₦airaland Forum

Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, on Monday lauded the KasuwaGo app developed by a research group led by Dr. Toyin Ajibade of the Faculty of Agriculture.

Abdulkareem who spoke during the KasuwaGo app launch held at the university described the app as a great achievement for the institution.

Ajibade restated that the KasuwaGo application was created to assist farmers to find markets for their goods and also create avenue for sellers seeking easier connections to suppliers and customers.

Read more below;

https://naturenews.africa/unilorin-develops-app-to-boost-food-security/

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, on Saturday arrested seven farmers suspected to be cannabis farmers in Ughieudu, near Ehor, Uhumwonde Local Government Area of the state.

It was reported that the suspects were arrested in their suspected cannabis farms during an operation by personnel of the agency which lasted several hours.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects who claimed to be the manager of the farm told newsmen that he was being paid N120,000 annually by the owner of the farms.

Read more below;

https://naturenews.africa/ndlea-destroys-22-hectares-of-cannabis-farm-in-edo/

It all sounds like a scene in Nollywood movie, but it is as real as daylight. Twin sisters had a baby each two months apart for a man their mother was dating and planned to marry after losing her husband in one of the incidents of the farmers/herders crisis that has rocked Nasarawa and other neighbouring states in recent times.

Thoroughly embarrassed by the ugly spectacle, the distraught mother of the twin sisters, Mrs Alice Ukange, is threatening to take her own life, saying that she cannot be alive to see “the shame” meted out to her by Philomina and Patricia.

Both Philomina, who was delivered of a baby girl in January, and Patricia, who was delivered of a baby boy in March, insist that they were impregnated by Mr Augustine Angwe, who had been dating their mother, Alice, since she lost her husband, Francis Ukange, after 14 years in marriage.

The couple were said to have been blessed with the twin sisters about four years after they got married. And with the death of Ukange, Alice resorted to combining farming with petty trading in order to make ends meet.
With life becoming extremely hard for Alice and her daughters, they relocated to Assakyo, a suburb community in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, where she started buying raw food items from local farmers and selling same to make some money.

With this, she was able to send her twins to a public school in Assakyo and the family appeared to have found their feet until a wolf in sheep clothing found its way into their fold.
The poor mother had met Mr. Angwe, an indigene of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue state, in 2017 while the latter was in Nasarawa State to transact his business, which was buying raw food items from the local farmers and taking them to the Southeast to sell at higher prices.

In the course of doing the same business, Angwe and Alice met in a local market in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and they struck a relationship which within three months blossomed to the point that Alice relocated from Assakyo to stay with Augustine in Lafia where he had paid for an apartment.
In no time, Angwe, who had lost his wife and two kids in a fatal accident on Katsina Ala Road in Benue State and was yet to remarry, became a part of the family, rendering finance assistance to Alice’s female twins to meet their basic needs; a development that soon drew the twins very close to him.

Later, Angwe and Alice began a joint business, buying yams from local farmers in Nasarawa State and transporting them for sales at higher price in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The business flourished with Alice always on the road while Angwe took care of the home front and made arrangements for new stocks.

Meanwhile, one of the twin sisters, Philomina, had completed her secondary school and secured admission into the College of Education Akwanga to do a Pre-NCE programme while Patricia remained in Lafia for a diploma programme at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic.
Now a father figure to the twin sisters, Angwe allegedly started enticing them with luxury items and seized the chance to sleep with them at different locations until he got both of them pregnant.

Lamenting her condition in an interview with our correspondent, Alice said: “The man (Angwe) encouraged me and gave me some money to run this yam business, going from Nasarawa to Port Harcourt and Lagos. So I was always away and he took them as his own children. Little did I think that he could lure them to sleep with him.”

Alice believes that Angwe might have used a charm on her daughters to get them to sleep with him, saying: “How he was able to start sleeping with them so easily is what I don’t know. At 22 years, my twins are no longer kids. They are fully aware that the man is dating me.”
“It is unthinkable and unbelievable. He was visiting Philomina in Akwanga and using the opportunity to sleep with her in a hotel. He enticed her with luxury items and bought her a big phone. Back in Lafia, he was also sleeping with Patricia using the same tricks.
“I was always away on business trips while he stayed behind, looking for local yams to buy. When I noticed that they were both pregnant, they refused to tell me who was responsible for them.

“Before the untimely death of their father, he had warned them never to do an abortion, saying that any of them who tried to abort a pregnancy would die. The essence of it was to scare them so they would not destroy themselves early.
“So when the idea of aborting the unwanted pregnancy was mooted, the thought of their late father’s words came and we all became afraid. They also refused to disclose the person that was responsible. So out of anger, I left them alone.

“Incidentally, Mr Augustine (Angwe) too was asking me to leave them alone, saying that they would make their confessions at their own time. But one month, two months, three months and four months passed without them identifying the person. That was how they carried the pregnancies for nine months and were delivered of babies.” Shocking revelation
Alice recalled that two months the second of the twin sisters was delivered of her own baby, Angwe woke her up one night and broke to her the news that he was actually responsible for their pregnancies and that the new born babies belonged to him.

“I broke down in tears and cried for a whole week. I asked him what I had done to deserve this wicked act. It is a shame that my own fiancé is the father of my twins’ babies. How would I explain this shameful development to people?
“My husband was killed with members of his entire family when herdsmen invaded their village and cleared everybody in the village. We had travelled to Lafia for some medication and were the only surviving people in the family.

“I met Augustine as a gentle, nice and humble man. He treated me like my late husband. He cared so much about my twins. But he ended up ruining our lives. How can you be sleeping with me and my twin children at the same time?”
Our correspondent had got hint of the development early last month (June), but getting the parties involved in the matter to speak was a herculean task until he met Alice in Awe Market where she had gone to buy yams and she obliged to speak about it.

She said: “My name is Alice Ukange. I am a widow. I lost my husband here in Awe during the herdsmen/farmers crisis some years back. I met one Augustine Angwe in the course of my business. One thing led to another and we started dating ourselves.
“He appeared to be gentle, humble and kind. I was carried away and I allowed my twins to be close to him. He took time and planted evil in my house by impregnating them. “They have now given birth. I allowed it because their father warned them not to do abortion and that they would die if they did.

“Augustine has finished me. He slept with me, slept with my twins and impregnated them, and they have given birth for him.
“I am confused and have informed one of my late husband’s relatives and he too is speechless.
“Going to the police would not solve the problem as the damage has been done already. There is nothing the police can do, more so that Augustine is ever ready to take care of them. But the big question remains how a man would marry twin sisters.”

In a chat with or correspondent in Lafia, Angwe admitted impregnating the twin sisters, saying that he would have aborted the pregnancies but they insisted on keeping them. He also said the girls in question were the ones who lured him into sleeping with them.
He said: “I didn’t know that they would get pregnant. But when they did, I wanted them aborted but they refused, saying that their father warned them against it.

“My brother, these girls were actually the ones who lured me into sleeping with them. They enjoyed it the first time we had it. From what started like a joke, it became a regular thing.
“I know I have deeply hurt the mother but it has happen and there is nothing anybody can do. That is the work of the devil and I wholeheartedly accepted responsibility so as not to ruin their lives. They can pick up the pieces of their lives and move on after nursing the babies.

“To avoid the shame, I moved them to Makurdi. I will take care of the little babies. And if their mothers want to go to school after the babies might have walked, they can continue and I will support them. If they don’t want to stay with me, I will take my children while they continue with their lives.
“I have been begging the mother since I disclosed this information to her that I am responsible for it and I will take care of it, but she is still angry. I know that what I did was wrong. It is a taboo, but it is late to correct it.”
Our correspondent also travelled from Lafia to Makurdi to meet one of the twin sisters, Philomina, who was seeing nursing her new born baby.

Philomina said she was in a dilemma, adding that she wished that all that had happened to her never did. She added that both she and her twin sister, Patricia, were in agony.
She said: “I can’t really explain how I found myself here. I didn’t know that the man was sleeping with my twin sister too. I know that he was dating my mother, but how he got to impregnate me, I don’t know.

“I think I have made one of the biggest mistakes ever. How did I get here? Augustine (Angwe) is my mum’s lover and I know it quite well. But every time he came visiting me in Akwanga, I just had this feeling. He is very attractive and there is a unique swag about him.
“I started messing with him in Akwanga. There was a time he came to Akwanga in the evening and decided to see me. My mum had travelled to Port Harcourt on a business trip. He called me to meet him in a beer palour and he was there alone drinking beer.

