Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has implored the 2000 retirees who got their contributory pension worth about N4.46b on Thursday not to donate it to churches, mosques, or religious groups.

Speaking at the 105 batches of retirement bond certificate presentation ceremony to retirees, Sanwo-Olu stated that the payment of the pension is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State government to its retirees and celebrates their years of dedicated service to the beloved state.

“This is not meant to solve all family problems. It is about you, what you have earned and worked for,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“When they say they want to build church or mosque and ask you to come out to pledge N3m. Don’t do that. God will give you the wisdom to act, Sanwo-Olu has done his part o.

“Today, we mark the 105th Retirement Bond Certificate presentation, a historic milestone as we transition into a new era of Pension Administration called “Pay-As You-Go.” From now on, all retirees of the State Government will be paid as they retire, provided all procedures and approvals have been completed before retirement,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“We have strategically prioritized clearing all backlogs of Accrued Rights payments to ensure our retirees enjoy dignity and financial stability after retirement. This commitment extends to the welfare of both current and former members of our workforce, recognizing their unblemished careers in the State Public Service.”

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that since the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme, the state government has paid N141.2b to 35,191 retirees.

“Under this administration alone, we have paid N59.7b to 17,039 retirees, making Lagos State a top performer in pension payments. Today, I am pleased to announce that another 2,000 retirees will receive bond certificates worth a total of N4.46b. These funds, along with their monthly contributions, have already been remitted into their respective Retirement Savings Accounts with the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

“In addition to financial entitlements, the Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Health Management Agency, has launched a Health Insurance Scheme tailored specifically for our retirees. This scheme will provide access to a wide range of medical services, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to the well-being of our retirees, ensuring that you receive not only what is due to you statutorily but also additional support and assistance to enhance your lives in retirement.”

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr Babalola Obilana, said the ceremony would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of stakeholders and Sanwo-Olu.

“Today, the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will present another set of 2,000 retirees with a total sum of N4,461,659,536.82, being their past service benefits prior to the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007,” Obilana said.

“Today’s ceremony would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of various stakeholders. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the present administration under the leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for their continuous support and commitment to the welfare of our retirees.”

 Mr. Olubukola Akinwumi, Deputy Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), explained on Friday how Nigerians trading on Binance Holdings Limited’s platform use false names in the transactions.

Olubukola, who is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s 2nd prosecution witness (PW-2) in the ongoing trial of Binance and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan, told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja while giving his testimony.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC has filed a five-count charge against Binance and Gambaryan (1st and 2nd defendants) bordering on money laundering offences.

The anti-graft agency had accused Binance and Gambaryan of money laundering involving $35.4 million.

Besides, the company was under suspicion of alleged terrorism financing.

Led in evidence by EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, on Friday, Akinwumi, who heads the Payment Policy and Regulation Division in the Payments System Management Department of CBN, said the apex bank did not issue any licence to the cryptocurrency firm to operate in Nigeria.

“In the course of carrying out our operations, we normally monitor development within the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission); monitoring the activities of payment service providers and the usage of the payment system.

“We observed, in doing that, that Binance provides a trading platform where users trade virtual assets.

“And to consummate their transactions for the purpose of settlement of payments, the users make use of the payment system for the purpose of transferring or making payment to one another.

“These traders normally trade in pseudo names (pseudonyms) that hide their identities and they are not authorised by the CBN,” he said.

The PW-2 described virtual assets as “digital representations of values created by computer systems that can be digitally traded, transferred or used in payments.”

He said they discovered that users of the platform received and made payments or transferred payments to one another using the payment system to consummate transactions on the Binance peer-to-peer (P2P) platform.

“Binance Platform provides a trading place or marketplace for traders and users of virtual assets, otherwise known as cryptocurrency.

“The platform also provides other services like electronic wallets fiat wallet, publishing of exchange rate, etc,” he told the court.

Asked where the activities of Binance are carried out, Akinwumi said its “activities are conducted on its website; binance.com and through its mobile apps (applications).

“They have two variations of Binance Apps; Binance Pro or Binnace Lite.”

Asked what P2P means, the witness said: “P2P means Peer to Peer, and for basic translation, it can also mean person to person.

“What that means is that if a particular user does not want to trade with the platform but rather will like to trade with another user, P2P is a service that brings such two users as described to engage each other in transacting for the purpose of buying or selling virtual asset, cryptocurrency and fiat directly between the two users.

“This is done by quoting rates with offers to sell or buy at the quoted rate.

“The P2P Platform of Binance provides such service to such two users to come to an agreement on such trade.

