Olowookere Adebukola has emerged winner of the 2019/2020 edition of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro (QMA) beauty pageant.

Adebukola, a young, vibrant and intelligent teenager, defeated other 30 other finalists to clinch the crown

The 19-year-old queen, who narrowly escaped from being evicted at the final stage, broke down in tears of excitement and joy as soon as the result was announced

Oyetayo kofoworola, came second while Oladipupo temitope, bagged the third position.

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, ooni of Ife, said the aim was to promote the Yoruba culture among the youth to prevent it from extinction.



The monarch presented a brand new car and N1 million empowerment fund to the winner.

He added that the new queen automatically becomes the cultural ambassador to the ooni and would enjoy the privilege of being part of his foreign trips’ entourage.

Agbara, the first runner-up, went home with N750,000 cash gift while Oluwaseyi would receive N500,000 cash gift.

The monarch added that every other contestant would go home with N200,000 cash gift to compensate them for their efforts.

Some of the participants also received various awards. Ayinde-Kodaolu Olorunfunbi Tinuade won Miss Photogenic, Ogunyede Deborah was crowned miss Amity, while Akerele Modupe bagged Miss culture award.

The concept of Queen Moremi is an adaptation of traditionally objectified women’s spaces, into an arena for leadership development, research which incorporates the development of culturally relevant mechanisms of leadership training within the societies.

QMA Cultural pageants has in the last 4 years offer a place for young women to become spokespersons on social justice issues, without the objectification of entering beauty pageants.

The cultural pageant also provides a glimpse of how cultural groups wish their national identity to be portrayed to the general public allowing us to present images of young leaders, confident in their heritage, introducing themselves in their Native language, and committed to cultural continuity and sustainable Nations.

The young women develop culturally based leadership skills and become role models, the community gains language and cultural revitalization.

The event was well attended and supported by A-list socialites and celebrities in the music and movie scene. Some of the special guests include Princess Toyin Kolade, Erelu Dosumu Abiola, Iya Rainbow, Liz Anjorin , Lanre Teriba, Wole Oni and a galaxy of royal fathers.

Veteran actor and creative arts progenitor, Tunji Sotimirin was the anchor and Princess Ronke Ademiluyi did spectacularly in 2019 QMA beauty pageant

Prescient observers who are watching how Grace Alumni came alive on social media and news platforms would rightly agree that hard work in the right direction delivers enduring fruits. Hard work doesn’t kill; it yields a life that history acknowledges ultimately. That is the enviable story of Adesope Edun, the digital and Media experts/director who spearheads the publicity of affairs of Grace Schools Alumni as he marks his birthday today.

To Adesope, the ideal celebration would not be to organize an elaborate feast, to bring friends and well-wishers together for a mother of all feasts. Doing so is not in his character. If there would be a get-together at all, it would be with the deprived, the vulnerable, children of the poor or the special class of the handicapped as he has done for many years.

Therefore, It’s only appropriate to seize the occasion of his middle age birthday to examine his relentless work schedule that has benefited the school and his other engagements and made it possible to refer to it as the investors’ destination, tourism hub, and construction site.
Grace School, is one of Lagos biggest academic institutions. Academic analysts also say without disputation that Sope’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding efficiency surpassed the figures for a couple of some PR experts put together. In recent times, Grace Schools has begun to wear a new look and recognition across the social space and academic corridors.

Most of these have taken place only under the watch of Adesope, even if one must admit that the process is a continuum. But every age would have to carve out its own distinct identity. History has a keen interest in taking note of this identity aspect in the unfolding of events. No corporate expert can appropriate the honour due its successor or predecessor, the continuum theory notwithstanding! You have to carve out your own niche, as it were.

Adesope has pitched his tent with this history-making camp. It comes with a price: courage. According to Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States of America, “One man with courage makes a majority.’’ This US leader is credited with numerous courageous policies that toppled the established norms of his time. He was not afraid to make a decision as long as it was in the interest of the people.

For instance, Adesope displayed rare courage and compassion by initiating the need to award the icons in the social, academic, entrepreneurship and political space, who had passed through the academic nuture of Grace Schools.
The point has long been established that Adesope is a man who does not sleep, in a literal sense, until he has touched lives. He packs a thousand and one activities into the 24-hour schedule he has at his disposal in a day.
The bottom line and the aggregation of opinion of those that know him were that of a young achiever who is restless, committed, determined and passionate to change the face of the school for good.

Adesope has received notable local and international recognition for outstanding delivery and the service to the people. For a man who has demonstrated several times that experience can indeed be an asset in governance, Adesope is always calm and dutiful when there is a major challenge in an organization that is increasing and expanding by the day.

Happy birthday, Sir!

......Slashes Prices, Payment Terms





Nigeria’s fast-growing real estate and property outfit, At best Crown Global Nigeria Limited is putting smiles on the faces of prospective homeowners in Nigeria in the euphoria of the festive season in the end of the year.





The country’s foremost property company, being the only one in the real estate industry to factor low-income earners and market women in the land ownership plan, in an impactful open grandeur, initiated the end of the year Mega Promo offer across all her regions in Nigeria with intent to making over 10,000 landlords within the season.



While other real estate’s focus of building on existing facilities within the highbrow areas, AtobestCrown, under the leadership of Atoyebi Kabir was able to rekindle the hopes of tenants to prospective landlords, as all his staff across Lagos, marched out to educate and inform prospects on the opportunity of becoming Landlords despite the meager income.



Thereafter, in the mood of yuletide, the team went on the streets: distributing pamphlets of offers to Nigerians to take advantage for the 10,000 would-be landlords.

In the bid to amplify this offer, a team of Atobest staff was out in large number across the region to felicitate with the people and also canvass them to key into this limited opportunity in the month of December... Marching parade was held in Abesan.



In Ogun state and Oyo state right now, AtobestCrown has become the hottest real estate company, selling land and properties by dominating the landscape in just 3 years, its presence in Ibadan has become so visible.



Yet, when the management of Atobest crown global decided to open an office in Ibadan, to enable it expand its reach to those yearning to buy land and houses in the ancient city, many real estate watchers didn’t give Atobest crown global a chance of success.



But right now, the company has taken over the real estate business with its unique value proposition, so much so that everywhere you go to now in Ibadan you are most likely to run into an Atobest crown pamphlets, scarves, shirts, etc marketing potential customers at markets, on the streets, offices and even at street corners.

There are about 200 aggressive marketers that have been let loose on the city. So, many more Ibadan people are embracing Atobest Crown by the day. It is so interesting that many Ibadan and Abeokuta people have fallen in love with their Orange land and of course with its… Making the incredible Affordable… Value proposition.



Why many Ibadan and Ifo people people are rushing to Atobest crown global is because they all want to become landlords within the shortest possible time. So, they want to buy land and houses. And so everywhere the over 1,000 aggressive Ibadan marketers go, the message is clear: You can own a plot of land by simply paying a deposit of 20% of the affordable value, and spread the balance for as much as 6 months.



Right now, there is a big rush for Atobest crown global at all its Ongoing sites in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. City People can authoritatively reveal that the easy payment plan of Atobest Crown Properties is attracting a lot of buyers to its office in Lagos



Its Baruwa-Ipaja head office is usually a beehive of activities as potential landowners come in to register and do documentation.



Ezekiel Fagbamigbe, the General Manager says the company is happy at the huge returns Atobest crown global has made in Ibadan, in just 6 months.



“We want to really take over not only Ibadan and Ogun, but places like Ife, Osogbo, Ekiti, Ondo, Akure, Ilorin, Ijebu-Ode, Ogbomosho and other neighboring towns. “We have a new slogan for 2020which they call Fast & Furious.



That news of Atobest crown global is doing well does not come as a surprise. Tope has been described as “a damn good marketer” and he has won several awards over the last 2 years.



Currently, there are mouthwatering offers and discounts for lands in Papalanto, Ifo, Ilaro, Itori, Ibadan Eleyele, Ibadan Air Force, Ibeju Lekki Elerangbe, Abeokuta, Alamala, Barracks, Sangotedo, Lekki Ohase 1, Onaosa Lekki, Ofada Owode, Ifo (Lissa town) and many more.



Prices ranges from N180,000.00 to N3,000,000.00 for a plot of land with various style of payment at Promo Price, 3 months’ payment, 6 months’ payment and options for mini-plot at unbelievably discounted price.



When asked what Atobest Crown is doing differently in this competitive market, renown journalist, environmental specialist and publisher of Urban Express Newspapers, said the company provides professional property development and real estate consultancy services for diverse clients in both the private and public sectors.



“They are experts in project management and they are mainly involved in properties around the western parts of Nigeria.



“However, they are not limited to these parts, they undertake proper development and provide real estate consultancy in other parts of the country. They also have a robust marketing strategy that helps them sell properties to prospective clients”, he said.

Lawmaker representing Eti-Osa at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Engineer Gbolahan Yishawu has been described as a disciplined and humane leader, whose leadership qualities would propel remarkable successes in governance at the Legislature level.

These were the various submissions of his colleagues, and members of staff of the Assembly, as well as various groups, who have extolled the virtues of the resolute lawmaker

Adesope Edun, a media practitioner and Alumni convener of Grace Schools expressed optimism and confidence in his leadership to deliver more democratic dividends to the teeming populace of Eti Osa, in partnership with the executive arm, noting that the legislature was already making positive impact within a short time.

The lawmaker who is addicted to embarking on projects commissioning every 3 months, despite his jurisdictional role as a mediator, he has commissioned no fewer than 6 projects within the last 6 months on this administration and he’s not backing down anytime soon.
Adesope described Yishawu as a man of singular vision, integrity and unwavering duty and a dedicated soldier and public servant. He has a strong administrative structure for his constituency, beyond representing his people, Yishawu was an administrative trailblazer.
He is always ready with counsel and advice. If there was any public event or occasion regarding the welfare of his people, his towering figure is certain to be found present.
Yishawu is always passionate about his work. He always exhibits a distinct dedication and an ability to work with everyone”,
“He was a leader in every right, a formidable colleague, patriotic statesman, and complete gentleman.”
has carved a niche for himself in the over 30 years history of the legislative history of the Gateway State in Nigeria. His personality excites as much awe as fear from the people, especially the political class.

Yishawu means different things to different people, to some, he is a patriotic politician, while others see his as a "troublesome lawmaker" who loves challenging the powers that be as a result of his passion and desire to see that his people are not deprived of their right at any time. He has proven over the years that he cannot be intimidated nor coaxed while his hallmark remains his ability to stand by the truth at all-times despite all odds.

Meanwhile, his courage, resilience and tenacity of purpose in the pursuit of his political goals have, no doubt, stood his out as one of the highly respected leaders. Little wonder, keen observers of his membership in the State Legislature and politics generally can attest to his contributions to unity and development of the State which has assisted him to place his footprints in the sands of time everywhere across the State.

Hon. Yishawu proved to be a good legislator by the value and quality representation he gave the good people of Eti Osa State Constituency for years.

The lawmaker representing Adavi/Okehi constituency, Hon. Joseph Asuku Bello on Monday congratulated His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello and his deputy, Chief Edward David Onoja on their victory in the Kogi 2019 gubernatorial election.

Governor Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having polled 406,222 votes, winning in 12 Local Government Areas of the State.

Hon. Asuku in his congratulatory remarks said, “The good people of Kogi State heartily rejoice and congratulate Governor Yahaya Bello on his well-deserved victory at the polls on November 16, 2019.



Read Also: BREAKING: Yahaya Bello re-elected as Kogi governor
“The recorded landslide victory at the polls shows that Gov. Yahaya Adoza Bello is a divine choice for the great people of Kogi State. Winning majority of votes cast also shows that the Governor has been on the right course in the last four years.

“We urge all the good people of the State to accept the verdict as the election was adjudged free, credible, transparent and peaceful.

“The people of Kogi are industrious and brave. Our plans are visionary and bold. Our goals are just. And the governor you have re-elected is honest and true. There is no aspect of greatness and achievement that lies beyond our reach.

“Posterity shall reward you for what you established on Election Day. Today the sun shines brighter on our Confluence State. If we work hard, tomorrow we shall be able to say the same thing.

“I am also calling on potentially aggrieved parties not to heat up the polity through unguarded utterances and actions.’’ he added

In the Lagos corporate and social scene today, not many names can claim to be bigger than that of the legendary Joko Adeusi. Ask anybody who knows a thing or two about the corporate organization, political network and social scene in Lagos, and they will tell you that Joko Adeusi is an Icon when it comes to the Lagos social circuit.

Elegant and delectable Joko has been in the public glare for well over 10 years and she does not look like she is ready to slow down yet. Her grip and influence on the social scene has not waned one bit. She knows just the right person in every space.

