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Like many other concerned individual Nigerians and corporate organisations, BUA Cement Plc, through its chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has provided support in the fight against COVID-19, the infectious disease plaguing the whole world. This is not in doubt.

However, the company’s public disclosure that it has committed over N7 billion in cash, foodstuff, and medical supplies amongst other things across Nigeria to fight the pandemic raises more questions than answers, with allegations of inflated figures and over-valued contributions trailing the gesture.

According to Aliyu Idi Hong, the Director, government relations of BUA Group, and Yusuf Binji, the Managing Director of BUA Cement, the donations by the cement company were in line with its social obligations everywhere it operates within the shores of the country.

However, contrary to the cement company’s alleged COVID-19 donations, informed sources insist that the donations of BUA do not match the figures projected. Some sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that BUA’s Rabiu may have played up the figures to portray the company in good light to people, leveraging on the media to propagate his agenda.

It was also gathered that both the United Nations (UN) and Nigeria’s Presidential Task Force (PTF) of COVID-19 rejected BUA’s donations, due to the fact that his company’s activities do not align with the kind of values they both represent. To some, this rejection is an indictment.

“Let him (Rabiu) give a breakdown of the donations he has been claiming to have done. Everything is entirely false, nothing is real. He tried to give the PTF money, but they couldn't accept; neither could the UN. So, if he’s man enough, let him come out to explain how his donations were disbursed and managed,” a source challenged the BUA boss.

Another source also disclosed that BUA Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), under which Rabiu has allegedly been making donations to the Nigerian government, is not officially registered, and therefore not recognised as an existing organisation in the country.

“There is nothing like the BUA foundation. The NGO only operates in shadows. If not, how can ‘a self-styled’ reputable man like Rabiu not have his NGO registered?. Unless it (registration) was done yesterday, BUA Foundation does not exist in the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)’s official records.” the source stated.

Corroborating the disclosure, an insider, Yusuf Adamu, stated that Rabiu allegedly connived with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with donations. “What has been done with the so-called donations?” she challenged Rabiu and Ganduje to explain.

It is well known that a company's reputation is one of its biggest and most valuable assets. When great things are heard or said about an organisation and its good standing is reported in the media, it prompts more customer inquiries, increased profit margins, healthy and productive relationships with investors and shareholders. On the other hand, a public relations debacle can dent the reputation of any firm and destroy the reputation it has built over the years, which may be near impossible to rebuild. From all indications, BUA may fall headlong into this category if care is not taken.

Among financial circles, experts are of the opinion that the company is on the verge of facing the consequence of poor reputation for various reasons including the one mentioned above, which they said will be reflected on its balance sheet.

Higher business operating costs, poor margins, devalued stock prices, amongst other unforeseen circumstances, according to the experts, are what the company is likely to battle with, which they said will be disappointing to its shareholders and investors.

According to some media reports, BUA donated N1billion to the CACOVID basket fund put together by the organised private sector to support the federal government. It also reportedly bought 20 pickup vans and 4 Ambulances for the Kano State Government, and gave Edo State government N100 million and two Ambulances.

Analysts are wont to ask: If Rabiu donated N7 billion to support the COVID-19 fight, then where did the rest of the money go to? The calculations from the media reports do not match the figure allegedly contributed by Rabiu and his company. He or his company urgently needs give a total breakdown if he wants his claims to stand and his gesture not to be misconstrued.

There is also an allegation that BUA, through a commercial advertisement on the US Cable News Network (CNN), is the second largest producer of cement in Nigeria, after Dangote Cement and before Lafarge Nigeria in terms of volume, just to showcase its productivity. Experts in the cement industry insist that this claim is totally bogus, and have advised the CNN to do a fact-check and thorough investigation on this, since Lafarge produces more cement than BUA.

All these gestures, analysts believe, may have arisen from Rabiu’s desperation to shore up the image and reputation of his company after the rejection of his support by the UN and the Nigerian PTF; gestures calculated to buoy the company’s profile and lead to an increase in patronage of its products.

This, among other allegations leveled against him raises a cogent question on the real motive behind BUA’s over-reported donations and seemingly humane persona. He will do well to clarify his support claims and answer all the nagging questions, if he still wishes to remain relevant in the sphere of voluntary donors and philanthropists in Nigeria.

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Dominique
Lalasticlala

Media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has once again proofed to be the king of style, at the launch of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show.

Earlier announced as Big Brother Naija host for the fourth consecutive time, the revered fashionista who’s preferably referred to by his first name, had on Sunday, July 19, 2020, graced the launch of this year’s edition with his dazzling outfits, which has since been attracting wild reactions from fashion enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of this year’s Big Brother Naija launch was the amazing looks pulled off by Ebuka. The show which was themed, Lockdown, promises fun and excitement. And interestingly, we started experiencing that with the host’s style game at the launch.

Read the rest of the article here >>> https://www.eelive.ng/big-brother-naija-ebuka-stuns-fans-with-these-dazzling-outfits/

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Gospel musician, Kunle Ajayi has disclosed that Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti influences his music.

In an interview with Channels TV Metrofile, Ajayi said Fela’s musical arrangement influences him.

