₦airaland Forum

Benedict Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Group (www.AiteoGroup.com), has instructed London law firm Mishcon de Reya and Washington’s Covington & Burling to lead ongoing efforts to address politically-motivated issues.

Aiteo Group, founded in 1999, is a leading indigenous Nigerian oil producer headquartered in Lagos.

UK-based Mishcon de Reya is one of the world’s leading legal practices with a particular proficiency in handling contentious international disputes. Covington, headquartered in Washington, DC. United States, has an outstanding reputation in navigating complex legal issues at the intersection of law and policy around the world.

Explaining the appointments, Benedict Peters said: “I maintain my position that all the allegations are baseless and without any truth whatsoever. These unfounded allegations have caused untold disruption to my family and my business. To ensure that we remain focused, I have engaged two of the world’s leading law firms to offer both counsel and guidance in dealing with these issues.”

“There is a toxic culture of politically motivated witch-hunts that stains reputations, stifles enterprise and keeps foreign investors away from our country. For two years, I have suffered malicious, unfounded and false allegations hanging over my head.”

“This persecution is being pursued to diminish the visible endeavours to position our business, and Nigeria, at the apex of the energy industry worldwide. Despite these distractions, I remain focused on the efforts to sustain Aiteo’s growth towards becoming Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil producer. It is time to address the situation and so I have decided that I must take direct legal and other action to clear my name.”

And Peters has now decided to publicly bring every inch of this matter to the fore.

Abuja Court declares Ben Peters donation of 60m during the 2015 general election to a political party as legitimate and not in violation of any law. The court also quashed the allegation of Money laundering and Bribery of INEC Officials leveled against Ben Peters and upheld that Ben Peters has not committed any crime by making a donation to a political party.

The Aiteo Group, founded and managed by its Executive Vice Chairman, Benedict Peters has been named Company of The Year at the 2017 New Telegraph Awards.

The event which was held on Saturday featured other distinguished Nigerian brands including the Dangote Group, Zenith Bank Plc, representatives of UBA Plc among others. The nomination committee factored in the outstanding contribution of Aiteo to the development of local communities, the oil and gas sector, and the development of sports in its decision.

In the last two years, Aiteo has achieved remarkable feats in a number of areas. It has increased production from OML29 which it acquired from Shell in 2014 by an estimated 200%. Apart from this, the company has established itself as a member of the communities where it operates by continuously engaging with, and carrying along host communities and other stakeholders in its business model.

The awards committee also noted that Aiteo made remarkable contribution to the successful qualification of Nigeria’s senior male football team, the Super Eagles for the World Cup scheduled to hold in Russia next year.
“Its partnership with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and its sponsorship of the Federation Cup which has been rebranded the Aiteo Cup, go to show the value it places on football and physical development at the national level.”

A representative of Aiteo who spoke on the sideline of the event said that the award is a testament to the commitment of Benedict Peters’ to investing in Nigeria. He also said that Aiteo prides itself in using local talents to achieving great goals, just as it has done with OML29.

Zenith Bank Plc was presented with the Bank of the Year Award. Speaking on behalf of the bank while receiving the award, Denis Olisa, General Manager, Chief Inspector of the bank, was grateful to New Telegraph for the award. He noted that the award will ginger the company to continue to improve the country’s banking sector.

According to him, the bank has impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians and will continue to support the economy. However, UBA Plc Managing Director, Mr Kennedy Uzoka was presented with the ‘Bank CE0 of the Year’ Award.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank’s MD, Mr. Ayoku Liadi, Executive Director, Lagos and West of UBA, said that the bank was delighted and honoured with the award.
He said that the bank will contnue to support the media and the banking sector to improve the economy. In the same vein, the Aiteo Group was presented with the ‘Company of the Year’ Award.

The President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was presented with the Businessman of the Year Award.

Receiving the award on behalf of Alhaji Dangote, Mr. Sunday Esan of Corporate Communications Department disclosed that the company was humbled to be presented the ‘Businessman of the year’ on Aliko Dangote.

ADEKUNLE
16 NOV 2017
The partnership between Aiteo and CAF is sure to deepen football on the African continent, Bonny Kant writes.

When Ahmad Ahmad became the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in May, he did something strange. He refused to accept a salary.


Another African from Nigeria, 5,205km away from Ahmad’s home country, Madagascar, is making his own sacrifice. His name is Benedict Peters, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Aiteo Group. Peters is bankrolling football projects in Nigeria and at the continental level.
Ahmad and Peters have a passion for football, and they believe that it is a sure bet to getting millions of young Africans engaged and liberated from some of the dangerous ills of the society.