“We began to talk and I eased my way over to him. He was resistant at first, but that just made me more excited. I low key seduced him and our affair began. Every time my mum travelled, he would come over and have sex with me.
“I knew him when he started dating my mother and we were intimate right afterwards. So when I missed my period, it took me some time to disclose to him that he was responsible for it. I didn’t also know how to break the news to my mum

“Well, the worst has happened. My late father warned me not to do abortion and my child deserves to have a father. She will walk and I will return to school to pick up my life. That is all I have to say.
“As for getting married to him, she said it is not possible. I will further my education.”
Our correspondent also visited Gboko where Patricia was also nursing her new born baby boy.
She said: “The first day I had sex with Augustine, my mother went to Obi Market. It was in the morning. My mum left us at home. She forgot some money and returned to pick it.
“She almost caught us but I lied about it when she asked what we were doing. She suspected something, but the trust she has in Augustine convinced her.
“The thing is she got a glimpse of me while I was fixing my clothes up and asked why I got undressed in the morning hours.
“I told her I was trying out the new outfit I had just bought. In the whole of that time, Augustine was in the bathroom cooling off. She didn’t question me any further. She picked up her money and left.
“It was amazing. I see why my mum loves Augustine so much. So when she left, I decided we should have a second round, because I enjoyed it, and we continued at every little opportunity.
“When I missed my period, I was actually afraid to tell my mum that Augustine was responsible. I had thought about abortion to just mask everything, but remembering the warning our late father gave us about abortion, I decided to leave it.
“I have brought shame to my mother and the entire family. May God forgive all my sins. I never knew it would get to this level. I was doing it blindly and it has consumed me.”

On her future plans, she said she would hand the baby over to Angwe at the appropriate and move on with her life.
“I can’t marry him. I will nurture his son for him and walk away.”
Mr Clement Agbe, a relation to the late husband of Alice, said that what had happened in the family was strange to the culture of Tiv people.
“It is a taboo. But let’s see what the future holds for the new born babies. It is unthinkable.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Mr. Rahman Nansel, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the matter had not been reported to the command.


Culled from The Nation

A US lobster diver thought he was going to die after getting caught in the mouth of a humpback whale before it surfaced and spat him out.

56-year-old Michael Packard was diving off Cape Cod in Massachusetts on Friday and about 45ft below the surface when he found himself inside the closed mouth of…
https://naturenews.africa/man-shares-experience-after-being-swallowed-by-humpback-whale/

A 10-year-old Nigerian climate activist, Miss Aderinsola Adegboye, of Royal Palm International College, Ilorin, has called for the introduction of Climates Change study in the nation’s school curriculum.

Adegboye, who is the Founder “Return the Green Club initiative in Nigeria”, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ilorin.

She underscored the need to teach the future generation about their environment and actions…

Read more; https://naturenews.africa/10-year-old-nigerian-proposes-introduction-of-climate-change-study-in-schools/

A new study led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found a link between drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in women under age 50.

The findings suggest that heavy consumption of sugary drinks during adolescence (ages 13 to 18) and adulthood can increase the disease risk.

The study, published in the journal Gut, provides more support for public health efforts that encourage people to reduce the amount of sugar they consume.

“Colorectal cancer in younger adults remains relatively rare, but the fact that the rates have been increasing over the past three decades — and we don’t understand why — is a major public health concern and a priority in cancer prevention,” said senior author Yin Cao, ScD, an associate professor of surgery and of medicine in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University.

Read more here: https://naturenews.africa/why-women-under-50-should-avoid-sugary-drinks-study/

The Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange and Dukia Gold‘s is partnering to begin gold trading in Nigeria.

The Chairman, Dukia Gold, Mr Tunde Fagbemi, said this while addressing journalists at Pre-Listing Media Interactive Session in Lagos on Thursday.

Fagbemi said the instruments, which would be in form of exchange traded notes, commercial papers and other gold-backed securities, would enable the company to deepen the commodities market in Nigeria, increase capacity, generate foreign exchange for the government to diversify external reserves and create jobs across the metal production value chain.


https://naturenews.africa/lagos-commodities-exchange-partner-firm-to-begin-gold-trading/

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority, (NALDA) is set to establish cassava packaging plant in Ogun State.

The Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ogun State, Dr Dapo Abiodun.

Ikonne told the Governor that NALDA wants to reactivate its 700 hectares of farmland in Ogun State including the establishment of Integrated Farm Estate in the three Senatorial Zones of the State along with a garri processing and packaging plant.
Full story here

https://naturenews.africa/nalda-to-establish-cassava-packaging-plant-in-ogun/

The embattled Prime Minister of Warri, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami and other Chief were quizzed for over 2 hours on allegations bothering on Kingship crisis, invasion of Olu Palace which heightened tension in Warri Kingdom.

Ayiri arrived the Nigerian Police station. Zone "5" on the strength of a letter of invitation with (reference No. CR3000/2N.5/X/AV/Vol/83/41 dated Wednesday 21st April,2021), said: “the office is investigating a case reported through a written petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone “5” Headquarters in Benin City.”

The letter addressed is entitled “Police Invitation Letter. Re-case of Burglary, Stealing and Conduct Likely To Cause Breach Of Peace.”

Emami in an interview with newsmen confirmed that he was invited by the police over the invasion of Olu's palace but however denied any culpability over the invasion.

The suspended Itsekiri chief who is opposed to the emergence of Prince Tsola Emiko, as the Olu of Warri designate said he has nothing personal against Prince Emiko describing him as his brother and friend.

"I was actually invited based on the invasion of Olu's palace which I told the police I have nothing to do with it because I was not in town when the incident happened."

On his opposition to the new Olu designate, he said "As a person, I cannot say I am not in support of the Olu's designate, we have laid down procedure. It has nothing to do with me. The Olu designate is my brother and a friend, we have no personal issue.

"It is not that I am not in support of whatever they are doing. I have told the police and they have questioned me on what led to the invitation. Other issue I keep to myself.

"The police want to know who invaded the palace because some things were missing and they want to know the where about of the things,” he said.

He however said talks are in progress to bring about final peace to the Kingdom.

By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin

Most often we hear of people with large heart or those we often referred to as sportsmen - they are men who are often graceful in defeat. They waste no time giving out concession speeches and go above and beyond sending congratulating messages to their opponents on their victory.

Gestures like these which are rare in our climes do not only sow the seeds of unity, they also send important messages to the people that it is time to put the election, defeat and euphoria of victory behind and move forward united. It is disposition like this that often heralds the democratic development in every democracy.

The charged atmosphere prior to the Saturday 19 September election in Edo would lead anyone who had followed the developments in Edo state during the electioneering period into believing that the election and post-election period would be marred with wide spread violence and the emergence of a winner would even have ignited another circle of violence in the state between followers from both divides.

However, this was not so as the exercise turned out to be one of the most successful and peaceful elections ever conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the history of state elections in Nigeria.

The election has come and gone, as expected, winners and losers have emerged with major players in the APC and other private citizens playing by the rules of the game; they have proven to be archetypes of good losers no matter how difficult it is to accept.

Just when it was least expected, the ruling party at the national level yesterday released a statement congratulating Governor Godwin Obaseki and describing his reelection as victory for democracy. This was also backed by a statement signed by Benin born billionaire and philanthropist, Captain Wells Hosa, one of APC's key players and supporters of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who had also congratulated the people of Edo for expressing their opinions and Governor Godwin Obaseki on his reelection.

Hosa had before the election and on several occasions expressed his love for Godwin Obaseki, describing him and his rival as his brothers. Although, he later on gave reasons why Ize-Iyamu should be supported based on his manifesto and programmes. His position was not only that of a citizen expressing his opinion but also that of a honest man who would not hide behind any guise masquerading to be someone else or playing the devil's advocate behind the scene.

Hosa who was one of Obaseki's biggest benefactors during his 2016 campaigns till recently, had through the statement, prayed that may the next four years of Edo under Governor Godwin Obaseki take the state to the promised land.

"First of all, I congratulate the people of Edo State who took their civic responsibility with a sense of urgency and trooped out to express themselves. I also wish to congratulate His Excellency, the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki for winning the mandate to continue for another four years. Congratulations.