This bold and beautiful Joko who came into prominence, just after her exit from the financial institution started a fashion column with City People Fashion And Beauty where she schools fleshy and plus size women on how to rock their shape. Aside from her corporate activity and creative instinct identifying new opportunities, there was no big party that didn’t have the beautiful and high flying Joko Adeusi in attendance. And she used to rock the best gold back in the days.
Joko is an undisputed Gold rocker. she still rocks her gold. Top celebrities and prominent Nigerians, including royalty, are her friends. Joko Adeusi is on first name terms with most of the accomplished politicians, captains of industries, business moguls and celebrated career women in Nigeria today because she’s known most of them from way back when they were all younger and striving to make their mark in life.
Up until about four years ago before she left FCMB after having served them for 15 fruitful years, Joko was a senior management staff of the foremost banking institution and she held her own pretty well in the boardroom. She left FCMB to set up her clothing line specialised in catering for plus size women called Eve Xtra.
To say she has made a remarkable impact with Eve Xtra will be understating the fact. Every plus-size woman who desires to look beautiful and knows exactly what she wants now goes to Eve Xtra for top quality American and Canadian dresses specifically made for the big and beautiful woman.
Joko Adeusi is a proud Alumni of one of Nigeria’s leading academic institution, Grace Schools. She is one of the many society giants that the school has produced and she has equally contributed to the development of the institution.

The lawmaker representing Adavi/Okehi federal constituency, Hon. Joseph Asuku Bello, has urged the good people of Kogi State to deliver no fewer than one million votes for Governor Yahaya Bello in the forthcoming election come Saturday, November 16, 2019.

Hon. Asuku, who has been in the field in the past few weeks on a full-scale campaign for the governor, Yahaya Bello and his deputy, Edward Onoja, stated that the party must maintain strong outing in the state, and encourage the people to also speak loudly with their votes
“What is important at this moment is where Kogi state is going. Here in Adavi/Okehis, we must maintain a strong outing for the APC.
“We must differentiate between developmental economy and container economy. We must educate our people that we will not accept to get Kogi backward again.
“Our opponents do not have the number. We have well over one million solid votes that our party can produce. I challenge all of you, your target must be 70 per cent of those votes for APC.
“You will do it for Governor Yahaya Bello, and Edward Onoja, ”
He said, “We are one party and one family. If this is so, we should proceed to make APC continue to work in Kogi State. So, our stakeholders and elders, I seek your solidarity and support for all our candidates. This is the way the campaign will go. On November 16, the whole of Kogi will vote for Buhari. We shall speak with one voice, we shall speak with our votes”, he said

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Nigerian/British feminist and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and former Executive Director of the AWDF.


She was previously the Director of Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), an international development organization for African women based in the UK, with an Africa regional office in Kampala, Uganda.

Born in Liverpool, England, on 11 June, 1963. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi She has an M.A in History from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife Nigeria, and an M.A. in Gender Studies from Middlesex University, UK.

She is a Principal Partner at Amandla Consulting, specializing in leadership development for women, and she runs an online community called Abovewhispers.com, where she writes a weekly column called "Loud Whispers". She is a UN Women Nigeria Senior Advisor, and was recently appointed as a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King's College, University of London.
Mrs Bisi Fayemi spent part of her elementary periods in one of Nigeria’s most prestigious academic institutions, Grace Schools, and has greatly projected the school in such an enviable light.

She is a prolific writer, lecturer, trainer, and as an organisational development specialist. She has expertise in fundraising and organisational development, and training expertise in feminist leadership development and resource mobilisation. She conceptualised the African Women’s Leadership Institute, a leadership development program for young African women which has helped train over 2,000 women leaders in Africa over the past ten years.

She has served as Co-Chair International Network of Women’s Funds (2004-2006), Board Member Partnership for Transparency Fund (2004-2007), International Adviser, Global Fund for Women, Adviser, Mamacash Foundation, Editorial Board Member, Alliance magazine, and board member, International Women’s Health Coalition (2006-2009).

She is a Senior Fellow of the Synergos Institute, and has served as a Trustee of Comic Relief (UK) and President, Association for Women’s Rights in Development, Toronto (AWID) (2003-2005). She has written and published several articles on feminist leadership, popular culture and women’s human rights.
Mrs Bisi Fayemi is the epitome of philanthropy and has shown that famous philanthropists don’t have to come from wealthy families and that they can choose the causes that have the most meaning for them.
She has shown that she understands lifelong growth is possible and continues to grow by contributing outside herself to make a big difference in the lives of others.
She remains one of the most outspoken female philanthropists who backs up her monetary contributions with efforts to enact social and political change
This is why Grace Schools is proud to recognize her as one of its most exemplary Alumni who has stood for the Ideals of Grace Schools and For this We Say We are Truly Proud of Our Great Grace Alumni

In the creative world, the tiniest of ideas can spark a masterpiece. But ideas and the people behind them need nurturing. This message rang out loud and clear as we explored the ways in which, one of Nigeria’s leading academic institution, Grace Schools has been working shape its students and spark up their unique skill in the bid to turn Nigeria’s creative industries into engines of economic growth.


Policymakers everywhere are embracing a sophisticated range of investments and forming partnerships with businesses and investors as well as schools and universities. Therefore, any academic institution that wants to compete in this arena cannot afford to stand still.

For an academic structure, one cannot underestimate the benefits of the successful promotion of the creative industries. Investing in these industries drives economic growth: The creative industries are generating billions of dollars in gross value across the globe. It has also employed almost 30 million people worldwide and, unlike other segments of the economy, the creative arts, and entertainment also contribute to cultural identity and social cohesion.

This is why Grace schools is moving fast ahead of its contemporary, having identified the future of the creative industry, and has chosen to go in the direction of developing the students’ in moral, academics and identifying their Gods-given talents for adequate nurturing.

Grace Schools ensure that all students are carried along in the bid to make them achieve their fullest potential, both academically and personally.
The educational staff, a multi-disciplinary team of therapists, and support team work together to create an environment that meets the holistic needs of children who have difficult or complex life stories. By delivering the best features of a special school and alternative provision coupled to innovative educational and therapeutic frameworks that can help the students thrive.



The creative industries encompass a broad set of companies and media types. They bring together everyone from technicians and management professionals to artists and designers. Smart institutions recognize that different creative industries have specific needs. Grace Schools partner with reputable organizations to initiate highly centralized programs that are appropriate for the students; in others, local activities conducted in collaboration with stakeholders—from government, business, academia, and nongovernmental organizations.

Creative industries are becoming increasingly important components of modern post-industrial knowledge-based economies. Not only are they thought to account for higher than average growth and job creation, they are also vehicles of cultural identity that play an important role in fostering cultural diversity

As momentum builds to prioritize this field of activity within economic, development programs and policies, the demand for more precise and sophisticated cultural statistics at international, regional and national level is set to grow and schools, therefore, are expected to embrace and nurture the student's support and encourage initiatives in this field. The Global Alliance, dedicated to promoting the cultural industries, such as cinema, music, publishing, and crafts, fully supports the progress of recent years to map and study this sector more closely and actively works to advocate further research, disseminate best practices and collect published studies in this field on its website.

Little wonder why Grace Schools have produced more famous celebrities than any other private school in Nigeria
Grace School, one of Nigeria’s leading educational institution is building a formidable alumni platform for every ex-student who has reflected the reputable image of the school in a bright light.

The school prides itself in the long holding history of preserving the standard of providing an enabling and conducive environment, with world-class facilities for intellectual, academics, spiritual, moral and physical development of their students.

This is the school where the likes of Ninalowo Bolanle, Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Efe Irele, Segun Demuren, Nikki Laoye and many more graduated from.

Adesope Edun, one of the illustrious sons of the Director of the school in the last 35 years, Mrs Olatokunbo Edun is also going in the line of creativity and artistic vision with ample media projects to his credit. He is currently looking at projects to enhance the value of standard education and skill acquisition within the entertainment industry as he is set to premiere the Picture Rendezvous which is a project that will be looking at how technical education can be blended into making better scripts and better marketing for the movies for which the entertainment industry will be better off for.



Grace Schools will be partnering with artistes in the creative industry when the Grace Schools Alumni will be premiering its Annual Comedy Show starting in August of Next Year.



This award is in line with its policy on ensuring its legacy of nurturing talents within the creative industry as it has identified the need to have talents that can express their full potentials in areas such as stand up comedy who will add to the prestige of Grace Schools thereby consolidating on its legacy of developing stars for the future.

Grace Schools Alumni will be including sports as an avenue for the youth to express themselves and it is in this spirit it will be premiering its Sports and Co-Curricular Awards to encourage and nurture both sporting and creative talent in line with its legacy of creating stars for the future
By and large, Grace Schools have groomed major players in the creative industries over the years, and still building on the fore-running structures ahead of its major contemporary in the academic sector

In the creative world, the tiniest of ideas can spark a masterpiece. But ideas and the people behind them need nurturing. This message rang out loud and clear as we explored the ways in which, one of Nigeria’s leading academic institution, Grace Schools has been working shape its students and spark up their unique skill in the bid to turn Nigeria’s creative industries into engines of economic growth.

Policymakers everywhere are embracing a sophisticated range of investments and forming partnerships with businesses and investors as well as schools and universities. Therefore, any academic institution that want to compete in this arena cannot afford to stand still.

For an academic structure, one cannot underestimate the benefits of successful promotion of the creative industries. Investing in these industries drives economic growth: The creative industries are generating billions of dollars in gross value across the globe. It has also employed almost 30 million people worldwide And, unlike other segments of the economy, the creative arts and entertainment also contribute to cultural identity and social cohesion.
This is why Grace schools is moving fast ahead of its contemporary, having identified the future of the creative industry, and has chosen to go in the direction of developing the students’ in moral, academics and identified their Gods-given talents for adequate nurturing.
Grace Schools ensure that all students are carried along in the bid to make them achieve their fullest potential, both academically and personally.

The educational staff, multi-disciplinary team of therapists, and support team, work together to create an environment that meets the holistic needs of children who have difficult or complex life stories. By delivering the best features of a special school and alternative provision coupled to innovative educational and therapeutic frameworks thatcan help the students thrive.

The creative industries encompass a broad set of companies and media types. They bring together everyone from technicians and management professionals to artists and designers. Smart institutions recognize that different creative industries have specific needs. Grace Schools partner with reputable organizations to initiate highly centralized programs that are appropriate for the students; in others, local activities conducted in collaboration with stakeholders—from government, business, academia, and nongovernmental organizations.
Creative industries are becoming increasingly important components of modern post-industrial knowledge-based economies. Not only are they thought to account for higher than average growth and job creation, they are also vehicles of cultural identity that play an important role in fostering cultural diversity
As momentum builds to prioritise this field of activity within economic development programs and policies, the demand for more precise and sophisticated cultural statistics at international, regional and national level is set to grow and schools, therefore, is expected to embrace and nurture the students support and encourage initiatives in this field. The Global Alliance, dedicated to promoting the cultural industries, such as cinema, music, publishing and crafts, fully supports the progress of recent years to map and study this sector more closely and actively works to advocate further research, disseminate best practices and collect published studies in this field on its website.
Little wonder why Grace schools has produced more famous celebrities in the creative industries that any other Private schools in Nigeria.
Grace School, one of Nigeria’s leading educational institution is building a formidable alumni platform for every ex-student who has reflected the reputable image of the school in a bright light.
The school prides itself in the long holding history of preserving the standard of providing an enabling and conducive environment, with world-class facilities for intellectual, academics, spiritual, moral and physical development of their students.
This is the school where the likes of Ninalowo Bolanle, Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Efe Irele, Segun Demuren, Nikki Laoye and many more, graduated from.
Adesope Edun, one of the illustrious sons of the Director of the school in the last 35 years, Mrs Olatokunbo Edun, is also going in the line of creativity and artistic vision with ample of media projects to his credit. He is currently looking at projects to enhance the value of standard education and skill acquisition with in the entertainment industry as he is set to premier the Picture Rendezvous which is a project that will be looking at how technical education can be blended into making better scripts and better marketing for the movies for which the entertainment industry will be better off for.

Grace Schools will be partnering with artistes in the creative industry when the Grace Schools Alumni will be premiering its Annual Comedy Show starting in August of Next Year.

This award is in line with its policy on ensuring that the collaboration between the sports and creative industry is one it has identified as an important aspect in terms of prestige for both the school and country diversifying the economy of Nigeria.

Grace Schools Alumni will also be going into the Sports and Co-Curricular Awards as another of its programs to encourage and nurture both sporting and creative talent as with its legacy in building and creative stars for the future
By and large, Grace Schools have groomed major players in the creative industries over the years, and still building on the fore-running structures ahead its major contemporary in the academic sector.