Ahmad wants to bring back confidence in African football. While contesting for the CAF presidency in early 2017, he stated his vision for the continent, and part of it is his desire to promote inclusiveness, improve governance, increase transparency and develop African football by reinvestment.

Ahmad has not concealed his desire to reinvest CAF’s resources into the development of football across the continent. He stressed that “CAF is not here to make money to enrich itself.”

Convergence of visions

With the sealing of a sponsorship deal between Peter’s Aiteo Group and Ahmad’s CAF, there was some sort of convergence of goals between the two men.
Ahmad has found someone with a shared vision in the Energy company’s founder, Benedict Peters. These two men, head two different organizations, from two different African countries, and yet, have a joint vision to take African football to the next level.
Peters is regarded as the 17th richest man in Africa by Ventures Africa. He is sitting atop what many now regard as the largest indigenous petroleum company by output in Nigeria. Peters sees football as a veritable tool for change, unity and progress. He also sees the sport as challenged. Finance, and poor publicity on the continent has stalled to growth of many local leagues.

“Ask any young African if they are a football fan and they will surely say Yes,” he wrote for the Huffington Post recently. “But ask them which team they support and the answer is more likely to be Manchester United, Barcelona or Real Madrid, than Rivers Angels, Accra Hearts of Oak or Canon Yaoundé,” he added.

Benedict Peters has placed himself at the right spot to determine history and change this circumstance. For the past two years, the Aiteo Group has been investing heavily in football in Nigeria. A N2.5billion (About $7million) deal with the country’s football authorities eased the payment of salaries for the National team coach and other football officials. Aiteo also gave special bonuses to players of the National team, the Super Eagles, during their World Cup qualifiers.

The company also took over the sponsorship of the local federation cup, the oldest football tournament in the country. The competition has now been rebranded Aiteo Cup, and the prize money for the winners increased five-fold. The deal with CAF to sponsor the football awards, shows that Aiteo has stepped up its engagement in football from the National to the Continental level.

To read more: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/benedict-peters-ahmad-ahmad-two-leaders-one-vision-african-football/amp/

PFRB:
People are celebration fabricated results. cases of over accreditation, over voting and over announcement litter the whole place.

Boss u see you didn't come out to count the number of voters that came to vote. I didn't expect much from someone that stayed indoors on an election day. Sorry for you my dear

#NdiAnambraThankYou#

Anambra votes 2017 vs 2013

Anambra 2017 Result ��

APGA - 234, 071 (Chief Willie Obiano)
APC - 98, 752 (Tony Nwoye)
PDP - 70, 593 (Oseloka Obaze)
UPP - 7, 746 (Chief Osita Chidoka)

#2013 Result
APGA - 180,178 (Chief Willie Obiano)
PDP - 97,700 (Tony Nwoye)
APC - 95,963 (Chief Chris Ngige)

1. Despite the threat from IPOB to the people of Anambra to sit at home, more people voted in Anambra in this election than in the 2013 election.

2. Despite the massive presence of security forces, which was somewhat misunderstood, more people came out to vote in Anambra in this election than in the 2013 election.


VOTE OF THANKS

President Buhari is to be commended for having restored the Anambra Governor’s security, swiftly.

INEC and the Nigerian Security Forces are to be commended for the independent roles that they played to ensure a free and fair election.

The real heroes of this election were the people of Anambra (Ndi Anambra), who exercised so much patience, came out to vote and went on to protect their vote.

This is historic, whereby votes were not only casted by Ndi Anambra, but fiercely protected through the whole chain by Ndi Anambra who voted, as many voters monitored the results of their votes at collation centers and their Local Government Headquarters, leading to a largely historic credible process.

VOX POPULI ANAMBRA, VOX DEI, the Voice of the People of Anambra, is the Voice of GOD!!!

#NdiAnambraThankYou#

My able Governor. Congratulations to you. I hope this term will be enough for you to complete your unfinished projects.
Long live Willie Obiano
Long live APGA
Long live Anambra State

Voting exercise at ward 03, Eri Primary school, Unit 004, Otuocha 1, Aguleri, Anambra East. Photos: Saheed Olugbon

Tony Okafor

Two arrested at Tony Nwoye’s home Nsugbe ward, in Anambra East LGA.

