₦airaland Forum

The United States Consul-General in Lagos, Mr. John Bray, on Wednesday announced that the home government had secured about 1,000 hectares of land on the Eko Atlantic City in Lagos.

Bray disclosed this at his residence shortly after signing the engagement agreement between the U.S. Government officials and the Executive Chairman of South EnergyX Nigeria, Mr. Roland Chagdury.

The Consul-General said the decision to build a new Consulate in the Eko Atlantic City was to afford Nigerians better and more accessible services.

“This is another demonstration that the United States is committed to Nigeria and her citizens.

“What we currently have as a Consulate General was constructed in the ’70s.

“So, we have acquired a land in Eko Atlantic City to build a new Consulate, better and more accessible to Nigerians and others coming to visit for visas and other services,’’ he said.

Bray said the American government was proud to be participating in the Eko Atlantic City project, adding that the new Consulate would further strengthen the U.S./Nigeria relations.

The envoy, who said the Eko Atlantic City was selected for its world-class infrastructure, reiterated the Consulate’s commitment to working with Nigerians in providing opportunities for economic and development in Lagos.

Mr. Roland Chagdury, the Executive Chairman of South EnergyX Nigeria, said the U.S. government was welcome to the Eko Atlantic City.

Chagdury said that the confidence of the U.S. government in the Eko Atlantic City had reinforced the shared beliefs in the benefits that the city would bring to generations to come.

“We warmly welcome the government of the United States of America to the Eko Atlantic City.

“The signing of this agreement today signifies the dedication that the United States of America has always had for Nigeria,’’ he said.

Chagdury commended the Lagos State and the Federal governments for their continued support in making Eko Atlantic City a success.

Eko Atlantic is an entire new coastal city being built on Victoria Island, adjacent to Lagos, Nigeria.

The city is officially Nigeria’s international commerce city, which is a planned city of Lagos State, being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.

It is a focal point for investors capitalising on rich development growth based on massive demand – and a gateway to emerging markets of the continent.

(NAN)

…Picks Abaribe, Dogara as Senate, House Minority Leaders

May 12, 2019

LEADERS of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have foreclosed the chance of any of its members contesting for the post of Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives in the incoming ninth National Assembly, sources close to the party have said.

Investigations by the Sunday Tribune confirmed that leaders of the party had been brainstorming about the role of the PDP in the incoming Assembly due for inauguration in June.

It was confirmed that at formal and informal settings in recent weeks, the issue of how to handle the next National Assembly leadership had dominated discussions within the opposition party.

First, it was concluded that the party would not make public its choice of Senate President and Speaker among the contestants on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) until very close to the inauguration of the new Assembly.

Sources said that party leaders have resolved to keep the APC guessing on this matter and that the final meeting that would arrive at the choice of the candidate for Senate President and Speaker would only be known days to the elections.

A source in the know said that members of the National Working Committee of the PDP and the lawmakers-elect in the Senate and the House have been talking with no final decision reached on the contestants for the nation’s number three and four positions so far.


It was gathered that leaders of the party have also resolved to tell members of the party elected into the ninth Senate and House of Representatives not to drag the presiding officer positions with any of the APC members.

A source said that the party analysed its take on the 2015 to 2019 National Assembly and then resolved to change its strategy.

“It was good enough that we foisted a sort of hybrid Senate on the National Assembly in 2015 and then we also ensured that our loyalists in the person of the Speaker of the House, Honourable Yakubu Dogara got elected in 2015.

“It served as a morale booster that equally helped to galvanise our members in the two chambers. But going forward, it has been adopted that none of our members would drag the presiding officer positions with the APC in June. The idea is to make impact without necessarily dragging positions,” the source said.

Another source stated that the PDP has resolved to allow the APC run its government so that the main opposition party can face the role of opposition between 2019 and 2023.

“During the 2019 electioneering, the APC went about blaming its failure on the hostile National Assembly being led by the opposition. Right now, we are of the view that the idea has served its purpose. From now, we won’t give further room for unfounded excuses by the APC,” the source stated.

It was also gathered that the party has resolved to pick the Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy as its Minority Leader in the ninth Senate.

Sources also said that Hon. Dogara has been chosen as the Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives.

