₦airaland Forum

*_Tonight in prison



By Tacit Agreement



We shall all sing one song



Nkosi Sikekela_*



- Dennis Brutus





The western state is currently undergoing a session of surgical operation and currently struggling to breathe.

The last 13 days have seen episodes of political engagements and calculation at the expense of innocent lives.



What started as a peaceful protest against the oppression, intimidation, and brutality of Nigeria Police Force, in one fell swoop, metamorphosed into a regional infraction, hijacked, remolded, and positioned to be a weapon in itself against the south, which hitherto, only wanted justice.



We all saw the genuineness, and plights of Rinu, Debo, Falz, and the rest of the cadres, we supported, took to the streets of Lagos and occupy major states in the south, to demand what is rightfully ours; Our rights to life. Demands were made and meetings reportedly commenced.



Fast forward to 20-10-20. It was the 12th day of protest. The cabals, which were supposed to deliver the plights of the people, were busily understudying who is sponsoring the genuine protest.



This is how low we have sunk. The government failed the people. It failed to carry out its natural mandate of securing lives and property, yet believes that a genuine call for good governance has a political undertone. "After all, Nigerian youths are too lazy to think or coordinate themselves to sustain a protest for that long".



12 days and protesters lack almost nothing. They were organized, coordinated, composed, and collected. This formidability was strange to the cabals. Someone must be behind this. Thus, all fingers point to Asiwaju.



Asiwaju, who bowed to pressure, after a long silence, took to Twitter in the early hours of that day to call for peace and encouraged the government to, as a matter of urgency fashion our a workable modality to save the country from imminent crisis. Sadly, that was the premise the traducers were waiting for. Unknown soldiers, by the directive of an unknown authority, moved tanks to the peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate and offload rounds of bullets on harmless protesters, killing the same people they swore to protect.

A few crops of directionless tout took to the streets, in a deliberate move to thwart the protest which was of course overdue for the next phases; retreat and reassessment, they took charge of remote corners of Lagos and vandalize public properties.


Please note that the aforesaid public properties were businesses that were believed to belong to Asiwaju, with which, in their perception, he controls the south. The list of vandalized businesses would include the LCC, Oriental Hotel, LASEMA trucks, Television Continental, The Nation and many establishments with over twenty thousand staff strength; all in Lagos.


This may be seen as a conspiracy theory, but the dots are fitting. Asiwaju has been unarguably the pillar of Yoruba’s long-standing political ground. Hate him or love him, he’s been able to contribute hugely to the affairs at the central and have maintained a strong negotiating position at the center. Unconfirmed insinuations hold that he may have the interest run for presidency come 2020, a contest which he is entitled to by every right. His deafening silence over the matter has left the opposition and internal forces confuse. He cannot be predicted.



Asiwaju’s political grandiose is no doubt, a threat to any region. A man who had at every historical junction built political parties from the scratch and competes with the bigger party yet remained afloat for over 20 years. A man who identifies brilliant minds and raise them to become influencers in various political and economic sectors. A man who brought Buhari from political oblivion and make him the number one citizen of the country, after three failed attempts.



I sincerely feel sorry for those who gloat over the vandalization and destruction of Lagos state properties. We have been had, the 5th columnist took our anger against insecurity and used it against us. we became a pawn in a bigger scheme and lives were lost. They redirected our focus from #EndSARS to #EndLagos.




Asiwaju is our own, whether APC, PDP, ADP, and whatever Ps we may identify with. We are southerners, and Asiwaju is our soldier. Let’s not allow this “remoting” to continue.. This is the time to speak out and identify the traducers amongst us. we are better than this.

How can jailbreaks happen in Lagos and Ondo at the same time, just a couple of days after Edo State? How do we explain the coordination?

The plot is to make Lagos ungovernable and therefore declaring a state of emergency.




If Buhari declares a state of Emergency by tonight or tomorrow an Administrator will be appointed to replace Sanwo-Olu.



All these storming the prisons and killing people and burning public buildings is to lay a basis for a state of Emergency.



Our center of excellence may be controlled by a military administration for the rest of Buhari’s term, probably by a general from Kano or Kaduna. 2023 is a long time..



Once we lose our political figure.. We lose our negotiating strength at the center.



We have been had.


Segun Savage writes from Lagos State

In what was staged as a simple and peaceful protest, the momentum expanded and the political stakeholders are all on their toes to restore sanity and orderliness in the country.

In all of these, one is forced to ask, were are the Asiwaju’s young Obas?

The place of a royal father requires a high level of wisdom, intellect, and sufficient sensitivity to the affairs of his community, which he heads as a spiritual father and cultural custodian. Sadly, these two young Obas, who were evidently a product of conspiracy and patron-client godfathers lack these virtues.

The so-called social media Obas have lost the esteemed relevance of environmental responsibility; the two of them.

After all, they still chose to deliberately display their social eminence and vanity, on their respective social media handles. While one is showing off on the golf course, the other is showing off his line of attires on Instagram

When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. It is only in Lagos that we have social media Obas, who spend more time tweeting and showing off on Instagram, rather than carrying out their sacred mandate (whether stolen or hijacked), which they owe the people.

Just as the Latin expression “nemo dat quod non habet” (You cannot give what you don’t have) insinuates, they have become social climbers who are first to get to Owanbe venue and are the last to leave.

These Obas' behaviours undermine the royal institution of the Yoruba people, refusing to wade in and say something meaningful in times like this shows that traditional institutions in Lagos is in need of deep reform.

It sends a wrong signal - that the norms, values, and culture of the Yoruba people are being taken for granted, especially by the Obas on Lagos Island.

Being a leader is a call to serve, not be served Jollof rice and Moet. It is our hope that these young landlords turned Obas will reason beyond their noses and amend their ways accordingly.

Gbolahan and Saheed are hereby advised to take a cue from the invasion of angry youth into the palace of Oba Akiolu in Isale Eko earlier today. It took the intervention of the military machinery to get him out of the scene.
It should teachl you that when you are irresponsible, your loyalist could turn to be your worst nightmare.

#ENDSARS: ERELU TINUADE WARNS BUHARI AGAINST IMMINENT PROTEST. Says SARS to SWAT Means Same Problem With Different Name.*







Renown philanthropist, custodian of African culture and tradition Tinuade Mabel Onaneye, The Erelu Oodua of Aye Kingdom has on Tuesday 20th of October, 2020 blamed President Muhammadu Buhari for the on-going protests which have started two weeks ago all over major cities in Nigeria and warned him to act fast before the mass protest degenerate into the much-dreaded revolution.







The resolute and articulate crusader and advocate for true federalism made the declaration from her base in Texas, the United States through a release she signed and made available to the press and the general public via her media aide, Saint-Olawale Jimoh on the beautiful morning of Tuesday, 20th of October, 2020. She emphatically mentioned the moment Nigerian leaders fear so much has finally arrived and that there's nothing any of them could do about it.







'Nigerian leaders who have always behaved like Nigerians don't amount to anything are beginning to realize the masses are no longer the fools and slaves they have been taking them to be. Unfortunately, they are unable to see the handwriting on the wall.' Erelu stated.



'In the same vein, I won't be surprised if President Buhari takes the protests as the handiwork of a few rabble-rousers or at the very worst, opposition elements. It's pathetic and the reality is staring right at them and borrowing from the words of our own Oonirisha, the youths are now fully awake.' She added.







Erelu Mabel Tinuade further posited the protest is beyond #EndSARS and that even though the President has switched from SARS to SWAT which basically amounts to renaming the same problem instead of solving it. She assured the movement is for the soul of Nigeria. The masses are in addition to #EndSARS demanding a systemic overhaul of governance and institutional reforms as the barest minimum. She mentioned that judging from reports from Nigeria where for instance a governor was asked to come down from his long convoy before he could pass the roadblocks mounted by angry youths and a few other instances, then the revolution is very near than expected except President acts fast, the unexpected might happen.







It would be recalled that in some of Erelu's past press statements, she has lamented the poor state of things in Nigeria and the new level of poverty Nigerian masses have been catapulted to by Buhari-led government. She had expressed worry over how Nigerian governments at all level treat the masses like some pieces of cabbage and warned that the masses might fight back if they're pushed to the wall. Unfortunately, the time has come and she's hoping the President might enter an agreement or dialogue with the protesters to calm the situation.







'If the President can negotiate with terrorists, he can as well negotiate with peaceful protesters!' She concluded.

The Lagos state chapter of APC wish to congratulate the Lagos State governor , Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu and members of his team on the occasion of 500 days in office.

We acknowledge and commend his leadership, focus and the passion he has brought to the governance of the state.

The unexpected Covid-19 brought out the inherent leadership quality in Mr Governor who led the battle from the front as the Incident Commander. His government provided the requisite needs in medical facilities, consumables, incentives and palliatives to cushion the effect of the lockdown on our teeming populace.

Without any doubt, Mr Governor passed the true test of leadership in flying colors.

It is commendable that the set-back and the distraction occasioned by the pandemic has not hindered the government from fulfilling its promises to the electorates.

The governor along the guiding pillars of the THEMES agenda has been impactful during the period under review.

In line with his assurance to complete projects inherited from the previous administration, the Murtala Mohammed International airport road has been completed, while the Badagry expressway has remained a top priority. The Eric Moore to Mazamaza has been fully completed, while the Mazamaza to Agboju-Trade fair end is nearing completion.

The Pen cinema fly-over is 80% completed.

The state governor commissioned 37 new roads to mark his first year anniversary, while 500 others were rehabilitated across the state.

1000 LASTMA personnel were recruited, trained, kitted and deployed to various locations in the state to combat traffic congestions in the state.

Water transportation has been boosted in the state with the acquisition of 8 new ferries by LAGFERRY to bring its fleet to 14.

Recently, 8 out of the 30 firms that expressed interest in the construction of the 4th mainland bridge were shortlisted.

The health sector continues to receive the deserved attention with the construction of 2 Mother and Child centers at Eti-Osa and Igando.