Trouble began when a man, identified as a local government chairman, Pius Ifeadi, came to Ward 1 Nsugbe (Ofianta unit) with some boys and wanted to inspect the processes but was stopped by some natives who accused him of working for a rival All Progressives Grand Alliance party.

When the fracas escalated, the police had to arrest two persons suspected to be thugs assisting the council boss.


A witness said, “The chairman is not from this ward. He belongs to another ward. But surprisingly he came here with some boys. The people resisted his attempt to start dictating for them. Then trouble began and the police took two of his boys.

“This place is PDP, so we couldn’t understand why an APGA man should come here to dictate for us on how to vote.”

20 Points not to Forget... #AnambraDebates

1. Anambra is the number one State in Bribery and Corruption - Osita Chidoka

2. Tony Nwoye couldn't answer simple question of why Ndi anambra should trust him after he jumped ship from PDP to APC

3. Channels: Time is up
Tony Nwoye: Don't cut me short! My time is not up!

4. "In 3 years I grew the Anambra economy by 1 trillion"- Gov Obiano

5. "I'm not running against Peter Obi & so I'd rather focus on what I have to do for ndi Anambra "- Gov Obiano

6. "I came, I saw, I conquered insecurity. I have provided dividends from security. About 1 billion naira is brought home by Ndi Anambra monthly"- Gov Obiano

7. "If all other states in Nigeria were to be like Anambra, there wouldn't be recession." - Gov. Willie Obiano"- Gov Obiano

8. "You have to go to Enugu before you get to Omasi in Ayamelum"- Tony Nwoye

9. "The incumbent Governor (Obiano) has tried on security" - Tony Nwoye

10. You don't have money sitting idle when you have the need to pay contractors and build infrastructures... Do you keep money in savings when the people are dying?

11. "We have the highest number of people that pass English and Maths every year in Nigeria" ~ Chidoka.

12. "We need PORTABLE and accessible roads in Anambra" ~ Tony Nwoye

13. "We don't need airport in Anambra" ~ Obaze

14. Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation could not attract an airport to Anambra State

15. "IPOB members are jobless and some are irresponsible" - Tony Nwoye

16. "PDP Obaze should understand that this is a debate not a revenge mission" - Chinwendu

17. "APC has denied the South East their national cake" - Ezeemo of PPA

18. "Our brothers that occupied juicy positions in the previous administration like, my brother chidoka the former Aviation Minister could not represent us well" -- Godwin Ezeemo of PPA

19. "Peter Obi signed cheques running into billions just waiting for me to take over so that the money will be drawn" - Obiano

20. "Anambra State Government is not putting one kobo in the airport project" -Obiano.

This is called FDI(Foreign direct investment). Nnanyelugo.

#ObianoLeads
#Reelect Obiano for continuity, and consolidation.

Haters will always hate. Nnewi people coming out in mass is something they can only do for APGA and no other party.

It's better they leave it for APGA than allowing that devilish APC party to take over Anambra state

Can you feel the sea of heads!

...Joy unlimited as Gov Obiano arrives Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium for the Nnewi Rally in support of #TeamAPGA

Ndi Nnewi have resolved to #ReElectObiano by Voting APGA to Keep Willie Working!! #AnambraIsAPGA

MYBLOCUS:
THIS CAN ONLY HAPPEN DURING ELECTION PERIOD ,MADAM STOP WASTING YOUR TIME WE ARE WISE NOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARTY WHICH IS APC ,TONY NWOYE WE KNOW OTHERS MAKE UNA PARK WELL

Like seriously? Oga hope u are alright. Tony Nwoye can never be the right person to rule anambra. Ur village elders must have used ur brain for sacrifice if u think he is the right candidate for "wise voters". A renowned cultist and armed robber?
You must be out of your senses sir!

[quote author=senatordave1 post=62218297][s]She is wasting her time.if she likes,let her visit all the market in ibo land,apc is sending them out of agu awka.[[/s]/quote]

You are inviting a killer and a renowned cultist to be your Governor... I'm disappointed in the sperm that fertilized ur mothers egg

The Onitsha New Hotel Hoax

Ejimonu Udenka replies Valentine Obienyem...

As a Real Estate operator around Onitsha and environs who is also active in the political space, I could not let the falsehood being circulated by desperate PDP-Obi-Obaze marooned media hands led by one Val Obienyem on social media platform confuse the gullible.

In fact, when I raised alarm that the campaign strategy of the Peter Obi led PDP will fail because it is predicated on fabrication of lies to discredit the incumbent governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano, they shouted persecution. Today their many lies are fast catching up with them and in desperation; they are manufacturing more lies to get the attention of ndi Anambra who have seen through their devious schemes.

