‘One Million Years BC’ Actress Raquel Welch Dies At 82

 

The Golden Globe winner starred in more than 30 films -- including "Fantastic Voyage" and "The Three Musketeers.

 

CBN Launches Portal For Deposit Of Old Naira Notes

 The notification also provided a link to the portal to enable the masses deposit old notes in their possession.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has created a portal for the deposit of old naira notes.A screenshot of CBN website on Wednesday, February 15, 2023

The bank published a notification titled ‘redemption of currency’ during a Wednesday check on the apex bank’s website.

According to the CBN, Nigerians can redeem their old N1,000, N500, and N200 notes by completing an online form.

The notification also provided a link to the portal to enable the masses deposit old notes in their possession.

“Please click here to create your profile, generate reference and print out receipt for you to proceed to nearest CBN branch to deposit your old N1000, N500 and N200 notes into your bank account,” it reads.

In order to generate a reference number, the apex bank asked customers to provide their Bank Verification Number (BVN), email address, phone number, bank account details, depositor information (including house address), and the total amount of the denomination to be redeemed.

The Supreme Court had earlier on Wednesday said its February 8 order barring the Federal Government and its agencies from enforcing the February 10 deadline for the use of old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes still stands.

The Supreme Court further fixed February 22 for the hearing of the suit filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states challenging the propriety of the naira swap policy of the Federal Government.

The court chose the date after joining the Attorneys General of Katsina Lagos, Cross River, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti and Sokoto states as co-plaintiffs in the earlier suit filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states.

 

 

BREAKING: Buhari Approves Use Of Old N200 Note For 60 Days

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release old N200 notes into circulation to co-exist with new N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes for 60 days.

 

 
 He, however, said old N500 and N1,000 banknotes are no longer legal tender in Nigeria.

 

The President, who made this known in a nationwide broadcast on Thursday,  directed the CBN to allow the new notes available to all citizens.

The President apologised to Nigerians over the difficulty experienced in the implementation of the naira redesign policy.

“To further ease the supply pressure, particularly on our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500 and N1,000 bank notes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10, 2023 when the old N200 note ceases to be legal tender,” he said.

The President had on February 3 appealed to Nigerians to give him seven days to resolve the cash crunch after the Nigeria Governors’ Forum urged him to allow all old notes to circulate in the system to ease the hardship on ordinary Nigerians.

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had extended the deadline for the swap of old N200, N500, and N1,000 from January 31 to February 10 following complaints by many Nigerians but the Supreme Court held that the Federal Government, the CBN, commercial banks must not continue with the deadline pending the determination of a notice in respect of the issue.

Read the President’s Full Speech:

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRENCY SWAP AND STATE OF THE NATION, ON 16th FEBRUARY, 2023

My Dear Compatriots,

 

I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.

2. Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.

3. Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.

4. In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.

 

5. For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.

6. In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.

7. Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:

a. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.

b. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;

c. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;

d. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and

e. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria

8. Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.

9. I have been reliably informed that since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.

10. This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:

a. A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;

b. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;

c. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;

d. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;

e. Exchange Rate stability;

f. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and

g. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.

11. I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

12. To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.

13. I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.

14. During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.

15. I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.

16. To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.

17. In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.

18. Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.

19. Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.

20. I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.

21. Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

22. This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.

23. I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.

24. I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.

Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

14 Classic Valentine Messages To Send To Your Val Today, February 14, 2023

 

We understands that “Valentine’s Day” is celebrated worldwide February 14 annually.

Valentine’s Day originated as a Western Christian feast day honouring one or two early saints named Valentinus. The Day is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love in many regions around the world, although it is not a public holiday in any country.

 

 

In the celebration of Valentine’s Day, many expect good wishes from their partners, hence, a need to compile one.

Here Are The Fourteen Classic Valentine Messages For Tuesday, 14th February 2023.

 

1. I hope this is the last Valentine’s Day you’ll spend as my girlfriend. Because I hope you’ll say “I do!” and become my lovely wife. I love you.

2. I want to spend this day the way I spend every Valentine’s Day…wrapped in your loving arms. Happy Valentine’s Day.

3. What gift could you possibly give me? I already have the best boyfriend a girl could ever ask for. Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

4. You have been such an amazing friend and a supportive girlfriend…more than I could ever deserve. Happy Valentine’s Day.

5. Your love is like the air because it is with me everywhere I go. Babe, thank you for filling the vacuum in my soul.

6. Through the years, you have proved yourself worthy of my love. That’s why I never hesitated to share my heart with you. Happy Valentine’s Day, My Love!

 

7. To me, your love is as precious as the oxygen I breathe because I wouldn’t be able to survive on this planet without it. Simply put, I can’t live without you in my life.

8. Sweetheart, on this special day, I want you to know that for as long as the universe exists, my love for you will never perish. Have a truly fantastic Valentine’s Day.

9. I found my everlasting cure for loneliness and sadness the day you stepped into my life, and that is why I will always shudder whenever I imagine my life without your presence in it. I love you so much, babe, and I will always love you for as long as I exist.

10. I live a perfectly happy life because your love constantly surrounds me like water surrounds an island. Happy Valentine’s Day, my precious love.

11. There is nothing in this universe that the power of my love for you can be compared to because it is as powerful as the power of God.

12. I will run a million marathons just to see that 24-carat smile of yours light up your beautiful face. I love you so much, my darling. Happy Valentine’s Day!

13. Kisses, kisses, and more kisses. A trillion kisses for my beautiful Mrs.Chocolates and flowers seem so cliche. Let’s think outside the candy box this Valentine’s Day. Let’s go places we’ve never been and do things we’ve never done. Happy Valentine’s Day, from your husband.

14. Wishing a truly Valentine’s Day to the most phenomenal woman in the world. Sweetheart, you bestowed the greatest blessing on me the day you gave me your love and became a part of my life, and that is why I promise to love you until the day death comes knocking on my door

 Please note that the messages contained in this article were not originally compiled by this author but were edited where necessary.

 

After 7 Children, Mom Gives Birth Again To 5 Babies At Once

 Ashiri understands before welcoming their fresh set of children, the couple already had seven children and were looking at having an eighth child but the pregnancy turned out to be quintuplets.

The mother, identified as Dominika Clarke gave birth at a hospital in the southern Polish city of Krakow on Sunday. The babies were delivered by caesarean section at 29 weeks and still require respiratory support.

Speaking to reporters at the hospital on Tuesday, the new mother who was in the company of her British husband, Vince said: “We were planning to have an eighth child but there turned out to be more.”

According to her, she felt “better than expected” after the rare pregnancy.

Speaking further, she called her pregnancy a miracle because the odds of conceiving quintuplets were one in 52 million.

“As a mathematician, I like these kinds of statistics,” Clarke said.

“We had a greater chance of winning the lottery than having this crowd.”

Head of the neonatology department in hospital, Ryszard Lauterbach said they look forward to joyfully discharging the mother and the children.“We hope that we can arrive at the joyful moment of discharging them from the hospital,” said Lauterbach.

The children, three girls, and two boys, were named Arianna Daisy, Charles Patrick, Elizabeth May, Evangeline Rose, and Henry James.