshop, during which three papers will be presented by different resource persons. These presentations aim to further enlighten participants on various relevant and important topics related to political broadcasting and responsible media engagement.

 

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