"As a loyal citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an Indigene of Edo State, I urge all of the people at home and abroad to join hands with the governor to build a vibrant democracy, and also to build a vibrant economy where the youth can find gainful employment in an atmosphere of peace and security", Captain Hosa was quoted in the statement.

This is the best prayer the governor needs from his people who he must unite, while he hits the ground running again to consolidate on his past achievements.

Captain Hosa has displayed the spirit of statesmanship by offering the olive branch to move the state forward as it has been his desire to see more Edo citizen engaged in productive ventures. This has been his prayers and it will gladden his heart to work side by side with the government to accelerate human, capital and infrastructural developments in the state.

Hosa's Move further shows he is indeed a father to all whose concern and interest is to see Edo state prosper in unity and development beyond Political consideration.

The Governor, and his administration, also has to take on as its primary goal the theme of reconciliation and sees himself as a rally point for all in the state. Leaders in the APC and their supporters have displayed the spirit of true sportsmanship, thus, such gesture should be reciprocated from the side of the ruling party under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the state.

As a Christian, the Governor understands the concept of reconciliation. It is as old as the Scriptures. In 2nd Corinthians 5:18-19, it says; “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

As the old saying goes: “To the victor goes the spoils.” But this time, as the peaceful election is over with, the victor will also get something much more profound: The responsibility to unite what has been divided and mend what is broken.

Already the re-elected Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has in return extended a hand of fellowship to leaders of the APC in the state, saying the fight is over between him and his predecessor Adams Oshiomhole who is also the former Chairman of the APC.

The Governor also called on his rival Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and other members to join in the administration of the state.

“I am using this opportunity to extend a hand of fellowship to my brother Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and other colleagues in the APC to join us and work with us so that we can move Edo forward.

“On a specific note, I want to use this opportunity to call on the former Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole that the fight is over and he should come and join in building the house where he was part of laying the foundation. We have no malice. The only thing we disagree on is the approach in moving Edo State forward,” Obaseki said while receiving his certificate of return in Benin on Tuesday, saying people from the other side should see themselves as one family with him.

“To our friends and brothers on the other side of the divide, we are one family in the pursuit to provide services and public goods for our citizens.

“Our citizens have decided that for now, they trust us more to provide the leadership. It does not mean that they do not have a role to play. It does not mean that they are not part of the family,” Obaseki had assured.

The Governor too has taken the first step of reciprocating and it is hoped that he keeps to his words of opening his doors to all.

It is now left for the Governor to look deep on how he would like to be remembered like other heroes who fought for the freedom of their people and conscience. This is in the character of growth that we should learn from both in pleasant and unpleasant experiences.

Patrick Ochoga, write from Benin.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Ocean Marine Solutions Limited Captain (Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, on Saturday dedicated the prestigious Forbes Best of Africa award to less privileged and the teeming unemployed youths in Nigeria.


The Edo born philanthropist billionaire and industrialist was singled out for the award for his outstanding effort and work in connecting Africa with the World.


Okunbo, who spoke shortly after the award presentation that took place at the magnificent 5 star Wells Carlton hotels and Apartment, Abuja, said he is humble by the award.


"I am indeed very delighted to have this award from this institution. Like I said earlier, I only accept award that are truly awards. I am dedicating this award to the less privileged in our society and the teeming jobless youths. I am really humbled by this."


Presenting the certificate of award from Forbes America, Her Excellency and Chairman, Foreign Investment Network, (FIN), Mrs Olayinka Fayomi, described Capt Hosa as an illustrious son of Edo state who have continue to make the Country proud in all his life pursuit.


"I am here to present this certificate from Forbes America. I always like to distinguish Forbes Africa from Forbes America. We are so pleased on behalf of Forbes to present to you Dr Idahosa Wells Okunbo. Indeed, you are more than deserving of this award.


"I am sure all of you have watched the event today, you can hear the testimony of the former minister of Industries and all the Dubai guys. They have all heard your name. Am happy about the success you have made. You are an illustrious son of Edo state. You have made not only your state proud but the entire Country. I am happy that Mr President also acknowledge this award."


Captain Hosa whose range of investment span from Marine and security, Real estate, Hospitality, Aviation, power , Agriculture and Telecom is also a proud recipient numerous awards amongst are Justice of the Peace, JP and honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Benin.


Others awards include, the African Titan Award by the America Congress, Vanguard Business man of the year award, 2015, the order of Lafayette 2019 and the anit-human-trafficking Hero award.


The Forbes best of Africa award recognises global and continental leaders.

By: Patrick Ochoga

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world - Desmond Tutu."

It takes an extraordinary person to do extraordinary things that strike compelling and uplifting stories such that year after year, their names echo across borders as their deeds continue to leave indelible ink in the sand of time and annals of history as heroes of generations.

Like the pyramids built by the Egyptians to honour the Pharaohs, honours after honours, both local and international from the most prestigious organizations and institutions in the world continue to locate Captain Wells Hosa's shelf for his contributions to humanity and his ingenuity for business development and managerial acumen.

Captain Wells Hosa is unarguably one of the most famous and influential billionaire philanthropists and business man in Africa, who has dedicated not only a large chunk of what God has blessed him with in helping the downtrodden and giving them reasons to appreciate life but also continue to contribute to the Nigerian democratic development in the last decades.

He has also deliberately placed in himself the responsibility of complementing governments' efforts towards providing job opportunities for Nigeria citizens and their international counterparts.

As a key player in the Nigerian oil industry, all these are a brainchild of his skills in managing both human and resources at his disposal.
More than anything, what philanthropists have in common is an impulse, or a spark to touch lives but Captain Wells Hosa stands out amongst his compatriots as a beacon of hope for the people around him and beyond.

His actions have shown that philanthropy is encapsulated in the smallest act, as well as the largest gesture, which include peace building across ethic and religious lines and the opportunities you can influence to build confidence and hope in people.

Possibly more important than giving, Captain Hosa is revolutionizing the idea of philanthropy itself by challenging governments and public institutions to match their promises with action.

He has also challenged other wealthy people to put out their hearts of love on the society and in so doing, he has caused an inferno of giving which continues to ruminate.

Apart from investing on human capital development and human rights protection, which of course recently earned him a recognition from NAPTIP, Wells has proven to be a patriot who has provided probably the most substantial and sustained investment in the Nigerian Maritime industry through his private security firm, Ocean Marines Securities Limited (OMSL) to assist the federal government of Nigeria in protecting the country's water ways against piracy. This is a rare gesture.

Our democracy has been strengthened by his visionary support to many key organizations that have paved the way for thousands of people in Nigeria to access basic needs like, water, life-saving medicine, education and most importantly, the right to a life of dignity, free from human trafficking and prejudice.

While his legacies continue to build up in their numbers like pyramids, his recognition by some of the most respected bodies in the world has by all means shown that life has a way of giving back to those who have contributed in every measure in building a society where life becomes meaningful to everyone. That candle of love, compassion and patriotism lightened up by Captain Hosa through his business conglomerates and foundation continue to beam across the shores of the world, proving that the things we do outlast our mortality.

As a global peace builder in Africa, Capt Hosa was in 2019 honoured in faraway Geneva, with the prestigious Global Peace by the order of Lafayette by H.E Robert Blum. It was on the United Nation day for Global Peace at a colourful ceremony which had in attendance international diplomats and business gurus.

No doubt, it is for these reasons that on September 11, 2020 the Chairman/CEO of Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd, Captain Dr. Idahosa Wells Okunbo, would be among prominent African business leaders like Dr Adeduntan Adesola, Managing Director First Bank Plc and founder and executive chairman of Online Integrated Solutions Ltd, Mahmood Ahmadu, honoured with the Forbes Best of Africa awards.

Yet again, the people of Edo will be proud of their own for putting the name of the state in good books side by side with some of the most respected African business leaders. This is the hallmark of a true hero and a rare gem whose works resonate through his compassion for those in depravity and others that circumstances have dealt a blow.

The world today know that genuine sparkle of charity and patriotism is alive and must be seen as grounds for cohesion and solidarity for the love of humanity in a society where the dearth of infrastructural and jobs have caused many to lose hope, but still there are those who are making efforts to rekindle lost confidence.

As Hosa emerges as one of the best symbols of business excellence in Africa owing to his legacies and memories of his deeds, his actions have spontaneously penned down his records in the archive of human memories but historians who see much more than we can imagine would of course have a lot to write about Captain Wells Hosa now and after.