The state government provided free and diverse medical interventions for 250,000 Lagosians, while another 1,417 residents successfully had pediatric, eye, dental, orthopedic, ear, and nose and throat surgeries through the government efforts.

It will be recalled that the public outcry about the state of the environment shortly before the advent of the present administration has become a thing of the past. The Lagos State Waste Disposal (LAWMA) was not only reorganized but an academy was launched to boost its technical competence. The Olusosun dumpsite was not only expanded to 42 acres to accommodate more waste, the state blue box recycling was also launched at the Lagos Island transfer loading station.

Dr Abayomi Finnih Recreation park, Oregun was commissioned.

The state government continues to regularly clear all primary and secondary drainages across the state to prevent flooding.

The Sanwoolu government has placed the improvement in the standard of education in the front burner. 3000 teachers were recruited and trained to join the work force. 146 classrooms were constructed for primary and secondary schools. 70,164 units were delivered through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC ) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) intervention projects.

Under the Home Grown Feeding Program 135,445 pupils in 976 schools are being fed.

In other to boost tertiary education , the state government signed agreements with six private investors to construct 8,272 hostel units for Lagos State University.

The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) with a start-up funds of $687,000 to drive investment in research and development of tech-focused solutions across the six pillars of the administration’s THEMES agenda was set up.

The State Government executed various empowerment programs with special attention to youths, women, farmers, artisans and public servants.

The commissioning of the 4 housing projects at Igando, Jakande gardens, Topo-Badagry and Ikate-Elegushi goes a long way to reduce the housing deficit.

The soon to be completed 22 hectares Imota Rice mill will most certainly promote food security in the state.

While Lagos state remains the entertainment and tourism hub of the country, the government is leaving no stone unturned to promote the sector and provide a platform for new talents to project themselves. In this regard, 4 Lagos theaters located at Oregun, Badagry, Epe and Igando were completed. The reconstruction of the J. K. Randle center for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan as well as the restoration of the old Glover Memorial Hall, are on course and will soon be commissioned.

The security of lives and property of Lagosians occupies a place of pride in the THEMES agenda. The state government supported the security operatives with vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics to keep the state at peace.

We have a good reason to roll out the drums as we celebrate a solid foundation for a greater Lagos.

There is no doubt that our government can do a lot more with the support of all and sundry.

Our state will thrive in an environment of law and order, regular and prompt payment of taxes.

Singer and founder of Roc Da Mic Africa, Asha Gangali has waded into the ongoing #EndSARS protest with a more intelligent position, as he called for gun reform law to allow qualified citizens to carry weapon and rifles to protect themselves against unwarranted harassment and intimidation by random criminals and trespassers.
Asha who is actively into the protest, told newsmen on Friday, October 16, 2020, that there are a number of common-sense measures that we can implement to address the frequent attack of Police and other criminals who hide in their guise to storm our homes and violate persons and cart away properties.

He said:

“The uniform men in the identity of SARS have shattered too many lives. They have killed countless of tomorrow’s leaders who were harmless at those points.

“No one should be unsafe in their home, schools, or country, and laws ensuring that firearms are sold and used responsibly are an essential part of improving public safety.

“But instead of taking steps to live up to that responsibility, the self-vested cabals have shut down every attempt to pass a gun law reform.

“There are a number of common-sense measures that we can implement to address SARS brutality and keep our communities safe for real. Let the government strengthen background checks, fight gun trafficking, increase protections for victims of domestic violence, among other efforts.

“Guns have an important role in empowering people. As part of a system of checks and balances, armed citizens are an oversight mechanism and deterrent for any government, outfit, or agency considering tyranny, intimidation, or oppression.

“Most basically, the lawmakers must authorize research on gun violence so we can better understand the impact of this SARS epidemic on our country.

“We have a duty, not only to ourselves but to the rest of the world to keep our people armed and ensure the government is acting right, within the limits of the Constitution. If you don’t trust that the government will always do the right thing, then we as citizens must be armed.

“Therefore, I believe that we need massive reform on who can own and/or possess guns. Our country also needs criminal justice reform without mandatory minimums. So, when a trigger-happy police officer or an armed robber intends to strike, they will have it in my mind that their target is fully equipped to respond in the same frequency,” Asha said.

The All Progressive Party, APC has warned mischief makers to be wary of hijackers, to avoid diversionary interest in the ongoing #EndSARS protest.

The youths took to the street on Thursday, 8 October 2020 to protest across the states of the country, against intimidation and harassment from the Special Anti-robbery Squad, SARS, and arm of the Nigerian Police Force.

In a statement released by the party public secretary, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the party warned the opposition party, People’s Democratic Party, PDP to steer clear of the protest and not disguise to cause mayhem because of the October by-elections in the Lagos East Senatorial district.

The statement reads;

Our attention has been drawn to the needless and irresponsible politicizing of the #ENDSARS nationwide protest by the opposition PDP.

It will be recalled that the Lagos state government since the commencement of the protest march around different parts of the state has been supportive. Mr Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu and his deputy have taken turns to address the protesters identifying with the issues at stake and assuring of the state government sympathy.

The governor, in keeping with his promise, went ahead to present the terms of the resolution of the crisis to President Mohammadu Buhari in Abuja.

In addition, the state government ensured that all the protesters arrested were released.

It is worthy of note that the most important responsibility of any worthwhile government is the protection of the lives and property of the citizens as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution.

The #ENDSARS protest seeks to enforce this provision within the ambit of the citizens fundamental human right to life and dignity. As a party, we’re all concerned about the incessant incidents of police brutality which largely remain unchecked. There’s no doubt that no one is immuned against the lawlessness of a police force trained and sustained by the tax payers money.

However, the recent turn of events at the protest today gives serious cause for concern. The attack launched by hoodlums on armless and peaceful protesters was in bad taste.

The attempt in the social media, sponsored by the opposition PDP, to hold the state government responsible is to say the least , the height of bitter politics.

However, our investigation has revealed that the PDP would like to take advantage of the spate of protest to cause mayhem because of the October by-elections in the Lagos East Senatorial district.

Our intelligence has revealed the plans to unleash further attacks on the protesters especially in the Kosofe Local Government in the days ahead.

As the ruling party, we’re mindful of our role to support the government especially as regards the citizens rights and the delivery of our electoral promises.

We wish to call on law enforcement agencies to be alive to their responsibility to protect the citizens of the state from any untoward development that can disrupt our peaceful co-existence.

By the same token, the opposition party will be well counseled to revert to issue based campaign that will make for healthy politicking.


Seye Oladejo

Lagos APC Spokesman

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Sunday congratulated Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo on his victory at the polls.



The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo described Akeredolu’s victory as well deserved.



According to the statement, the victory is a referendum on his sterling performance in the first term to the commendation and appreciation of the good people of Ondo state, but to the consternation and bewilderment of his political opponents.



The party further pointed that his victory is a further testimony of Ondo state as progressive that is desirous and deserving of good governance.



“The majority endorsement of Akeredolu is a challenge to build on his past achievements and address the yearnings of the people.



“The victory of the ruling APC shows that the opposition is no match whenever we have all hands on deck working for the overall interest of the party. It reinforces our conviction that the loss of Edo state was an own goal which is not beyond redemption in the near future.



“By the same token, we congratulate Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu who as the chairman of the Ondo state Campaign council for Governorship election brought his Midas touch to bear to ensure the desired result.



“Hopefully, governance which has literally grounded to a halt in the opposition PDP states as a result of their governors’ desperation to snatch victory in APC states will now mercifully resume,” the statement added.



According to INEC, Akeredolu polled 292,830, Mr. Jegede scored 195,791 votes, a difference of 97,039 votes



The incumbent deputy governor in the state and candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi, came a distant third by scoring 69,127 votes.



Mr Akeredolu had also defeated Mr Jegede in the 2016 governorship election. Then, Mr Ajayi was Mr Akeredolu’s running mate.

Away from the popular allegation of a forged certificate and blanket betrayal, more condescending attributes of Agboola Ajayi, the gubernatorial candidate of the Zenith Party, has been revealed to the media and the good people of Ondo State, after his desperation chased him from the All Progressive Congress, APC, and after the People’s Democratic Party, PDP camp used, and dumped him.



The popular progressive movement in the State, Ondo Forward Movement, OFM has reiterated that Agboola will loose on the first ballot come Saturday, October 10, 2020, when the people of Ondo will decide who will sail the ship for the next four years.



Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the group convener, Olumide Joseph maintained that Agboola will dance naked after he’s be stripped of what is left of his dignity by the opposition party, before finding temporary refuge in the party of insignificant value in the State.



He stated:



"The desperate hunger for power-at-all-cost has exposed the true nature and colour of Agboola, who has at every historical junction bitten all the fingers that have fed him and burnt all the bridges built to get him aligned with the party, which has built his political career and made him all that he thinks he is today.

"Agboola had carried the badge of failure for as long as history can record before he was pulled out of his dying political career by his benefactor, Rotimi Akeredolu.", he stated



Agboola Ajayi was formerly a member of the PDP before he defected to APC in 2016, he contested in 2016 election against the same Akeredolu, but he was humiliated at the poll. He was however chosen as Akeredolu running mate





“Mr. Ajayi formally joined the ZLP in August 2020 after he was rejected by the PDP, which lured him to snitch on his political benefactor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in the false promise of clinching a guber ticket with the party. Unfortunately, his sleazy conspiracy against the governor, came as a shock, even to the PDP. If Ajayi can betray his own boss, he can betray anyone, thus, PDP dumped him.” He told newsmen



"The party would go ahead to state categorically that Agboola’s exit from the PDP will not affect its vote.



“In the spirit of loyalty, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ignored all warnings about his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, and ensured he was well paid to make him comfortable. Ajayi is the only deputy governor in Nigeria, who receives as high as 13 million naira as his basic salary. He also had “free hands to decide on what project to embark upon and which contractor to award projects to. Yet, his desperation to have it all pushed him to consider the pot of porridge that eventually bury his political career.