Not everyone achieves his dreams in life. And not all those who make it in life remember their fellow humans. People have commended Barrister Adwunmi Adedeji Ogunsanya as a man with Midas touch, but not everyone know of his kind heart until there is an encounter with him.



Barrister Adewunmi Adedeji Ogunsanya graduated with a law degree from the University of Kent in Canterbury UK in 1984 and thereafter proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where he qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1985. He obtained his LLM from the prestigious University of Lagos in 1987.



Mr. Ogunsanya has been in active private practice from 1985 till date; a passion which he derived from his late father, Chief Adebayo Ogunsanya (SAN), one-time President of Nigerian Bar Association. He is one of the Principal Partners of the law firm of Messrs Ogunsanya & Ogunsanya, a reputable law firm in Lagos, Nigeria.



He is the Chairman of Multichoice Nigeria Limited, a Multi-Billion Dollar Entertainment Conglomerate, owners and operators of brands such as DSTV, Supersports and GoTv. He is also the Chairman of Trocadero Group of Companies.



Adewunmi is a prodigiously gifted CEO who truly knows his onions. Like a true navigator, He charts his path and follows his course all the way. He faces challenges like all great people and he never looked back.



Adewunmi prefers to impact lives from the backstage and behind the scene. He is a man who shies away from the limelight. Preferring to go unnoticed most times, his burgeoning profile is such that cannot be ignored and his captivation for the finer things of life makes it almost impossible to look away.



There are several communities based projects and capacity building project.

As at today, his exploits have led to his foray into about 20 countries, thus creating a global enterprise. He has extended his fingers into many more pies in different fields of human endeavours.



He has been actively involved in the reformation and restoration of his alma mater Grace Schools and Igbobi College, both in Lagos, Nigeria.



Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee recently conferred on Barrister. Adewunmi Adedeji Ogunsanya the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Barrister Adewunmi is one of the proud alumni of Grace Schools, a leading academic institution which had produced thousands of professionals and popular figures in various walks of life.



Today, he’s empowering thousands of African youths to find their bearings in life. He’s teaching them to fish instead of giving them fish to eat. He has surpassed the expectations of every one by his large out.



Adewunmi offers his story as a living testament that success is the result of acting with courage and daring to try. His journey with Heritage Bank and Multichoice demonstrates the power of integrity, hard work, perseverance, and dedication to duty



It is in this line that Grace Schools plan to honour him in the forthcoming Alumni Recognition Night in December, 2019.



For partcipation and Enquiry..call Adesope Edun on +234 812 338 2148

Mrs. Iyiola Olatokunbo Edun is the administrator of the foremost citadel of learning in Lagos State, Grace Schools. And the erudite woman has been working at the schools for 35 years. She started from the base and rose through the ranks despite the fact that she is a daughter to the founder, Mrs. Grace Bisola Oshinowo of blessed memory. Grace Schools against all odds clocked 50 years of its existence recently.


In the bid to remain ahead of her contemporary, Grace Schools, under the supervision of Ma, as she is fondly called, partnered with international institution to introduce basic foreign language such as Chinese.




The school is also one of the leading institutions with a well-built structure that encourages intellectual games and Tech training such as Chess, Coding.



This is why the students, who graduate or go through the school in their academic journey is always outstanding in their chosen areas of profession.



She has extensive experience with assessments that are transparent and inform evaluations. She has created, modified, and established the technical adequacy of literacy, attention, and affective instruments in multiple languages. Her literacy interventions, designed for Grace Schools, include teacher and student materials, training, supportive technology and measures of fidelity.







Mrs. Edun had introduced Etiquette to the Curriculum for the past 21 years, long before the Ministry of Education began to launch a campaign for moral inclusion in the academic curriculum.



Mrs. Edun has succeeded remarkably in taking a twentieth-century school she was given by the founder Grace Bisola Oshinowo who founded the School in 1968 and turned it to a Microsoft Show Case School. They bagged the First British Council Award from 2014- 2017, and from 2018-2021, as a twenty-first-century school.



She officially started Work at Grace Schools in 1982. This was after she had worked in various capacities as a Nursery Assistant during her university days.







She has over the years taught primary (Now called Grade) 2, 3, and 6. She also was Headmistress from 1994-2004.



As the CEO and administrator, Mrs. Edun has greatly helped modernize the school from a 1960’s school to a 21st Century school over the years.



Introduced various subjects, not in the Nigerian curriculum such as Etiquette, Chinese, Chess, Scrabble, Drama Dance etc. This is because she believes that any child who attends Grace Schools should be able to fit in effortlessly anywhere they might find themselves in the world, despite the fact that Nigeria is considered a 3rd world country.



Most students in Grace Schools can play at least one musical instrument, with some being able to play 3 or 4.







Apart from learning Chinese, which starts from Nursery 2 to the SS classes, Students in Grace Schools are encouraged to take the Chinese language exams like YCT1. & YCT 2 in the Primary and JS classes, and HSK 1, 2 & 3 in the SS Classes.



14 years ago, she Introduced Scholarships for indigent students, so that smart children from less privileged backgrounds can also attend Grace Schools free of charge.



Mrs. Edun believes that you can judge people and Nations by the way they treat the most vulnerable people in the society, i.e women, children, the poor, the sick and less privileged.







Mrs. EDUN has also facilitated a Partnership between Grace Schools, Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology, Belleville Ontario Canada,



This means that the First Year of their degree courses will be done at Grace Schools and the remaining 2 years will be completed in Ontario Canada.







Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun went to Queen’s College Lagos. From there, she went for her A’Levels in England at North Corner School in Lewes Sussex. She proceeded to the University of Kent at Canterbridge where she did B.A. in History. She also went to the University of Essex where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Comparative History. She later proceeded to UNILAG for her PGD.

Many celebrities discovered their passion for entertainment as early as high school. There are many who have fellow successful classmates, which led to many future celebrities making important connections.



Some of these relationships have created lasting friendships and cool collaborations. Without them, we might not have some of the great movies, music, or television shows we enjoy today.





It is in this line that Grace School, one of Nigeria’s leading educational institution is building a formidable alumni platform for every ex-student who has reflected the reputable image of the school in a bright light.



The school prides itself in the long holding history of preserving the standard of providing an enabling and conducive environment, with world-class facilities for intellectual, academics, spiritual, moral and physical development of their students.





Let’s give you 10 celebrities who graduated from the prestigious Grace School, Gbagada.









Abiola-Williams Ogunduyile





Abiola Segun Williams became a professional actress from 1986. Also, in school she started acting to earn a living as a professional actor. We did so many things from school. Professionally, aside studying theatre arts, I started going out as an actor in 1988, we brought so many stage plays to Lagos, Ibadan, Jos, Kaduna, and so on.



Her first acting role was a stage play – “Remilekun Jankarino” by Ben Tomiloju in 1986.













Funke Akindele Bello



Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde, popularly known as Funke Akindele is a Nigerian actress. She was in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.



She obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and got a Law degree from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba.



Funke Akindele came to limelight after featuring in popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sponsored sitcom; I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002. She played Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. Funke Akindele’s big break came in 2009 from the movie titled Jenifa. Funke Akindele has over a 100 movies to her credit as actress, writer and producer.










Iyabo Ojo



Iyabo Ojo is an actress, director, and producer. She was born Alice Iyabo Ogunro. As a producer, she had over 14 films to her credit as well as having featured in over 150 others as an actress.

She attended Grace School, Gbagbada, in Lagos and later joined Estate Management at Lagos State Polytechnic for her studies.

Having been involved in a drama group at secondary school, she commenced her acting career in 1998.











Bolanle Ninalowo



Bolanle Ninalowo is one of the most admired actors in Nollywood. The second of eight children, he hails from Ikorodu, Lagos. He spent the first15 years of his life in the country before travelling to the United States, where he is said to have spent another 15 years studying in the world’s richest and most powerful country.

The actor is said to have graduated from the DeVry University, Illinois, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and proceeded to obtain a master’s degree in marketing from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, US.











Nike Laoye



Oyenike Laoye-Oturu, professionally known as Nikki Laoye is a Nigerian recording artist, singer, songwriter and dancer, renowned for her eclectic musical expressions and captivating stage performances. Her style is an urban contemporary sound with the fusion of alternative rock, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, Soul, Funk, Jazz and Gospel.


Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Nikki Laoye hails from the musical lineage of the talking drum legend - Late Oba Adetoyese Laoye (from Ede, Osun State-Nigeria), The singer, fondly called, "the small one with the big voice", rose to fame in 2006 with the hit single, "Never Felt This Way Before" from her debut album, Angel 4 Life (2008). It also featured other notable singles, including the Hip-Hop collaboration with Rooftop Mcs and her brother, Rap2Sai.












Odenike Odetola-Odeleye

Odenike Odetola-Odeleye popularly known as 'ODENIKE' is an Actor (Film, Stage and Voice) and a Voice Over Artiste. She hails from Ekiti State, Nigeria. She is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos.

Odenike has since been taking centre stage in both Stage and TV productions lately. She blew audiences away in her recent performance in the stage production, HEAR WORD -Naija women talk true! where she performed alongside film and theatre heavyweights like: Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Iretiola Doyle, Bimbo Akintola, Dakore, Omonor Somolu, Ufuoma Mcdermott and Rita Edward












Efe Irele



Efe Irele started her modeling career at the age of 15 featuring in various advertising. She has a Bsc in Sociology from Bowen University and has a master's degree in Human Resource Management from University of Chester, UK.



She ventured into modeling for artistes and starred in Burna Boy's Like to Party video in 2012. She also starred in Adekunle Gold's Sade video. She has gone on the feature in several Nollywood movies and series including Real Side Chics, Wrong Kind of War, Ire’s Ire, Zahra, Scandals.








Shola Thompson (OAP)



Shola Thompson has been on radio for 16 years and he’s going to be around for a long time. He’s also a movie buff, a producer and critique.















Segun Emdin(OAP)


Segun Emdin is Born and raised in Lagos, influenced by music since the age of 5. From Fela kuti, Majek Fashek to 2pac, Nas, Wiley and Bob marley, Segun’s taste in music is really really quite broad.









Segun Demuren



Segun Demuren obtained a BSc. in Information Systems from Marist College Poughkeepsie, New York. Upon graduation, he began his professional career with Alliance Bernstein, a leading investment management and research firm on Wall Street.







Upon returning to Nigeria, he set up and managed Evergreen Apple Mining, with plant operations in Gypsum and Tantalite. He also founded Bluesoft, a company with technology services in the areas of Project Management, Software Design, Strategy Management and Application Development Services.

He is also the chief Executive of Nigeria’s leading Record Labe, EME.









Idahosa Osagie


Mavrik Group which comprises of Mavrik Films and Mavrik Music Idahosa Osagie, is one of Nigeria’s top writer and producer, He produced the hit sonf, ‘Desire’, a steamy track that explores the uniquely endowed features of today’s African woman.










Jennifer Osammor



She is an actress who became popular known for her role in the award winning movie, Half of a Yellow Sun. she featured along with international movie acts, including John Boyega, Chiwetel Ejiofor Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu and many more.

59th Independence Anniversary: Hon. Asuku Bello Congratulates Buhari, Gbajabiamila, Calls for Unity

Lawmaker representing Adavi-Okehi constituency in Kogi State at the National Assembly, Hon. Joseph Asuku Bello, has urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the Nigerian project and be united and focus to rescue the nation from the stranglehold of political and social disunity.
Hon. Bello, made the plea in a statement released ahead of the Independence Day to commemorate Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary.
He said a diligent and united front was necessary to aggregate the peoples’ collective strength to survive the trying and challenging times in the country.
“Reflecting on our journey in the last 59 years as a nation, there is every reason to give thanks to the Almighty God who has kept us together in spite of our challenges.
“No doubt, we are a blessed nation with great potentials to rank among the most prosperous countries in the world.
“Our resilience, resourcefulness and determination to succeed in all spheres of human endeavour is widely recognised and acknowledged across the world.

“We all need one another to survive, as no part of Nigeria can do it all alone and still command the kind of influence that Nigeria currently enjoys in the comity of nations.

“This is not a time to despair. It is a time to review our patriotic zeal and stand firm with our leaders at all levels in our collective efforts to make Nigeria work for all,’’ he said.
He congratulated and recognized the unwary efforts of President Mohammadu Buhari GCFR, and the Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for sailing the ship of the country to enviable heights, and implore Nigerians to be of good faith and trust the direction of Nigeria’s economic policies.

Hon. Joseph Asuku reiterated that he would continue to run an all-inclusive legislative agenda and open his doors for good suggestions that will make life more comfortable for his constituents.
He urged the people to remain steadfast and hopeful for a better Nigeria.

