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Benin closes river crossing with Niger in escalating trade tensions

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By Francesca Hangeior

Benin has blocked border crossings to Niger across the river between the neighbours in an escalation of tensions since the military seized power in Niamey last July.

Benin and Niger have engaged in increasing tit-for-tat accusations in recent weeks over the movement of goods, despite West African bloc ECOWAS in February lifting sanctions imposed on Niger’s military rulers.

Relations over the border are also complicated by a spillover from expanding jihadist conflicts in Niger and Burkina Faso that increasingly threaten Benin and its Gulf of Guinea neighbours Ghana and Togo.

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Benin initially announced the opening of its border at the same time as the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions.

But the border has remained closed on the Niger side, irritating Beninese President Patrice Talon, who said Niger was treating them like “an enemy”.

Benin had until now turned a blind eye to the informal transit to Niger of foodstuffs, particularly cereals, by boat across the Niger River as a way to show solidarity with its neighbour.

A source close to the Benin government confirmed the river crossing had now been closed.

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“The river is part of the border. Niger says its borders with Benin are closed. It’s a consequence,” the source told AFP.

“With the flow of people on the river and the boats whose loading no one controls, if a tragedy occurs it won’t be good.”

According to a Benin military official in Malanville, a police officer working in the area and local residents who spoke to AFP, the Malanville bridge which provides the border crossing between the two countries remains closed on the Niger side, but the transport of goods across the Niger River is also now prohibited.

“The suspension was gradual. We first banned the passage of goods, now there is no more traffic on the water,” a military official told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

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“We have been deployed to prevent any boarding here.”

A local Malanville resident who only gave a first name Alassane said there was now a large deployment of Benin police and troops in the area.

Several Malanville residents told AFP that Nigeriens were dispersed by troops on the other side as they could not cross the river.

The closure of the river traffic is the latest in a series of decisions impacting trade between the two countries.

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Talon blamed informal border trafficking for the increase in the cost of living in Benin, which last month triggered a protest over high costs.

Earlier this month, Benin said it will still allow exports of Nigerien oil through its port of Seme, in the resolution of one of their points of dispute.

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“Be dedicated to Nigerians as God is watching you”-Onaiyekan cautions Tinubu

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The Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, says though more Nigerians voted against President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, he has a duty to serve all Nigerians.

According to him, Tinubu, the then-candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), should switch from campaign mode to governance mode and serve every part of the country equally.

The respected cleric was a guest on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme on Channels Television.

Cardinal Onaiyekan warned Tinubu against running a polarised government where his political cronies are rewarded with appointments and the parts of the country where he got hefty votes are also rewarded with projects.

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He said, “There are Nigerians who did not vote for APC. Granted that APC got the highest number of votes and that is why they have the right to rule us. But they also forget that there are millions of Nigerians who did not (vote for the APC).

“Whatever the rules say, the reality is that more people vote against Mr President than those who voted for him.

“Even if you are a minority government, which is what I call what we have now, you still have a duty to serve the people and to do all you can to give everybody what is their right, and to rule well.”

‘God Is Watching’
Cardinal Onaiyekan urged the President to do his best to move the nation forward as he would give account of his stewardship to God.

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“Mr President, it’s about time you switched from campaign mode to governance mode. Elections are over. Campaigns are over. You now have to govern and govern the whole of Nigeria and every Nigerian.

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“And therefore, the whole system whereby high political offices are given as a reward for those who were political activists, I don’t believe that that is the best way to move the nation forward.

“I would say, now that you (Tinubu) have been declared the President of Nigeria, sit down comfortably on that chair. As a religious leader, I would say God has allowed you on that chair. If God puts you there, you must then know that he is watching you and that He will be asking you what you did on that chair,” he said

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Wema Bank Appoints New Deputy Managing Director and Executive Director

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s innovative leader in banking and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Managing Director and an Executive Director. These strategic appointments, approved by the Board, come as part of the bank’s commitment to ensuring strong leadership succession. The new roles will take effect on December 1, 2024, following the retirement of Mr. Oluwole Akinleye, the current Deputy Managing Director.

Mr. Akinleye, whose retirement will be effective November 30, 2024, has been a vital pillar of Wema Bank’s growth and transformation. Over the past decade, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership across various capacities, including overseeing the Southwest Business, Corporate Banking Division, Customer Experience Management, and Corporate Sustainability. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the bank’s strategic objectives and market positioning.

In expressing gratitude for his service, the Board of Directors and management of the Bank disclosed that Mr. Akinleye’s dedication and strategic foresight have been instrumental to Wema Bank’s transformation journey. He is deeply appreciated for his invaluable contributions and they wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

As part of its robust succession planning, Wema Bank has appointed Mr. Oluwole Ajimisinmi as Deputy Managing Director. Mr. Ajimisinmi, who joined Wema Bank in 2009 as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, was appointed as an Executive Director in 2020. With years of experience in corporate governance, strategic leadership, and banking, he is well-positioned to steer the bank towards its next phase of growth and innovation.

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The bank has also named Mr. Olukayode Bakare as Executive Director, effective the same date. A seasoned finance and treasury expert with years of industry experience, Mr. Bakare has been a key driver of Wema Bank’s Treasury, Wholesale Funding, and Global Trade Business. His extensive expertise and leadership will further bolster the bank’s commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions.

Commenting on these appointments, the Board of Directors and management of the Bank said these appointments underscore Wema Bank’s commitment to building a future-ready leadership team. According to the Bank, Mr. Ajimisinmi and Mr. Bakare bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and a clear vision to their new roles. The Bank is confident that their leadership will propel Wema Bank to new heights, ensuring sustained innovation and value creation for its stakeholders.

Wema Bank remains committed to its mission of delivering cutting-edge banking solutions through technology and innovation. With these leadership changes, the Bank is poised to maintain its position as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial services sector.

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“How I almost died – Mike Tyson narrates a near-death experience before Jake Paul fight

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Former World Heavyweight Champion, Mike Tyson, has opened up about how he nearly lost his life prior to his bout with Jake Paul on November 15, 2024.

In his narration, he stated that his condition was critical to the extent that he had to be given eight blood transfusions after losing half of his blood while receiving treatment at the hospital.

The legendary boxer indicated that he does not regret fighting Jake Paul, who is in his youthful age, and losing the bout in the eighth round is a feat to be proud of.

Tyson expressed his appreciation to his family and loved ones who supported him during the bout and even sent him words of encouragement after the defeat.

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“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.

“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for,” Tyson wrote on X after losing to Jake Paul.

Social media influencer-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in their highly anticipated professional bout in Arlington, Texas.

Fighting in front of 72,300 fans at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Paul controlled most of the fight against Tyson, winning via unanimous decision to become the sixth fighter to defeat the former heavyweight champion in his career.

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With the victory, Paul improves to 11-1 in his professional career, including seven knockouts, further cementing himself as a valid competitor in the sport.

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