News
Meet Urum Eke who rejected Tinubu’s CBN appointment
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Urum-Eke.jpg)
A consultant with the World Bank, Urum Eke, on Thursday, rejected President Bola Tinubu’s appointment to serve as a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria Board of Directors.
Tinubu had, on February 13, forwarded the names of Eke and four others for confirmation as members of the board for the CBN.
However, during the confirmation, the former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu, ( APC, Abia North ) told the Senate that Eke, who is his constituent, had called him on the phone to reject the offer, noting that it would conflict with his present job as a consultant with the World Bank.
This came to the fore during the Thursday plenary when the Senate began the process for the confirmation of the nominees.
The Senate, however, has confirmed the appointment of four other members of the Board of Directors of the CBN – Robert Agbede; Ado Yakubu Wanka; Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.
In this piece, PUNCH Online highlights 13 facts about Eke:
Born on November 20, 1964, Eke attended the Comprehensive Secondary School, Aba and Government College, Umuahia, the state capital, for his West African School Certificate and Higher School Certificate respectively.
He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1985.
Afterwards, Eke earned his Master in Business Administration in Projects Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in 2008.
The 59-year-old is an Alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School and the Wharton Business School, amongst others.
Eke is a recipient of Nigeria’s National Order of Merit and National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
He began his career in 1986 with Deloitte Haskins & Sells International as a senior auditor till 1991.
Eke further went on to serve as an Executive Director at Diamond Bank Plc for 19 years from 1992 – 2011.
Eke, a consummate financial services expert, is a former Group Managing Director at First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc.
He also served as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of FBN Limited and FBN Merchant Bank Limited.
In 2017, he was appointed to the board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Sovereign Wealth Fund) and served until 2021.
Eke is the Executive Chairman, Fairchild Group which comprises Fairchild Capital Ltd, Fairchild Base Investment Ltd, Fairchild Ventures Ltd, among others.
He is also the Chairman, Board of Directors of NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, a foremost cancer treatment centre in West Africa.
Eke has over 35 years of experience in financial services covering auditing, business assurance, consulting, amongst others.
News
President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-235754.png)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.
Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.
He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.
In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.
He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.
He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.
In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.
Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.
“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.
“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.
“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.
“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”
News
Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-235621.png)
…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.
There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.
Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.
The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.
Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.
“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.
It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.
“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.
“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation
News
Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-234433.png)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.
This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.
The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.
Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.
-
News19 hours ago
Nigerians Demand Probe Of NDDC Over Donation To Okpebholo’s Campaign
-
Politics20 hours ago
Edo 2024: My unforgivable sin that made Oshiomole my permanent enemy-Obaseki
-
Sports20 hours ago
SAD! Rebecca Cheptegi becomes 3rd victim k!lled by partner in Kenya
-
News14 hours ago
Tinubu’s Spokesperson, Ngelale, Resigns Due to Medical Reasons
-
Foreign20 hours ago
Hush Money: Judge delays Trump sentencing until after US election
-
News15 hours ago
Kidnapping Crisis On The Rise Under Tinubu’s Watch: Over 7,500 Abducted From July 2023 To June 2024 (See State By State Breakdown)
-
News9 hours ago
Rivers political logjam: I was gravely ill when Fubara fired me – Traditional ruler
-
News19 hours ago
How I was lured into sex, multiple rape of minors —Teenager