“The future of our country is certainly brighter than anyone can imagine. Let us therefore forge a common front to defend our hard-earned freedom by being purposeful, focused and disciplined.

“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,’’ He said.

Strategically located land suitable for a commercial building, and industrial estates. The land spans across 30 acres landmass are located in the heart of Ogun State at a fast developing location.
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Uri Ngozichukwuka, the resolute and articulate crusader advocate for inclusion of people with disabilities, is one of Nigeria’s most prolific campaigners for the rights of people with albinism, the often-misunderstood, inherited condition characterized by abnormally light skin, eyes, and hair, limited vision, and extreme sensitivity to the sun.

Uri Ngozichukwuka has been helping Nigerians with disabilities through her foundation, Empathy-Driven Women Initiative International (EDWIIN), a leading Nigerian non-governmental organization, with evidence of immeasurable impacts in Nigeria’s course of equal treatment of People Living With Disability, PLWDs

This year, the foundation focuses on people with albinism, and educate the people with the condition get an education, protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet rays, and fight pervasive myths and stigmas, including false beliefs, propagated by rogue witch doctors, that albino body parts can bring good luck or fortune.

Over the last decade, these superstitions have led to a wave of grisly albino killings, dismemberments, and even grave robberies. At least over 100 Nigerian albinos have been murdered, while others have survived attacks, often with severe mutilations.

She convened over 500 people with albinism, on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the Palms Mall in Lekki, Lagos for the third episode of the annual EDWINUVCARE, a movement that focus on the advocacy for wholesome inclusion of Nigerians with disabilities, and embracing all forms of physical imperfections that may be tagged as odd.

This year’s program also raised the public awareness about the new Disability Act that was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 23rd of January, 2019.

Speaking at the event, Professor Fabamwo, a renowned Obstetrician and Gynacologist, and the Chief Medical Director LASUTH, discussed “The disabled, the law, his health”.

The medical expert, discussed the need to educate locals on albinism’s causes, debunk its many stigmas, and promote the well-being of the albino community, has already touched on the condition’s genetics, the recent attacks, and the many dehumanizing myths.
He also highlights policies and acts that have been passed and formulated by the Federal Government and the State to credit ample of preference for the people with disabilities at the state and federal level

He sighted that the key provision of this Act is that Persons with Disability are entitled to free medical care in every government-owned medical facility in Nigeria. Sadly, though, this key Provision has so far been observed only in the breach, as many Persons with Disability have been unable to access medical attention at these facilities without having to pay huge sums of money. He however, educated the participants on the procedure to benefit from the provisions.


He sighted cases of popular legends who were born with Disabilities but lived exemplary lives and became part of world history, sighting cases of Frida, Hobert Newton, Stevie Wonder and so on.

EDWIIN had in March, 2018 organized a Medical Fair of this kind to mark the 2018 International Year for Women. Then, as now, it enjoyed the active cooperation of the Lekki Palms management, which not only provided the venue, but also supported the event on many levels.

During the medical fair, EDWIIN provided special glasses and other aids to Persons Living with Albinism.
Mrs. Angela Emuwa, the current President of the Autism Parents Association of Nigeria, and Executive Director of the Punch Group of Newspapers, who serves as the Chairperson of the Day. I believe that people with disabilities are nor well recognized in the society, and I want that to change. I bekieve we are all the sane before God.

“I have a son with autism and I know what it’s like, but I don’t allow anybody to intimidate me, I just go out there and make sure that he’s accepted wherever he goes. So I love to associate with this kind of this because I believe that we need to wake up to the fact that people are different, so we all have to accept and understand our difference.

“While she commended the government for the approved disability act, she urged the general public to consider people with disability as human and to embrace them. This venture will make people realize we are all one, and I expect that this program will increase the awareness.

The annual event has in the past years enjoy the selfless support of The Palms Lekki, which has been making provision for venue for the EDWIIN programs
Unilever also supported with products which are made available for all participants
Zenith Bank provided glasses for PLWDs who have sight challenges, umbrellas sunscreens Omanama fabrics for runway, and Essenza beauty box for makeup.
Other sponsors include, Punch, Vanguard, The eye doctors TED, Dermatology Society Of Lagos
LASODA, Albinism Awareness Society, and LASUTECH.

Representing the Dermatology society of Lagos Dermatoligists from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi araba include
Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe, Dr Erere Otrofanowei, Dr Oluwatoyin Adekanmbi-Akinsiku, Dr Cynthia Ebie, Dr Obumneke Ezeanyache
The EDWIIN Uvcare 2019 had a team of distinguished doctors from the dermatologist society of Lagos led by Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe. This the second time the society is partnering with EDWIIN for the Uvcare program.

They immediately set about their duties once they arrived and attended to all persons living with albinism. They further demonstrated to the patients best way to apply the SPF 50 sunscreen. Albinism affects the skin due to zero melanin they are more prone to skin cancers caused by the ultra violet rays of the sun. EDWIIN donated over 150 tubes of SPF 50 sunscreens.

The eye doctors team TED a leading eye specialist centre in Lagos owned by Dr Oyeleye was led by Dr Marigold. Albinism also affects the eyes giving them permanent low vision. They had eye care and those needing medicated glasses were pencilled down for onward collection when ready.

First impression Hair Salon team were on ground to work wonders with the wonderful hair of persons with albinism. Albinism also affects the hair. The EDWIIN Uvcare 2019 like all other EDWIIN events was well thought out. Planned and properly executed. It was a very caring atmosphere for guests, speakers, participants and beneficiaries. Indeed EDWIIN cares.

FELAMOK HR is a Human Resource company that is focused on human capital management, outsourcing and business consulting.

The company has been reiterated by many industry experts as one of the best in the country.

Since its establishment, many of its clients attest the unique ability to consistently adopt a thorough approach in understanding their peculiar needs and properly deploying innovative solutions to meet those needs.

The good news is, FELAMOK has established a partnership with Opay, a new and innovative on-demand , one-stop mobile-based platform for payment, transportation, food & grocery delivery, and other important services in everyday life., and shall be recruiting for all its platforms

FELAMOK is expected to recruit for the International brand on all fronts and shall be kicking off its recruitment trainings and interviews from Saturday, September 14, 2019.

See details below;

FELAMOK HR is still recruiting for OPay-OFood Nigeria. OPay Nigeria recently invested 50 Million USD in Nigeria.

We have successfully implemented OPay Money and Oride Platforms. We are rolling out OFood internet Application.

Interested SSCE, ND, HND, BSC applicants eager to work with O’Food Nigeria should attend the recruitment training and interviews.

ND and SSCE:

Marketers 60K

HND and BSC:

Marketing Managers 120K

Business Developers 100K

Business Development Managers 150K

Key Account Managers 150K

Brand Assistants 100K

Brand Representatives 100K

DATES

Saturday: 14/09/2019

Monday:

16/09/2019

Tuesday:

17/09/2019

Wednesday:

18/09/2019

VENUE:

OFood Centre:

Alexander House

Opposite Japaul House

Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja

Ask for Felamok HR staff at the venue for adequate documentation.

For residents of Lagos state only.

Our module is to have our workers work in the OFood Zone closest to thier residences. We have zoned Lagos state into 8 zones for easy outreach for our staff. No matter where you live in Lagos state, you ll work in the zone closest to you.

For example, applicants from V.I, Ikoyi, Lekki, Ajah, Epe, Lagos Island, Awoyaya, Obalende, CMS etc will work at the OFood Zone on Lagos Island.

Ogba, Ojodu, Agbado, Ojota etc will work at the OFood Zone in Ikeja.

Same applies to all areas in Lagos state including Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry etc

Call FELAMOK HR MANAGER on

08060916076

08104636277

08022725736

All roads shall lead to The Palms at Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, September 14, 2019 as the annual EDWINUVCARE shall be hosting ample of disabled persons and concerns Nigerians to discuss the way forward in the mandatory inclusion of handicapped into the society and embracing all forms of physical imperfections that may be tagged as odd.


Speaking at the event shall be Professor Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director LASUTH. He shall be the keynote speaker at the EDWIINUVcare 2019, and will be discussing "The disabled, the law, his health"



Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo is big name in the medical field. He is an academic as well as Clinical Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.



He is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and Professor at the Lagos State University College of Medicine.



Vast experience as a clinician working in secondary and tertiary maternity units in the Lagos State health system.



Switched to an academic career about ten years ago even though since qualification with Fellowships in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1986 had kept quite close to the academic community. This was achieved by active participation in the Fellowship examinations of the National Postgraduate Medical College and the West African College of Surgeons. In addition ensuring that research work and publication of papers were done.



Passionate about Reproductive Health especially maternal mortality reduction.

Carried out with other colleagues in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LASUTH, a widely acclaimed pioneering work on a novel way of treating uterine fibroids by carrying out uterine artery ligation. This was done and reported for the first time in the world by the team in Ikeja.



One of the publications ensuing from the work in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology ( the FIGO journal) won the 2005 John Sciarra award for the best scientific work from the developing world.



Also participated in the nationwide trial of the anti shock garment which subsequently led to its adoption as one of the armatorium of interventions to combat obstetric haemorrhages.



Also worked with the subSaharan Cervical Cancer Working Group to develop an African protocol for the use of the cervical cancer vaccine.



Currently involved with the National Near Miss and Maternal Mortality Network, a multi centre syndicate studying the pattern of near misses and maternal mortality in selected Nigerian tertiary maternity units.





Empathy-Driven Women Initiative International (EDWIIN), is a leading Nigerian non-governmental organization, with evidence of immesurable impacts in Nigeria’s course of equal treatment of people with disability.



It has disclosed the programme for the 3rd in its series of Medical Fairs for Persons with Disability, to be held in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, which is to take place on the 14th of September, 2019 at the prestigious Lekki Palms Shopping Complex from 9.00 am, is aimed at reviving and energizing the conversation and raise public awareness about the new Disability Act that was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 23rd of January, 2019.



The key provision of this Act is that Persons with Disability are entitled to free medical care in every government-owned medical facility in Nigeria. Sadly, though, this key Provision has so far been observed only in the breach, as many Persons with Disability have been unable to access medical attention at these facilities without having to pay huge sums of money.



The theme of this year’s event is, 'Disability and Free Health Care: Hope in the Horizon?'



It will be recalled that EDWIIN organized a Medical Fair of this kind on the 8th of March 2018, to mark the 2018 International Year for Women. Then, as now, it enjoyed the active cooperation of the Lekki Palms management, which not only provided the venue, but also supported the event on many levels.



During its First Medical Fair in 2017, EDWIIN provided special glasses and other aids to Persons Living with Albinism.



According to the Convener of the event and Founder of EDWIIN, Uri Ngozichukwuka, the 3rd Medical Fair for Persons with Disability, which is being held in conjunction with the Albinism Awareness Society and the Eye Doctors and Dermatology Society of Lagos, is in furtherance of EDWIIN's advocacy for the enlightenment of the public on the urgent imperative for the enforcement of key provisions of the Disability Act by relevant authorities, for its observance by the medical institutions concerned, and for greater concern and vigilance by members of the public. EDWIIN is using the Medical Fair to highlight the importance of this issue, and its impact both for both the public in general, and for Persons with Disability in particular.



The Fair programme boasts a rich and varied menu of activities, ranging from a UVCare Health and Wellness session, a demonstration of 'Ability in Disability' by EDWIIN beneficiaries, and entertainment. Other activities include a session at the great and inspiring Safari Fitness Club - courtesy of Mrs. Angela Emuwa - which opens the programme, as well as a Runway Fashion Parade and a Drama Performance.



The event will also feature presentations and discussions by a rich and formidable faculty of influential and knowledgeable personalities, notable among them Mrs. Angela Emuwa, the current President of the Autism Parents Association of Nigeria, and Executive Director of the Punch Group of Newspapers, who serves as the Chairperson of the Day. Princess Teni Aifoyebi will be the Mother of the Day. Other notable attendees are Mrs. Rose Mordi, President of the Down's Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria and a Mentor for EDWIIN;



Air Vice-Marshall Marshall Femi Gbadebo will serve as the Grand Patron of the Day. The Special Guest of Honour at the event will be Dr. Saliu Oseni, the President of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), while the Keynote Address will be delivered by the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Adetokunbo Fabamwo.



The public is advised to adhere strictly to the dress code, which is a pair of Blue Jeans with a White Top. In addition, ladies are advised to sport a Blond or Gold or Honey Hairpiece.