“Once such understanding for the trade is reached by the two users on Binance platform, the selling party will provide a bank account to which the buying party can send the naira amount or transfer into the account provided by the selling party.

“Once the buying party transferred the amount agreed, he clicks on a particular icon on the Binance platform to communicate the fiat that he has transferred the amount to the selling party.

“The Binance platform will, on the side of the selling party, await confirmation based on which it will release the cryptocurrency or fiat currency traded on the platform.

“So the Binance platform facilitates all the processes or P2P transactions as I have just enumerated, either using a Nigerian bank account already stored by users on the Binance platform or the naira wallet account, provided by the Binance platform.”

Submission of certified true copies of documents made available to SEC by Binance which was equally made available to the investigating team at the office of the National Security Adviser, and pages generated on the firm’s website were tendered in evidence and marked as Exhibits 8 and 9 by the judge.

Taking the witness through Exhibits 8 and 9, Iheanacho asked him to tell the court more about the nature of the transactions.

Akinwumi said Page 2 of Exhibit 8 introduced Binance as the world’s leading crypto exchange with users from over 190 countries.

“They have on the page, the address of the website in full which is Https://www.binance.com.

“Binance has what is called Binance Academy. That is on page 16 of Exhibit 8.

“Some of the videos will be on their YouTube platform which they use in educating those who are interested in the services that they provide,” he said.

The PW-2 said the firm equally has Binance coins and that on its website, it gives the description of the coin as “NGN” (Naira).

“On page 21 of Exhibit 8, it listed the ways to use Binance coin,” he added.

Akinwumi said on Page 9 of Exhibit 9, there is information which reads: “Depositing and withdrawing NGN (Naira) on Binance via cash link; it is swift and simple.”

The witness, however, explained that depositing and withdrawing Naira which “NGN” stands for, is a regulated activity carried out by banks and other financial institutions duly registered by CBN.

He said another piece of information on Exhibit 9 reads: “To help Binance users in Nigeria understand this Fiat Gateway, Binance has been holding various events such as the Binance Cash Link, Live Master Class to educate users on cash link and why it is an excellent method of deposit and withdrawal on the Binance platform.”

“Generally, Exhibit 9 explains to Nigerians on how to deposit Naira on the Nigerians wallet on the Binance platform.”

He said there is a statement on a page which says “Binance does not charge deposit fees,” he said next to the statement, there is another message which says: “For each withdrawal, a flat fee is paid by users to cover the transaction cost of moving the cryptocurrency out of their Binance account.

“So as I explained earlier, Binance maintains accounts and it needs revenue for its services

“On Page 2 of Exhibit 9, under the Fiat Section, it shows the rates that are applied for regular users.”

After concluding his evidence, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until July 16 for cross-examination of PW-2.

Sophia Momodu, the mother of David Adeleke’s daughter, has told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, not to grant the child’s custody to the musician.

Momodu told the court on Friday that the applicant was not fit to be granted custody of their daughter because he is always unavailable and does not possess the ability to dutifully care for her.

READ ALSO: Davido Takes Sophia Momodu to Court Over Custody of Daughter, Imade

She stated this in a counter-affidavit she filed in opposition to Davido’s suit seeking custody.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that contrary to Davido’s claim that he had consistently fulfilled his financial obligations towards his daughter, Momodu told the court that the child was almost sent away from school because the artist refused to pay her tuition fees.

According to her, while their relationship lasted, Davido never showed true commitment or love towards their daughter.

“He always used the condition of my making myself available for his sexual pleasures, as a pre-condition to visit our daughter or show some fatherly love to her.

“The applicant, apart from his cravings for sex, only comes around to spend time with our daughter when he wants to use our daughter for his media stunts or promotions.

“The applicant has always been known to go away and stop communicating with our daughter, to stop making payments for school fees and/or maintenance for our daughter, whenever I refused his sexual advances,” she stated.

The respondent stated that Davido once threw her and their daughter out of his home in Atlanta, US, during a summer holiday in 2017 and they ended up squatting with a friend.

READ ALSO:‘I was feeling terrible’ in debate, Biden says in TV interview

Momodu stated that she never denied Davido access to his daughter and that it was he, who chose to be “an absentee father.”

She added that she had been responsible for her accommodation and that the artiste had always had access to their daughter until he chose to abuse it by visiting at odd hours to demand sex.

“When I noticed that the intention of the applicant for coming late at night to my house was not to visit our daughter, but to seek sexual favours, even after our relationship had ended, I told him to desist from such late-night visits, as our daughter who needed to be in school in the morning would have slept at the time of his late-night visits.