In picking the duo, it was gathered that the party is gunning for consistency and loyalty, while also appreciating Dogara for his firm grip on members in the House.

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By IFEANYI NDIOMEWESE:- Nigeria’s foremost ICT market — Computer Village, Ikeja — used to be under the leadership of the Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), headed by Ahmed Ojikutu.

However, with rumours of an impending installation of an Iyaloja and Balaloja (traditional market leaders) in the famous market, it appeared there was going to be a shake up in that managerial structure as we well know it.

Techpoint visited the Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos last week Friday and discovered that the installation of both Iyaloja and Balaloja in the market had been completed the day before (which was Thursday).

Prior to the visit, Techpoint had come across reports of a protest against the move.

The major concern of the protesters was the lack of connection between technology, which the hub is known for, and the planned installation of traditional market leaders. But it turns out this story had a huge twist to it.

Meet the elegant “Iyaloja“

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Techpoint would finally get audience with the newly appointed Iyaloja of Computer Village, Ikeja. The elegant figure, who immediately introduced herself as Abisola Azeez Raolat, doesn’t fit the stereotype of a traditional market leader.

Abisola is a degree holder, having studied Lingustics and graduated from the University of Benin in 1990. This explains her ability to communicate very proficiently. But her journey to become leader of the market is what is remarkable.

Abisola used to have an office in the highbrow area of Victoria Island, Lagos where she was in the business of buying laptops overseas and selling locally.

She relocated to Ikeja as far back as 25 years ago, five years before Computer Village, Ikeja was formally set up in 1999.

So it didn’t come as a surprise when she mentioned that she was a foundation member of CAPDAN and also doubled as its secretary till the reformist leadership era.

“I am the secretary of the group that registered CAPDAN,” Abisola explains, “I was the major person whom God used to install the president of the association. Evidence of this can be found in the video of his electioneering campaign as I was in the forefront of it,” Abiola continues.

Even though the committee has an executive board, Abisola boasts of being the major negotiator with blue chip companies and banks on behalf of CAPDAN.

“As part of the executive board of CAPDAN, and apart from being the secretary of the group that registered the association, I am the one who goes out on behalf of the association to talk to the likes of Microsoft and other blue chip companies. I’m the one they send. So I have been in the system for long doing all of these, adding value to the business and community at large,” she adds.

Because of this, she says she is fully aware of what the needs of the business community in Computer Village are.


Tackling the challenges

“The challenges of the people here are many, but I can tell you that lack of funding for these shop owners sits somewhere at the top. I however equally know how to harness facilities that enhance the growth of businesses in Computer Village,” says Abisola.

She narrates how in the early days, banks used to be a stumbling block to most shop owners in the market. Apparently, banks would stock laptops and make their customers pay in instalments.

“I was one of the people who wrote to the government to stop banks from selling laptops as they aren’t specifically in the business of buying and selling.”

Just as effective as that measure was, Abisola believes that with government influence, they can cut away a lot of anti-competitive practices that are harmful to most shop owners in the market.

But most importantly, she feels that brands that are willing to give loan facilities to shop owners can do so now that a position such as the Iyaloja (or Babaloja) could come in handy as their guarantor.


Other equally pressing tasks

Having spoken about the things she could do as the Iyaloja of Ikeja Computer Village, Abisola did not fail to express her concern about security in the market.

“I can tell you authoritatively that majority of the people on the streets (of Computer Village) are doing nothing. It is impossible not to get accosted by at least 5 boys asking if you want to buy or sell laptop should you find yourself walking the streets of Ikeja. Those are miscreants. The ones that really have things to sell are in front of their shops.

She says they are however planning to completely restore sanity to the streets of Computer Village, Ikeja.

“We cannot leave a large market like this just like that, without adequate security. If we remove those, you will see that there will be sanity on the streets with free flowing traffic. Very soon you would see that, on the streets of Ikeja, there will be no waiting, no stopping and no soliciting. Just keep moving,” boasts Abisola.

On the timing of her appointment, Abisola explains that there was nothing sudden about it. According to her, more than five meetings, spanning several months had been held with stakeholders.

“I have always been a leader. I’ve been called ‘Iyaloja’ by everyone in the market for over ten years, as a nickname and as a result of my contribution in the market. But in my humble opinion, I think it’s just the right time for God to crown the name with a position,” she concludes.

