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Ex finance minister clarifies World Bank appointment ‘without presidential approval’

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The immediate past Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has denied reports making rounds that she cunningly secured a World Bank job without the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

An online medium over the weekend published a report alleging that the former finance minister bypassed the federal government’s nomination for the vacant position of Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank and nominated herself for the top job.

The online report stated that “The World Bank Group months ago wrote a letter to the government of Nigeria requesting for the CVs of at least three economists to fill a vacant position of the AED.

“The letter was passed through the Office of the Minister of Finance who hid the letter, thereby denying the federal government input into the nomination process.”

The online news medium further stated that it had obtained a copy of the letter, which showed it was written months ago by the World Bank shortly before the expiration of the Buhari-led federal government.

It added that Mrs. Ahmed nominated herself as the federal government’s candidate without the approval of the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari and the incoming President Bola Tinubu.

However, in a clarification sent to Daily Trust, the Media Adviser to the former minister, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi faulted the report, saying it was meddled with falsehood.

Abdullahi said former President Muhammadu Buhari was duly notified and endorsed her appointment to the World Bank, which contradicts the online report.

“The World Bank is a reputable organisation with its rules and processes. Secondly, anyone working at that level of Alternate Executive Director (AED) must be a representative of his or her country and would have gotten such approval and endorsement from his or her government.

“It will be recalled that the position became available in October 2022,” he said.

On who granted the approval, Abdullahi further stated that “Mr President was notified and approval was gotten in April 2023, but with the understanding that Dr Zainab Ahmed cannot report until after the end of her tenure as minister.

“Therefore, the former minister couldn’t have nominated herself and also approved such. I can therefore confirm to you that the former President approved her being the AED at the World Bank representing Nigeria

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Economy

Just In: Olayemi Cardoso Resumes As Acting CBN Governor

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The acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso on Friday formally resumed duties at the headquarters of the apex bank in Abuja.

This follows the resignation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

Similarly, the Deputy-Governors-Designate have also assumed duty, in acting capacities, sequel to the formal resignation of Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Lametek Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN.

This development was confirmed in a press statement by the CBN on Friday which was signed by the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin.

Naija News recalls President Bola Tinubu on September 15, 2023, appointed Cardoso and the Deputy Governors in acting capacity pending the confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

Cardoso and the Deputies took the oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office in Abuja, on Friday.

The new Deputy Governors are:

(1) Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro

(2) Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo

(3) Mr. Philip Ikeazor

(4) Dr. Bala M. Bello

Cardoso is an Economic and Development Policy Advisor, Financial Sector Leader, former Chairman Citi Nigeria and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State. He brings over three decades of managerial experience on board.

The acting CBN Governor is an alumnus of Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he studied managerial and administrative studies. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, United States of America

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Economy

JUST-IN: Tinubu nominates new Ministers for federal ministry of Youth

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim to serve as the Minister of Youth, pending her confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The President has further approved the nomination of Mr. Ayodele Olawande to serve as the Minister of State for Youth, pending his confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim is a young medical doctor and most recently served as the President of the Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF). She has also served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Ayodele Olawande is a community development expert and youth leader in the governing All Progressives’ Congress (APC). He most recently served in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Innovation from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu charges the above-mentioned nominees to ensure that they consistently reflect the dynamism, innovative zeal, and unyielding productivity that are synonymous with the young people of Nigeria as they discharge their duties.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 17, 2023

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Business

Who is the new CBN Governor? Unveiling Yemi Cardoso: The Citibank Prodigy And Financial Genius Behind Lagos’ Tax Revolution!

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In the buzzing financial district of Lagos, Yemi Cardoso’s name is whispered with a mix of respect, admiration, and perhaps a dash of envy. Today, as the entire country turns its eyes towards the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the question on everyone’s lips is, “Who is the new CBN Governor?” We delve into the life and legacy of Yemi Cardoso, the man now at the helm of Nigeria’s financial future.

Born to a modest family, Yemi’s early life gave little indication of the powerhouse he would become. However, a relentless pursuit of education and an intrinsic passion for finance would set him on a meteoric rise. Starting his illustrious banking career with Citibank, Cardoso swiftly climbed the corporate ladder. His innate understanding of banking intricacies and a knack for strategic planning saw him rise to the esteemed position of Vice President. But the ambitious Cardoso didn’t stop there. He took a bold leap, co-founding Citizens International Bank, and for eight defining years, played a pivotal role as an Executive Director.

Yet, banking wasn’t the only domain where Cardoso left an indelible mark. He answered the call of public service, becoming the first Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for Lagos State. It was under his visionary leadership that Lagos underwent a pivotal financial reform, developing its own robust independent tax revenues. This wasn’t just a bureaucratic change – it was a revolution that altered the fiscal landscape of Lagos forever.

But who is Yemi Cardoso, the man behind the accolades and achievements? Beyond the corporate meetings and policy discussions, Cardoso has been a vital consultant and policy expert, aligning with major global development giants like the World Bank, UN Habitat, and even the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. His expertise has shaped policies and development strategies, making him a revered name on global platforms.

Yet, for all his achievements, Cardoso remains grounded. A recipient of several awards, including a coveted honorary Doctorate Degree from Aston University, his alma mater, and the Global Distinguished Alumni award from Citi, he remains deeply connected to his roots. His Masters in Public Administration from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a celebrated Mason Fellow, is a testament to his commitment to public service and excellence.

As Nigeria stands on the cusp of a new financial era, the appointment of Yemi Cardoso as the CBN Governor isn’t just a political move; it’s a statement. A statement that Nigeria is ready to merge global financial strategies with homegrown expertise. With Cardoso steering the ship, the future of Nigeria’s financial landscape certainly seems promising

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