Mr Gboyega Soyannwo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is dead.

Soyannwo, 55, was said to have died on Wednesday after a brief illness.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, disclosed this in a statement titled “Transition.”

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The statement read, “With deep sorrow, the Lagos State Government announces the passing of the Deputy Chief of Staff to Mr Governor, Mr Gboyega Soyannwo.

“Soyannwo died today after a brief illness. He was 55.

“Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the Government and people of Lagos, sends his condolences to the Soyannwo family.”

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Omotosho said Sanwoolu broke the news of the death to cabinet members at the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

“I have lost a brother and a servant of the people,” the governor was quoted as saying while breaking the news.

After a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased, Sanwo-Oluended the meeting.

Soyannwo is survived by a wife and two children.

Following the approval for the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme as part of efforts to enhance social mobility among Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) opened a website to encourage Nigerians to register loans for important purchases.

The scheme aims to make consumer credit accessible and empower economically active citizens.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how civil servants and other Nigerians who are economically active can apply to enjoy this opportunity:

Step 1: Understand the scheme

Before applying, understand what CREDICORP offers. The scheme is designed to:
– Improve Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a reliable credit score.

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– Provide credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions.

– Promote responsible consumer credit to improve quality of life and foster financial responsibility.

Step 2: Check eligibility

Initially, the scheme is open only to civil servants. Ensure you are employed in a civil service role to proceed with the application.

Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents

You will likely need the following documents to apply:

– Proof of employment in the civil service.

– Identification documents such as a national ID or passport.

– Proof of income or salary slips.

Step 4: Visit the official website

Access the CREDICORP application portal by visiting credicorp.ng (http://credicorp.ng).

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This website will serve as your primary resource for application forms and additional information.

Step 5: Fill out the Application Form

Complete the application form available on the website. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays in your application process. Double-check all entries before submission.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

After filling out the form, submit your application through the website. You might receive a confirmation email or a notification on the portal confirming your submission.

Step 7: Await Response

Once submitted, await feedback from CREDICORP. This could take a few days or weeks, depending on the volume of applications. Keep an eye on your email and the portal for any updates.

Step 8: Follow Up

If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, it’s advisable to follow up through the contact details provided on the CREDICORP website.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision,” the statement said.

The Swedish government has resolved to return 39 pieces of Benin Artefacts in her Museum to the custody of Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

According to a statement issued by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, the disclosure followed a Gazzette by the Federal Government which recognises ownership and vesting custody and management of repatriated Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin.

Iguobaro in the statement said that the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government decision when she paid a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.

Ambassador Hahn-Englund informed the Royal father that Sweden and Nigeria, which is the second largest market in Sub-Sahara Africa, are trading partners, including infrastructure, Telecommunication, Energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.

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The Swedish envoy, said, “also, I would like to mention that with cooperation, we have in Culture, Education with Nigeria; I would like to mention the decision of why the Swedish government has to return 39 Artefacts to Benin Kingdom.

“So, your Majesty, I am very honoured to be here tonight”, Ambassador Hahn-Englund said this while paying respect to Oba Ewuare II.

Responding, Oba Ewuare II on behalf of Edo people also welcomed the decision and expressed his deepest gratitude to the Swedish government for the intervention.

The Benin monarch recalled how he made a request through the Swedish monarch in 1998 to return Benin Bronzes in Sweden during his courtesy visit to him as Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian Countries.

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The traditional ruler disclosed that the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still on course, and commended partners for their support and devotion towards the project.

The Oba also commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The traditional ruler who prayed for members of the Diplomatic Mission, shared a captivating tale of his Diplomatic exploits as Ambassador in the Scandinavian Countries, noting that the remarkable reign and enduring affection of the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty, Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus remain indelible.

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According to Oba Ewuare II, the demand for the return of looted Benin Artefacts has been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II, “and you are here today telling that it has been approved. This has been my request a long time ago. God’s time is always the best”.

To underscore the significance of the historic visit to the Palace, the Ambassador in the accompany of her husband and a member of the Diplomatic Mission, presented a souvenir to Oba Ewuare II, who in turn gave a copy of the federal government Gazette on all Benin Artefacts to the envoy in appreciation.