“It was when I refused the applicant’s ingress into my house at ungodly hours of the night on the pretext of visiting our daughter that he decided to stop visiting or calling our daughter and this has been the pattern with the applicant all through his relationship with our daughter.

“Whenever I refused to be his sex slave, he would stop caring for his daughter and abandon her and use the fact of our daughter’s sadness due to his absence to force me to accede to his unwholesome demands.

“I have never stopped the applicant or his family members from coming to visit his daughter, calling or reconnecting with our daughter,” she stated.

The respondent again stated that contrary to Davido’s claim, he has not been faithful in paying their daughter’s school fees, having defaulted in 2021 and 2022, with the school writing to her in January 2023, over unpaid tuition.

“The school wrote via email notifying me that our daughter will not be allowed entry into the school, except all outstanding fees from 2021 to 2023, were paid off,” she said.

Momodu told the court that it was Davido’s father who intervened and paid the school fees.

She stated that contrary to Davido’s claim, she has been the one paying the rent of the apartment where she lives with her daughter, adding that Davido did not buy any house for them.

Momodu said she has been providing the best care for her daughter, in spite of her father’s negligence and will continue to do so, as a loving mother.

The respondent was represented at Friday’s proceedings before Justice A. J. Bashua, by a legal team led by Chief (Dr) Anthony Idigbe (SAN) of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors.

Chief Idigbe drew attention to the publication of a hearing notice in a national newspaper by Davido’s legal team, in which the name of his daughter was mentioned four times.
The judge agreed with Chief Idigbe that while the press was free to report, the child’s name ought not to be mentioned at all.

The judge then asked members of the press, litigants and all other counsel not involved in the case, to leave the courtroom during the hearing.

Before they left, Chief Idigbe, with the court’s permission, drew the attention of members of the press to Section 143 of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State 2015.

It provides that in a case involving a minor, “No person must be allowed to attend court, other than the members and officers of the court and the parties to the case.

It also provides that their solicitors and counsel, parents and guardians of the child and other persons directly concerned in the case were free to be allowed in.”

Chief Idigbe also referred to Section 144 of the law, which prohibits the publication of a child’s name.

The section reads: “No person must publish the name, address, school, photograph, or anything likely to lead to the identification of a child in a matter before the court, except as required by the provisions of this law.”

The SAN further referred to Section 145 of the Child Rights Law, which provides: “The proceedings in the court must be conducive to the best interest of the child and must be conducted in an atmosphere of understanding, allowing the child to express himself and participate in the proceedings.”

Momodu, in the counter-affidavit, also faulted the publication of the suit in a national newspaper.

“The applicant (Davido) publishing this suit in a national newspaper has exposed our daughter to great danger.

“I would have to implement extra security measures to ensure the continued safety of our daughter in school,” she stated.

At the end of the proceedings, it was learned that the court referred the case for possible settlement by the Alternative Dispute Resolution section of the court during Settlement Week.

If you’re a Nigerian looking to dive into the world of remote work, you’re in luck. There are tons of websites out there where you can land amazing remote job opportunities. Whether you’re a tech wizard, a creative genius, or a marketing guru, there’s something for everyone. Let’s walk through the top 15 websites that can help you find remote jobs from Nigeria.

1. Upwork

Website: Upwork

Upwork is like the go-to place for freelancers everywhere. You create a profile, list your skills, and start bidding on projects. From writing and graphic design to web development, there’s a huge variety of jobs. It’s a fantastic platform to connect with clients from all over the world.

2. Freelancer

Website: Freelancer

Freelancer is pretty similar to Upwork. You can bid on projects across different categories. It’s a great place to find remote jobs for Nigeria and connect with international employers. Plus, the variety of job categories means there’s always something new popping up.

3. Fiverr

Website: Fiverr

Fiverr is unique because you can offer your services starting at just $5. It’s perfect for creative services like graphic design, writing, and video editing. Create a profile, list your gigs, and attract clients who need your skills. It’s a fun way to showcase what you’re good at and get paid for it.

4. Remote OK

Website: Remote OK

Remote OK is a job board that specializes in remote job listings. You’ll find jobs in tech, marketing, customer support, and more. It’s user-friendly and updated regularly, so you’ll always have fresh opportunities to explore.

5. We Work Remotely

Website: We Work Remotely

This site is all about remote work. We Work Remotely has job listings in programming, design, copywriting, and customer service. It’s a go-to resource for finding legit remote jobs that fit your skills.