“With no sense of remorse or dignity, Agbool Ajayi flunks his shamelessness around to reiterate that he would emerge victorious against Governor Akeredolu of the APC and Eyitayo Jegede of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).



“Agboola is an ill-cultured pseudo-progressive irritant, who climbed through the APC political ladder and pushed it aside. He is now stuck in the mud and he’s dead-desperate to drag anyone on sight with him.

“We are also aware of his plot to fabricate lies and propaganda to demean the hard-earned integrity of the governor as a mechanism to distract his excellency, Rotimi Akeredolu so as to pave way for the PDP. While we also know that the governor will not dignify him with any response, but the people of Ondo knows Agboola so well, and nothing that comes from his camp will be taken seriously. They may gather together, but not by God: whosoever shall gather together against Aketi shall fall for his sake



“The people of Ondo knows better. The good people of the state will file out on October 10 to speak in one voice, a voice that may sound strange to a bastard of strange parentage, who puts power before value.



"October 10 will be the day when his masquerade will dance naked in the market.”, he added.

Hon Seye Oladejo is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. In this interview, he speaks on the cordial status of the party in the state, the party’s edge in the forthcoming by-elections in the state, and the leadership quality of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others. Daily Vendor reports







What is the state of APC in Lagos State as it is presently constituted in terms of how cordial the party is?



APC in Lagos State is healthy and we are the party to beat. We remain very strong, we have the widespread, we are growing in leaps and bounds in terms of membership and we have no major crisis. Of course, there will be rift as expected in any political party but there is nothing we cannot handle. So, we remain confident in taking care of our affairs, winning elections and overcoming whatever challenges that will come our way. So, APC in Lagos is good and we are one big family.







One of the talking points from the primaries to field candidates for Lagos East senatorial seat and Kosofe Constituency II, was that those who emerged were imposed by the leadership of the party. What is your take on that?





I am glad you said primaries. I can tell you that there was no selection. The APC constitution allows us to have a candidate either by consensus or an open primary. The question to ask is if a particular system is working, why do you want to break it? The consensus option was to the extent that the aspirants from their own free will, not by compulsion, were able to arrive at a consensus that a particular person should fly the party's flag and we had an affirmation thereafter where close to 120,000 people came out to ratify that in form of the primary. If such a huge number could come out to ratify that candidacy, that to me doesn't mean protest or any kind of imposition. As we speak, we found all the would-be aspirants there working and mobilising for Tokunbo Abiru, our candidate.







Maybe they were forced to ratify it?





No, they were not. There was nothing like being forced. Even one of the then aspirants is now the chairman of the campaign committee of our candidate. If he was forced, he wouldn't be doing that. It shows understanding and discipline in the party and that's why after the primary, we are not having a situation whereby we will be doing reconciliation and try to pacify people here and there. We were able to do that which is according to the details of our constitution. I think the party has done well. What you are seeing is just the narrative of the opposition who chooses to weep more than the bereaved. There is nothing like imposition in Lagos APC, far from it.







Do you think party member at the grassroots are in sync with this?







Of course, they are. They were the ones that came to do the ratification and I am sure you and your colleagues (journalists) went round when we were doing this exercise. I also went round too and I saw what happened. These grassroots people are the ones championing the campaign of Tokunbo Abiru and Segun Saheed in their respective constituencies. So, it is a system that has been working for us. Of course, people could have their personal opinion but in a democracy, it is the will of the people that will prevail.











Another talking point was that the Kosofe II candidate, Femi Saheed, is a known party person but the people don't know Tokunbo Abiru within the party structure...







That's not true. From his antecedents and pedigree, Tokunbo’s dad was a politician within the progressive family. His father, Justice Abiru, was at the Senate during the 1979 to1983 tenure to represent this same Lagos East. Don’t also forget that Tokunbo was a Commissioner in this state for about two years. After serving as Commissioner, he went back to the banking sector to get to the peak of his career. This is to tell you that we are talking about somebody who is career-minded and focused. For me, his coming into this race is simply about giving back to the society that has given him so many opportunities.







Don't you think it is a big gamble on the part of APC to field someone with little or no elective position experience?







We are talking about a party that has a structure, we are talking about a party that been calling the shot since the advent of democracy in 1999. The party has viable structures in every nooks and cranny of this state. That ticket is about the party because Tokunbo Abiru is not an independent candidate. So, it is not right to say that he doesn't have a structure, it is about the party, he is carrying the party flag. Since his emergence as a candidate, he has become the baby and business of the party and we are going to by God's grace ensures he wins the election.







Tokunbo Abiru is squarely up against an opponent that has contested governorship in Lagos before and has some measures of political experience….







We need to put it as it is, Tokunbo is in the same race with an opponent that contested the governorship election just a few months ago and lost. This is an opponent that doesn't even have Tokunbo's pedigree in terms of career success, an opponent whose selling point mainly is about running a backyard estate which he flaunts that they enjoy 24-hour power supply. If someone gets to the peak of his career as the managing director of a first-rate bank in this country, definitely, he can't be at the same level as a realtor that is running an estate somewhere.



So, we have brought out Tokunbo to complement what our present senators are doing. We have brought out somebody who on his own, having just left the banking sector, can boast of some measures of national network, someone who can boast of some measure of connection that he can leverage on to attract the proverbial dividend of democracy first to his Lagos East Senatorial district and generally to Lagos as a whole. We are proud that we have Tokunbo Abiru flying our flag, he is our pride and we believe he will do well. In the past, the song from the opposition party used to be we don't have an indigene as a candidate, that doesn't exist now. They are now trying to leverage on other petty stuff, Tokunbo will win.



Let's talk about this so-called opponent, an opponent that has not been consistent. Just few months ago, he was a member of ADP contesting the governorship election. In a jiffy, he moved over to PDP, oppressed the poor aspirants in that party, paid virtually for all the delegates, the result of the so-called primary was predictable which also means that it is so convenient for this man to jump from party to party, I just hope in next year's local government election, he won't be in Labour party contesting for councillorship. It speaks volume about inconsistency and desperation on his part, Lagosians are not fools. We can't rely on such a character to represent the good people of Lagos East senatorial district, Tokunbo is simply shoulder and head above him.











On the Lagos East, there has been some talks in the social media that the Lagos State by-election might also come hard for APC as a party going by what happened in Edo election, I don't know if you have anything to say to that kind of allusion?





That should be expected from social commentators but they are comparing orange and apple. The scenarios are different, the dramatis personae are different. Now we are talking about Lagos State and not Edo State. The circumstances and scenarios are different and that would reflect. There is no way APC will lose that seat, we are also not mindful of the fact that they are trying to mobilise forces within and outside the state to come work for the PDP candidate, that will make the victory very sweet.







Do you think if some of those personnel that worked in Edo come to Lagos, they won't be able to make the difference?



We know what played out in Edo State and that will not happen here; it was a case of APC scoring an own goal and that will not happen here. They are all welcome in Lagos, besides some of them govern their states from Lagos. We are aware of the fact that when they are not in Abuja, they are in Lagos because Lagos is home to everybody. It's our pride but when it comes to coming by-election, we are not losing sleep, you can see the impacts of the campaign, you can see that we are not taking things for granted, you can see that we are confident but not complacent. Tokunbo is selling his programmes, manifesto and he's offering good service to the district, I believe they will keep the faith and will still vote APC.







Recently, the chairman of APC in Lagos, Chief Tunde Balogun, was reported to have reconciled the warring factions in Ndigbo in APC in Lagos? Do you think that matter is rested?



Yes, it is rested. APC is a disciplined party and all gladiators have to play by the rules. They all have their supporters who believe in APC as a party and all the issues have been thrashed out but by and large, moving forward, it has to be a relationship of mutual respect. They are all mature gentlemen with requisite political experience and we believe they will abide by the decision of the party which is that Comrade Joe Igbokwe is the apex leader of Ndigbo in APC while Hon Jude Idimogu is the deputy. That's the way we are going and I believe they will abide by it.











What do you think is the impression of Lagosians about Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the last one year or thereabout?







Governor Sanwo-Olu has been able to surpass the expectations of the majority of Lagosians in the past one year. When one is coming into government, a lot of unexpected and unpredictable issues play themselves up. The pandemic threw up the leadership quality in the governor, he was on top of it in words and action. Lagosians were able to leverage on that and have confidence in the government they elected. To put the icing on the cake, he was always communicating, doing daily briefing twice or thrice in a week; making sure Lagosians are abreast of the plans of the government to ameliorate situations, provide medicals and support at all levels.







Let's take the pandemic out, which has been more or less a big distraction to his governance. Since the pandemic has been easing out, we are all aware of lots of activities going on in the government under the THEME agenda. Just last week, 255 roads and power projects across the state have been approved, reaching out to the grassroots. These are impactful projects and not propaganda. I even feel the government is not saying enough about activities going on in the seat of government in Alausa; he remains a silent worker and achiever and I'm very sure the majority of Lagosians are very happy and proud that they voted him in as a governor. Of course, he will and can do better and as the resources of the state continue to permit him, he will reach out to all the nooks and crannies of the state even surpassing the achievements of his predecessors which will be a thing of pride.







But the opposition is saying he is working with a snail's speed and looking like an apprentice that is yet to get his footing on the job?



The opposition is in the business blabbing but we are in the business of delivery of our promises to the people. The governor has simply refused to be distracted by the opinion of a few frustrated oppositions. He is not even meddling in the politics of APC, apart from the recent assignment where he is heading the campaign of the reelection of his colleague governor in Ondo State. You can see he has rolled up his sleeves, focusing on his work, you won't find the governor respond to any comment or opinion of the opposition; that's the business of the party and which we are up to. Remember he dropped the appellation 'his excellency' which means that when he's all done and dusted, people can now decide if he's worthy of being called by the title. For me, that speaks so much of humility and determination about someone who is really committed to perform and deliver on his mandate.







