The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an investigation into allegations of salary deductions affecting paramilitary officers.

Earlier report had it that some officers from the Nigeria Prisons Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) had claimed they hadn’t received promotion arrears and were experiencing deductions from their salaries by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

The affected personnel had called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and investigate why their allowances hadn’t been paid, despite funds being released.

They also pointed out that their colleagues in the Federal Fire Service and other agencies under the Ministry of Interior had received their promotions and allowances.

In response to the allegations, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, Ahmed Ja’afaru, assured the officers that a comprehensive investigation is underway to address their concerns.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ja’afaru said, “The attention of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has been drawn to an online publication of complaints from officers of the paramilitary services under its purview, alleging deductions from their salaries by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, as well as delays in the payment of promotion arrears.

“Consequently, the Minister/Chairman of the Board, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out forthwith by the Board on the matter while calling on officers of the paramilitary services to remain calm.

“The Board wishes to assure our dedicated officers of its commitment to achieving a swift and positive resolution to these matters.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced the launch of its new website on Monday (today).

In a statement signed by the acting Director of Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali, the bank stated that the new website would become operational on Monday.

“The bank has developed a contemporary Web API that operates on Microsoft .NET Core 8 (the most recent and stable release) to enhance user experience by speeding up and simplifying the navigation process. We are pleased to announce that the front-end design and back-end technology were created in-house.

“The redesigned website introduces a variety of new content, which encompasses a broader spectrum of information regarding the Bank’s mandate. Additionally, the website is responsive to mobile devices, facilitating navigation across various web browsers and devices.”

At a special summit dinner event during the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit in October, the CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, revealed that the bank is working on launching a comprehensive revamped version of its website to enhance transparency and accountability.

He stated that the newly designed website would offer a more user-friendly experience and greater access to information, thereby supporting its commitment to transparency, accountability, and building trust with stakeholders.

He said, “Information is something that we are ensuring to improve on at the Central Bank. We are bringing out activities that are closer to the people. We put out the information and we allowed people to have a line of sight and have an idea of where they were going and how far we expected to continue from that particular point.

“Our website is about to be significantly overhauled. Very shortly, we will see a new website. And that’s all headed in the direction of transparency and openness.”

The Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Tony Elumelu, has passionately called for a change of long-standing workplace stereotypes that continue to hinder women’s professional growth and potential.

He said this while delivering a compelling address during a meeting with the Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB), at the UBA Head office in, Marina, Lagos on Monday.

Elumelu, who highlighted the exceptional abilities of women in business, addressed the additional obstacles women encounter, such as imposter syndrome and unfair stereotypes that portray them as “too emotional” or “sentimental” in professional settings.

“From my experience, women in our group are tenacious, hardworking, and deliver results. They don’t expect special treatment – they command respect,” Elumelu stated.

“My admiration for women comes from personal experience. My 97-year-old mother still goes to the market and cooks for us every Sunday. My wife, five daughters, and two sisters continue to inspire me daily, and the women I work with constantly surpass expectations.”

The chairman noted that his own organisations and those he has invested in stand as a testament to women’s leadership potential.

“At UBA Group for the longest time, our board has been predominantly female, and most of our CEOs are women. At Heirs Holdings Group, women head more group companies than men—not by design, but by merit,” He highlighted.

Elumelu cited examples of women’s leadership within his organizations, noting that Transcorp Group, valued at N4.5 trillion, and Transcorp Hotels Plc, valued at N1 trillion, are both led by women who are breaking barriers and redefining corporate leadership.

Drawing inspiration from the story of Mary Jane Patterson, the first Black woman graduate in America, Elumelu advised the female professionals to build confidence, ignore stereotypes, and focus on personal goals as these are the most prominent ways they could break glass ceilings and open paths for young girls.

“The story of the first Black woman graduate in America, Mary Jane Patterson, resonates deeply. She wasn’t allowed into classrooms, so she stood in hallways to learn. Decades later, this university apologized and awarded her an honorary doctorate. She paved the way for millions of successful Black women today.”

“To all women who are running businesses or climbing the corporate ladder: please note that confidence is key. Ignore stereotypes, focus on your goals, build expertise, and let your work speak for you. As I told the APWB, leadership is about showing what you can do, regardless of labels,” Elumelu concluded.

The Chairperson, Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB), Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji, who commended Elumelu’s commitment towards female inclusivity and professional advancement, emphasized that his advocacy went beyond rhetoric. She highlighted how his various business concerns continues to provide concrete opportunities for women to excel in leadership roles.

“The chairman’s approach serves as a powerful model for other corporate leaders, which shows that diverse, merit-based leadership is not just possible, but essential for organizational success and societal progress,” she said.

The female attendees at the event agreed that the session was highly enlightening and thought-provoking, as it helped to broaden their minds and gave them more clarity as to their purpose and how they could achieve more if they put their minds to it.