#AlbinismRocks

#Edwiinuvcare

#HealthForAll

#EDWIINCares

Guaranty Trust Bank faced a worse revenue picture in the second quarter than the tight situation it experienced in the first quarter. Gross earnings reversed a 1.3 percent upward creep in the first quarter to a 2.7 percent decline at half year operations in June 2019. The bank is unable to push up revenue for the third year running and gross earnings seem to be headed for the worst growth record in three years at the end of this year.

The bank’s management is however maintaining and even reinforcing its strategy of squeezing costs to defend profit. That has been its response to revenue weakness since 2017 when it lifted net profit a clear 27 percent from a flat growth of 1.1 percent in gross earnings. The same happened in 2018 when profit grew by 10 percent from a 3.8 percent gain in revenue.

Decelerating profit is however the price the bank is paying for inability to achieve a healthy growth in revenue. Profit improvement has slowed down further to 3.7 percent as at the end of June 2019. This presents a warning signal that slowing profit may soon swing to the other side of a drop if the revenue weakness persists.

Cutting costs is increasing the ability to convert revenue into profit. The bank’s net profit margin reached a rare record in the world of banking at 44.7 percent at the end of the first quarter. It pushed it up further to a new high of 45.6 percent in the second quarter. This is the only way for management to keep profit from falling in the constrained revenue situation facing the bank.

Revenue weakness continues to come from interest earnings – the main revenue line of the bank. Continuing the drop recorded in the first quarter, interest income went down by 8 percent year-on-year to N149 billion at half year. This means a loss of N13 billion in earnings over the review period. The weakness has been on since last year when interest income went down by 6 percent.

Fees/commissions and other incomes remained the revenue stabilizers for the bank at the end of half year operations. Fees/commission income accelerated from 22 in the first quarter to 29 percent at half year but other income slowed down considerably from 67 percent to 13 percent over the same period. The slowdown accounted for the shift from a marginal improvement in gross earnings in the first quarter to a decline at the end of half year operations.

The bank’s half year audited accounts show gross earnings of N222 billion – which represents a decline of 2.7 percent year-on-year. The full year revenue expectation is N427 billion for GTB in 2019 – an expected decline of about 2 percent. Gross earnings had improved by 3.8 percent to N435 billion at the end of 2018.
Interest cost has reinforced the favourable behaviour observed in the first quarter. It extended its year-on-year drop from 23 per cent in the first quarter to 25 percent at half year – more than three times the drop in interest income. The drop almost neutralized the impact of the drop in interest income on the income statement of the bank.



The proportion of interest income claimed by interest expenses remained down from over 27 percent at the end of 2018 to 22 percent at the end of June this year. This again prevented a wide decline in net interest income at the end of the period.



A major development in the second quarter is that a sharp drop of over 60 percent in loan impairment charges in the first quarter has changed to a growth of 8 percent at the end of the second quarter. GTB recorded sharp drops in loan loss expenses for the last two years but the prospects for another drop this year have dimmed.



The bank closed half year trading with an after tax profit of over N99 billion, making an uptick from a 3.6 percent improvement in the first quarter to a 3.7 percent growth year-on-year at the end of June 2019. This remains a continuing slowdown from annual growth records of 29 percent in 2017 and 10 percent in 2018. Despite the slowdown, the bank is managing to keep profit improving against a decline in revenue by holding costs under control.



Read more here>>
https://insidebusiness.ng/83522/gtb-heading-for-worse/#.XWixb2vj-KA.whatsapp

GOV. YAHAYA BELLO AND THE NEW DIRECTION TOWARDS 2023

On behalf of Adavi/Okehi Constituency and the entire people of Kogi State, Hon. Joseph Asuku Bello, Federal Lawmaker at the 9th National Assembly extends his congratulatory message to His Excellency, Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello on the outstanding landslide victory in the just concluded gubernatorial primary election.
It is believed that with the result of the primaries, as conducted by trusted and reliable committee members of our revered party, the good people of Kogi have spoken, and have done so loudly

“The emergence of H.E, Gov. Yahaya Bello will allow the continuation of the purposeful and people-centred administration in Kogi, which he had started since 2015".

We have no doubt that he is still capable of carrying on the banner of making Kogi an enviable Centre of Business based on the existing roadmap he had drawn so far

“He has equally proved his mettle in the public and private sector in the previous positions he occupied, and has inspired many youths to actively participate in progressive politics".

Kogi State is very lucky to have Gov. Yahaya Bello as the governor at this time, and the next 4 years of prospective economic engineering.

Hon. Joseph Asuku Bello extends his hearty congratulations and pledge his unflinching support at the gubernatorial poll in November, 2019.

Once again, Sir, Congratulations.

Signed:

Hon. Joseph Asuku Bello
Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency

Fastforward, which is Nigeria’s number one-stop-shop for high- quality Sports Brands is set to unveil their New Multi-Brand Flagship Store in Lagos.
FastForward is collaborating with a number of major Sports Brands, including Nike, Adidas, Converse, Reebok, New Balance and many more, in delivering authentic Sporting Apparel, Footwear & Accessories for the Nigerian market.
FastForward is set to reveal the news on Friday, August 23, 2019, at The Ikeja City Mall, Lagos amidst glitz and glamour. Confirming news to reporters, SmartMark’s General Manager, Oluseyi Falodun said:
“FastForward is excited and proud to launch this unique Sport’s Store in collaboration with the Best sport brands in the world as part of our ongoing mission to take over the sports brand market in West Africa”.
“We are known for our value in delivering the latest quality Performance and Lifestyle Sportswear for men and women. Our range includes tops, bottoms & footwear that cut across Football, Running, Basketball and Lifestyle Categories”.
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Coalition of Political oppositions in Kwara has raised concerns over the alleged moves by the Counsels to the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the All Progressive Congress, (APC), with the support of the senior officials at the West Africa Examination Council, (WAEC) to frustrate the judicial process in the on-going election petition tribunal sitting in Ilorin.

The counsel to the petitioner, Abdulwahab Bamidele, in the statement released to journalists on Monday, June 17, 2019, noted that the trivial and frivolities adopted by the defendant is a pointer that the APC, lacks genuine evidences to present to the court and therefore trying mechanism to delay proceedings and tamper justice.

Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and the Action Alliance, (AA) have dragged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to the election petition tribunal challenging the authenticity of his WAEC certificate which he submitted along with other documents to contest the March 9, 2019 governorship election in the state.

The Chairman of Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Bassey Effiong on Thursday adjourned to Friday to enable a representative of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to present evidence of the writ commanding him to appear in court in order to confirm the authenticity of the document.

He gave the order, after PDP counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, requested the tribunal to stand down the case for Mr. Waheed Amode, the WAEC Branch Controller for the state to present evidence of the subpoena, proving that he was asked to represent the examination body.
Mr Bamidele added that there are claims that the officials of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Lagos which the tribunal mandated to produce the subpoena missed their flight to Ilorin on Friday morning.

Justice Bassey Effiong therefore adjourned the sitting to July 9, 2019 in order to enable the WAEC officials appear and confirm the authenticity of the Certificate presented by the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

Mr Bamidele disclosed to Journalists that all the moves by WAEC officials is an attempt to frustrate the judicial process and exhaust the time-band for the argument of the case in order to favour the respondents.
“We urge the general public to follow the process with keen interest in order to ensure that justice, and good governance prevails in the nation”, they said. Furthermore, it was added WAEC should be careful that their credibility as an international examining body is not tarnished in the quest to corruptly protect the interest of one individual.

WAEC's reputation in Nigeria is already shaky with reports of widespread cheating at examination centres and individuals parading fake results. If this sad situation is not addressed quickly, WAEC certificates will soon lose their value internationally - to the detriment of countless honest, dedicated and hardworking individuals”, he said.

The lawmaker representing Okehi/Adevi federal constituency, Honorable Joseph Asuku Bello has assured the people of Kogi, and Nigerians at large that the 9th assembly will deliver on all its promises made during the campaign period. He made this known in his acceptance speech while speaking to Journalists on Friday, June 11, 2019, as he thanked the executive Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adaza Bello, for creating enabling political environment for youths to participate in the politics of the state, both at local and federal level.

He also thanked every indigene of Okehi/Adavi local government for their unwary support and commitment to ensure his emergence as their legislative leader at the Federal House of Representative.
The statement reads’,


Today, we have just performed the sacred duty of oath-taking as lawmakers of the 9th assembly. It has pleased God through the good people of Adavi/Okehi, that my mission to serve is being realised.

I am eternally grateful to all of you. To all Ebira people the young and elderly, widows, physically-challenged; girls and boys, and especially, the children; who followed our musical campaign with vigour; God bless you all.

Permit me to acknowledge and appreciate specially all the voters that voted for me; I equally appreciate those that did not. We are all winners. One of the instructive lessons from this last election is for all politicians never to take our people for granted again. I would, more than ever before; take you, the good people of Ebira, along with me, in this journey of renewed hope and prosperity at all times.

My appreciation goes to all our elder statesmen and women including all our senior indigenes. To all our religious leaders, I say thank you.
I must not fail to acknowledge the students, artisans, professionals, the business community, thank you very much.

From the bottom of my heart, I greet all our traditional rulers, our Royal Fathers, Chiefs and their wives. I thank you all.

To our Party Leaders and all members of our great party, The All Progressives Congress (APC); today belongs to you all. Our elected Officers, the Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives and Members of the House of Assembly; congratulations and thank you.

To my family, words are not enough; My parents, who are here today, thank you for being a very caring parent to me. All my uncles, brothers and sisters; I appreciate you. To my lovely wife, Irene, thank you so much for your sacrifices and perseverance. God bless you now and always.
I want to particularly thank my children for their love and patience, most times when daddy is not at home. You have been supportive and understanding. You shall all fulfill your destiny in Grand styles.

Thank you friends and loved ones and supporters; I really appreciate the enormity of sacrifices, pain, prayers and efforts. I remain eternally grateful.

To our leader and able governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adaza Bello; you have laid an enduring foundation for what we are all building on today. Your passion for youth empowerment and inclusion in politics cannot be overemphasized. I am proud to be one of your political proteges. When the history of the political economy of Nigeria is being written, surely it would be kind to you. Thank you so much.

As we collectively face the challenge to make out constituency a better place to live in, we must recognize our strength in diversity. Like I have said before, the 9th assembly will not be business as usual. I shall strive to ensure that matters that concern Ebira people shall be in the front burner. We will not let you down.

Our people are hardworking people. Adavi/Okehi is thriving because of its undying entrepreneurial spirit. However, we must realize that there are no short-cuts to success. To our youths, we must nurture good family values to succeed in any endeavor. I want our younger ones and children to draw some lessons from my story. Anyone of you can rise up to be the best you want to be. Your background and circumstances cannot be an obstacle to your dreams. I am ready to encourage and nurture that dream in our children, youths and every hard-working Ebira indigene.

For us to sustain the progressive and radical transformation on-going in the state, we have to redouble our efforts on all fronts for our commitment to excellence. While we must be creative and innovative;

Creativity is the most valuable asset in any public institution. Progressive governments must reward contributors to good ideas. We shall implement creative ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people.

I, therefore, invite you all, to join hands with me, to offer new ideas that will pull more resources to cater to the poor and needy amongst us
May God bless you all!

R. Kelly has pleaded not guilty today in a Chicago courtroom to 11 new felony sex crime charges.



The charges were a refiling of one of the four cases of alleged abuse that prosecutors lodged against the singer earlier this year. A grand jury last week increased the felony counts against the 52-year-old and upgraded some of the charges.



He now faces five felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault. If convicted of the most serious charges, Kelly would face mandatory sentences of six to 30 years in prison on each count.



Kelly, through his lawyer, pleaded not guilty during a short arraignment hearing. The next court date was set for June 26. The singer’s attorney Steve Greenberg dismissed the new charges as a rehashing of old allegations. “It’s the same case. It’s just they changed what they charged him with,” Greenberg told reporters at the courthouse, while again attacking Kelly’s accusers, saying “they aren’t victims.”



The 11 charges handed down by a Chicago grand jury are connected to the January 2010 alleged sexual assault and abuse of a person identified in court documents only as JP. Three of the charges are for the sexual abuse of a child between 13 and 16 years old. In some of the counts, Kelly is accused of having threatened or used force against JP.



The singer is currently out on bail after paying 10 percent of a $1 million bond, as is required in the state of Illinois. The presiding judge did not increase bail despite the more serious charges, because Kelly has appeared for all court dates as required.

..... as elders protest Ademowo's alleged financial impropriety

The crisis rocking the Diocese of the Lagos Anglican Communion took a new turn yesterday as the Good Friday service at the Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos, was marred by protest and scuffle. The service had started at about 9 a. m with the hymn and followed by the prayers.


The Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus of the Anglican at the Marina, The Most Reverend Adebola Ademowo, as a statutory duty, was to deliver the day's sermon. However, as he was entering the church, Ademowo was met with protest by some elders and members of the church who were against him and his role in the succession plan in the church.

At issue, according to them, was the election and translation of the Rt. Reverend Humphrey Olumakaye as the new bishop of the Lagos Diocese, overseeing the Church of Christ, Marina. Olumakaye was recently translated from the Osun East Diocese to Lagos. He is billed to take over from Ademowo.

Many of the elders and members of the church had through several letters to the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, rejected Olumakaye's election on the grounds that it was an imposition by the outgoing Bishop Ademowo to "cover his tracks" in an election they also criticised to have been influenced by distribution of huge sums of money. They have also accused Ademowo in a letter to Primate Okoh dated 26th February 2018 that Ademowo"s tenure was "a period of disaster filled with economic and financial recklessness

The protest letter was signed by eminent elders including Asiwaju Fola Isibo, Mr. Modupe Alakija, Chief Femi Adeniyi Williams and Chief Layi Ajayi-Bembe.Others are Mrs. Laide Sasegbon, Mrs. Dupe Sagoe, Mr. Ade Abisogun, Mr. Bukola Meadows and Ms. Molara Otuyelu. The protest on Friday had an elder of the church, Chief Yomi Finnih as spokesman as other leaders and members carried placards bearing their complaints. Some of the placards had inscriptions like "Enough is Enough...no to the looting of Lagos Diocese".

"No to bishop looter". "No to women organization looting". An indication that something unusual was in the offing was noticed early in the morning through the cordoning off of the Marina road which was occupied by several members of the Lagos security outfit, the Neighbourhood watch and the unusual huge presence of policemen in and around the church premises.

Shortly after Ademowo delivered his sermon, a man walked towards the altar and angrily threw copies of a published document detailing AdemowoI's sins and walked out. The Marina road stretch was closed to traffic for several hours while the protest lasted The protest also affected proceedings at the church as members were seen discussing the development and the way forward.

A new hospitality outfit is set to change the game in the industry as The Envoy Hotel By Mantis Abuja opens its door to guests in the heart of Abuja on Monday, March 5, 2018.

Being the first of its kind in Nigeria, The Envoy is conceived to meet the leisure and business needs of members of the diplomatic community, expatriates and other travelers to Abuja with an assurance of an exclusive, conducive and secure business/commercial environment to meet and do business.

The boutique hotel of 59 rooms but with 5-star service and bespoke up-market facilities is nestled on the exclusive and quiet Diplomatic Drive that is home to foreign embassies in the Central Business District of the city.

The hotel is set to open for business from March 5th and will certainly be home to diplomatic corps, politicians, applicants for travel visas, elites and businessmen that value leisure in a safe, secure and affluent environment.

The Security of the hotel and the safety of its guests are assured by the Level 2 Global Lighthouse Security certification which attested to its high-security concept that was taken into consideration from its design and construction stages.

Keletso Nxumalo, General Manager, The Envoy; explained that “a Global Certification company in Hotel Security was brought in at construction level to advise pointers regarding security issues, and these were taken into consideration when the Hotel was constructed. It is a multi-layer security system put in place to attract very sophisticated travelers.
The Envoy is the first hotel in Nigeria to achieve this level of certification”, she asserted



The concept includes a highly integrated security system with CCTV and intruder alarm features for the fences, baggage scanners, walk through metal detectors, automatic pop-up bollards for the gate, and security-enhanced doors with shatter-proof windows on all front ground floors together with an electric fence that envelopes the hotel.

“We are currently in the process of modifying some security aspects to enable the facility achieve Level 4 certification” noted Keletso, who said the management would do everything to secure the hotel and its guests.

“Chinwe Odife, Development Director, Hometel Developers Limited said, “one of the most intriguing and thrilling aspects of The Envoy is the transformation of the original idea (concept) into reality with a less than 5% deviation in arriving at the final product, a rare feat in the construction and hospitality industry in Nigeria. This involves a painstaking process of translating the desires of the design team to the realities of construction in Nigeria as we know it today. We are proud to have been able achieve this with The Envoy.

According to her, the success of the opening of The Envoy is rooted in proper professional and specialized planning, budgeting and implementation to ensure an owner is able to realize their required return on investment with the developed property.
“The hotel is stylish, modern, exclusive and comfortable with top-of-the-line amenities and impeccable service to give the guests reasons to come back”.

Emile Muller, Director Mantis Collection, the operator of The Envoy Abuja said the hotel would soon be the best that Nigerians have ever seen in terms of aesthetics and service delivery that is typical of Mantis across the world.

“The Envoy Abuja represents one of the finest examples of Mantis culture, gastronomy, architecture and coupled with the nature of its location which offers guests a truly authentic experience”.

The Council of Chiefs of Isheri Oke in Lagos has reacted to the purported protest staged by a group who claimed to be royal indigenes of the community who have been denied their rights to ascend the royal throne of their fathers since the last king passed on 18 years ago.
This aggrieved group who claimed to be from Olofin Royal Clan, led by one Mr Lekan Odunsi, had reportedly stormed the State House Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday December 20, 2017, demanding that the state intervened on the ‘Obaship’ tussle.
Reacting to the protest, the council of chiefs of Isheri Oke spoke with newsmen, debunking the protest as a conscious and deliberate attempt to create discord and aggravate communal clash in the town, appealing to Lagos state government to intervene and bring all the miscreants, who are ‘evidently not from Isheri-Oke to book.

While speaking with newsmen, the chairman of the CDA Isheri-Oke, Honourable Kabir Abiodun Olonade, exposed the plot by those who sponsored the protest, to hijack the community from the true sons of the soil and override the peaceful systemic terms of rulership under the watch of Baale of Isheri Oke, High Chief Albert Oluwole Bankole.

He said;
“I am the current CDA Chairman of Isheri Oke community and I dare say that the concocted protest by the so called Olofin ruling house staged is illegal and criminal. These people don’t belong here, they are neither residents nor sons of the soil, and we are certain that their protest is directed to some other community because we don’t know them. Therefore their protest is null and void. Because we have been here for a very long time and we have had over 5 Baales in hundreds of years ago. The present Baale is the 6th and he’s been running the affairs of this community for over 38 years now.
The community has never had a king since inception, even the sons of the soil are just processing how we will upgrade to having a king.
There was a time we were invited to Alausa for a case such as this and it was the said Lekan who led the misguided protest that stood as their lawyer. It was Mr Abari that anchored the meeting and he said he’s from Agege, and Agege will not accommodate a stranger to become a Baale for over six dispensations. This is telling them that those who were at the helm of affairs were really sons of the soil. He made it clear that it was certain the Odunsi are not sons of the soil.

Another council member who spoke with City People stated
“I am Alhaji Muftau Dada Babalola. There have been six Baales since the inception. The Akinlotan family ruled twice, The Edun ruling family also ruled twice. The family ruling at the moment is Odunekun. Why would anyone attempt to deceive the government over ruling issue? It shows the height of desperation a stranger can go to cause conflict in a historically peaceful community such as ours. You can’t fight against what belongs to you, if it’s truly yours. As said earlier, we’ve had six Baales and each ruled for more than 35 years. The current Baale is spending his 38th year in power as we speak.
I will appeal that Lagos state government addresses the situation and not condone nonsense. Let’s first identify the community this group is talking about. Are they protesting over our own Isheri Oke? Do we have any other Isheri Oke? Let them show us a video of the protest and let’s identify each protester to ascertain if they are from Isheri Oke.
We have all necessary documents to show about the history and leadership of our community here in Isheri Oke. Let the intruders produce theirs and let’s see which area of Isheri Oke their forefathers belong. I am sure this group must have rented crowd to concoct the disruptive protest because no true Isheri Oke son will be part of such conspiracy. When the time comes, those who own the land knows who deserves to be the king; the government also know who deserve to become the king, because this present government is transparent and just. The government headed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode can be trusted in all areas and even in conflict resolution such as this.
Taiwo Ogundele, the general secretary, CDA, Isheri Oke, while contributing to the matter, appealed to the government to help maintain the peace and tranquility of Isheri Oke community as conflicts that can lead to communal crisis such as this has never occurred at any time in the history of the town.
He said, “We would not want anything that will lead to breach of peace in our community that we have been enjoying for a long time now. We don’t want violence and we trust that the government also does not want and would not condone any violent tendency.” This matter can cause a major chaos if it is not addressed swiftly. We have never had a king and when it is the time for us to do so, God will lead us.

Speaking further, Hon. Kabir Abiodun challenged the protester to provide evidences that there have been a king in Isheri Oke. He said, “ Since the so called royal family claimed their king died 18 years ago, we request that they provide us with information about where his palace was located, let them tell us the family he’s from in Isheri Oke, when he became king and his chiefs”. He concluded.

Many, if not all individuals, thinks excellence and survival depends on their management skills, celestial commitments and terrestrial tries. We deemphasize that which is not compulsory, but necessary – putting smiles on the face of the have-nots around us. Committed to making life worth living, the Omoshola Assist Initiative popularly known as Mosh Assist spreads smiles through giving.

Mosh Assist is a nongovernmental empowerment and community development initiative. The initiative is basically committed to empowering incredibly impoverished persons and improving the welfare and habitation of deplorable communities across Nigeria.

Mr Taiye Oloko Nurudeen, a native of Kwara State, had a remarkable encounter with Mosh Assist. He ran into luck when one of the initiative’s Trustees sighted him walking barefooted around Bariga, Lagos State. Looking dejected as he chewed biscuit and pure-water, Mr Nurudeen’s cloth would not pass for rag in a moneyed household. He was traced to a construction site and was seen kneeling down to remove nails from used planks.


Upon interrogation, Mr Nurudeen disclosed that he is a carpenter with over 20 years’ experience, but life has been uneasy for him. Noticeably, he neither has a good working instrument, nor a mobile phone. Sober, Mr Nurudeen narrated how he sometimes trek far distances in search of work at construction sites to enable him feed his wife and only son.

Mr Nurudeen’s case was forwarded to the Mosh Assist Project Identification and Verification Committee for fact finding. The committee inquired into Mr Nurudeen’s background and lifestyle to ascertain whether he is a drug addict, chain smoker or unabashed gambler. It was discovered that Mr Nurudeen is a gentle and hardworking carpenter striving to make ends meet. He was therefore approved for assistance. Rain fell terribly on his scheduled assistance date, but the Mosh Assist team remain undeterred. His case was handled till late in the evening.


Mosh Assist took Mr. Nurudeen to the market to purchase his choice carpentry tools. He was afterwards taken to the boutique for a change of wardrobe. To enhance his communication with friends, families and customers, a new phone was purchased for Mr Nurudeen. He was also presented a Mosh Assist kit after having dinner with the team.


When asked how he feels, Mr Nurudeen went into a marathon prayer session for Mosh Assist. His prayer almost raised the roof. When he eventually made an attempt to express how he feels, tears uncontrollably flowed down his eyes as he disclosed that no one has ever rendered such assistance to him. Moved by emotions, the Mosh Assist team, especially the females, shed tears as Mr Oloko narrate his ordeal and gratitude.


Fellow Nigerians, nothing is too big or small to effect a change in the life of that incredibly poor person around you. Please trash your ego, unwillingness and reluctance to assist that your driver, cleaner, beggar, security and maid. It cost God nothing to have made you wretched and make them your boss. Show love and spread smiles always. You may never appreciate the little you have until you realize that your dissatisfaction is another man’s aim.

For inquiries, suggestions or project recommendations, please contact us via moshassist@gmail.com or moshdeji@yahoo.com

Reach out and stay with us! Like and follow Mosh Assist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

At Mosh Assist, we make life worth living.