There were talks when Abiru emerged as the senatorial candidate that he is being set up to take over from Governor Sanwo-Olu...



That came from the camp of opposition because we won't have a governorship election until the next two and half years. So, our party and Abiru as a candidate is focusing on the assignment at hand. The opposition will want to throw a spanner on the wheel to cause disaffection in the ruling party, perhaps that's why they remain as permanent opposition in Lagos State. But nothing can be farther from the truth, Abiru is focusing on the ticket he got from APC and I enjoy some personal relationship with him and I can tell you that he is not even thinking beyond the present mandate he has. But it will suit the propaganda of the PDP to say that somebody is being prepped up to take over from the governor and you can see that the governor didn't even respond to that.





What are your thoughts about Nigeria at 60?





We are still together at 60 and we should be grateful for that. The challenges are enormous but can we do better, the answer is yes. Have we being able to fulfill our dreams at independence, the answer is no. I think all of us could be held responsible for this. Everyone has a part to play in making this country great at different levels. We should ask ourselves whether we have done our parts to make this country great. Or better still, we should ask ourselves what we can do at our levels to make Nigeria fulfill her promises and potentials at independence. If we are all able to do that, I believe Nigeria will be better for us all. I know Nigeria can be greater than what we have today.



Do you think Nigeria might break up?



I don’t think Nigeria can break up but there are germane issues that we need to address. If we are having agitations for a breakup, it means that those issues are now at boiling points and they need to be addressed. I don’t really foresee a break-up

The All Progressive Congress, APC has reacted to the rumour that the senatorial candidate for the forthcoming Lagos East senatorial elections, Mr Tokunbo Abiru is enmeshed in a legal battle that questions his eligibility to contest at the elections.

In a Press Statement issued by the party Publicity Secretary, Hon Seye Oladejo. Lagos Chapter, the general public are advised to ignore the concocted rumour being peddled by traducers, who are bent to distract the said candidate; a move that is dead on arrival.

It reads;

Our attention has been drawn to an online report by an unknown blog alleging that a suit has been instituted challenging the eligibility of our candidate, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, to contest for the Lagos East Senatorial Election on account of a purported double registration as a voter ..



The allegation as contained in that report is not only false but we find it laughable. It is apparent that the Plaintiffs have not availed themselves the original copy of the Electoral Act 2010 (As amended).



We understand their panic, fear and unease on account of the overwhelming and calamitous defeat that awaits them on the 31st of October, 2020. They should do well to ask the Traducers of Willie Obiano (of Anambra State) and Yahaya Bello (of Kogi State) and avail themselves of several other Court decisions in that respect.



Let them continue to chase shadows while we remain focused as we campaign and gather support in the nooks and crannies of the Lagos East Constituency.



We assure our teeming supporters and the entire electorate that our candidate's eligibility is unassailable and by God's grace, he will emerge victorious at the election come 31st October, 2020.

Seye Oladejo

Lagos State APC Spokesman.

The leadership of Lagos State APC led by its chairman, Hon Tunde Balogun, has resolved the raging leadership tussle within the Ndigbo group.

At the meeting convened to resolve the conflict between various splinter units led by Chief Joe Igbokwe , Hon Jude Idimogu, were the Igbo Vision, Igbo Coalition, South East in APC, Igbo Mandate and Anioma Group.

The meeting was also attended by Eze Nwachukwu and Eze Okpotemba, Chief Joe Igbokwe, Dr Segun Mordi and Chief Akabueze. While Hon Jude Idimogu was unavoidably absent.

The meeting resolved that Mr Joe Igbokwe remained the apex leader of NDIGBO in Lagos APC while Hon Jude Idimogu is the deputy.

The meeting reiterated the supremacy of the party and the need to uphold and respect its decisions.

It called for the unity of all Ndigbo in Lagos APC and the accommodation of all tendencies in their fold.

The party called for total discipline among its members and commitment to its ideals.

The proposed inauguration of the executive of Lagos state APC Ndigbo and coordinators earlier slated for Saturday 26th September, 2020 was called off.

Other party chieftains at the meeting were Cardinal James Odunbaku, a GAC member, Hon Lanre Ogunyemi, the state secretary and Mr Ademola Sadiq, the legal adviser.



Seye Oladejo

Lagos state APC spokesman.

Samson Oseni Aremu is one of the most talented and dedicated actors in the Yoruba movie industry. He has been in the industry for close to a decade and has featured in over 50 movies and still counting.





This young man interprets roles so perfectly and his passion for acting has kept him going despite hot competition in the industry.





In this exclusive interview, Aremu revealed how star actor Afeez Abiodun helped him grow in the industry, and the many challenges he has faced. He also mentioned the many sacrifices he has made just to fulfill his greatest desire in life and his plans for his movie Lisa.



Take us through your journey into the movie industry



Well, have been longing to join the movie industry since, before it all started in 2011 when I was coming from a party around Sango area when Mr. Afeez Abiodun Owo drove past the bus I was and immediately I sighted him, I instantly told the driver I wanted to come down and I alighted thereafter, due to the heavy traffic, I was able to run and meet his car.



So I knocked and he rolled down to hear me. He’s such a very nice man, I quickly made my point known to him and he gave me his is contact and asked me to call him the following day which I did and asked me to come to his office the following Monday and that's how all started.



Tell us about the challenges you have been faced with?



Well, actually, the challenges are actually not something so bad but making one grow every day. Should I talk about the ones faced as man, because the ladies have the upper hand, and are always the first to be favoured unless God blessings come yours truly?



When we started, most of the time we sleep on the mere floor at a location, especially in tiles with A. C on but got nothing to do cos it's my passion, So we just have to keep our heads up. But we thank God, we don't look like what we've been through.



Which has been your most challenging role so far?



Doing a typical Islamic cleric is one of the challenging roles have played because I am a Christian and playing a Muslim cleric role to perfection will surely be difficult, but to God be all the glory, I delivered beyond expectation.



Did you train under any caucus for more knowledge?



Yes, I trained under Seriki Olopolo School of Performing Arts owned by Afeez Abiodun and Mide Martins.



Who are your contemporaries in the industry?



Well, the likes of Lateef Adedimeji, Mustapha Sholagbade, Jamiu Azeez are my contemporaries.



Who do you look up to in the industry?



A lot of people, because we have many outstanding and professional role interpreters from a different angle. So can't really pick one, but one to be like some of our good actors today.









Are you working on any personal projects?



Well,, Am working on The Return Of LISA....... Lisa is my first and only movie for now,, it's a crime movie,, So am working on the return.



Can you tell us about some of the movies you have featured in?



Odere Alagbo by Allwell Ademola, Alaya Marun by Afeez Owo, Moni by Mide Martins, My Mom My Wife by Allwell Ademola, Queen Mi By Afeez Owo, Alagbawi Aye by Aide Martins, Ilu Aje and so on.



Where do you hope to be in your career in the next 5 years?



Greater places,,, God almighty in his infinite mercy should make it happen.

…acknowledges his philanthropic strides



National Association of Independent Online Media Publishers, NAIOMP, an organization with the stated purpose of restoring media sanity in online journalism has commended Prince Kazeem Eletu Edibo, Chairman of Kazeem Royal Properties Limited, for supporting the work of the organization to improve lives. In a letter signed by the Association’s Publicity Secretary, Lateef Owodunni, on behalf of other directors, the organization acknowledged his contributions towards supporting the youths and the unemployed.





The letter partly reads, “As an exemplary leader, you join an international group of compassionate people who are committed to serving others, no matter what the challenge is. Today — because of you — another generation can care for their communities in times of uncertainty and need.”



The letter further states that, “because of your generosity, you have found solutions that change lives and make communities more resilient. Your support is critical as we work together to address new and urgent humanitarian challenges.



Congratulations on your wonderful philanthropic achievement, and thank you for building a better world for the youth.”



Recently, Prince Kazeem Eletu Odibo also empowered some of his followers on social media, after challenging those who wants to become a realtor.



He wrote; I want to empower someone who really want to be a Real Estate expert by sending the person to go for the Fast track training by Debo Adejana. State the reasons you want to be a Realtor. I will pick randomly.

The winners include:

Instagram winners:

●@ Skoagmola

●@Richie1477

●@Olatomide_c_



Facebook winners:

●Akin Joel

●Don Pablo Aimar

●Omowunmi Kikelomo

●Prince Obanla Adeyemi Adeniyi

●Adeniyi Barakat Oluwatobiloba



Ambassador Dr. Prince Kazeem was born on February 14, 1978, in Lagos into the Eletu-Odibo family; a royal family that historically served as the Chief Kingmaker who crowned the Oba of Lagos. This was unknown to him for several years that he was born with a silver spoon.



Prior to when his life took a new turn to prosperity, he grew up in a suburb called Ajegunle where he worked as a bus driver, a bus conductor, and even a scavenger. He has attended numerous educational training programs both within and outside the country.



He has shown over the years that he is a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in his enterprises. Amb. Dr. Prince Kazeem as Founder and Chairman of Kazeem Royal Properties Limited has done a lot of remarkable projects in the real estate sector and this earned him the City People Magazine Real Estate Award as Most Outstanding Royal Family In Property Award.

Philanthropy is associated with Amb. Dr. Prince Kazeem through the Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo Foundation. His kindheartedness is visible amongst many individuals whom he has touched; he personally likes putting smiles on people’s faces irrespective of their tribe, ethnicity, creed, or language.



As a matter of fact, he singled-handily constructed many roads at Osapa London in the Lekki axis in Lagos state following their dilapidated state. Today, Osapa London is a prime area and has very expensive properties situated in it. He has made several donations to many groups, civil societies including the Rotary International, and a lot of individuals, running into several millions of naira. He also set up the Prince Kazeem Eletu Royal Football Academy in order to give young people the opportunity to grow and showcase their talents.