...Patrick Ochoga, a media Practitioner write from Benin City.

Alliance for Social Watch yesterday has expressed deep concern over what it described as the persistent attack and attempt to denigrate and malign the character of the Personal Assistant to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, Mr Tijani Nwadei, simply referred to as TJ.

Coordinator of the group, Hanson Ighodalo, also condemned what it described as tribal sentiment, envy and hate against Obaseki's aide on account of tribe all in a bid to damage his reputation.

In a statement by the coordinator, said the trending write up against TJ, just like several others before it, were not only nauseating, but carried with it divisive tendencies capable of pitching the people of Delta State against its brother, Edo State.

The group maintained that all this while, it had refused to be drawn into these reports especially in the social media against the person of Nwadei with the hope that the alleged sponsors will have a change of heart, but they seem to have come out stronger as the Edo State Governorship elections draws nearer.

"We will no longer watch as these people carry on embarrassing themselves all in the name of politics, but we will follow them up the way that we deem fit.

"For the avoidance of doubt, TJ as they refer to him, has made a mark and has continue to serve his principal to move Edo state forward irrespective of his tribe. As a body, we will continue to protect him against these selfish politicians who sees only the good about themselves and not about others, no matter how hard working such a person is.

"What sins has TJ, whom we have watched has continue to discharge his duty efficiently to the governor's admiration and has found him suitable and a dependable aide.

"Or is it now a sin to the fact that he is from Delta State and as such should not be allowed to work in Edo State?

"Why do we always find it convenient to praise Asiwaju Tinubu to high heaven for his ability to work with people outside Lagos State and find it reprehensible when it is not in our favour.

"We are not unmindful of the fact that there are capable hands in Edo that can excel in the position Obaseki has placed TJ, but he (The Governor) has found it convenient to work with the young man and thus, should be allowed to breathe.

"We strongly advise politicians especially that of the opposition party in Edo to carry on with their campaign activities without necessarily dragging people's names to the mud all in the name of politics," Oghodalo stated.

By Patrick Ochoga

Emphasis has always been placed on the need to promote local content and the idea has been one of the cardinal points of the present administration to facilitate a viable economy through the promotion of indigenous companies to enable them compete favourable by international best practices.

Thus, the responsibility of responsive government even in the face of international pressure is to ensure that indigenous businesses in their countries remain competitive.

This, therefore, informed the need for the Government to put in place frameworks to enhance the ability of local companies to exploit local opportunities while staying competitive globally at the same time. It is indeed, one of the bedrocks of national economic growth and development.

By implication, the legislation gives the indigenous companies the right of first refusal as long as they meet the explicit requirements that qualify them to carry out their operations.

Away from our maritime security that has become a topic of debate in recent times, on the land, the country is currently battling to end insurgency, kidnapping and banditry. Recent developments have proven that our security agencies have been in a way overwhelmed, though they have done commendably well, the president has also said their efforts have not been good enough.

Before now, the debate to establish local police and vigilante groups to help security agencies in intelligence gathering had gained traction in many quarters. The essence is to allow the locals who may not only be familiar with suspected criminals but also understand the terrain better than.

No doubt, this was why South West Nigeria recently launched its own local security outfit, AMOTEKUN to check security breach in the region. It takes a huge chunk of responsibility from the government and security agencies in the country and gives a sense of belonging to the indigenous people who are now part and parcel of the entire security architecture in the region.

This is by the way a scratch on the surface of the topic of discussion as it affects the Nigerian Maritime industry and Security and the many politics orchestrated to deliberately push away an indigenous security operative company Ocean Marine Securities Limited (OMSL) that had over the years paid the price to keep the Lagos Secured Anchorage Area secured and made a safe haven for ships.

It would only take the understanding of those who have followed developments in the maritime sector in the last decade to understand what is at play. OMSL came to the rescue years ago when the country's image in maritime security before the international community was at its lowest ebb.

The company had invested so much from its purse and initiated a private security operation system to salvage the country's bartered image as it concerns the safety of vessels traveling along its coastal region and these efforts had in the last few years put the country back on track.

Unfortunately, the truth has been neglected and certain individuals out of sheer greed and unpatriotic spirit have decided to place their knees on the neck of the economic benefits of OMSL operations to the Nigeria state.

Recently the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi who is believe to be working side by side with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Port Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, had among other unfounded claims, put up a false claims to instigate the public over monies he alleged OMSL realises through its operations at SAA, Lagos.

This was even coming a few days after the Senate cleared and commended the operation of the security company owned by a Benin based billionaire and philanthropist, Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo.

Amaechi had after all the claims in a live TV programme said they were to provide an alternative security and $195 million was already approved by the Federal Government to an Israeli company, Messrs HLSI Security Systems and Technologies.

But the Minister failed to explain one critical question to Nigerians who were keen to understand where his decision was driving the country to.

He failed to explain to his viewers what it takes to maintain the ships involved because of his limited knowledge on how companies are run. Amaechi also failed to explain to Nigerians the long-run financial implications of such deals, which by every measurement the country stands to lose millions of dollars annually.

This again raises another question as to whose benefit is the Minister and his collaborators in the maritime sector working for? The country or for themselves when an indigenous company has not only invested so much on the sector but has also beat expectations?

Why did the Minister and his co-travellers forget so soon that that huge investment was first put in place as approved by the government by OMSL before now?

Investigations carried out by this writer have shown that the SAA project which is a partnership between OMSL and the Nigerian Navy the cost of vessel acquisitions and operational running cost is at no cost to the Government. It is also not mandatory for ships but for those ships that desire the service (A willing buyer willing seller arrangement).

What about the economic value of OMSL to the country which analysts have said cannot be overemphasized?

Now let's look with statistics analogies. First, the operation of the Lagos SAA, OMSL was berthed with patriotic passion by the Chairman, Captain Wells Hosa who has always put national interest above every other things. This is evident in the company's modest charging cost that covers operations and maintenance.

Captain Hosa had during his presentation at the National Assembly joint committee that investigated activities of the company explained to that "The Company has always operated on the charges incurred by fund collected from ships operating under the SAA"

Again, further investigation has clearly revealed that it cost vessels that patronize OMSL operated SAA an average of $11,500, which works out to be $2500 for the first day and $1500 for the remaining days in a seven day period which is a maximum period that most vessels berth at SAA for the service provided.

Objections raised by analysts from recently generated data have shown that what we have above is against having three mercenaries that will cost the shipping "company $225,000 on a one month voyage at a cost of $2500 per mercenary which works out to at least $7500 a day over a total one month voyage of 30 days from Europe and much higher from farther destinations like singapore and United States and Far East. To this end, it leads to saving at least $213,500 as against an initial cost of $225,000 before the SAA was introduced by the Navy and OMSL".

Also investigations carried out by analysts have shown that the daily traffic at SAA in a day has not been more than "20 vessels at any particular time. At each vessel paying a stipend of an average $1,650 per day works out to be $33,000 per day as earnings to OMS and with 8 vessels operating in SAA".

This then shows that operational cost and that of hiring these vessels average $4,150 per vessel if the vessels were to be hired by NPA or the relevant Agency. Meanwhile, the same vessels are hired to the oil companies for at least $8,500 per day.

Shocking and interestingly is that while Amaechi and his associates are after the head of OMSL, NIMASA under his supervision is hiring similar vessels with a contract running at $10,500 for each vessel per day and they currently have six of such vessels working with Nimasa for enforcement at a total cost of $63,000 which has no security bearings coming at almost double the cost of OMSL in rendering this very critical and security arrangement.

There should be no reason for pushing aside an indigenous company without concrete reasons or claims and usher in a foreign security company that knows nothing or little about our waterways even with the huge financial implication at expense of the country's economy.

That OMSL was not consulted before the decision to sack the company was hatched and executed shows that the actors behind it had no interest in the country at heart given the economic benefits and gains the company has brought on board.

That concern over the security in our vast waterways and ports in some parts of the Niger Delta other coastal areas that have constantly been ravaged by sea pirates and operators, is enough for anyone to have a rethink to prevent us from international embarrassment and to keep the country's reputation intact.

What the country needs now and what the Minister should be thinking of now is to call for the replication of the same OMSL and the Nigerian Naval partnership services in other ports like Warri and Port- Harcourt to reduce the rates of piracy to increase revenues generation for the government. This will help decongest the Lagos port that OMLS has made a safe haven for ships.