Civilization and modern forms of governance have drastically diminished the power and authority of monarchs. Fading, not faded, our hidden admiration for primordial values sustains the influence of monarchs on government and the governed. Monarchs currently have no constitutional role, but their grassroots prominence generates patronage from virtually all holders of public office, industrialists and dignitaries. This patronage vindicates the presence of monarchs in social and state functions.
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi’s presence at a function recently produced a much-needed distraction. Just when Nigerians were ardently debating President Buhari’s healthiness and his ability to rule, the video of a royal discord between two Yoruba monarchs diverted public attention like an orchestrated political gimmick. Summarily, the public was enraged that the Oba of Lagos dare rebuff the Ooni of Ife.
Although different scholarly and historical account of the Yoruba race exists, the Ooni of Ife is widely acknowledged as the supreme Yoruba monarch. The Oba of Lagos is not rated among the leading monarchs. As ranked by the Alake of Egba, the top five royals in Yoruba land are the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Oba of Benin, the Alake of Egba and the Awujale of Ijebu respectively. To bring you up to speed, a narration of what transpired in the viral video is necessary.
In accordance with the Yoruba regal heritage, some royal guards’ were eulogizing the Ooni while others hastily cleaned his reserved seat. Admiringly, people loosen their neck strings to catch a glimpse of the Ooni’s majestic entry to the occasion. Humbly and commendably, Ooni Adeyeye exchanged pleasantries with a seated monarch and was he warmly welcomed. Upon approaching the Oba of Lagos, the Ooni, an earthly king of kings, was snubbed in the most absurd manner. He was publicly rebuffed like a mere slave or palace guard.
In shock, Nigerians, especially the Yoruba’s, couldn’t rationalize the courage behind Oba Akiolu’s action. Could it be because Oba Akiolu (74) is older than Ooni Adeyeye (42)? No, that’s not cogent! Similar to the police and army, the rank of a king’s ancestral dominion determines superiority, not age.
Frightened by the overwhelming public outrage and condemnation, Oba Akiolu issued a statement denying that he snubbed Ooni Adeyeye. One of the Lagos white cap chief, Lateef Ajose, proclaims that the snub is “the culturally acclaimed way of greeting by a Lagos monarch” and Oba Akiolu is “basically trying to revive the culture and tradition of ancient Lagos”.
This fabricated response dampens the spirit of Nigerians that, like politicians, monarchs are fast going political in reasoning, actions and reactions. The general feeling on social media was that Oba Akiolu’s damage control strategy of rationalizing insult as Lagos tradition was an afterthought. It is ignoble that rather than apologize, the Lagos monarch chose to diabolically wrap his wrongs around culture and tradition revival. Appalling, his rhetoric magnetizes all the trappings of a political rejoinder. More to the point, the sharp snub and glaring hostility captured in the video negates Oba Akiolu’s defense.
Even if culture is to be revived, welcoming the Ooni at a public function should not be the take-off point. Indeed, there is more to it than meets the eye. On how many occasions has Oba Akiolu greeted dignitaries with a snub, especially in public, before the cameras? In this modern age, would he have welcomed President Trump or Queen Elizabeth to Lagos with such a hostile attitude and snub? Please recall that despite the fact that President Buhari is a Muslim and would not shake hands with his female aides, he cheerfully shook hands with the Queen of England and the Chancellor of Germany. Manifestly, the genuine reason of actions resides only in the mind of the actor.
Since Oba Akiolu’s guilefully redefines his unruly behavior as cultural revival, examining his past deeds would be a credible means of determining whether he could have intentionally snubbed the Ooni or not. Based on facts in the public domain, unlike most Nigerian monarchs, Oba Akiolu is vocal, temperamental and politically sentimental.
In the heat of the 2015 gubernatorial election in Lagos State, the Eze Ndigbos (Igbo traditional rulers) in Lagos state paid a courtesy visit to Oba Akiolu. At the meeting, the monarch ordered all Igbos in Lagos state to vote for Akinwunmi Ambode - his anointed candidate. Vibrating with anger, Akiolu threatened that anyone who flouts his order would perish in the lagoon. The monarch boasted that he owns Lagos; he handpicked Ambode and; he (Ambode) must govern Lagos for eight years (two terms).
The national tabloids quoted Akiolu as saying “If anyone of you goes against Ambode who I picked, that is your end. If it doesn’t happen within seven days, just know that I am a bastard”. The monarch further threatened that “I am not ready to beg you, if anyone of you, I swear in the name of God, goes against my wish that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos State, the person is going to die inside this water”.
In a country of laws, it would be interesting to watch Oba Akiolu dump the Igbos into the lagoon if Ambode had not triumphed. You may term Akiolu’s statement a mere threat, but recall that a similar inciting statement made by the Zulu king, Goodwill Zwelithini, fuelled xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Won’t Nigeria shatter if Ambode had lost the election and his supporters angrily began to murder the Igbos?
Before you resolve that Oba Akiolu’s action in 2015 was a mistake, please recall that he recently vowed at the inauguration of the Nigerian Women against Corruption Initiative that he would work against former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition. All things considered, Akiolu’s vow would have held water if Nigeria is limited to his kingdom. Moreover, if Akiolu’s relentless attacks on Atiku were often credible and pro-masses, most Nigerians would have probably subscribed to his views, but, unfortunately, his rants were purely vengeance-seeking.
At a stakeholders meeting in Victoria Island, Lagos, Akiolu accused Atiku, Daura and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts of facilitating his dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force in 2002. He argued that his dismissal from service was a plot to ensure the PDP wins the 2003 elections in Lagos State.
Evidently, Oba Akiolu is more of an electoral warrior and political godfather than monarch. Being human, most monarchs have their political preference, but are often careful not to appear politically biased. They strategically play safe, so that if their preferred candidate is not elected and power change hands, they (monarchs) can easily switch allegiance and dance to the new political rhythm.
In all likelihood, most of the individuals that Oba Akiolu had ridiculed with his ego and temper have tolerated him based on their respect for royalty. For Akiolu, a less significant monarch and beneficiary of ‘royal immunity’, to now ridicule Ooni Ogunwusi - the overall leader of the Yoruba race - is unacceptable and condemnable. The catastrophic aftereffect of Akiolu’s snub is best presented in literal fiction (read slowly to grasp).
Once upon a time, there were three brothers that hardly agree on anything; they terribly hate themselves. By order of birth, James is the first born, Jack is second and Jude is the third/last born. According to their culture and tradition, once a man dies, the immediate junior brother owns the corpse and determines how it would be buried. While working on his farm, James was bitten by a poisonous snake, he fell sick and died. By right, James’ corpse belongs to Jack and he has the liberty to bury it as he wish. Based on the never-ending hatred, Jack announced that James’ corpse be sliced and fed to the vultures. People persuaded Jack to have a rethink but he refused.
For the first time in that village, human flesh was sliced and fed to the vultures. Obviously, Jack thought he has perfectly humiliated his brother because of the hatred between them. Unfortunately for Jack, he has forgotten that such hatred also exists between him and Jude and he had indirectly taught Jude the best way to handle the corpse of hated brother. The crucial message in this fiction is that we all must always use our discretion and power intelligently. Wise is the man who first orated that ‘what goes round comes round’. If Oba Akiolu fails to act cautiously and the powers-that-be fails to caution him, the law of Karma never fails.
Oba Akiolu must be reminded that today’s action is tomorrow’s history. He has set a bad example and indirectly taught other low-class monarchs that the best way to treat a revered monarch in public is to be rude. Therefore, no one should be surprised if a third class king from Ekiti State (best to use a PDP state) snubs or hiss at Oba Akiolu at a public event and later claim it is culture and tradition revival. To be honest, if the Sultan of Sokoto or the Obi of Onitsha snubs the Ooni of Ife in public, Oba Akiolu would most likely be the first to condemn such act and label it an insult to the Yoruba nation.
It is evident and non-negotiable that for Oba Akiolu to reclaim the admiration of Nigerians, especially that of the Yoruba extraction, he must melt his ego and apologize to the Ooni of Ife.
Arise, O compatriot Akiolu, humbleness call obey.
* Omoshola Deji is a political and public affairs analyst. He wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com

Just as you and I can’t detach from our bloods because of their imperfections, President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) has lethargically handled the insubordination and incompetence of his appointees as if their surname is Buhari. Bit by bit, this inertness to discipline is concreting public doubts in PMB’s ability to navigate Nigeria’s sinking ship to the treasure-island of ‘change’.
This piece is of dual significance. First, it fills a crucial lacuna in the Nigerian political analysis. You may have observed that media reports, articles, protest speeches and opinion statements have largely ignored the consequence of Buhari’s appointees’ action on Buhari. Ad infinitum, the appointees orates their allegiance, while most of their actions have been returning ruins to the president. What are the aftereffects? Second in significance, this piece transcends politics to mirror our lives. It is a political surgery to unstitch how our actions bring unintended detrimental consequence to our nearest and dearest, even though we genuinely love them and sincerely wished no harm.
Not discounting the need to clarify, appointees connotes anyone appointed by PMB. This includes, but not limited to the ministers, security chiefs, ambassadors and the heads of government agencies. Please endeavor to read this piece as I will be untwisting twists, connecting the-political-dots-of-truth and capping my analysis with a political philosophy on leadership and governance. Don’t miss it!
Piloting Nigeria is herculean and PMB must delegate duties. The four months post-inauguration delay to make crucial appointments infuriated Nigerians as PMB claimed he is scouting for experience, competent, non-corrupt and dedicated persons. After the long wait, some of his appointees turned out to be people of questionable character and the most vital appointments were allocated to individuals from northern extraction. Clearly, PMB’s appointees are products of political patronage, political recommendation, personal affiliation and popular commendation.
One of the appointees who fell under PMB’s grace is Ibrahim Magu, the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, the Senate’s rejection of Magu as EFCC Chairman validates the existence of an antagonistic cabal in the presidency. Anyone exonerating the presidency and castigating the Senate on Magu is unobserving and soppy. Before heads roll in an anti-corruption focused government, liaising with the national-assembly to confirm the nomination of the EFCC chairman must be first accomplished.
Unfortunately, PMB crushed Magu by allowing him act for too long. During this period, Magu has stepped on some powerful toes in the presidency and have sown the prison garment of some senators, politicians and shady businessmen. This array of persons considered Magu’s confirmation an abomination. Pathetic, the DSS - an agency under PMB - helped the Senate nail Magu by submitting and resubmitting damning reports against him, even when PMB have cleared him of the corruption allegations. Please bear in mind that a mutinous act is weighty enough to award you an instant execution under Kim Jong-un of North-Korea.
Regardless of the DSS intents and purposes, their mutiny immensely diminished PMB’s reputation to the lowest low and further affirmed Aisha’s (wife of the president) outburst that her husband’s government has been hijacked by the principal officers and outsiders. To salvage the situation, Nigerians clamored that PMB should dig up the roots of conspiracy and insubordination by sacking those culpable or at least make some restructuring. Sullenly, the president have been out of earshot and his actions lethargic. The consequence of this is for Nigerians to label him weak, incompetent and indecisive.
Without a doubt, the supremacy battle between the Senate and the Nigerian Customs Comptroller-General, Hameed Ali, is one out of the many issues straining the executive’s relationship with the legislature, especially the Senate. The face-off began when Ali proposed a nationwide clampdown on automobiles that have evade the payment of customs duty. Ali was appointed to head Customs in 2015. Grading two years, Ali’s accomplishment is remarkable, but the retired military colonel refuse to wear the Customs uniform, been the outfit of a para-military agency. The Senate roar and insist Ali must appear before her in uniform. Vast in ability but limited in capacity, it is ultra-vires for me to decide the legality or illegality of Ali’s choice of outfit. Be that as it may, I have a testimony!
I appreciated Ali’s handling of Customs when I met a Nigerian business man abroad. The man, from Northern extraction, had a personal relationship with Ali and proved this by showing me photos they took together. To my surprise, the man complained bitterly about how the uncompromising nature of Ali is affecting his profit. The man had sought Ali’s intervention for a reduction in customs duty, but Ali turned down his request and insist that appropriate duty be paid. Based on this testimony with proof, Ali won my admiration instantly! However, the planned clampdown on automobiles made Ali lose a bit of my admiration.
Acting arrogant and that his inappropriate actions could set people against the government made Ali lose my admiration further. At a time when the president is battling with health issues and struggling to convince Nigeria that he is alive, able and capable to continue as president, what is needed is not an anti-masses policy that will frustrate the anger of the citizens. Ali failed to study national mood. Recall that GEJ and PMB removed fuel subsidy, but the nationwide reaction was different. At a time when recession is biting hard on the populace, food prices skyrocketing, Naira depreciating and businesses collapsing, one of the easiest ways to get people revolt against the government is the implementation of an obnoxious auto clampdown policy. Again, Ali, an appointee, carelessly fails to consider the consequence of his action on PMB.
Another worthy instance is when the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, tried to halt the take-off of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) in Okerenkoko, Delta State. In a region where the nation generates her main income and the populace are hostile to government, Amaechi should not be igniting fire, but doing all he can to increase affection for PMB and creating a political soft-landing for APC in 2019. If not for the wisdom of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachukwu, who immediately declared support for the NMU project, Ameachi had unintentionally, but successfully fertilized animosity between PMB and the Niger-Delta. Hostility triggering acts does not end with Amaechi.
Under a president that relegated ethnics and others trying to secede have tagged ethnocentric, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, failed to negate the arrest of only Yoruba natives after the Ile-Ife clash between the Yoruba and the Hausa-Fulani. In truth, no one would have clamored if more Yoruba’s were arrested, but to exonerate the Hausa-Fulani’s and attempt to prosecute only the Yoruba’s is one of the best ways to declare PMB persona-non-grata in the Southwest. The Southeast and South-south are largely not admirers of PMB, if the Southwest also becomes hostile, what will be the fate of PMB’s political fortune or that of his anointed successor?
Palpably, many lives and properties would have been saved if the police handling of the Ile-Ife crisis is replicated in Southern Kaduna and Benue. Are the Fulani herdsmen under immunity? Why didn’t they carry out their black acts when PMB was on medical vacation abroad?
Indeed, salt spilled on injury when PMB’s men, Abba Kyari and Babachir Lawal, ignored consequence and got themselves embroiled in the MTN bribe and invasive-plant-species corruption scandals respectively. Also, Professor Sagay would not consider the implication of making uncouth statements on PMB’s relationship with the Senate. That’s not enough! Sagay would further display confidence by tongue-lashing anyone who dares to caution him, including the ruling All Progressives congress (APC). A right man with the wrong team, PMB’s main problem is his appointees.
Discipleship also worsens the situation. Rather than utilize their talents in the Gulder Ultimate Search, the Buhari fanatics have embarked on a no-reward mission trying to find justifications for why an ex-military head coddles insubordination and incompetence, especially when it erodes his reputation, support and political strength. It is sad that most Nigerians are yet to rise above ethno-religious and political sentiments. Unfortunately, most of this sentimental souls are the ones in dire need of PMB’s ‘change’. My support for PMB is indeed conditional. It is conditioned on him conditioning an equitable, developed and secured Nigeria. Let’s connect the political dots-of-truth.
If you are a devotee of Buharism - ardent supporters of anything Buhari - you are a genuine ‘change’ disciple if you not only applaud PMB’s strides, but also rise above sentiments to embrace steps that will make him perfect his imperfections. Deceive yourself no further! If you are not part of PMB’s immediate family, all you can benefit from is a better Nigeria.
To those who never wants to hear “Bu” not to talk of “Hari”, whether you like it or not, so long as you are a Nigerian, Buhari is your president, at least till 2019. Therefore, if your paramount interest is a better Nigeria, you need sheathe your sword and support anything that will ensure PMB succeeds in fixing Nigeria.
To the opposition parties, adopting calumny tactics to destabilize government is also to your disadvantage. You surely wish to take over something meaningful. You want to consolidate something, not nothing!
To PMB, this is a wake-up call to perfect his imperfections and be cautious of his place in history. Does history matter at all? Why must PMB not allow the insubordination, incompetence and shenanigans of his appointees ruin his administration? Let’s explore this simple interpretation of an ancient political philosophy on leadership and governance (read slowly to grasp).
Who builds the society? History books have the names of Kings as the ones who built the society. Are the Kings really the ones that built the society? The Kings were not seen ‘carrying bricks’ to build the socieeetyyyy! The King’s slaves and aides were the ones who carried bricks, toiling day and night, in the rain and sunshine, to build the society. Why should the history books not be filled with the names of this real builder of the society?
No! The history books can’t have any name except that of the Kings. The King’s initiated the vision on how to best build the society. This vision was only executed by the King’s tool - the slaves and aides. When the society was being built, the Kings were not sleeeeeping or making meeeeerrrry! They ordered and oversee the building of the society. The Kings proper utilization of their tools led to the success of the building of the society. If the building of the society had failed, the history books would document no one as a failure other than the Kings.
* Omoshola Deji is a political and public affairs analyst.

