News
House of Reps Asks CBN to replace Old Naira Note with Sufficient New Naira Notes
By Tobouke JEMINE
The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure wide circulation of new notes of N200, N500 and N1000 as well as begin a gradual withdrawal of the old notes from circulation.
This call was made after a motion raised by Adam Victor Ogene (LP, Anambra), demanding that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should kick-start awareness programmes for Nigerians to be aware and prepare for the deadline of December 31, 2024.
Contributing to the discussion, the Labour Party lawmaker recounted the hardship, frustration, controversy and chaotic situation the implementation of the policy earlier caused in 2023.
He added that the scarcity of the new currency notes led to untold hardship in the nation as a result of the CBN’s inability to supply new versions of the changed currency notes.
“Going by the Supreme Court’s subsequent ruling and order, the N200, N500 and N1000 notes shall cease to be legal tender, medium of exchange for goods and services in Nigeria, and shall also cease to be in circulation as from January 1, 2025,” the lawmaker said.
In 2022, a controversy erupted in Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under the leadership of then-Governor Godwin Emefiele, announced plans to redesign and introduce new versions of three denominations of banknotes: N200, N500, and N1000.
The existing notes were to remain valid until January 31, 2023.
The move had sparked widespread debate and discussion across the country.
According to Emefiele, the decision was reached due to persisting concerns around the number of naira notes outside the banking system.
Over one year after, findings showed that the CBN policy which was reported to have gulped over N74 billion failed.
News
PAP Boss Hails King Ateke on 61st Birth Anniversary, Reaffirms Support for Traditional Institution Across the Niger Delta
By Divine Perezide – IduwiniVoice
High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, has praised HRH. King Ateke Michael Tom, the traditional ruler of the Okochiri Kingdom in Rivers State, on the august occasion of his 61st birth anniversary.
Otuaro who was amongst prominent dignitaries that graced the colourful occasion held in commemoration of King Ateke’s birth anniversary at his palace in Okochiri town, Okrika Local Government Area, last Monday was full of praise for the frontline Niger Deltade fender who has since ascended the thown of his fathers.
Otuaro described the Ijaw monarch as “a respectable leader whose reign has brought about unity, peace, progress and development around his community.”
He stressed that King Ateke, who is also the ‘Sekuro of the Niger Delta’, was a great asset who had contributed immensely to the peace, stability, security and development of the region.
Otuaro expressed his utmost regard for the traditional institution and the vital role of traditional rulers in the peace and development of communities in the Niger Delta.
He noted that traditional rulers were among the critical stakeholders that the PAP was collaborating with to strengthen the programme’s peace-building process in the region.
He reiterated that the programme was in safe hands, and strongly motivated by President Bola Tinubu to bridge the region’s human capital development gap through formal education scholarships and vocational training in aviation, maritime, agriculture, and other relevant trade areas.
Otuaro said his policy of inclusivity had ensured the involvement of Niger Delta women in the programme’s initiatives, stressing that there were plans designed for their empowerment and contribution to the region’s socio-economic growth.
He emphasized that he was focused on rendering quality service to the people of the region, and not distracted by the shenanigans of his detractors.
Otuaro called on all stakeholders of the region to remain steadfast in the effort to sustain the prevailing peace in the region so that socio-economic and developmental activities could thrive around the communities.
While expressing appreciation to King Ateke for his unwavering support to the programme, the PAP boss prayed to God to grant him long reign, longevity and good health.
Otuaro’s message was conveyed in a Press Statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, his Special Assistant on Media and made available to the press on the 4th of June, 2025.
Renowned Niger Delta activist Comrade Sheriff Mulade has been honored with an award of honour by the Alegbe Organization in Delta State, Nigeria on Wednesday.
The group, while presenting the award said the award was to encourage and appreciate Mulade Sheriff for his unequal and selfless contributions in promoting football and entertainment in the state.
According to the group, Mulade was among the top contributors in the football and entertainment industries, adding that he (Mulade) deserved commendation and applause.
Receiving the award, Mulade thanked the Alegbe Organization for considering him for the award of honor, stating that whatever he does, he did it to better humanity and not necessarily for commendation.
He promised the group that he will continue to do his best to better humanity, emphasising that supporting humanity was something he had been doing over the years.
By Divine Perezide
The apex Pan-Ijaw media body, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, has expressed deep sympathy with the Chairperson of the Ijaw Women Connect IWC, Western Zone, Comrade Mrs. Ebierebo Ande, who was involved in a terrible road accident last week.
IduwiniVoice recall that the IWC Zonal Chairperson was admitted in Capitol Hill Hospital along Airport Road, Effurun, Delta State, where she is currently recuperating, following her investment in an auto crash.
The IPF delegation led by the National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, also made a cash donation of N100,000 as a token toh5 support from the IPF for her medical treatment.
“The IPF felt it wise as Ijaw frontline publishers to quickly respond to her plight as soon as we got wind of the tragic accident,” Ozobo said.
“From what we have seen, she needs all the help she could get. In fact, it is God’s intervention that she is alive as her injuries are really grave,” he added.
President Ozobo urged other good spirited individuals especially those of Ijaw extraction, to rally round the victim in her time of need.
“We also call on all fellow well-to-do Ijaw sons and daughters to come to her aid as an injury to one is an injury to all. She really needs support and prayers.”
The IPF President also prayed for the quick recovery of the IWC leader.