6. FlexJobs

Website: FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a subscription service that offers curated job listings for remote and flexible work. They vet their job postings to ensure legitimacy, so you can trust the opportunities you find here. It covers a wide range of industries too!

7. LinkedIn

Website: LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t just for networking—it’s also great for finding remote jobs. Optimize your profile, connect with professionals in your field, and check out the remote job listings. It’s a fantastic way to network and discover job opportunities.

8. Toptal

Website: Toptal

Toptal is for the top freelancers out there. If you’re highly skilled, you can connect with high-quality clients looking for professionals in software development, design, and finance. They have a rigorous screening process, but it’s worth it for the premium remote job opportunities.

9. Well Found: (Formerly Angelist)

Website: Well Found:

AngelList is a hub for startup jobs. If you love the startup scene, this is the place to find remote job listings in tech, marketing, and more. It’s a great platform for discovering early-stage companies looking for talented professionals.

10. Remote.co

Website: Remote.co

Remote.co focuses on remote job listings and provides resources to help you succeed in remote work. Whether you’re in customer service, HR, or IT, you’ll find a variety of job categories here. Plus, their insights on remote work best practices are super helpful.

11. Hubstaff Talent

Website: Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff Talent is a free resource where companies find remote talent. It’s great for long-term remote work opportunities across different fields. You can showcase your skills and previous work experience to attract employers.

12. JustRemote

Website: JustRemote

JustRemote is a platform that specializes in remote job listings across various industries. It’s easy to navigate and you can find opportunities in tech, marketing, design, and more. They offer a clear listing of remote jobs without the clutter, making your job search straightforward.

13. Jobspresso

Website: Jobspresso

Jobspresso is a curated job board for remote jobs. They feature opportunities in tech, marketing, customer support, and more. The site is known for quality job listings and an easy-to-use interface.

14. PeoplePerHour

Website: PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is another freelance marketplace connecting businesses with freelancers globally. You can find jobs in writing, web development, design, and more. It’s a great way to find freelance work that fits your schedule.

15. SimplyHired

Website: SimplyHired

SimplyHired is a job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources. By filtering for remote jobs, you can discover opportunities across different industries. It’s a convenient way to find remote jobs that match your skills and interests.

Other Notable Mentions:

Glassdoor: Known for company reviews, it also lists remote job opportunities.

Indeed: A global job search engine with a specific filter for remote jobs.

Dribbble: Ideal for designers looking for remote gigs.

GitHub Jobs: Perfect for developers seeking remote opportunities.

Stack Overflow Jobs: Another great platform for developers.

Tips for Success

1. Optimize Your Profile: Highlight your skills, experience, and any relevant certifications.
2. Tailor Applications: Customize each job application to match the job description and demonstrate how your skills align with the employer’s needs.
3. Network Actively: Engage with professionals in your field on LinkedIn and other platforms to uncover hidden job opportunities.
4. Build a Portfolio: Showcase your previous work to give potential employers a sense of your capabilities and experience.

Conclusion

With the right approach and by utilizing these 15 websites, you can successfully land remote jobs that offer flexibility and the opportunity to work with international clients. Each platform has its unique features and advantages, so explore them to find the best fit for your skills and career aspirations. By leveraging these resources, you can effectively find remote jobs from Nigeria, remote jobs in the USA, and other opportunities that align with your professional goals. Happy job hunting!

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.- Gen. Yushau Ahmed, has warned corps members to stop posting camp activities on social media.

The D-G said that posting happenings in the camp on social media was a violation of the scheme’s standing rules and policies.

Ahmed, who spoke during a visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun, on Friday, advised corps members in camps across the country to maintain good character and discipline during the three-week orientation exercise

He also tasked the corps members to be focused and take advantage of the skills acquisition programme in camp.

According to him, the knowledge and skills acquired would make them self-independent and better individuals after their service year.

” The skill acquisition is targeted towards making you independent in order not to depend on white collar jobs .

” We are in collaboration with stakeholders that will give you grants. Please that this measure seriously,” the D-G said.

Ahmed assured the corps members of their safety and security, adding, “the camp officials will never post you anywhere that is not safe for you. You are important to us .

” Guide yourself against any danger and be vigilant. Also, take precautionary measures by ensuring you stay safe,” he said.

Ahmed further advised them to maintain the best hygiene while in camp in order not to be infected with any disease, especially cholera diseases.

He also urged corps members to be good ambassadors wherever they are posted in the country.

The NYSC state coordinator in Osun, Mr Agbor Obim, thanked the D-G for his visit to the camp and the love he has for the corps members.