A good number of them are now playing outside the shores of the company. Music is one thing that could not escape his attention; the Kazeem Royal Music Empire does justice to this. Some artists have been signed under this label. His philanthropic lifestyle has attracted a lot of awards from various quarters such as the Nigerian Army, Ecowas Youth Organization, the Yoruba council, and the Nigerian youths just to mention a few.

From #NigerianRisk tweetchat



When asked who an effective leader is, Abdullah Musa Abdul replied: “An Effective leader! Well in my humble opinion, an effective leader is that leader who has in him or her a combined characteristic of competence, diligence, and passion and equally has the ability to identify talents and harness those talents to get things done without prejudice. An effective leader chooses competence over virtue.”



Abu Jabir Abdullah Musa Abdul (Penabdul), is an Architect, principal partner at Diamond 4 Architects, CEO Sustainable Project Works (SPW) Limited as well as the Managing Director A & A HOMES Limited. As an academician he teaches Architecture at Baze University, Abuja. As a cleric he is a member of the Expanded General Purpose Committee Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Founder Darul Tauheed Islamic Center. PenAbdul is a renowned columnist with Dailynigerian.com and a regular writer with www.penabdul.com. Besides being a marriage counselor PenAbdul is also a Polo Player.



In his response to this question in a tweet-chat session held on Friday, when he was hosted in one of Nigerian Risk Awards and Summit’s Chat with the hashtag #NigerianRisk, PenAbdul added that “An effective leader could also be seen as a selfless, competent person who listens and appreciates the insight of others on how to achieve common goals. He thinks ahead of his time and masters the art of delegation. Simply put, he goes macro instead of micro.”



Mr Joachim Adenusi, the MD Conrad Clark Nigeria Limited, who co-hosted the conversation with a youth leader, Mustapha Sa’eed, an SDG advocate, further asked: “What inspires followers to becoming leaders?”



PenAbdul responded that “Interestingly, in life you are either a leader or a follower. However, you can be both because each one of us is a leader in his/her own right. I think, followers get inspired to becoming leaders if they see truthfulness, honesty, selflessness, competence and pragmatism in the way their leaders handle leadership. When a leader leads (in the true sense of the word) he or she inspires the followers to wanting to become like him/her, thus making leaders of our followers.”



PenAbdul stressed the role of leaders in uniting their subjects and ensuring a seamless reign. “Leadership is all about sacrifice and dedication. It entails putting behind any prejudice against any class of the followers. When a leader embraces one and all, including his antagonists and look at the bigger picture, he lays a solid foundation for unity. When a leader is vindictive and bias, he closes all the avenues of unity. So, a leader that demonstrates justice regardless of who it affects will win the hearts of the followers and he will be a rallying point for them. He simply unites.”



He further suggested that the antidote to the polarisation along religious and ethnic divide as it is becoming popular in Nigeria. “A leader that shows love and compassion and deals justly with others irrespective of their religion, background and ethnic affiliations and ensures equal opportunity is provided for one and all definitely will have the moral power to depolarise a nation that has been polarised along ethnic and religious sentiments.”



Followers are not left out of the discussion as they equally play a vital role in ensuring the actualisation of an ideal state or environment with functional leaders. He stated that: “The hallmark of good followership is in showing respect and obedience to the leader. When there is that synergy between the two then the leader strives to please the followers. Gaining confidence is key. The followers should see themselves as pillars upon which the leadership rests. If the leader is doing anything that will undermine the functionality of the society then it is the responsibility of the followers to alert the leader and use an effective tool of checks and balances.”



It is important to know that followers do influence leaders to do the right thing when they are responsible and equally can stand for their rights. If the leaders know that the followers are aware of their rights, it will be sufficient to influence the leaders to lead responsibly.



Shaykh Abdullah Musa stated that in solving the leadership and followership crisis in Nigeria and elsewhere; “First, the leader should own the crisis and simply take responsibility for whatever it is.



This will make the followers to be less defensive. Then, let him then identify the cause of the crisis and immediately invite the stakeholders to initiate a process of managing the crisis to avoid its escalation. Then, roll out strategies that will address the concerns of the aggrieved parties without openly taking sides. This can be followed with an understanding of the remote and immediate causes of the crisis which is critical when setting up an action plan to resolve the issue.”



“Start immediately! By constantly ensuring that all the different members of the community are duly represented and carried along until none of the diverse groups feels marginalized. I think if the leader engages all the diverse members of his community through their accepted representatives, he will be able to sustain and maintain unity.” He added that Leaders should also set up feedback mechanism for their own assessment and action plan with respect to the peculiar needs of each of the diverse groups of the community.



When asked about the risks in leadership, PenAbdul said; “Well, in my humble opinion, Leaders are actually servants of people who step out of their comfort zone to take known and unknown risks to meet up with the demands of those they serve. They are exposed to the risk of physical harm, financial harm, reputation loss, failure, accountability...”.



“The risks that are really of great concern to us in Nigeria and which I would love that Nigerian Risk Leadership Summit (coming up on September 17, 2020) should address are the risks of reputation loss, failure and accountability.

To be part of this Nigerian Risk Leadership Summit, visit www.nigerianriskawards.com/summit to register and reserve a seat at the online summit.

Students lining up by the road sides to wave small handy flags at executives seated in luxury cars with tinted glasses is not uncommon. In fact, such students and pupils are always looking forward to such experience, where they can stand few miles away from the car conveying the executive. It was usually out of magnanimity that some of these leaders take peeps out of the cars to wave hands even with the presence of heavy security.
This act not only made our leaders appear untouchable but also unreachable. Thus, there exist a huge gap between what our leaders are doing and what indeed the followers want and need. In return the sense of followership is appearing to be on the decline. However, for a nation to develop, there has to be a significant synergy between good leadership and followership.
To close this huge gap that is withering the efficiency of our leadership structure, Conrad Clark Nigeria Limited is staging a Leadership-Thought risk summit on 17th of September, 2020 through a virtual platform in conformity with the ongoing social gathering restrictions towards curbing the further spread of Covid19. The 5th edition of the Nigerian Risk Awards and summit, (NRAs 2020) will have the risk leadership summit addressing the leadership and followership with theme: Leadership vs Followership Risk; Uniting a Divided People, and the summit will be chaired by Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (Chairman, First Bank Nigeria Limited/CEO and Founder of The Chair Centre Group) and keynote paper shall be delivered by Prof. Karuti Kanyinga (University of Nairobi). Other speakers are Dr Salihu Lukman, the DG Progressive Governors Forum, and Mr Kola Adesina MD/CEO Sahara Energy Group.
Also, unlike previous editions, this year will feature young generation of leaders as interrogators. These young leaders will have the opportunity to contribute to the conversation as the summit seeks to proffer solutions to socioeconomic impediment of business and economic growth by asking why and what from the younger generation’s perspectives.
Segun Awosanya, Zeal Akaraiwe, Just Omomo Ibe, Ifeoma Melody Ajumobi, Barr Amina Usman, Mustapha Sa’eed and Rt Hon. Mijinyawa are the confirmed interrogators joining the cross-section of leaders that will be speaking.
Visit www.nigerianriskawards.com/summit to register and reserve a seat at the summit. Please note that the premium ticket to the summit will allow the participants access to a break out networking session with panellists. Corporate organisations can also sponsor students and youths to attend this summit with the complimentary tickets to the summit.

Leaders of tomorrow are not expected to take the back seat when the architecture of what tomorrow will look like is being put in place. Besides the planning for a better nation is always a continuous and evolving process, sustained by periodic conversations that will build and fine-tune the mistakes of yesterday, inadequacies of today and the brighter days tomorrow.

The 5th edition of the Nigerian Leadership & Risk Summit scheduled to hold on 17th of September, 2020 as conceived by Conrad Clark Nig. Ltd in collaboration with the Institute of Risk Management-IRM (UK), Risk management Society-RIMS (USA) Business Day (Nig), Convention for Business Integrity (Nig.), is aimed at exploring solutions to national leadership and followership risk through a cross-generational conversation tagged Leadership vs Followership Risk; Uniting a Divided People.


Olufemi Iroko, the Project Lead and Chairman of the Organising committee unveiled the confirmed speakers for the summit which has been redesigned to hold virtually due to the prevailing public gathering restrictions caused by Covid19 spread. The summit will be chaired by Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (Chairman, First Bank Nigeria) and keynote paper shall be delivered by Prof. Karuti Kanyinga (University of Nairobi). Other speakers are Mr Kola Adesina (MD, Sahara Group) and Dr. Salihu Lukman (DG, Progressive Governors Forum). All of whom will be taking critical look at the theme from different perspectives and how it affects the business landscape as well as building our nation.


To actively engage the younger generations, the organisers are fielding proactive young leaders as interrogators who will be asking thought-provoking questions while the speakers dissect the problems and proffer solutions. The interrogators lined up include Segun Awosanya (popularly known as SegaLinks) who is the founder/president SIAF, Zeal Akaraiwe the Founder-Graeme Blaque Advisory, Just omomo Ibe who is the President, Association of African Startups, Ifeoma Melody Ajumobi, Broadcast journalist at Solid 100.9fm, Amynah usman, a lawyer and girl-child advocate, Mustapha Sa’eed SDG and leadership advocate with remarkable strides in the northern Nigeria, and Rt Hon. Mijinyawa, the current speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament.


The interrogators are exited to be part of the summit, seeing it as a rare opportunity to be at the front row of the summit with direct involvement in conversations that aimed at making the nation better in business, leadership and overall economy. Doing such will not just give the younger leaders their rightful place in the development framework of the country but also allow them to effectively contribute to the developing of a workable framework for the country.


The summit will allow its premium attendees the opportunity to network with the panelists in a break out session. Sponsorship offerings will also allow corporate organisations to sponsor students, youths and organisations with young members to attend with complimentary pass to the event.


Also, the 2020 winners of the Nigeria Risk Awards aim to recognise and reward excellence in individuals and organisations who have made measurable impact within their sector or industry through the effective application of good governance, risk management and internal control systems and strategies. To register for the summit and be part of this cross-generation leadership conversation, visit www.nigerianriskawards.com/summit to reserve a seat.