His words; “When you listen to Fela, you will know that he studied music because he created his music, a voice, and a rhythm. The rhythm he created was what sells him, not what he said in his music. When you hear the horns arrangement of Fela, it’s clumsy, but it’s one of the simplest because he used most of the pentatonic scales. I studied Fela… he created something, originated something, brought out something.. he exposed Africa.”

Read the rest of the story here>>> https://www.eelive.ng/fela-influences-my-music-kunle-ajayi/

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Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo has revealed that a lot of veteran actors in the Nigerian movie-making industry are living in abject poverty because they have no retirement plans.

During an Instagram live session with blogger Mr Posche, Ninalowo said the poor structure of the industry or the Nigerian government should not be blamed for veteran actors’ financial struggles.

According to Ninalowo, a lot of the veterans were carried away during their prime, and as a result, did not plan for their futures.

His words; “The blame should not be on Nollywood because it doesn’t have structure, but it should be on the individual. You are not a victim of circumstances; you are victim of the choices you made. A lot of them are carried away. They don’t have retirement plans. We are prone to be carried away in life, but humility is there to bring you back to senses.

“People now blame environment and government for whatsoever happen to them. If I lose all my money today, I am to blame. It is my problem. They should be more responsible and know what to do at the right time.

“I’m not mocking anybody, but if you can get up and go shop for good things you need, then I don’t think anyone should school you about this. Natural disaster, natural causes, are bound to happen, how prepared are you?”

https://www.eelive.ng/why-veteran-actors-live-in-abject-poverty-bolanle-ninalowo/

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Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo has revealed that a lot of veteran actors in the Nigerian movie-making industry are living in abject poverty because they have no retirement plans.

During an Instagram live session with blogger Mr Posche, Ninalowo said the poor structure of the industry or the Nigerian government should not be blamed for veteran actors’ financial struggles.

According to Ninalowo, a lot of the veterans were carried away during their prime, and as a result, did not plan for their futures. >>>> https://www.eelive.ng/why-veteran-actors-live-in-abject-poverty-bolanle-ninalowo/

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Popular Afro-beat singer, Ayodeji Balogun otherwise known as Wizkid, turns 30 today (Thursday, July 16, 2020).

Over the last 10 years, Wizkid has enjoyed a steady and consistent career growth, hence becoming the yardstick for performing artistes in Nigeria, and Africa at large.

Arguably, Wizkid is one of the most decorated, successful, and bankable Afro-pop singers on the continent. It is in this light that eelive.ng presents his greatest achievements since he debuted his musical career. >>> https://www.eelive.ng/wizkid-at-30-heres-a-list-of-starboys-major-achievements/

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Nollywood’s multi-award-winning actor, Kunle Afolayan has revealed that he’s one of the beneficiaries of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI), a loan scheme for entrepreneurs and investors in the country’s information technology, and creative subsectors.

Afolayan, in a recently-held interview, said it was difficult to finance the loan due to the lingering COVID-19 in the country, adding that he started financing the loan from the first month it was secured despite the pandemic.

Read the rest >>> https://unmaskng.com/covid-19-kunle-afolayan-laments-bitterly-over-secured-loan-from-cbn/

Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos, has expressed the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration’s readiness to curtail the long-term flood menace disturbing the state.

In an exclusive chat with Unmask NG, Omotosho, while advising residents to be mindful of their waste disposal, said the incumbent government in Lagos is making progress in its commitment to stop flooding.

His words read partly; “We have started addressing the issue of flood in the state, and the process of combating it which we have already commenced will last till April. By then, you are going to see a lot of work regarding the drainage systems in Lagos and the issue of floods, because these are things that have been left unattended to for four years.”

Read the remaining full story here>>> https://unmaskng.com/exclusive-lagos-commissioner-reveals-plan-to-combat-flood/

Nollywood star actress, Tana Adelana has advised fellow actors to not relent despite the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

In an exclusive interview with eelive.ng, where she discussed how the infectious disease has affected her brand, she said the present challenge also has it own gains, that entertainment industry stakeholders can leverage on.

According to Adelana, actors should use this moment to build their online presence to attract brands who can have something benefiting with them, which she said will result in gains.

When asked how she thinks actors can thrive despite the pandemic, she said; "Like I had stated before, if they get busy on social media and provide amazing content people like, it’s only a matter of time before commercial brands reach out to them. I’d also like to add that it may be easier for actors who have saved up enough and those that have businesses on the side to survive this lockdown. This is because our job isn’t a white-collar job with guaranteed monthly salaries. If you don’t have royalties or you don’t work, you do not get paid."

Read the rest of the story here >> https://www.eelive.ng/how-actors-can-thrive-despite-coronavirus-pandemic-tana-adelana/

Nollywood actor turned politician, Desmond Elliot has called for a total lockdown in Lagos, which he said will help curtail the spread of the dreaded coronavirus.

According to Elliot, not everyone is complying with the ongoing lockdown in the state so far, and it should be totally complied with by all means.

While speaking on the floor of Lagos House of Assembly on Thursday, April 23, 2020, the lawmaker who’s representing Surulere Constituency, said everyone must comply with staying at home for the state to start recording significant success in its fight against the infectious disease.

Read the rest of the story here >>> https://www.eelive.ng/coronavirus-desmond-elliot-calls-for-total-lockdown-in-lagos/