Leading side by side with Abisola is Adeniyi Olasoji, who is not only the newly appointed Babaloja but a shop owner in the Computer Village, Ikeja as well.

etrouble:
Yes, forward into the pit. He, his children and his children's children will regret this.

If Gandollar sacks Sanusi as Emir of Kano, that will be better than balkanization of the Kano Emirate which Gandollar just did. Gandollar and his generation have become unfortunate in this life.

Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), Mr Fenjian Chen has revealed plans to invest in a dry port in Ibadan, Oyo state, in a bid to decongest the Lagos port and speed up clearance of goods.

According to him, the projects undertaken by the company has 18,000 local employees and hopes to create about 40,000 jobs and help Nigeria shore up its infrastructures.

Chen made this known on Friday when he led a high-powered Chinese delegation on a visit to meet President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

“The sum of $250 million dollars will be invested on a dry port in Ibadan, Oyo State, and it will decongest the ports in Lagos, and speed up clearance of goods by the Customs Service.

“Part of projects CRCC is undertaking include railway, dry port, free trade zone, and building of highways. About 40,000 more jobs are to be created from these.”

President Buhari who played host to the Chinese team lauded the company for their “genuine efforts to improve our infrastructural development,” and expressed commitments to support them to revive Nigeria’s old infrastructure.

“We are very grateful to China for the effort to rebuild our infrastructure, and for bringing technical expertise to the country. We will give the required support and cooperation, so that our old, out of date, and collapsed infrastructure might be turned around.”

He promised to personally pay attention to the many projects being undertaken in the country, for the good of Nigerian people.

MorufuAtanda:
We Yoruba can't raise a finger if the North says they want to continue in Aso rock post-2023. If the Yoruba makes too much noise and cry for it. The same northerners will remind yoruba that Obj has taken their turn.
We Yorubas also shout 'power is taken, not given'. Therefore the north has the right to TAKE IT! They have all the cards, so the yoruba should not lament when the north TAKES IT. Afterall power is TAKEN as yorubas claim, and rotational presidency is not backed by constitution.

2023 will be interesting. May Allah keep us alive.

mrvitalis:
West hated OBJ/PDP in 1999 and he still won thats no excuse ...there are igbo apc loyalist ....so ur argument hold no water

shadeyinka:
I couldn't help but laugh at this.
Anything for peace will do.

But I think the Igbos will know better who is credible to lead us in the nation

mrvitalis:
Infact let tinubu chose his loyalist thats an igbo ....that's the best

This is why i love OBJ ....give him an ward he would nominate 5 loyalist there

mrvitalis:
West hated OBJ/PDP in 1999 and he still won thats no excuse ...there are igbo apc loyalist ....so ur argument hold no water

Bridget95:
chimamanda Adichie's novel of' Half of a yellow sun ' beats the entire works of wole soyinka hands down not to talk of the grand father of African literature Chinue Achebe's works.whole knows deep down in his heart that something made the judges to rob Achebe and Reno just said it.

KidsNEXTdoor:
You seem to be the one in pains here

essenceplus:
Learn to speak ethically and forget all this PDP apc thing. It influences character and contaminates the soul. Just wanted to tell you. And I didn't read your jab. Sorry

essenceplus:
You folks get so irritated by contrarian statement. I can't stand why apc loyalists can't stand contrary opinion. If an issue irrates you then throw your punch back with an equal and strong criticism or objection that pettiness. You're all as annoying as the sickly one..

by Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki May 7, 2019

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At least, two thousand indigenes of Izzi local government area of Ebonyi state resident in Ekajiok, Ogoja local government area of Ebonyi state have been sacked from the area.

The Ebonyi indigenes resident in the area are mainly traders. Their houses and shops were allegedly set ablazed by the Ekajiok people.

The displaced persons include, men, women, pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and infants.

The people of Igbeagu community, Izzi local government area of Ebonyi state and their neighbouring Ukele Yala local government area of Cross River state have been at war over boundary matters with many killed and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.



On Friday, some people from Cross River state were said to have gone to Ebonyi state to mill their rice but two of them allegedly got missing.