The latest staple from the table of the PDP-Obi-Obaze purveyors of falsehood is a spurious write up titled “Who owns the New Hotel?” It would have been best to ignore the puerile concoction but the mischief embedded by the author could not be ignored less he misleads the uniformed.

The facts are that the Obiano administration in furtherance of its objective of building enduring institutions rather than dependence on handouts from Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and others, adopted the transparent approach to Public Private Partnerships (PPP) which ensures that his government concentrate on its core mandate by allowing competent private operators to manage such businesses for the benefit of ndi Anambra.

Thus it is not news that the government adopted the option of concessioning to competent private developers. Onitsha Mall is up and running, Nnewi shopping mall has reverted to Nnewi indigenes, just as Awka is an going concern; Agulu is now Golden Tulip Hotels, while the Onitsha hotels is handled by Cardinal Developers whose initial financing arrangement with AfroExim bank was stalled under the weight of recession and high exchange rate. Hence they are now in the process of getting new financing to complete the project.

Pray why would any sane person accuse Obiano of ‘virement’ of non-existent and unappropriated funds?

From available records and town planning charts there is no provision for any other hotel in the area mentioned. To answer the two questions you ignorantly posed;

Who is the real owner…There is no such hotel. The picture you posted is a private development of an office complex by the Albert Osakwe family of Onitsha. Isn’t it funny that you are dragging innocent families into the fray to buttress your lies?

Who signed the CofO? Available records show that the Certificate of Occupancy of the said private property was actually signed by your sponsor former Governor Peter Obi. It was made out to Albert Osakwe Trust Company Ltd signed by Mr. Peter Obi on 23rd December 2011. Haba! Why are you embarrassing him with blatant lies?

As per the mention of someone you wish to take over, ndi Anambra are yet to hear anyone with better alternative than Chief WILLIE Obiano, a man who successfully managed and cushioned the Anambra economy and it navigated the national recession unscathed.

Last word! The Bible said, “You will know the truth….” But I add, the way you use the truth determines whether ndi Anambra will set you free.

Be warned. Stop peddling these lies!

All these candidates from other parties are just there to make to make noise... Come November 18, Willie still win. APGA bu nke Anyi!!!

7 New Roads to be built in Dunukofia -Obiano

By Kingsley Ezekwelu

As Gov Willie Obiano continues the inauguration of his reelection campaign chapters in the 21LGAs in Anambra state, he this afternoon stormed the Dunukofia LGA with an entourage of powerful party stalwarts and government functionaries.
The governor during the campaign rally mulled that his administration will embark on the construction of seven(7)major inner link roads to connect and open up communities in Dunukofia Council Area.

He revealed this at St Mary's Secondary school field, Ifitedunu during the inauguration of his reelection campaigns in the Area.

Present at the inauguration were major political stakeholders in Dunukofia, members of the State Assembly, APGA faithful from the wards in the Council area as well as friends and supporters of the Obiano administration and his reelection project.

Gov Obiano also said that his administration is installing streetlights across various communities of the Council Area, and these communities have all benefitted from the choose-your-project initiative of his administration.

He appealed to the people to support his administration in its second term bid, promising they will not regret supporting him.

The member representing Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal constituency in the National Assembly, Dr Dozie Nwankwo reminded the people that for their wish to reelect the governor to materialize, they must vote and protect their votes.

The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye and the Chairman of the governor's re-election campaign committee, Chief Victor Umeh noted that it is only through APGA that Ndigbo can gain relevance in the country and there is the need to unite the people under one platform to continue the struggle until the emancipation of Ndigbo is realized.

The member representing Dunukofia constituency in the State Assembly, Mr Lawrence Ezeudu expressed appreciation to Gov Obiano for all he has done for people of the Area especially on security, education, agriculture, health and social responsiveness.

Earlier in his welcome address, the transition committee chairman of the Council Area, Mr Uche Umerie said by his disposition towards Ndi Dunukofia, Gov Obiano has shown that he loves them, hence will reciprocate with their votes.

2: Anambra 2017: Okada, Keke operators hold solidarity rally for Obiano

By Kingsley Ezekwelu

Today,testimonies of unprecedented achievements of Gov Willie Obiano has been appreciated by the indigenes and residents of Anambra state, as Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state have queued among well meaning groups that had come open to declare support to the governor's second term in office.