Patrick Ochoga, sent this piece from Benin City.

OPERATORS REACT

Speaking on the issue via telephone with our reporter, Dr McGeorge who is also the Managing Director of Jevkon Oil & Gas, Nigeria Limited, said his association is very concerned about the safety of the nation's waterways.

He stated that if nation's waterways are not safe we will loss business, stressing that the country remain a very important vessel destination in Africa.

He, therefore, called the parties involved to come to a round table discussion and tackle the grey areas with a view to resolving them in national interest.

Responding to the question of his associates' position on the issue, he said, ,"Our position have always been that we need a sustainable solution to security in our waters."

On the danger of the absence of definite security outfit and impact on his members, he said, "We are ship owners we have high tickets bank transactions on and we carry heavy loans to acquire our ships and we do not want our business disrupt by hoodlums and chalantters and pirates so we would support any action whoever weather it is government, weather it is private, public that is going to ensure that our waters are safe from pirates so that we can conduct our businesses properly."

Expatiating on why it's vital to ensure safety for the sector's operation, he said, "Shipping is 90 percent of global trade transaction and without shipping there is no shopping.

Dr McGeorge who stated that the association has written to President Muhammadu Buhari explained that they called his attention to the need to resolve the "confusion going on in our waters and that the president should intervene urgently. That he makes sure he calls all worrying parties to order so that we can have a safe ocean to do our business."

SAA- A NATIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER

Speaking further, he said, "What I am trying to tell you is this, Ocean Marine is a member of our association, we are Ship Owners Association of Nigeria. He is one of our key members and that is what is stated in that letter and they are providing a service for which we are benefiting and we have taking a position with the Senate in a public hearing and that position is that, they are doing a good job and the Senate agreed with us.

"So that’s our position, they have put an investment of 400million dollars in a shipping domain where we are still struggling in financing kits and so on. So therefore we should not allow such a business to die because if it does, so many people will be out of work and the progress we have made in shipping development will be loss.

"As a president of ship owners association, all I can say is that let everybody calm down, and let everybody come to the drawing board and proffer a proper solution.

"I am not ignorant of the fact that NIMASA and Ministry of Transportation has invested money to bring another set of security apparatus, we are still waiting, we have heard about the news and we welcome that news but we are saying that if the aim is for security then they should be an integrated security arrangement that will not be merge with any kind of confusion. In other words it will be straight forward for everybody so that all parties can dialogue.

"Security is security, the aim is to make sure that our waters are secured with everybody and I don’t think it is what only Ocean Marine can do and I want to say caterigorically that, Ocean Marine is not the only company that is providing security arrangement for especially the oil servicing industries with an arrangement with the Nigerian Navy.

"There are many other security agencies that have same arrangement with the Navy. It's not only Ocean Marine that has that arrangement so I cant see why they cannot allow all the security agencies involved to work together.

"For me it is the Navy who initiated the strategy and then leveraging with NIMASA and Ministry of transportation, they can as well now integrate a proper security structure in our waters and I don’t think it is rocket science it is something that can be done."

According to him, if our waterways are not safe the country will loss business. He warned that Nigeria is a predominantly importer nation, stressing that apart from crude oil the country hardly export anything.

His words: "Everything that comes to us here comes through the ocean and it is those ships that brings us all those goods that we are striving on here. Traders or any kind of person doing any business rely on shipping so if we are not able to have those ships come then even our economy will be impacted."

Also speaking in the same vein, Chief Executive Officer of First Planet Energy, Mr. Kennedy Rhima said that if the continuous engagement of Ocean Marine Solution Limited will bring about the safety and security of vessels in the Lagos Pilotage district.

He however called for a closer collaboration between the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders involved in the matter.

Rhima was of the opinion any attempt to stop the security services being provided by Ocean Marine Solution could spell doom for ships calling at the Lagos ports.

He said: "The matter has been a controversial, the safety and security of both vessels and personnel manning these vessels should be the goal of parties involved.

"I will urge Captain Okunbo to liase with the relevant agencies involved and straighten whatever needs to be straighten."

US TRAVEL ADVISORY ON NIGERIANS

Meanwhile, last week, the United States warned her citizens of what it called the risks of traveling to Nigeria.

The warning tagged: "Reconsider travel to Nigeria," listed proposed threats it's citizens are likely to face if they visit the country to include, "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime."

The US embassy then went ahead to list the areas with increased risk potential in the coastal region as follows: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) adding the restriction in this area is due specifically to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.

Interestingly, Lagos which is the commercial capital of Nigeria and a coastal city was excepted from the list even though it habour the largest seaports. A situation some experts have attributed to the SAA initiative that has reduced the cases of maritime crime in the region since it's implementation.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY'S EXONERATE OMSL OF FRAUD

Once again, to challenge the Minister's claim of fraud, late last year a joint committee of the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives on the Nigerian Navy, Marine transport and Finance investigated claims of illegality of the operations of OMSL at the SAA in Lagos seaport. The committee came out with a clean bill of health for OMSL and offered useful suggestions on how to advance the sector.

The committee's recommended among others, "That Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL) should be commended for its genuine national interests in investing over Four Hundred Million ($400,000,000) Dollars into the Security at the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) in particular and the Nigerian waterways in general by providing the needed platforms and logistics for the Nigerian Navy to effectively perform 24/7/365 patrol operations as well as to provide the required protection for vessels waiting to berth at the Lagos ports."

On the issue of defrauding the nation, the committee said, "That since no fraud is found in the operations of the OMSL and is operating at no cost to government, OMSL should be allowed to continue its operation at the SAA until such a time when a better and more cost effective system is put in place by the government.

And, "That the Nigerian Navy should be properly funded to enable it procure needed vessels to clear the over one hundred and fifty (150) vessels deficit to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities without over depending on Private Maritime Logistics Support Companies (PMLSC)."


LOOKING AT THE MIRROR

While it is pertinent to reflect at decisions before taken then, some industry watchers have attributed the unfolding scenario to a lack of understanding of the importance of the service being rendered by OMSL to the nation's maritime industry in particular and the Gulf of Guinea in general, others believe that it is propelled by the Nigerian fact.

Those who hold the later view wonders why some individuals after the decision by the nation's Senate, is insisting that it is not bond by such.

What this portrait in its entirety is an attempt to create a face off between the agency and the National Assembly. Those knowledgeable about such confrontations argues that the outcome is usually not favourable to national interest.

Interestingly, the management of OMSL has remained calm over the controversy as it has refused to join issues with anybody except for the invitation of the National Assembly it had to honour.

Moreover, in what some has described as working for national interest OMSL has continue to provide security service at the anchorage to the admiration of ship owners and operators that anchor their vessels at the designated area.

Hence the happenings is perceived as despising the National Assembly and trying to flex muscles with the lawmakers. As the move is a violation of the stand of the lawmakers as reflected in the committee's submission.

As advised by operators in the maritime industry, there indications that the management of OMSL is willing and ready to partner with the Nigerian Ports Authority on the secured anchorage area for the lager interest of the nation and its economy.

Stakeholders are however of the opinion that if the security arrangement in the Lagos Pioltage District is replicated in the Eastern and South ports, it will curb the issue of insecurity currently being experienced in that axis and boost the economy of both flanks and in turn benefits the Nigeria economy as whole. So, why threaten what is saving the economy.

In recent times, one issue that has dominated the centre stage of the Nigerian maritime industry is that of the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) in Lagos port operated by an indigenous firm, Ocean Marine Securities Limited (OMSL).

The seaming controversy surrounding the operation of the scheme which was initiated to salvage the damaged image of Nigeria as it concerns the safety of vessels traveling along the nation's coastal region has been inundated with a lot of falsehood to gain cheap publicity and sympathy in some quarters.

This is done more often at the neglect of the true economic of the reality on ground.

THE FALSE ECONOMICS AND NARRATIVES

Anyone who has followed the debate as to the operation of the Lagos Port SAA project will realise that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and his subordinates in the Managing Director of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman and to some extent, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have always painted a picture of "humongous" monies being made by OMSL in executing the project.

For instance, the minister while answering questions on a national television on the SAA recently described the project being operated in full collaboration with the Nigerian Navy as one “laced with fraud”.