The All Progressive Congress, APC Senatorial candidate, Lagos East, Me Tokunbo Abiru, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the party functionaries and supporter after scooping a landslide victory at the party primaries held on Thursday, September 3, 2020.

Abiru had polled 111,551 votes to emerge as the senatorial candidate for the October 31, bye-elections to replace the late senator Adebayo Osinowo, who passed away on June 15,2020 after a brief illness.

In a statement released by the new candidate, Abiru stated that his emergence as a candidate in the forthcoming senatorial bye-election is a significant achievement in his personal journey.

He wrote:

Today is significant in my personal journey and in the history of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), especially in Lagos East Senatorial District. My deep gratitude and humble appreciation goes out to our leaders and members across the district who have trooped out en masse to ratify my candidature as the APC flag bearer for the Lagos East senatorial bye election scheduled to hold on October 31, 2020.

This decision is no doubt an expression of confidence in me, a confidence and trust which as a loyal party man, I will live day and night to earn, justify and protect. Given this great expression of trust, let me first appreciate all our members for coming out in good number to affirm me as the party flag-bearer.

This is an attestation to your firm belief in our great party and its leadership.
Even though all other aspirants graciously withdrew from the senatorial contest in the interest of our party, our members in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu could still choose to vote against me. That is the power the people hold in a democracy. Overwhelmingly, however, they decided to affirm me, thus attesting to their belief in the APC.

From what transpired in the last few weeks, I have learnt a lot of things about our party members. I have seen their unshakable belief in the values our party stands for. I have also seen teeming support for the direction our leaders at all levels have been providing to bring about much-needed development. I have witnessed their desire to elect leaders, who can avidly deploy their offices to seek the common good of all.

I must therefore say this ratification is your victory. We must bear in mind that this is the first phase in the senatorial contest. Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the second phase of the contest for October 31, 2020. Let me plead with you all that we must all come out in good number on this date in support of our party and me, your candidate for the senatorial election in Lagos East.

Specifically, let me commend all my brothers, who sought our party nomination for Lagos East Senatorial Election but who in the spirit of sportsmanship and in the interest of our party withdrew from the contest and threw their political weight in its entirety in support of my aspiration. I must confess that this is a mark of honour, which I will forever appreciate.

I must also appreciate the Chairman of Lagos APC, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun and all members of the State Working Committee (SWC) and State Executive Committee (SEC), whose hands have been on the plough in the last two months to organise this exercise without acrimony and disharmony. Without them, we could not have been able to conduct seamless and successful primary elections.

All our leaders in the Governors Advisory Council (GAC) have been wonderful and exceptional. They have provided rare leadership, counsel and wisdom that culminated in the success of this exercise. They worked closely with the State Working Committee to ensure the process through the APC candidate for Lagos East Senatorial Election emerged did not lead to disaffection among the aspirants.

My appreciation also goes to my dear brother, the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for steering the affairs of our dear state in line with the manifesto of the APC, the laid-down vision and development plans of our leader and his THEMES Agenda. Since our party leaders began this nomination process, His Excellency has provided unflinching support for Lagos APC at all times to ensure a peaceful, harmonious and unifying process.

Finally, I am in no small measure indebted to the National Leader of our party and Governor Emeritus of our dear state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has been providing sterling leadership for the APC right from its conception to date. In all ramifications, he has been a leading light not only to Lagos State, but also the federation at large.

This was again made evident in an interview a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal granted Sunday Punch about fortnight ago. In that interview, Mr. Lawal attested: “Asiwaju is a colossus of Southwest politics. If he had said there would be no merger in 2013, there would not have been any merger we now refer to APC.”

With this testimony and numerous others, history will affirm the place of Asiwaju Tinubu in the conception, birth, growth and consolidation of APC. With Asiwaju’s immense contribution, APC is now a ruling party at federal level with control of 21 states of the federation. This is a great feat historians will document as part of the political evolution of Nigeria.

I can not end this address without putting on record and appreciating the love and support of my dear family-my wife Feyisola and children, my brothers and sisters, my mother and the entire extended Abiru family. I honour the memory of my late father Justice M. A. O Abiru who was elected Senator between 1979 to 1983 and his life and legacy which continues to inspire all of us.

Most sincerely, I thank you all for your support and promise never to disappoint you.

Tokunbo Abiru
APC Senatorial Candidate for Lagos East
September 3, 2020

Tokunbo Abiru and Obafemi Saheed have emerged as APC candidates for the Lagos East Senatorial District and Kosofe 2 House of Assembly October bye-elections.

At the bye-election which was by affirmation, the Chief Returning Officer, Hon. Ibrahim Masari announced that Tokunbo Abiru recorded a total vote of 111,551- one hundred and eleven thousand, five hundred and fifty- one votes only from the returned votes from the five local governments, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu- that make up the senatorial district covering 71 wards.

Obafemi Saheed scored a total of 34,012 - thirty-four thousand and twelve votes only from the 6 wards that make up Kosofe 2 constituency.
With the emmergence of our candidates, all is now set for APC to contest and retain the respective legislative seats.

Every development in the world of music is due to the creativity and originality of an artist—or, more often, a handful of artists pushing each other playing with rhythm, experimenting with instrumentation, blending genres and sounds to create something new. It’s a living process as musicians build upon the creations of their peers, making something their own.

This clearly defines the gesture of Nigerian creative music act, Asha Gangali, a versatile music act who has not only proven himself in the industry, but also pushed most popular artists who make the headlines today.

Asha revealed in his recent interview with Hip-Tv, how he pushed Wande Coal to stay focus and find himself in the music space. He also revealed how many top artistes today struggled to feature on his music platform, Rock the Mic. He mentioned the likes of D’Banj, Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, and many more.
Speaking Live on Hip TV, Asha hinted that Wande Coal was a dancer, until the day he fell while performing.
“Wande Coal started singing on Rock The Mic, but he was a dancer. And one day he was dancing when he fell. He felt bad and thought to himself, all these other artists that are singing are not better than him..he was referring to the likes of Suspect, LKT and so on. That was when Wande started singing.
“So, Rock The Mic gave them the opportunity but I was funding it. There was a misconception that it was being sponsored but all those corporate people didn’t pay nothing. They will just put banners and backdrop to identify with the project but they didn’t pay. We were not collecting money so I had to end it.
“We did 3 seasons and had the grand finale which featured Goldie. May her soul rest in peace.”. he said.
The interview has raised controversy online as major big artist are coming out to admit that Asha Gangali has been a great influence in the music industry.
Scooby Nero took to Tunde Ednut’s Instagram page to confess how strong and influential is Asha and hisRock The Mic brand he wrote: “Na True oo I was Dancing for RUGGEDMAN around that time , After DonFlex went to PSQUARE dem use me do Substitute”

Ace comedian, Seyi Law also came in to admit. He wrote:
I was on Rock Da Mic with @ashagangali back then. He is a great guy. He gave his platform to many.
DJ Spicey also wrote: Asha ganganli � Na better man from tey tey

Asha Gangali is said to be releasing Lifestyle EP which will be available globally in September 2020.

Multi-talented Singer and Founder of Roc Da Mic Africa, Asha Gangali aka has announced the release of his highly anticipated “LIFESTYLE EP” which will be available globally in September 2020.

The Lifestyle Crooner revealed in a recent interview that the fresh new body of work is a blend of HipHop and Afropop, the HipHop influenced tracks were Produced by Talented Russian producer, Oreo Beats while the other tracks were produced by equally Talented upcoming producers signed to Roc Da Mic Africa .

Asha Gangali confided that he started working on the LIFESTYLE EP back in 2018 when he travelled to Accra Ghana. This journey apparently changed Asha’s Creative Direction after he learned that his biggest musical influence FELA KUTI also visited Ghana before launching the Afro Beat movement, this awakening led to the total rebranding of Asha Gangali aka YoungOG

The Six(6) Track LIFESTYLE EP will feature Roc Da Mic Africa’s Artists like “GIDI GENG” , “PEPE” “TBEATZ” , “LEKAN AKO” and “NAOMI”

The official video for the smash hit title track single “LIFESTYLE” is currently on heavy rotation across platforms , the song debuted at No 4 on iTunes Nigeria Chart and dominated the charts alongside other major hit songs by other prominent musicians for two(2) weeks consecutively .
The audio has gained over one(1) million streams on blogs and free download sites.

Asha Gangali’s focus from the beginning of his career has always been not only to release good music but to also empower new Talents by giving them a platform to showcase their skills and to ensure that the Nigerian Music Industry is translated into a “Digital Ecosystem “ to enable proper monetization of music assets in the Music Industry

The Lagos Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC has reacted to insinuations that the Party has unanimously picked a senatorial candidate to replace the seat of late Senator, Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo. This is coming after former commissioner in Lagos Tokunbo Abiru resigned from a prominent Nigerian Bank and picked up a nomination form for the senatorial race.



In a press statement released by Hon, Oluseye Oladejo the publicity secretary, it was revealed that the party has not picked a candidate for the highly revered senatorial seat and implore Lagosians to ignore any gesture that suggests otherwise.



The statement reads;



“The party has not picked any candidate for the forthcoming bye-elections. It is not until Thursday when the primary will be conducted that the candidates for the Lagos East Senatorial District and Kosofe 2 constituency will be determined.



“Lagosians should disregard any speculation or rumors making the rounds that the party already has picked Mr. Tokunbo Abiru as the party’s consensus candidate for the senatorial election.”



He implored Lagosians to tarry until Thursday, September 3, 2020, when the party primary will be conducted for the Lagos East Senatorial District and Kosofe 2 constituency

https://www.empressivenaija.com/2020/08/apc-candidates-for-vacant-senate-lagos.html

It is impossible to talk about entrepreneurial programs without mentioning Queensland Academy. This is one of the best schools that infuse entrepreneurship in its curriculum in Lagos and Nigeria in general.