The support/ endorsement rally which held at the District Officers Park, Amawbia saw the Okada and keke riders speak with one voice in support of the Governor because of his administration's friendly disposition towards them, that has greatly aided their operations.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Motorcycle Transport Association of Nigeria, Chief Jimmy Okonkwo explained that the endorsement was their way of appreciating Gov Obiano for all he has done to make their businesses safe and secure and for considering them among those that benefitted from his economic stimulus package.

The Chairman, Eke Awka market, Mr Emeka Agunmadu said there is no well meaning onye Anambra that will not support the ongoing transformation that the State is witnessing under the visionary leadership of Gov Obiano.

According to the Chairman of all Transition Committee chairmen in the state, Chief Uchenna Okafor, the first function of government is to create the enabling environment for people to pursue their dreams and aspirations and Gov Obiano's administration has lived up to expectations in that regard.

The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye recalled how Governor Obiano had slashed the levies initially charged the Okada and keke operators to enable them cope with the challenges of the nationwide recession, noting that only APGA regime can do such things for the people. Gov Obiano thanked the transporters for the endorsement and urged them to take the message down to their localities and ensure that all their members speak with one voice.

He also urged them to be observant to ensure that criminals do not hide under their platform and perpetrate all manner of crimes, assuring them that as long as they remain law abiding, his government will not entertain any call for their proscription but will continue to support them in their operations. Representatives of the various tribes under the association also in their separate remarks gave their word that they will work to deliver the governor.

3: Handover Note

By Ifeanyi Afuba

Suddenly, the hoax of N75 billion cash and investments handover in Anambra State in March 2014 is being resurrected. And the disinformation is being trumpeted with greater frenzy this time around. The reason behind this intrigue should be obvious to everyone. This election time is considered most auspicious to deliver the upper cut on the jaw of the Willie Obiano administration. And this assault fits into the well publicised undertaking to abort the reelection bid of Governor Willie Obiano even at cost of grave personal injury.

If we are to believe the outlandish tale that the Peter Obi regime mobilised resources to the tune of N75 b for the use of the successor government, it would follow that the period of its active service witnessed greater liquidity. If this were to be the case, how come that the same genorous administration left Awka the state capital barren, impoverished and in tatters? How could a State Government have so much money and at the same time be unable to provide the citizens with potable water?

Does it sound plausible that a regime that took pride in paying workers in the public sector – political appointees and career staff alike - minimal wages would elect to handover significant monetary assets? If the administration was financially resourceful as put out, it is legitimate to wonder as former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Chukwuma Soludo observed, that Obi was unable to leave any landmark project – except perhaps for Amaku Teaching Hospital - in all of his eight year reign.

It turned out there was no N75 billion cash - assets legacy. The inherited cash balance of the state in March 2014 was N9b while actual investments by the previous administration stood at N35.5b. Since this fact was publicly stated by the Obiano regime in November 2015, there has been resort to wild allegations intended to incite the people against the Government.

There are some specific issues in the handover notes that are irreconcilable to the doctrine of investment the outgone regime claimed to have made for the state. The status of these items in terms of their categories, definition and value are as clear as broad daylight that they do not require any further interpretation for comprehension.

By largely ignoring the self – evident parameters that contradict the N75b figure in their reactions, the Obi camp betrayed the porosity of its defence. What clarification is demonstrated in the divide in which it is stated clearly in the handover note that the state’s bank balances as at December 31 2013 stood at N11.5b only to declare at the unveiling of the documents’ deficits that N37 b was left in the treasury? No meaningful purpose is served brandishing supposedly bank statements on television when the declared balance and confirmed deposit say otherwise. Is the Peter Obi constituency owning up to the unreliability of the handover figures?

This is true of the actual cash situation as it is of some other items because it is established that in the period from January to March 17, 2014, the stated N11.5b was drawn down to approximately N9b, the very sum inherited by the Obiano administration.

The sum of N3.5b quoted in the handover papers as investment in Intafact Beverages Limited, manufacturers of the Hero brand, is simply false. To date, Anambra State has invested N1.9b in the company, broken down to N1.4 by the Obi administration and N540m by the Obiano government. The status cum value of stock instruments is easily verifiable from the Registrar of Securities. No one needs a committee of accountants to confirm the standing of the investment.

There should also be no controversy about the ineligibility of including the Nigeria Independent Power Project valued at N9b in a document intended to list investments undertaken by the Peter Obi regime. The above named investment was initiated and executed by the federal government as a national venture involving the central government and the 36 states.