Read Also: Chinese regain freedom in Ebonyi
Following this, the Ekajiok people allegedly attacked Izzi people living in their area, looting and destroying their properties.

Speaking to journalists at cabinet office government house, Abakaliki where the Izzi displaced persons are currently camping, Chairman of Izzi traders in Ekajiok, Agena Simon who spoke on behalf of the IDPs said he was in front of his shop on Friday when somebody came to him and told him what was happening.

“He asked me to close my shops first. Within five minutes, youths from Ekajiok in their numbers armed with various weapons came and broke my shops”.

“They looted everything in the shops, they went round the community and did same thing to all Ebonyi indigenes resident in the community”

“We have lost all our livelihood and earnings, the shirt I am wearing is the only thing that was saved from the attack. We are crying to our Governor to come to our aid because we have nothing to feed our children and entire families we are dying of hunger.

“We have no problem with the Ekajiok people to warrant our attack and destruction of our properties. I contacted the traditional ruler of that community on phone when the incident occurred to know why the thing happened to us and he told me that two indigenes of the community who went to mill rice in Ebonyi got missing”.

On his part, Head of Department relief and rehabilitation of Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency Prince Chibueze Iteshi who was compiling the names of the IDPs for possible government assistance said “We got a report that Ebonyi indigenes living in Ekajiok in Ogoja local government area of Cross River state were attacked by the indigenes of Ekajiok.

“The report we got from Ebonyi people in that Ekajiok is that some indigenes of that Ekajiok came to rice mill in Ebonyi state to mill their rice. Two of their indigenes got missing, they didn’t return”.

“On getting the information, the people of Ekajiok started attacking all Ebonyi indigenes living in that place. It was the aid of police from Ogoja area command and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo there that fought and ensure that they were safeguarded and brought back to Ebonyi state here.

“Currently, we are compiling the number of those displaced but we have men, women lactating, mothers, pregnant women, small children, infants in their midst.

“They came to this state today, immediately they came in SSG directed that SEMA should take action immediately”.

Published May 5, 2019

President, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Ben Okoli, says a Nigerian, Mr Okechukwu Henry, from Imo State, was stabbed to death by unidentified South African robbers.

The NICASA president said this in a letter to the Consul-General, Nigerian Consulate Johannesburg, South Africa.

A copy of the letter was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.

Okoli said the association was tired of sending Nigerians back home in body bags due to premeditated and organised crime against them in South Africa.

Okoli said, “Tragedy has struck the Nigerian community again, just after 4pm on Friday, May 3. Mr Okechukwu Henry was stabbed to death by unknown local South African robbers.

”The late Henry, a car dealer who specialised in used cars, lived in Middleburg Mpumalanga Province. Earlier before his death, some two local guys had indicated interest to buy his car – a white VW polo.

”They had negotiated the price and agreed to buy; late Henry had produced all necessary documents to seal the deal when suddenly the local buyers said they wanted to test-drive the car first before paying.”

He added that Henry obliged them but insisted he would drive along with them.

”As they drove out, he suddenly realised that they were robbers as they demanded the key of the car.

”They attacked him and stabbed him several times; they took the keys but could not manage to drive away the car.

“Their action attracted the attention of people around and they ran away with the keys without the car,” he said.

According to him, Henry was rushed to hospital, but it appeared he had died at the scene.

He stated that a case of robbery and murder had been opened by the NICASA Provincial chairman in Mpumalanga.

”Your Excellency, the attack on Nigerians has reached an alarming level and demands something urgent to be done to stem this ugly tide. Our nationals are under attack in South Africa. We are under attack from every angle.

He called on the Nigerian Mission to urgently intervene.

“We no longer feel safe, we have become like a trophy hunted by all. The Nigerian Citizens Association, South Africa, is disheartened by the frequent repatriation of the remains of our dear citizens,” he said.

martineverest:
china is already a world power ...but their level of innovation,research and development is very poor compared to western countries.

America and UK are leading in next technologies( AI,quantum computing,machine learning,AR etc),china is left behind

koladebrainiac:
This fake news has since been addressed I wonder why they are putting it up here. Actually Enugu is the cheapest number Kano cost the most. Kano is 500k while Lagos is 400k Enugu is 350k