As the four year mandate Nigerians offered President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) approaches half time, mix reactions are trailing the performance of his administration and the efficiency of his appointees. The robust pre-election crusade that the change agenda would transform Nigeria from wilderness to paradise leaves many wondering why Nigerians should still be drowning in poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.


The Buhari apologists opines that the stern hardship is the aftereffect of the treasury looting and mismanagement by the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Oppositely, the Jonathan fanatics and opposition parties orates that PMB is incompetent and his cabinet lacks the proficiency needed to revamp the economy, education, health and infrastructure. They further question whether the change PMB promised Nigerians is positive or negative.


Ignite your interest in this piece as it covers the interest of everyone, irrespective of your political opinion, social association, ethnic affiliation, economic estimation and religious devotion. Before proceeding, let’s curtail ambiguity by approving that political patronage (in-two-words-meaning) denotes - conditional support, post-election reward, unconstitutional immunity, countenancing impunity, unjust persecution, selective prosecution, vote buying, cross carpeting, partisan actions and ethno-religious favoritism.


The word ‘change’ in the theme ‘political patronage undermining change’ serves two purposes. Change connotes the PMB ‘change-agenda’ and a ‘change-in-cabinet’. In broader terms, we are therefore exploring the extent at which political patronage is undermining the implementation of the PMB change-agenda and secondly, if political patronage is undermining a change in cabinet.


Without a doubt, if the All Progressives Congress (APC) change mantra is a saleable product, the producer’s stupendous wealth would be terribly envied by Dangote. However, because the mantra emerged as a strategic political strategy, millions of Nigerians subscribed to it and installed Buhari; after he had failed on three attempts. This failed attempts, past leadership experience, Spartan discipline and his stance against corruption foster the selection of Buhari by the political gladiators that teamed up to establish the APC. Buhari emerged president and it soon became glaring that the political gladiators are indeed strange bedfellows.


The struggle for party control, conflicting interests and the allotment of political portfolios override the speedy kick-off of the implementation of the change agenda. The president was confused on who to work with. Cries for recognition, whispers of suggestions and songs of recommendations almost deafened his ears. Six months after inauguration, PMB released the list of ministerial nominees and the political gladiators began to count their losses. Surprisingly, PMB jettisoned party stalwarts and appointed political inactive persons as the Chief-of-Staff and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).


One of the most acknowledged election victory determinant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was least patronized by PMB. It then dawn on the widely acclaimed political genius (Tinubu) that his input to the emergence of PMB might be a destiny-shattering political error. Rather than select Tinubu’s nominations, PMB awarded juicy ministerial portfolios to his estranging political godsons – Babatunde Fashola and Kayode Fayemi. Many wondered why? From observers lens, PMB’s nearest and dearest feels Tinubu is best tamed at the start. They cannot risk him dictating the tunes by planting his mafias in strategic government positions like he did during Fashola’s reign as Lagos governor.


Moreover, PMB’s men most likely feel that his accomplishment, authority and reputation as the former Military Governor of Northeastern State (1975) and Borno (1976), former Federal Commissioner of Petroleum (1976-78) and former Military Head of State (1983-85) would be derided should people conceive his administration is indirectly being piloted by Tinubu, a ‘mere’ elected Senator (1993) and former Lagos State Governor (1999-2007).


Many political pundits are of the opinion that PMB exploited Tinubu and other political gladiators to emerge President. Subsequently, he (PMB) acts his mind that even though Tinubu and most of the political gladiators have never been declared guilty, they are not anti-corrupt. For this reason, PMB resolved that his anti-corruption war and change agenda would be best effected if he does not patronize Tinubu and other political gladiators like Atiku Abubakar, Abubakar Baraje and Bukola Saraki. PMB was determined not to allow patronage undermine change!


Most of the political gladiators either continue lobbying or decide to start strategizing for 2019, but Saraki was distinct. He hauled the party arrangement to emerge as Senate President. One must think twice before blaming Saraki for scoring a political own-goal. Being the son of a prominent businessman and politician, Saraki is among the few who aged seeing governing Nigeria as their birthright, hence, he can only be comfortable when he is leading and not being led.


Just when Saraki thought he has successfully allotted himself Nigeria’s third most powerful position, nemesis came knocking. If political hierarchy be considered, attempts to genuinely prosecute or intentionally sledgehammer Saraki cannot proceed without the nod of PMB. Indeed, change is here! Nigeria’s incumbent Senate President is facing false asset declaration charges in court. Most Nigerians never anticipated such! Saraki is on trial and should he be found guilty, unlike Obasanjo, his own episode would be from power to prison. This clearly points out that PMB is not willing to allow patronage undermine the implementation of his change agenda that focus strongly on fighting corruption.


Let’s now shift focus from PMB’s party men to his cabinet. Just when the war against corruption was earning national applauds and international accolades, the Shehu Sani led Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East indicted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, for corruption.


Babachir was accused of awarding inflated contracts to firms he has strong stakes in. He was tackled with damning evidence of - awarding N223 million contract for the removal of invasive plant species; receiving deposits totaling N200million into the account of Rhola Vision Engineering Limited (his firm) from the company that was awarded the contract; his non-resignation from Rhola Vision (RV) upon the assumption of public office and; him still being a signatory to RV’s account after he later resigned.


Lest I forget, whoever coined the term ‘invasive plant species’ as an alternative term for ‘grass’ is indeed a genius whose intellectualism is been devoured by political brigands to rob the displaced and vulnerable. A serious deliverance session is needed to navigate his intellectualism back to the path of compassionate public service.


After failing to honor the Senate’s invitation and the public awareness of the damning evidence, many thought the fear of being crushed by PMB’s anti-corruption sledgehammer would make Babachir recoil and tactfully articulate his defense. Rather, Babachir arrogantly dismissed the accusative report and declared that the Senate is “talking balderdash”. Nigerians were shocked at such display of confidence and were anxiously expecting PMB to fumigate his inner circle by suspending the SGF in order to pave way for a transparent probe and prosecution. Disappointingly, PMB failed the litmus test by skillfully absolving the SGF of any wrong doing.


If truth be told, the last time Nigerians were that disappointed was when Yakubu Aiyegbeni failed to score into an empty net at the 2010 World-Cup and when ex-president Jonathan increased the price of fuel (from N65-87) on 1 January, 2012.


PMB derided the anti-corruption war by writing a flimsy excuse to the Senate that the SGF was not granted fair hearing. Please be mindful that a Senate investigative hearing invitation was sent to Babachir and his name was listed among those invited by the Senate in the 2 December, 2016 publication of Daily Trust. Till date, Babachir is still occupying the SGF position in a government that her main qualification is anticorruption. Logically, the long-term patronage between Buhari and Babachir appears to be restricting the President from being decisive. Is patronage undermining change?


PMB has hesitate to change his corruption-tainted appointee(s) while opposing figures (like Reuben Abati, Olisah Metuh and Musiliu Obanikoro) with similar accusation and evidence are being subject to investigation, media trial, incarceration and prosecution. Before sentiment shroud your judgment, please imagine how Babachir’s case would have been handled if he served as SGF under ex-president Jonathan and such weighty evidence of corruption surfaced against him. Besides, If Femi Fani Kayode did not cross-carpet into the PDP and he successfully pilot PMB’s campaign to victory like he hoped to do for Jonathan, can you in good conscience vow that he would be answering corruption cases by now?


Let’s reason straight and retest this oppositely! Please take a moment to imagine the extent at which Rotimi Ameachi would have languished in anguish if GEJ had won the presidential election. Having imagined how miserable Amaechi’s life would have been, may I advise that you never brand a political cabal as a saint and taint the other? It is unfortunate that patronage-deciding-prosecution cut across boards, irrespective of political party.


The recent purported release of former Adamawa Governor, James Ngilari, after being found guilty of corruption and sentenced to five years imprisonment shows the extent at which patronage is fertilizing anarchy and deriding the war against corruption.


On the claim that Ngilari was terribly sick, his comrades cajoled the prison officials to illegally issue a letter recommending that he be released to seek medical attention abroad. In what appears conspiratorial, Justice Nathan Musa ordered Ngilari’s release without confirming the authenticity of the documents presented before him. Within an eye twinkle, Ngilari regained freedom without prison break, state pardon or a favorable appeal judgment. Sadly, other individuals convicted for lesser offences and awaiting trial inmates are dying of minor ailments daily, while Ngilari is been flown abroad for treatment with the public funds he stole. Is prisoner-Ngilari a special being?


Not many individuals are considering the irreparable damage Ngilari’s sleaze is inflicting on the Adamawa masses. A lot of women would have lost their lives to maternal mortality; lack of healthcare facilities would have made many families lose their loved ones to minor diseases; the non-motor-able roads would have consumed the lives of many and; unemployment would have frustrated many youths into crime. Most of this unemployed youths are not even employable because the educational system is rotten from nursery to tertiary. Imagine this horrible happenings befalling the Adamawa natives, and by extension Nigerians, because people like Ngilari have pocketed the commonwealth.


It is indisputable that Ngilari’s comrade won’t have the effrontery to commit such villainy if they don’t have the backing of prominent Nigerians and individuals within the corridors of power. Is patronage undermining change?


For how long will patronage continue to undermine change? Arise Buhari!


* Omoshola Deji is a political and public affairs analyst. He wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com