The argument of the Peter Obi camp that the principle of handover admits voluntary and involuntary investments self defeats as the list is not exhaustive of the state’s equity holdings. Anambra State has stakes in Nigercem Company, Nkalagu and estates in Enugu, Lagos and Abuja. Why were these not included in the handover list in the standard of all receivables? A proper handover note should have distinguished between other investments, carry – over investments and the investments initiated by the Obi regime. The underlining terms are the Obi administration’s investment handover notes. Anything to the contrary would be misleading as in the present case.

It amounts to playing on the intelligence of Ndi Anambra to say that the previous administration ploughed N1b into the Onitsha Shopping Mall when no such payment was made. What is being presented as investment of Anambra State’s funds is no more than the conversion of the state’s land to 15% equity stake. For the avoidance of doubt, Africa Capital Alliance is the financial investor of the venture.

In the peculiar world of Obi’s investment bonanza, loans advanced to farmers and small scale entrepreneurs by federal institutions such as Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry qualify to be declared as investment by his regime. The disbursements for these private schemes are approximately N2.4b. Is the state government entitled to a share of the profits therein? You wonder, we wonder. The entries on Emenite Limited and Orient Petroleum Resources Limited are also misrepresentations of the facts on ground.
The alarm on this disingenuous handover note was sounded very early at the beginning of Obiano’s tenure.

Two advertorials, ‘Mr PETER OBII’s N75B LEGACY: FACT OR FICTION [The Nation, Tuesday, April 1, 2014] and ‘THE DUBIOUS DEMAND FOR REFUND OF N7B ELECTION EXPENSES [The Nation, Friday, April 11, 2014], were quite revealing. If it had taken the Obiano regime eighteen months to engage publicly on the subject, it means this is not a precipitate action or witch hunt. But for a last minute change of plan, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole was all set after seven years in office to initiate a probe of Lucky Igbinedion’s regime.

If there was still any doubt that this controversial handover note was largely self – serving, it is erased by the conspicuous omission of the liabilities being bequeathed to the incoming government. Whoever heard of a transition document featuring assets only! Why did the previous regime hide the fact that it was transferring a N106 b debt to the Obiano administration from the public? Saddled with such choking debt unknown to the public, who would be the beneficiary of the inevitable comparison that would portray the new regime as profligate and underperforming?

Navigating these landmines to make Anambra the fourth largest economy and one of the most secure States in the country today is stupendous! It is a feat no amount of vicious propaganda can rewrite. It is a bright new morning saying to desperate godfatherism, Obiano’s good first tenure deserves another.

Support Gov. Obiano's Administration and APGA
Willie is Working, QED.

Agege made Nigerian football history two weeks ago when it hosted the Aiteo Cup (Federation Cup) final for the first time ever. This enduring competition, with roots stretching back to 1942, has been won 76 times; the latest champions being Akwa United who defeated Niger Tornadoes 3:2 on penalties to claim the crown. It was a great day for the Lagos suburb which has seen plenty of football, but nothing quite on this scale. Among their august guests were two Governors, leaders of Nigerian football, the president of the Ghana FA, Kwesi Nyantakyi, and CAF president Ahmad Ahmad.

As is customary on this column, I am going to be focusing on the little things that make sports a huge economic and socio-cultural driver in nations, and why the failure of countries like Nigeria to prioritise the industry has left us far worse for wear. I also want to draw attention to the laudable sponsorship of the competition by the Aiteo Group and why other big Nigerian companies should do likewise.

Whether the final deserved a grander stage is probably a good debate to have. Those who look at sports largely as big business would probably have preferred a bigger, more iconic stadium; while those who want to make a socio-cultural argument would welcome the beauty of playing the final in the 4,000-capacity stadium in this lower income community.

What’s the difference? Hosting the game at a venue like the Abuja Stadium, assuming the necessary repairs are done, would certainly have given the final a grander stage; ensured better gate receipts; painted a richer picture of the country’s sporting facilities; and made for better TV content. Playing in Agege however took the game to the doorsteps of the common folk who are the vast majority in our country. Domestic football needs to capture the imagination of these fans, especially the young among them, many of whom need inspiration to dream bigger, work harder and break free from a debilitating cycle of unprotected sex, drugs, crime and street living.

