News
NEXIM Bank Unveils Digital Hub To Boost Cocoa Production

The Nigeria Export-Import Bank has launched a digital hub, ‘Cocoa Connect Africa’ in its bid to boost cocoa production in the country.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director, NEXIM Bank, Abubakar Bello, on Thursday, while speaking on the sidelines of the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum tagged, ‘Putting values in cocoa in producing regions,’ in Lagos State.
Bello explained that the move is to bring every activity of all stakeholders in the cocoa industry under one platform.
The MD also noted that the digital infrastructure was significant as it would help ease the stress of trade, adding that stakeholders of various commodities would be put under the digital platform.
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Bello stated, “It is about somebody who has products and meeting someone who is interested in the product. It is about connection and market information. We are putting all the stakeholders on the value chain for different commodities, but the one we launched today is for cocoa and we are also doing the same for cashew.
“We are also doing so for Shea. The idea is to have a cluster because today everything is done digitally, why should our trade be lagging behind? We must create a platform for every stakeholder to log in to purchase what they want digitally from their comfort zones.”
He added that the digital platform aims to boost trade facilitation and set standards for traceability.
“The platform can be used to educate farmers, it can be used to educate regulators and pass the information on the latest developments. We must create an awareness for farmers on the latest trends, there is also a need for effective regulation in the value chain,” he said.
The NEXIM MD stated that the vision of the digital hub is to unlock the boundless potential of Cocoa in Africa.
READ ALSO: Army Arrests Soldiers Captured Torturing Civilian In Viral
“At Cocoa Connect Africa, we offer more than just a platform; we provide an immersive experience tailored to elevate your journey in the cocoa industry,” he noted.
In her address, the bank’s Executive Director, Business Development, Stella Okotete, said NEXIM Bank has supported Cocoa exporters with over N100 billion in the past seven years with all facilities performing and creating jobs for over 7,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs for Nigeria.
She added that amongst others, NEXIM created a Small and Medium Exporters Facility to support exporters, stressing that NEXIM has been supporting suppliers by growing their capacities.
She added that with the recent spike in the price of cocoa, the bank has opened up its refinancing windows to support exporters with single-digit loans.
“We are sure that the cocoa exporters will take advantage of the opportunity because it will help them to reduce the burden of the double-digit interest rate. We are ensuring that we will continue to do more,” she averred.
Participants at the event were the Oloni of Eti-Oni, Osun State, who is also the Founder, International Cocoa Diplomacy, Dokun Gureje, and representatives of Lagos and Osun State Governors, amongst others.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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