Answering a question on why he thinks security services being offered by OMSL under the chairmanship of Captain Well Hosa Okunbo, via the SAA is not important, Amaechi ask the reporter rhetorically, "What security was he providing? He charges each vessel on the waters $2,500, then after that $1,500 everyday. He doesn’t pay back that money to the Federal Government.

“He makes $17million from that activity. Who approved it? Nobody!"

Speaking of the alternative solution he has to offer, he said, "As Minister for Transport, I said no, we can provide that security. $195 million was approved by the Federal Government to a company that is training Nigerians that will take over the waterways, and take care of the security, then Okunbo is now saying no no, I must do it, he can’t. I wonder why our personal interest will override national interest. I wonder what kind of country we belong to."

While doing all he can to fault that project, the Minister challenged the OMSL chairman to come forward with the approval letter he got from the Federal Government to provide maritime security on the nation’s waterways.

“If you said Captain Hosa was doing it, how come we are currently ranked number one in the world in terms of insecurity in the maritime sector. When we came, we were number three, but now we are number one in the world."


THE REAL FACTS

Meanwhile, even as the focus of this write-up is not to fault the Minister's choice on the acclaim financial gain, his refusal to go ahead and explain to his viewers what it takes to maintain the ships involved in the project may not have been deliberate, but perhaps an expression of his ignorance of how companies are run.

Again, while the Minister's proffered solution appears to be very economical and cheap on the surface, after all the country just have to spend $195million in training personal for his preferred Israeli company, Messrs HLSI Security Systems and Technologies, he failed to tell Nigerians the long-run financial implications of such deals.

While one is not canvasing the idea that the government should have a way of benefiting from OMSL's financial gains if it indeed do exist, we must not forget that huge investment was first put in place before the perceived returns.

Those familiar with the SAA project which is a partnership between OMSL and the Nigerian Navy say the cost of vessels acquisitions and operational running cost is at no cost to Government and never mandatory for ships, rather it involves ships that desire the service (A willing buyer willing seller arrangement).

Amaechi, a man who was once quoted as saying that he doesn’t like money, seems to have now changed his mind and has refused to understand that the money been charged by OMSL which he believes should be shared are used for operational costs as well as to provide bunker fuel.

Furthermore, it would seem very irrational for the minister and NPA MD not to at the least investigate and understand the security architecture under their preview by inviting all stakeholders but to unilaterally award a contract without knowing or understanding the implications to national security and local investment which was already on ground.

These may have motivated operators who are also vocal to state vehemently that the economic value of the SAA operation cannot be overemphasized.

Reacting to the recent threat by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to scrap the security initiative which a joint committee of the National Assembly had applauded after investigation of it's activities, some key players in the industry charged all the parties involved in the dispute to resolve the matter amicably in the interest of the nation's maritime economy.

One of those who expressed concern over the threat to scrap the service of OMSL on the SAA while opting for a foreign security firm is Dr McGeorge Onyung, President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN).

Also, operators are optimistic that it would become very irrational for the minister and NPA boss not to at the least investigate and understand the security architecture under their preview by inviting all stake holders but to unilaterally award a contract without knowing or understanding the implications to national security and local investment which was already on ground.

To this end, it is best stated that SAA, as an economic benefit, should be replicated on other locations and why OMSL should be encouraged to even take over and manage the deep blue project because of the humongous investment by federal Government which might be another failed project

THE REAL ECONOMICS

Interestingly, the operators of the Lagos SAA, OMSL has always pointed to the fact that it's main objective behind the initiative is 'National Interest.' To this end the company has modestly offered it by charging minimal cost to cover operations and maintenance. Recall, the company's chairman, Captain Hosa Okunbo, during his presentation at the National Assembly joint committee that investigated it's activities said, "The company has always operated on the charges incurred by fund collected from ships operating under the SAA"

Meanwhile, investigation has further revealed that it cost vessels that patronize OMSL operated SAA an average of $11,500, which works out to be $2500 for the first day and $1500 for the remaining days in a seven day period which is a maximum period that most vessels berth at SAA for the service provided.

This is against having three mercenaries costing the shipping company A WHOPPING COST OF $225,000 on a one month voyage at a cost of $2500 per mercenary which works out to at least $7500 a day over a total one month voyage of 30 days from Europe and much higher from farther destinations like singapore and United States and Far East. To this end, it leads to saving of at least $213,500 as against an initial WHOPPING cost of $225,000 before the SAA was introduced by the Navy and OMSL.

It should also be noted that the SAA traffic in a day has not been more than 20 vessels at any particular time. At each vessel paying a stipend of an average $1,650 per day works out to be $33,000 per day as earnings to OMS and with 8 vessels operating in SAA. To this end, operational cost and that of hiring these vessels average $4,150 per vessel if the vessels where to be hired by NPA or the relevant Agency.

This same vessels are hired to the oil companies for atleast $8,500 per day.

It will interest stakeholders to understand that NIMASA under the supervision of federal ministry of transport is hiring similar vessels with a contract running at $10,500 for each vessel per day and they currently have six of such vessels working with Nimasa for enforcement at a total cost of $63,000 which has no security bearings coming at almost double the cost of OMSL in rendering this very critical and security arrangement This brings to fore that indeed OMSL is on National Assignment rather than perceived misconception of profit making as the cost of $4,150 per vessel earned is to enable OMSL offset their running cost

The said amount can best be seen as a stipend compared to cost of attacks and import loss that may occur from pirate attacks, which led the shipping companies embracing such idea of operation.

Therefore, while the SAA operations continue to undergo criticism by government agencies, they (the concern agencies) refuse to accept the obvious and clear fact that the operational and maintenance cost are must to be offset, and such fund has to be included in the charges.

Unfortunately, what is more worrisome in the developing situation is the fact that before the decison to sack OMSL was carried out, stakeholders were not consulted otherwise, it would not be in the interest of any to suggest the later.

Concerns are constantly brewing to the fact that, Nigeria waters are vast and ports such as Port harcout aswell as other coastal areas are constantly been ravaged by sea pirates and operators, unavoidably in need of SAA replication to withal the storm which is costing Nigeria not only economic disadvantage but reputation snares across international mention.

Operators, however, calls for the need to set up similar services in warri and port harcourt axis to reduce the piracy and increase revenues to Government aswell as decongest the Lagos port which is now a safe haven for ships because of OMSL. The benefit of the SAA also spun in reducing the exorbitant price of shipping.

THE NEED TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR

Globally, specifically in nation's where the desire for economic development and growth is the driving force behind national policies, prominence is given to local entrepreneur who ventures into terrain that has to do with security.

For instance, the Nigerian local content Act 2010 was enacted to encourage same. If this truly the case why is the Minister more interested in getting a foreign firm to come and take charge of Nigeria's territorial waterways instead of encouraging a local investor who staked as much as $400million in purchasing vessels. Better still, the deal has the blessing of the Nigerian Navy whose mandate it is to secure the waterways. If the Navy is satisfied with the business offerings just as the owners of vessels patronizing the SAA are, why should we go for a foreign alternative at an initial cost of $195million to government for mere training? Who are going to be trained by the Israeli company, the Navy or NPA security staff? After the training, who will acquire the vessels and warships that will be required for their operations? Why place emphasis on the termination of the contract between OMSL and the Nigerian Navy which is at no cost to the government when there is no immediate alternative? If money is the issue, why not dialogue with the parties involved to work out something?

Many questions keep surfacing while trying to probe the rationale behind the quest to destroy the existing maritime security structure that has worked well for Lagos ports.

However, one cannot but submit that those opposed to SAA must consider the economics benefits of encouraging local entrepreneurs over and above foreign one. Where else can Nigerians businessman gather the necessary skills and experience to grow? Practice they say makes perfect. There is no better time to practice than now.

The example of Aliko Dangote is a proof that given the opportunity Nigerian entrepreneur against all odds can excel. This is why the government must ensure that willing and competent local investors are encouraged to venture into critical sectors of the economy. That way, employment, capacity building, invention, research and other components that brings about economic development would be achieved. Just as it is becoming obvious that government alone cannot provide everything, government must not be driven by the falsehood of looking for money kill initiatives that can substantially support the growth of the maritime sector.

As the election in Edo draws closer, it appears that Governor Godwin Obaseki will swim in more trouble waters in the weeks and months to come as more breathtaking revelations about his stewardship to the people of Edo State continue to surface.