Whatever picture you have in your head, the Aiteo Cup final delivered the kind of good that sports can give our country on a more consistent, and more far-reaching, basis. With an estimated population of 192m people today, and projections of 398m people by 2050, Nigeria desperately needs to engage its people in a productive way. Sports have almost infinite powers to do this, but we all seem to be waiting for government to shoulder the responsibility alone. So, rather than investing their profits in creating real value within, big Nigerian brands continue to entrench the culture of foreign sports by throwing money at the likes of the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

That is why corporate giants like Aiteo must be celebrated. A hefty N2.5b deal means that, if the Nigerian Football Federation plays its part, the men’s and women’s competition will run smoothly for the next five years. And, this is only part of an expanding bouquet of sponsorships that includes paying the wages of national team coaches and sponsoring the CAF Awards Gala. This investment in the local game, beyond the assurance of thousands of fresh jobs across the country, would lead to the positive engagement of millions young people.

Imagine more Nigerian companies are as bold in supporting our sports? For some perspective, South African companies invested about R9b (N243b) in sports sponsorship in 2016, yet we see them as our direct competitors. The results are clear to see on the international stage where South Africa shines in various sports and Nigeria is largely in the shadows.

The Aiteo Cup final itself was a poor advertisement for Nigerian football. It was a scoreless dour-fest that was fittingly decided by one of the poorest penalty shootouts you’d ever see. Many Nigerian sponsors would probably have watched the game and concluded: “see why we don’t sponsor local football?” But how does that solve the problem? Even worse, how does sponsoring European football and creating jobs in Europe while deepening poverty at home, help? We must learn to be builders and realise that building is dirty work that takes time. We must also all get involved in building the kind of success we crave as a society.

I believe getting involved in domestic sports has been great for Aiteo. A cursory study would reveal that awareness for their brand, and interest in their organisation, have spiked as a result of this. More Nigerian business giants should join the investment in local sports for their own survival. Sports administrators must also find innovative ways to deliver the right value to the few sponsors that come their way. All too often sponsorships don’t last as sponsors come off not feeling the value.

Sports administrators also need to do more to win fans beyond the bare responsibility of playing the games. To enchant their publics today brands globally are thinking more about ‘mattering’ in their lives rather than ‘marketing’ to them. Imagine the Aiteo Cup champions visiting one or two of our IDP camps and playing morale-boosting knockabout games with these victims who need some empathy and inspiration? Wouldn’t an initiative like this generate positive post-event buzz and help plant our local sports icons in the hearts of everyone?

There are many great things sports do for countries. Leading nations invest heavily in the industry as a tool to inspire their people to aim for more; to create a sense of camaraderie and unity; and to help ingrain a culture of discipline and healthy living. Nigeria needs to do same. On their part, big Nigerian brands should not wait for government before investing in the creation of a healthier and wealthier Nigeria in which their businesses would fare so much better than today. That is why the Aiteo way is the right way.

Kudos WILLIE, I see more fruitful days ahead. Thanks for rebuilding what Tony Nwoye destroyed. One good term deserves another!!!

Soje, a Director in Kogi State Civil Service being owed 9 months salary committed suicide.

Yet, their State Governor was in Anambra APC Rally asking us to vote against Obiano who is paying salaries and pensions as and when due.

Can you imagine that?

Willie Ka Anyi Ma!!!

Kingsley1000:
[s]government of obiano is the one of the biggest fraud in
Nigeria.so much noise and many billboards but nothing
on ground, all the roads today at anambra was done by
Peter obi/ngige, almost every day the governor is signing
memorandum of understanding, but you won't see
anything tangible ,he said he attracted 50billion dollar
investment,where are the industries/ companies located?
he said he exported ugu/bitter leaf to europe which yield
over 10billion dollar,have you gone to the site where all
these things are cultivated? billboards everywhere, I have
been going round to see where the vegetables or the
yams is being cultivated, its just a pure lie, look at
governor ambode of Lagos and umahi of ebonyi, in less
than 3yrs into office see how good they have performed
without making any noise, just last week, obiano came
to my town and flagged off a road with one catapillar
and left since then Nothing is happening there , go to the
site of cargo airport he signed the mou with Chinese firm
the place is till a tick evil forest .asides paying of
salaries which is not an achievement, obiano did nothing
in anambra except putting up Billboards and barbing and
carving his hair...[/s]

Keep on ranting soon the APC or PDP glcandidate u want to vote for will come and erect a statue of Peter obi with 500million naira

And Ogbaru goes agog as Obiano and APGA campaign team arrive Atani
Here is the arrival of His Excellency, Gov Willie Obiano and his Campaign Team led by Chief Sir Victor Umeh for the Ogbaru LG Re-Election Campaign Flagoff.

