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UNCOMMON: Nominee rejects CBN board appointment in Nigeria
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Urum-Eke.jpg)
The Southeast nominee for membership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN‘s) board of directors, Urum Kalu Eke, has rejected his appointment.
The Senate however confirmed the appointments of four others.
Rejection of appointment of membership of CBN board of directors by Eke from Abia state, came to the fore on Thursday during confirmation of appointments of four other nominees by the Senate.
The chairman of Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC Lagos East), had in his report presentation for confirmation of the nominees by the Senate after screening exercise carried out on them, informed his colleagues that Mr Urum Kalu Eke didn’t attend the session.
He specifically informed the Senate that four other nominees – Mr Robert Agbede, Mr Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi and Mrs Muslimat Olanike Aliyu, appeared before the committee for screening and convinced it of their suitability for the appointments.
He thereafter, urged the Senate to confirm the appointments of the four nominees who attended the screening session and decline that of Kalu Eke who didn’t attend the screening exercise.
But for purpose of clarity, a member of the Committee, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC Abia North), quickly rose to inform the Senate that Urum Kalu Eke being one of his constituents, told him that he was declining the appointment to avoid conflict of interest.
According to Senator Kalu, Urum Eke, is a consultant to the World Bank and other international financial institutions which would make him not have the required time to function well as a CBN director.
“Mr President, I’m a member of the committee that carried out screening on nominees forwarded to the Senate for appointment as members of Board of Directors of CBN by President Bola Tinubu”, Senator Kau said.
He added: “During the screening exercise, Urum Kalu Eke from Abia North, called me for not attending the session.
“He said as a consultant to the World Bank and other international financial institutions, he wouldn’t take the appointment to avoid conflict of interest.”
Who’s Urum Kalu Eke?
Urum Kalu Eke is a prominent figure in the Nigerian banking industry. He was born on October 17, 1966, in the town of Umuahia in Abia State, Nigeria. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and subsequently went on to obtain a Master’s degree in business administration from the same institution.
Career
Eke has had an illustrious career in the banking industry, spanning over three decades. He began his banking career with Diamond Bank in 1992, where he worked in various capacities, including as an executive director and deputy managing director.
In 2014, he was appointed as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, one of the top 10 commercial banks in Nigeria. Under his leadership, Fidelity Bank has made significant strides in the areas of digital banking, innovation, and sustainability.
Achievements
Eke has received numerous accolades and recognitions for his contributions to the banking industry. In 2020, he was named the Bank CEO of the Year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards.
He has also been recognized by various organizations for his leadership and achievements in the banking industry, including being named as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Nigeria by BusinessDay in 2019.
Personal Life
Eke is married with children and is known to be a private person who values his family time. He is also known for his philanthropic activities, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in his community.
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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.”
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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
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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.
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