Penultimate week, a benefactor of Godwin Obaseki and former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, had described him as a con man. The erstwhile APC national chairman who went on his knees to apologise to Edo people for selling what he described as "a bad product" to them, said he would live to regret his mistakes if he did not correct them now.

A remorseful Oshiomhole who almost broke into tear, had told the people how he was manipulated by Obaseki's mastery in scheming, which eventually earned him the access to the state treasury.

Obaseki ran a 'behind the scene' operation for Oshiomhole during his two terms in office, though as once recounted by Oshiomhole, he (Obaseki) never received any direct remuneration for his service to the goverment in all of these years.

That was a clever plot. Logically, it was Obaseki's winning point against his estranged boss. It was a 'Classic' art of manuevering designed by a genius who knows how to give freely and take back from the people in quantum.

Who in Oshiomhole's shoes would not have trusted a man, who in all these years working closely with him exhibited saintly attributes with all moral soundness? It only takes a genius to beat someone like Oshiomhole to his game such that favoured him against influencial politicians with Oshiomhole to clinch the party's ticket. It was strange and voodoo-like.

Oshiomhole was charmed by his would be beneficiary's hoax and facades with the sole purpose to grab the seat of power and consolidate on what he has taken from the state through the backdoors in the guise of consultancy. Obaseki's service to the state was more of an investment for future benefits than service to the state as it was initially believed.

Oshiomhole had in one of his public expression of regrets, where he appeared to have been unbind from Obaseki's charm, said "Obaseki pretended for almost eight years, while he did not believe in what I was doing as the governor".

Godwin Obaseki's stance today and the many allegations with evidences told about him have vindicated those APC leaders who warned Oshiomhole in 2016 and disapproved of his candidacy.

There is a strong connection between the man Obaseki and strange things as his credentials have proven during his screening by the APC that led to his disqualification by the party over fear of losing the state to the opposition on a platter of gold.

Like some Nigerian leaders, questions about Obaseki remain unanswered. Was his background properly checked before he was given the responsibility to run a state as big and strategic like Edo? This is what Oshiomhole is still battling to understand how and why.

Suffice to say that, while Obaseki was doing what many were made to believe as "community service" to the state, his company, Afrinvest was warming up to feast on our common patrimony to build a business empire from.

With his reelection hope sinking by the day, Edo State purse now serves as Obaseki's personal purse. In less than four years in the affairs of the state, allegations of billions of dollars against him have become common place in several media spaces.

Even with millions shared among his lerkays to suppress reports about the looting spree ongoing in his government, the people's voice still echoes.

In two separate petitions to ICPC and the Central Bank of Nigeria recently, a group known as Concerned Edo PDP Stakeholders had asked the anti-graft body and the Apex Bank to investigate allegations of corruption against Godwin Obaseki, who they alleged using his office to influence state contracts to his company, Afrivest.

The group had also alleged that Obaseki diverted security votes for the state from 2016 till date in the tune of N7.5 billion into Afrivest Limited bank account.

It was also alleged in the letters that the said security votes of over N7 billion breathing in Afrivest Limited account and other illegally obtained profits, are already signed as start up capital to resuscitate PRIMUS BANK, which Godwin Obaseki, through his proxies is now seeking approval for to operate as a regional bank.

Apart from calling on authorities to investigate the Obaseki's administration even as the Governor is currently immuned of any form of prosecution as provided by the constitution, the PDP group had called on ICPC to invoke section 19 of the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offence Commission Act 2000 and immediately swing into investigating Obaseki's contravention the said section.

The group had wondered how could a man who in 2016, while contesting for governorship, had little personal resources, both as an individual and as the Chairman of Afrinvest Board of Directors, could not raise even N10 million naira in both personal and professional capacity, following years of barely staying above water and was approaching insolvency has suddenly become a billionaire.

The group had also raised eyebrows over a financial boom for Afrinvest Limited since Obaseki became Governor, leading to the firm winning contracts, notably from the Edo State Government, and making astounding profits it never posted since its establishment.

Also in the document is how Obaseki abused his office as Governor without the approval of the state assembly single-handedly awarded a N1.8 billion consultation contract on the Water Slorm Project to Afrinvest Limited without justification of the inflated sum and the nature of the contract.

Does this truly contravene Section 19 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences commission (ICPC), Act 2000? Yes it does.

This is just one among many other contracts awarded to Afrinvest Limited through the influence of Obaseki who continue to use the company as a front and conduit pipe for the diversion of state funds through bogus contracts and budgetary allocations.

There is no way to tell for sure the countless times Obaseki had abuse his oath of office but it could well be that some of the figures of his alleged loot are loot inside a loot inside another loot and everything is just one giant loot pyramid.

Whichever way it falls, Edo people have tolerated one too many big fraud from Obaseki and his co con travelers and it is time to act fast to save Edo State from total bankruptcy.

The people of Edo are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to save the state from Obaseki and his company. The people have total confidence in him and trust on his anti-graft war.

They are aware that since ascending to the position in 2015, President Buhari's anti-corruption campaign has targeted widespread graft in Nigeria without sparing any sacred cow.

It behold on the President belief that deeply rooted corruption in Nigeria contributes to income inequality and compromises the legitimacy of the country's efforts.

The people demand justice, holding that it was Buhari's anti corruption stance that won the hearts of most Nigerians who believe in his anti corruption stance that won him and the APC the 2019 general elections.


Odion, is a public Affair Analyst writes from Benin

Being humble is not a sign of weakness or cowardice but a signature for statesmanship and leadership. This is what Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, a man who has lived all his life building not just legacies for himself and those around him but also a society where a future for the next generation can be secured, represents.

As a revolutionary, Nelson Mandela once said “You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself or made a positive impact in the society... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty and humility".

Unfortunately, the rising profile and steadfastness of Captain Wells Okunbo appears to have become thorns on the flesh of some forces within government circle in Edo state, leading to the hunt after the Benin billionaire philanthropist by the same people under oath to protect the lives and property of the people of Edo state.

As long as men of honour continue to be persecuted with impunity, the reign of tyranny will swell in the most despicable way. It is something every right thinking person should be bothered about as it threatens the right to life of every individual in a democratic society.

It is sad that this is coming at a time when the people of Edo state are suing for peace and good leadership for the state to complement private investments put in place by the likes of Captain Wells Okunbo and attract foreign investments into the state to make life more meaningful for the good people of Edo, that attacks are being targeted at him.

One might be forced to ask if a man who has paid his dues to the society and should by all standard be encouraged to do more in whatever measures rather than being hunted and vilified out of hate or to put it, his free will as a citizen is so treated, then what is the fate of an average Edo citizen?

Recent media campaigns orchestrated against the person of Captain Hosa can be likened to blackmail and persecution aimed to intimidate a law abiding citizen who has by every standard contributed to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

Obviously, these attacks are deliberate plots to intimidate and sell negative narratives about him. The Captain Hosa we know, will absorb all and will continue to prove a point with his good work for humanity.

A recent publication on national dailies connecting Captain Hosa to former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke is again proof of a desperate move by some forces to hang a bad name on his shoulder. Why would a man who in his business life in the petroleum industry had not been indicted be so vilified by people he had once lifted?

I have followed keenly the existing fuss created by some forces in Edo state against the Governor and Captain Hosa, which is currently generating concern in various media space and the Captain Hosa's continue display of wisdom in the face of plots crafted to undermine his hard earned reputation and drag his name into the mud, only reminds me of what my father used to tell me then as a young man.

"Living with honour and humility no matter how highly placed you are in the society, tells more of who we really are".

Those who have followed the activities of Captain Hosa will attest that he carries a responsibility that affects the lives of the average Edo people for public order and peace building.

A commercial pilot, a philanthropist and a business tycoon with investments spanning the petroleum industry, agriculture, real estate and a host of other businesses that have earned him a place among the biggest employers of labour in Nigeria today, shows that Captain Hosa represents a new breed of the 21st Century leaders.

Then one would wonder why would a man who many communities across Nigeria are asking God in prayers to be blessed with, has become a game to be hunted by disgruntled people who appear to have phobia for development and progress.

Such shows of ingratitude should never have a place in our society. When has it become a crime to be a blessing to your people?

Why is a good man being persecuted for absolutely being a man of his words and character? How more commendable conduct those after Captain Hosa are still expecting from him before their retrogressive appetite can be quelled?

Records have shown that among the notable personalities produced by the Benin nation, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo has stood himself out as one who recognises the need of building a society that embraces peace and progress. His records have also earned him both national and global recognitions.

