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Poor records, deceased shareholders drive N215bn unclaimed dividend crisis

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  Unclaimed dividends, a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s capital market, have sparked frustration among shareholders. The issue remains unresolved despite the introduction of electronic systems and reforms by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  TEMITOPE AINA  addresses questions about systemic inefficiencies, lapses by registrars, and the impact of dead shareholders. Introduction The Nigerian capital market, which has long been considered a critical engine for economic growth, is now grappling with a significant crisis that has left investors in frustration and uncertainty. The unclaimed dividend crisis, which currently stands at a staggering N215bn, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the systems in place to manage shareholder dividends and the larger implications for investors, especially in terms of trust and confidence in the market. n August,  The PUNCH  reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission had reiterated its commitment to...

Enugu gov signs N971bn 2025 budget, promises diligent implementation

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  The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Tuesday, signed the N971bn 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, pledging its diligent implementation to achieve the state’s vision of exponential economic growth and inclusive prosperity. Tagged the Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity, the fiscal plan allocates N837.9bn to capital expenditure, representing 86 per cent, and N133.1bn to recurrent expenditure, accounting for 14 per cent. Notably, education retained the largest share with N320.6bn, over 33 per cent of the total budget, for the second consecutive year. At the signing ceremony, which was attended by members of the Enugu State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, Governor Mbah commended the lawmakers for the swift passage of the budget. Describing the budget as a “massive Christmas gift” to the people of Enugu, Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the state’s deve...

Makinde signs Oyo’s N684bn 2025 budget into law

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  Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, said his administration had been able to improve the performance of the state’s annual budgets from 30 to 35 per cent to over 70 per cent. Makinde stated this when he assented to the N684 billion 2025 Appropriation Act tagged “Budget of Economic Stabilisation,” at a budget signing ceremony, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan, the state capital. He said the government would target 80 per cent budget implementation in 2025, adding that his administration would push for reforms, people-centred policies and economic stability and work for the well-being of residents of the state. The governor noted that the 2025 budget would also play a key role in stabilising the economy of the state. He explained that the 2025 Budget has provision for the new minimum wage, stating that the new wage and consequential adjustments will take effect from January 1, 2025. The governor appreciated labour union ...

BREAKING: NNPCL stations drop petrol price to N965 in Abuja

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  The retail price of premium motor spirit popularly known as petrol, has dropped to N965 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory. Checks by PUNCH Online on Monday revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited effected the new price across its retail outlets in the capital city, to the delight of customers. The new amount is the second price drop in less than two weeks from N1,060 earlier this month. At its mega station located along Wuse Zone 4 and Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Central Area, the price of the commodity was sold at N965 per litre with commuters scrambling to join the long queue. A driver who confirmed the price drop applauded the national oil firm but called for a uniform across all stations for easy access. He said, “Yes, NNPC has reduced its price to N965. I bought it this morning, but the queue is too long. Maybe because other stations are selling at a different price.” However, independent and major marketers sold their products between N1,030 and N1...

I was once in a relationship that made me sΓΊffer from low self-esteem and it became worse by the day.

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  πŽππ„ πŒπ€π'𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐇 πˆπ’ π€ππŽπ“π‡π„π‘ πŒπ€π'𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄. This guy made me feel bΓ d about myself in its entirety. He would never forget to remind me of how fΓ t I was and how my stature was too big for my age. It was so bΓ d that I began to think that I looked Ε«gly and undesirable. "You'll have problems when you start having children because you will become too fΓ t and the weight will tell on you. If care is not taken, your legs will swell and they won't be able to carry your weight." This was his usual anthem. Truth be told, there were times I had wondered if he was blΓ­nd to my stature before chasing me around. This was a guy who had pΓΊrsued me for months before I finally accepted his proposal. We were engaged to be married. Arrangements were underway for our introduction ceremony, yet, he would always cΓ³mplain about my stature. I wasn't a foodie. I ate little portions of food but just to please him, I still decided to shed some weight. ...

Elumelu distributes food items, tasks Nigerians on togetherness

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  The founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has advised Nigerian leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians to root for the betterment and brighter future of people in the society. Elumelu gave the advice while distributing over 1,800 premium quality CSS Parboiled 25kg Rice to his people in Onicha- Uku Kingdom, Aniocha North local government area of Delta State. According to him, the initiative reflects the unshakeable belief that when one lifts others “we rise together.” He advised Nigerians to embrace the spirit of giving, not just during Christmas but in our everyday lives; saying giving back, no matter how small, makes the world a better place. The bags of rice came in two batches and were shared among the traditional ruler, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), community quarters, local vigilantes, and others. Represented by Mr. Ramon Nasir, he said the “distribution of rice is a simple but profound gesture of love by way of ensuring that families in th...