The massive turn out of the people is simply overwhelming with different musical groups and dance troupes representing the various clans within the agrarian communities of Ogbaru.

The People's Love for the Willingly Working Willie increases day by day... From Anambra North through Central to South!

Today, ndi Ogbaru have shown their resolve to #ReElectObiano.

Come Nov 18th, Ndi Anambra will Vote #TeamAPGA to Keep Willie Working!!!!
#AnambraIsAPGA

Gov Willie Obiano and his Campaign Team led by Chief Victor Umeh after show of Love by the people of Ogbaru stormed Obosi for his second term re-election Campaign Flag-off.

The Obosi community has assumed the position of one town too many after becoming the community with highest registered voters in Anambra State.

With masquerades and multi dance groups, the people of Obosi are celebrated the arrival of the willingly working Willie.

Having transformed Anambra in just 3.5 years, ndi Anambra are determined to #ReElectObiano

Come November 18, Vote APGA to Keep Willie Working!!! #ObosiIsAPGA #AnambraIsAPGA

I wonder how the economy will be under other Governorship candidates.. As for me I will stick with Obiano, Anambra doesn't want APC and others with all their cheap propaganda. APGA bu nke anyi

Some fools will still open their mouth and say that obiano is not working. Maybe what they want is for him to come and renovate their house before they can see his handwork. One good term deserves another!!!

After displaying these cultist acts, some people will still go ahead foolishly and blindly vote for him. God will punish him severely for his evil deeds. I can't afford to have a cultist as my Governor. He said he has denounced it, yet he still acts the same way as a cultist. Truly the leopard can't remove it's spots.

Some fools will still open their mouth and say that obiano is not working. Maybe what they want is for him to come and renovate their house before they can see his handwork

#TeamAPGA Campaign crew led by Chief Victor Umeh arrives Lagos, Nigeria! ... Igbo Kwenu!!!

The crew is accompanying the willingly working Willie to meet ndi Anambra in Lagos to inform them of the reasons he deserves to return for a second term in office.

Aside the APGA Campaign in Lagos in 2013, Gov Obiano had returned to Lagos in several occasions to seek for support from ndi Anambra and to brief them on the rapid developments in the State.

Today, the governor will be reeling out his laudable achievements in just 3.5 years and the great promises his re-election holds for our dear State.

Gov Obiano who just landed with Air Peace flight from Enugu in company of his caring wife, Osodieme; Rt Hon Rita Mmaduagwu; Chief Victor Umeh; and Ibezi Ifeanyichukwu is being received by Anambra Youth in Lagos led United Anambra Youth Assembly and a host of other great sons and daughters.

THE crew will be at Trade Fair Complex and Alaba International... See you there!

#ReElectObiano... Vote APGA to Keep Willie Working!!!

mgbadike81:
[s]continue campaigning with insults and lies.even during obiano's rally yesterday, people keep murmuring that he achieved nothing as the governor and sold out innocent ipob members. obiano is his own greatest enemy, he has Sealed his own fate as a failure as since nobody with a conscience would vote for a known drunk who wasted four years in office without any visible achievement. let him go and feed fat on the corpses of the late ipob members.[/s]

You don't even know what you are talking about, thank God you said they were murmuring because they are not bold enough to say it. Obiano completed a lot of projects handed over to him and also has many ongoing projects. Just that you don't have eyes to see them doesn't mean the other people will have the perception as you do. Obiano for November 18

*IN OBIANO THEY STAND...*

The entire Keke and Okada Riders in Anambra are today making a very BIG statement.

They gathered to endorse the working Governor, Willie Obiano for second tenure.

For the past three and half years, the Okada and Keke riders have enjoyed relative peace with Security of Life and Property which was one of the Governor's cardinal objectives

While others states increase tax tariffs due to the prevailing recession, Obiano reduced and introduce some stimulus packages to cushion the effect and the Okada and Keke Riders were among the beneficiaries.

The song on their lips is..."Willie ga achi ozo"

*#kekeokadaridersforobiano*
*#ReElectObiano*
*#TeamAPGA.*

See them, APC propagandists... I see you don't have anything important to do with your life again. APGA bu nke anyi!!!

Breaking news...

APC suffers huge setback in Anambra State as over 1200 members (mostly youths) of the party join APGA in Ihiala local government area.

The defectors say their decision to quit the APC was informed by the leadership style of Governor Obiano which they described as people oriented.

#TeamApga #IhialaIsAPGA #ReElectObiano