Having a secondary school that creates a foundational backup for students to be an entrepreneur, will not only position them for academic excellence, but also expose them to various skills right from a very early age to put them in the path of financial freedom.



This is the goal of Queensland International School, a Lagos-based reputable citadel of learning poised to help students channel the creative seeds as young minds to confident materials that can compete in a modern business world.


Queensland Academy offers varieties of skill acquisition programs that will benefit students now and even in the future. It is a school that is popularly known for its entrepreneurship infusion into its curriculum.


The classes typically include one year of core business courses and practical training in entrepreneurship. Students usually learn about innovating in existing industries, developing business opportunities, and strategic planning.


Sadly, most schools do not teach entrepreneurship. They focus more on topics that don’t help students think creatively and ambitiously. Entrepreneurship education has a lot of benefits to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Today we talk about so many graduates unemployed. They are unemployed because they have a certificate but they don’t have the required skills. The certificate means nothing because, what people are looking out for, is the skill that the prospects bring with their certificates.


For 27 years, Queensland has been building innovators, her alumni has been creating new jobs or building on already existing ideas to increase business space in the competitive economy.


Only a few schools compete with Queensland Academy when it comes to entrepreneurship studies. Basically, the inclusion of entrepreneurship class prepares students to start new businesses from scratch, take over family companies, or bring the small-business spirit to larger organization.


Students are exposed to various skills right from a very early age. The philosophy on which the school runs is to raise exemplary and meticulously mentored future leaders who are able to apply their knowledge to solving societal problems. Students are expected to think out of the box with an entrepreneurial mindset. This indeed has inspired early startups among the students in the school.



Queensland exposes the students to skill acquisition programs, business education such as marketing mix, writing business plans, financial literacy, and so on. The school also exposes them to internship with choice companies and organizations before they leave secondary school.


There is the CEO inspirational moments where young CEO come in to inspire the students with their stories. All these make the Entrepreneurship Department very robust.


Many students who graduate from Queensland Academy has launched successful businesses and are equally taking giant strides in their academic pursuit.


Tobi Afilaka-Iyiola is a former student of the school, who graduated in 2019 and she’s currently a medical student at the Vinnytsia National Medical University in Ukraine.



She recently started the foremost African Kitchen in Ukraine called Vinn’s Kitchen, and within a year, the kitchen has been listed on the top 50 most promising business in Ukraine.



There are other budding entrepreneurs at Queensland Academy who has also started their small scale businesses even while in school which spells for greater things to watch out for.



Our education system is responsible for preparing young people to be ready for a wide range of opportunities ahead of them. Becoming an entrepreneur requires good communication skills, commitment, creative thinking and also a strong passion for technology innovation; these are the structure upon which Queensland Academy is based.



www.queenslandacademy.com



ADDRESS:1- 5 Ebem Oha Street, Okota, Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria.



EMAIL: info@queenslandacademy.com

queenslandacademy2001@yahoo.com









PHONE: +234 8033293480, +234 8037116570

Renowned educationist Mrs Adenike Okudoh, has advised education stakeholders on the urgent need to revisit, review and reshape Nigeria’s curriculum to align with the fast-evolving world, so that Nigerian children will remain relevant in the global space.

Mrs Okudoh, who is the Director of Lagos's foremost academic institution, Queensland Academy, believes that using the two powerful tools of Education & required Entrepreneurial skills, the Nigerian students will remain socio-economically relevant especially in the 21st century. This is what has formed the basis of the curriculum run at Queensland Academy and have birthed several amazing testimonies from current and ex-students of the school.

Speaking on the future of work at the recent Entrepreneurship Summit on Zoom, Mrs Okudoh said that in sub-Saharan Africa and in the poor countries around the world, 75 million jobs will cease to exist in the next 10 years. The new jobs that would evolve will require new skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, team bonding and the likes. The Nigerian child needs to be equipped with these skills through quality entrepreneurial education within our schools which goes beyond mere skill acquisition programmes.

“Globally, companies are more interested in employing people who have these required skills rather just the certificates. In fact in the next few years, certificates will become more and less relevant. The employability of the Nigerian students will therefore depend on the skills they can bring to the table.
Hence, there is no gainsaying that the future of the work place is rapidly changing and the big question is if our education system is preparing our children for this place. This is a cause for concern to all stakeholders in the Nigerian education space. The Nigerian child must be future ready.

Until that particular day in the first legislative session (1999 – 2003), federal lawmakers always stroll to their respective chambers in flowing Babaringa with broad smiles and banters. Despite the banana peels that swept off some members into irrelevance in the two chambers, the tumult of that era could not take away the shine and their happy moods.
A particular day was different. The atmosphere in the Federal House of Representatives was tensed and the mood of the members, stone-cold. Mobile telephone or GSM has just debuted and it assisted in networking outside the chambers to prepare for what was to happen at the plenary.

The lawmakers had been disturbed from the news filtering out from African Petroleum (Now Ardova) where some of them had invested a huge amount of money. Nigerians, the Federal Government and especially, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) had all just been scammed, and Sadiq Petroleum, the core investor that bought the federal government’s 30 percent shares in AP that was privatised in 2000 was not happy that debt as huge as N22.5 billion was not detected by the privatisation agency while preparing African Petroleum (AP) for sale.

Owing to the huge debt of AP, Sadiq Petroleum and other shareholders have on their hands a carcass. That was the first of the due diligence of the BPE that failed. The second was the one that heralded the sale of the Aluminum Smelter Company, (ALSCON) Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State that ended in controversy and protracted litigation.

It was the same period that Cadbury Nigeria Plc also overstated its account and gave the shareholders a false sense of ownership.

The plenary at the House of Representatives on that day was different, the lawmakers were angry and they entrusted their House Committee on Commerce to detect how false financial reporting of Cadbury, AP, and that of the Lever Brothers; now Unilever (in the era of late Rufus Giwa) went undetected. Scrutiny of the various investment laws in the land as well as the relevant Federal Government agencies that were supposed to protect such laws began. The first to have a taste of the anger of the legislators was the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which is the regulator for the capital market. The second was the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on which the three companies were listed.

After a heap of investigations, a tiny and obscure agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Commerce (now Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment) as it was then called was found wanting and discovered to have been under-performing. Owing to the loopholes in the enabling law, that supposedly establish the agency, the cowboys that were behind the three entities could not be stopped from toying with people’s investments and lives.

That was the first time, the public knew of the quasi-parastatal of the Federal Government called the Nigerian Accounting Standard Board (NASB), the enormous and overwhelming responsibilities and usefulness the agency had (for the investing public) and also the fact that there was no adequate legal backing in its over 20 years of existence. Owing to its porous enabling laws, the tidal waves of the Nigerian investment space have turned it a paperweight which is tossed up and down and, in some cases, boxed.

With the support of and tireless works of Lanre Laoshe, a member of the House Committee on Finance and also, a member, of the House Committee on Commerce, in the first legislative session that ran from 1999 to 2003, the NASB was empowered with enabling legislation, the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board Act, No. 22, 2003 that gave it new and enormous powers to protect investors and make the economy safe for foreign direct investments to flow into Nigeria.

Just as Nigerians thought all is well and investments are safe, then the news came in from the United States of America that Enron has failed, taking away billions of dollars of investors’ money. Also came the news of the collapse of WorldCom, Parmalat, etc. which sunk with billions of dollars of investments. The failure of these companies threw global investors into confusion, fear, and depression which many could not live through.


This brought new fears to Nigerians and again, attention was turned to the NASB to see whether it could prevent the spillover from Nigeria.


The first fear that the NASB was behind time came on 4th November 2005, from the then Minister of Commerce, Idris Waziri, who raised an alarm that the NASB’s enabling law was not well-conceived and structured and as such, could not prevent the decline in the nation’s accounting system.

“I understand that the NASB had issued 21 accounting standards compared to over 40 issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the world’s accounting standard-setting body. It is my hope that the Board (NASB) will work round the clock to bridge this gap,” Waziri said.



Noting that the nation’s accounting system, if well-structured and upgraded, will immensely pave way for more foreign direct investment and rid the nation of financial vices, Waziri stated that “a major objective of the Obasanjo led government’s reform agenda is the enthronement of transparency and accountability in all areas of our national life as a means of attracting the much-needed investment’.

Again on 22nd November 2006, Ibrahim Dankwambo (the then Accountant General of the Federation and former Governor of Gombe State) at the National Training Workshop on Accounting and Financial Reporting in the Public Sector in Abuja raised another fear.

“NASB is yet to issue any standard for use in the public sector” he noted as he lamented the lack of an established accounting standard for use in the public sector which continued despite all efforts to standardise accounting and financial reporting systems among the three tiers of government.



The complaints by both Waziri and Dankwambo and coupled with the collapse of both Enron and WorldCom set the tone for a fresh and total reform of the NASB. This new effort was again championed by Lanre Laoshe, who had exited the National Assembly in 2003, using his enormous legislative experience and influence to push through the new reforms of the NASB, which then metamorphosed into the current Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) with powers strong enough to withstand several antics of many fraudsters in the Nigerian economic landscape.

Paperwork for the repeal of the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board Act No 22, 2003 began late 2009 after the exit of the then Executive Secretary of the NASB, Godson Nnadi, who exited office after 20 years, running the NASB as a quasi parastatal of the Federal Government until the NASB got the Act in 2003. In fact, he had to submit his resignation letter to the then Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jubril Martins Kuye, on 5th May 2010 as there was no justification for the continuation of his stay in that agency which was still obscure despite his methuselah tenure.

Then came the appointment of the fearless Jim Obazee in November 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan.

That was the era of the global financial crisis during which the World Bank, was marketing reforms under its Economic Reforms and Governance Programme (ERGP) to world leaders including Nigeria. This global effort led to the urgency by the then Nigerian government to repeal the NASB Act 2003 and enact the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act in June 2011. The Federal Government took this agenda seriously as they saw a huge window that will enable Nigeria to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country which was then unattractive because of poor regulatory and governance framework. It actually paid off as Nigeria then rose to become the number one investment destination in Africa. This is a matter for another day.

The Council went to work and started with a roadmap for the phased adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which moved Nigerian firms and its managers to international financial reporting practices. This was an easy road for Jim Obazee because he was the one that chaired the National Committee for the Roadmap to the adoption of IFRS in Nigeria prior to his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the defunct NASB in November 2010. This phased transition provided for the introduction of financial reporting standards to allay the fears raised earlier by both Waziri, the former Commerce Minister, and Dankwambo, the former Accountant-General of the Federation.


Much of the work of the FRC was not in the limelight until the Goodluck Jonathan administration started to revamp the economy, and was working to up the ante for foreign direct investments which was very competitive among nations at the time and which still is though.


To demonstrate his administration’s readiness to make the Nigerian economy transparent, accountable, and give comfort to Nigerians and the global community, the Goodluck Jonathan led administration allowed the scrutiny of the accounts of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by the FRC. Even the “almighty” Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was not spared, of which the outcome led to the suspension and ultimate removal of its Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi following the damning briefing note of the then CEO of FRC, Jim Obazee, to former President Goodluck Jonathan. This made an interesting and shocking read at the time and may still be worth our while as of today.


DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENT BELOW
The FRC again bared its fangs on the private sector and Stanbic IBTC Bank was caught with several financial reporting infractions which led the FRC to direct the Bank to withdraw and restate its financial statements for two consecutive years in addition to a fine of N1 billion. StanbicIBTC Bank took FRC to court for redress but the judgment was given in favour of the Council. The External Auditor that signed the offensive financial statements of StanbicIBTC Bank, on behalf of KPMG, Ayo Othihiwa, was not spared by FRC which also suspended him from practice and withdrew his ability to sign any financial statements in Nigeria. KPMG also did not take this sanction lying low. The giant audit firm, like StanbicIBTC Bank, also took FRC to court. It also lost.


This led some observers to acknowledge that the fear of FRC is likened to the biblical injunction of searching for wisdom. The air of financial reporting sanity in Nigeria was evident to all. It was at this time that Nigeria was christened as the Number one investment destination in Africa. The FRC was not done yet. It then moved to reform the corporate governance codes in Nigeria which were largely persuasive and numerous. The FRC Act, 2011 domiciled the unification of these codes on the doorstep of the FRC as seen in sections 50 and 51 of the Act.

It is the issuance of this unified code of corporate governance by the FRC in 2016 that led to a series of events that opened the ground for the sinking of the FRC. Some persons and entities used the civilised path by taking the FRC to court. They, like StanbicIBTC Bank and KMPG, also lost to the FRC as the judges were satisfied that the FRC was following its enabling Act.


The so-called “prominent” Nigerians then decided to find a political solution by seeking the removal of the then Chief Executive Officer of the FRC, Jim Obazee, who they could not compromise under any guise.

On the faithful morning of January 9, 2017, the newspapers were awash with the news that Jim Obazee, the FRC czar, had been sacked by the President of Nigeria without reason other than that the General Overseer of a major Pentecostal Church in Nigeria whose followers included the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and the then Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (the supervisory ministry of the FRC) Okechukwu Enelamah, feels offended by some provisions of the Code of Corporate Governance for Not-for-Profit Organisations.



The announcement of the sack of the fearless Jim Obazee also came with the appointment of the current Executive Secretary of the FRC, Daniel Asakpokhai, and Adedotun Sulaiman as the chairman of the FRC governing board.

It is, however, interesting that the gentleman, that succeeded Jim Obazee at the regulatory body of financial statement reporting does not have a degree in Accounting other than the professional examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). One needs not to consult the oracle to know that the grave of the FRC had just been dug by this misnomer because findings show that Asakpohia was at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he came from, a Risk Management Partner with no background in financial statement reporting.


The fraudulent minds celebrated the removal of the fearless Jim Obazee while Nigerians, who are the losers in this battle, watch helplessly.


Analysts criticised the appointment of the two individuals which they noted was wrong especially when the two were attached to companies that are under the regulation of the FRC. The entity from which the Executive Secretary was appointed from had a client that was in court with FRC (Eko Hotels wherein the auditors were also to be questioned because they were the signatory to the accounts) while Dotun Sulaiman that was appointed as chairman was a director in a company that was undergoing probe at the FRC over financial statement infractions and corporate governance abuses; at the time of the appointment.

Immediately after their appointments, the FRC began a steep decline from its lofty heights having lost its voice, and now, the foot-mat that is trampled on at will in the Nigerian economic space.


Some observers hold the view that the shameful drift of the FRC and the seeming recklessness of business owners and operators occasioned by the suspension of the National Code of Corporate Governance of 2016 and the nonchalant attitude of the FRC towards the promotion of credible financial reporting prompted Pastor Sunday Adelaja, a Nigerian-born clergyman in Kyiv, Ukraine to, on July 8, asked the Federal Government, in a global broadcast, to return Jim Obazee to clean up the country.

Adelaja caused a stir in the country, especially at Aso Villa, the Nigerian seat of power, with his sermon titled, “Buhari, Bring Back Jim Obazee to Clean religious circles in Nigeria”. Adelaja, the founder of the Embassy of Blessed Kingdom of God Church, who has huge followers in Europe, said the leadership and structure of the church in Nigeria are as guilty as the political class.



“We must bring back the former FRC boss to help us sanitise the public service and clean up religious circles in Nigeria”, Adelaja said in the sermon that ran on YouTube and drew huge followers and listeners.

The Nigerian born pastor said, “There are so many concepts that churches in Nigeria are promoting and some of the practices might be worse than what the politicians do”.

Adelaja’s request might have been informed by the inactiveness at the FRC under Daniel Asakpokhai, the current Executive Secretary whom, findings by InsideBusiness show that he has not been in the office since February this year.

A visit to the new office of the FRC on the Fourth and Fifth floors at Alexander House at Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, revealed that a Deputy Director, Iheanyi Anyahara, who also has no first degree in Accounting but has passed ICAN professional examinations, was in charge in an acting capacity for only three months between April to June. Currently, Anyahara’s tenure as Acting Executive Secretary has elapsed since the end of June and the FRC is now rudderless as the Executive Secretary is still out of the country and the governing Board is struggling to find a way out to manage the situation.

The staff of FRC, who volunteered information about the current situation of the organisation confirmed Pastor Adelaja’s fears. Since the exit of Jim Obazee, things have degenerated so fast that the FRC, will need to be cleansed before it can clean up the public space.

Efforts to get Anyahara to comment on the dwindling fortune of the FRC was not fruitful. Anyahara also, as a management staff, has helped in turning the Council to a boxing ring, bringing to the fore, the in-fighting among the staff. Iheanyi Anyahara and one Vincent Okhiria had exchanged blows in the presence of their juniors in the office. This was after the show of shame between Okediran Folashade and Nelson Anumaka.

Letter sent to Anyahara’s official email is yet to be answered but a hard copy of the letter was acknowledged by his office.

However, Anyahara in a WhatsApp message to InsideBusiness on June 22 said the Public service rules forbid him to comment without clearance from Asakpokhai, who unfortunately was not around.

“There is a substantive CEO. I am just holding the fort for him for a short period,” Anyahara said.

This current scenario at the FRC has now made it more compelling for President Muhammadu Buhari-led-Administration to quickly intervene in the Council and restructure its Board and management to enable the agency to deliver on its mandate.

SEE FULL ATTACHMENTS BELOW
https://insidebusiness.ng/117437/financial-reporting-council-now-rudderless-sinking/#.Xzp-Dyoz2j0.whatsapp

Aizu is a young and talented artiste that made his debuts in the Nigerian music industry in 2019, making the year an impressive one. For Aizu, it was a take-off year, and was able to consolidate his gains. Aizu has proved to music lovers that he is a bag of talents with a melodious voice easy to listen to. He recently spoke to one Nigeria’s biggest show promoters, Issa Abubakar on how the pandemic has affected the music industry and how to wriggle out





How Did Music Start For You?



Music has always been life to me. it's the way i see the world, its the way i connect and interpret everything that's going on around me. Am an introvert and don't do a lot of talking so when I really want to say something i just sing, my feelings are the flows, I am sensitive and feel alot, music is how i bring out what's in the me world to the outside world. I respect everyone in the entertainment industry and outside the entertainment industry, we are all playing our part to make the world a better place. Mine is through singing, am always conscious of my songs cause I know how powerful music is. Music is my voice, my influence and my everything



How Did You Coin The Name Aizu?



My stage name Aizu itself came from my surname Aisunuvbo. The name is more than a name to me, it represents something bigger and I plan to take it farther.



How have you coped amidst the pandemic as it affects the industry?



Albert Einstein once said and I quote In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. The pandemic has been hard on everyone especially artists cause of the cancellation of shows, tours, concerts and apart from the inability to bring in revenue from them, we have to cancel already made plans, plans that time and money have been invested in, trust me when i say i understand and it is not so good but now is also giving us the opportunity to look inward and be better than we were. We have time to connect to our inner being now, to create, to learn, to focus, to think. Coronavirus won't last forever but whatever good we bring out of it will. Let's use this time wisely, we might not get a second chance and honestly, no one is praying for this kind of second chance lol��



What is your advice for those coming into the music business?



There are many ways a contract can go wrong and many ways a contract can be right for you, my advice is to know yourself and know what you want before going into an agreement with a party. No man is an island, seek help from a professional, you might be a music genius but that doesn't make you a lawyer or an engineer. I believe contacting a professional in a field to do their part in your field is a sign of respect. A lawyer can go a long way in deciding how your future will turn out so don't overlook their importance when it's time



What inspires you as an artiste?

A wise man knows there is something to be learned from everyone and no one is perfect. I’m inspired by everyone facing their struggles and keeping their head up through it all, you don't have to be a celebrity to inspire me, Just do your thing. I respect everyone





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Twitter @its_aizu



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