Last year, he received the Global Peace Award in Geneva Switzerland, for his commitment to peace and nation building. In March 2017, he was also named Vanguard Business Man of the year at the Vanguard personality of the year awards. These are outside other recognitions he had bagged previously.

Records have also shown how Captain Hosa has given total and complete support to successive governments in Edo state, including the present one, using his influence to bring massive investments to the state and providing economic and commercial solutions to the problems in the state, thereby creating employment opportunities for Edo people.

As a statesman, Captain Hosa has maintained a position of neutrality in politics and that is why his relationship with people in public offices cuts across political divides.

Captain is a man of honour and respect who has shown high regards for traditional institutions, and government as an institution for running the affairs of the state and its people. He has shown on several occasions, his dedication and commitment to the upliftment of Edo state and the Edo people without sentiment and bias.

Captain Hosa is a worthy Edo son that deserves the utmost respect for his contribution to the Edo nation and therefore every form of attack on his personality should be condemned. Those who are playing politics for their immediate pecuniary gains should not tarnish the hardly built reputation of a worthy Benin son for the sole purpose of an election that is coming and will soon go.

Patrick Ochoga, sent this piece from Benin City,

Renowned business mogul and the Chairman, Ocean Marine Solutions, Dr Idahosa Wells Okunbo, on Sunday dis-associated himself from the weekend booing of Governor Godwin Obaseki and attack on his convoy by some protesting youths at the gate of the revered Benin Monarch
Some suspected APC and PDP supporters weekend, had clashed outside the Oba's Palace were scores were reportedly injured.

Okunbo, who frowned at the insinuation linking him to the attack yesterday in a statement titled, "setting the records straight" he personally signed and made available to LEADERSHIP in Benin City, Sunday, however condemned the attack on the governor and the visiting PDP governor's and leaders.

He said the motive of those who made the insinuation linking him are in their usual character and mischief nature is to drag him into their politics to give the impression that he was responsible for their rejection by the people.

He stated: “While I condemn the booing of the governor and the PDP team, and the reprisal attack, I am particularly pained that some ungodly insinuations in some quarters have linked me with the unfortunate saga. It is against this backdrop that I have deemed it necessary to make the following clarifications.

"That I was invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin for a very private ceremony, which I did not even attend with my friends; and that the private ceremony, which had no bearing at all with politics, took place hours after the booing incident happened outside the Palace;

"That I was not privy to the ugly incident during which Governor Godwin Obaseki was reportedly booed; that as a responsible citizen and elder statesman who respects constituted authorities, I would not subscribe to any act that tends to disrespect or denigrate any constituted authority whether in Edo State or any other State in Nigeria.

"I sincerely frown at the brazen act of disrespect for constituted authorities by the crowd of young men who reportedly became unruly on sighting the entourage of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor Godwin Obaseki at the palace of the Oba of Benin;

"I will never, ever be a party to any plan, plot, action or inaction to embarrass our most revered father, Oba Ewuare II, who is non-partisan; and who plays the role of a father to all sons and daughters of the great Benin Kingdom.

"That just as I was not privy to the ugly incident outside the palace of the Oba Of Benin, our revered Royal Father, Oba Ewuare II, was also not even aware of what transpired outside until later after he had been briefed about it just as he added that the " Monarch will not, at all times, condone any act of indiscipline by the youths.”

The New Nigeria Collective (NNC) has cautioned the Nigeria Ports Authority to “tread with circumspection in the way it is handling its engagement with the Ocean Marine Solution Limited, the company supporting the Nigerian Navy to provide security at the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) of the Lagos delineation of the nation’s waters.

The group, in a statement by its National Chairman, Mr. Adeola Adewunmi was reacting to a statement recently credited to the NPA leadership and published in a national daily, where it threatened the arrest of any vessel at the SAA, adding that any ship found there would be sanction also.

NNC noted that “the inexplicable rivalry orchestrated by the NPA was gradually becoming a threat to national security, given the sensitivity of the assignment that the OMSL is handling for the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy at SAA”.

It said, “The fact that OMSL has no business with the NPA in the matter presupposes that the government agency has been overreaching itself over time, recalling that " even after the Nigerian Senate intervened and asked the NPA to steer clear of the SAA, because the contract is between OMSL and the Navy and not directly with the NPA.

“It is even the more disturbing that after Senate’s recommendation, which gave OMSL a clean bill and urged it to continue with its otherwise patriotic assignment, the NPA leadership was still headstrong and went ahead to disrespect the Nigerian senate – an institution of note. Isn’t it also ridiculous that the NPA is now asking the Navy to arrest the vessels they are protecting or do we call this a clear case of incompetence on the part of the NPA leadership?

“Unfortunately, as it stands today, the NPA doesn’t have a security Architecture in place in the Lagos area, not to mention the Port Harcourt area, where pirates’ attacks are uncontrollable and cost of shipping to Port Harcourt has become astronomical, because ships refuse to go there. But the Lagos that seems to be working, because of SAA is about to be destroyed out of sheer vendetta and lack of patriotism.

“Instead of encouraging the security solutions that have brought sanity to the Lagos area, all the efforts of the NPA leadership have been to destroy it and bring the Lagos area to the days that ships had to go to neighboring countries to berth and the country lost a lot of revenue and what is even more worrisome is that this service is at no cost to the federal government, so, what is NPA’s problem?”

The NNC said it was embarrassed to learn that “despite all the interventions that legitimately stifled the NPA from harassing the OMSL, it has continued to act as though it was not answerable to anyone”, adding that “the silent treatment being meted out to it by the OMSL can only explain why the matter has not needlessly escalated.

“The truth of the matter is that the NPA does not even have the power to arrest or announce the arrest of anyone. In the very worst-case scenario, if there are infractions at SAA, all that the NPA needs to do is report such to the Navy, which will in turn address the matter.”

A coalition of civil society organisations in the South South has threatened to sue the Federal Government over refusal to pay commission to one John Okupurhe who allegedly exposed over $1bn (N420bn) hidden in a commercial bank.

The civil society organisations under the auspices of South South Anti-Corruption Watchdog (SACW) Monday in Benin City, Edo state capital, vowed to ensure Okupurhe gets justice and those behind the hidden cash are exposed.

Okupurhe, according to report in a national daily, had informed the office of the Attorney General of the Federation about the account secretly operated by the Nigerian Ports Authority to collect revenue from vessels.

National Coordinator of SACW, Prince Kokori Edjegba, said it was shocking to aides of President Muhammadu Buhari making mockery of his administration anti-corruption fight.

Prince Edjegba noted that if accounts of Okupurhe were true the Nigeria government ought to have played it’s part by paying him for exposing hidden funds.

Edjegba stated that ridiculing Okupurhe good work would prevent others from coming forward with authentic information about stolen cash or exposing corruption in public service.

He said it was wrong for the AGF’s office to allow the issue gets to the public because it might exposed Okupurhe to unnecessary danger.
A letter by Okupurhe’ lawyer and dated June 22, 2020 reads in parts “Pursuant to the whistleblower policy of the Federal Government, our client approached the Office of the AGF with confidential information in respect of hidden public funds concealed in a commercial bank in Lagos contrary to the Treasury Single Account policy which requires all public revenue or funds to be domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Our client presented the Office of the AGF with qualifying information on a cloned account with the Nigerian Ports Authority which was being used to collect revenue from vessels by the signatories who are no longer in the service of the NPA.

“Upon establishing that our client’s information qualified under the whistle-blower policy, the Office of the AGF signed a whistle-blower agreement with our client through his appointed counsel- Mamman, Maiyaki & Co.

“The information provided by our client eventually led to the exposure of the hidden/concealed funds in a commercial bank to the tune of $1,034,515, 000.”

However, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in a media report Sunday had explained that government only pays whistleblowers after a successful recovery, not for mere tracing or exposure of suspected illegitimate funds.

The Minister was reacting to a letter allegedly by one Aliyu Lemu, Esq. purportedly written on June 22 on issues revolving around the payment of a whistleblower’s fees.

“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wants to make it categorically clear that one does not get paid on account of exposing looted assets, but on successful recovery and lodgment of same into the designated assets recovery account at the Central Bank of Nigeria’’.

It was a needless and avoidable friction. But, perhaps, providence had an unsuspecting need for the script.

Earlier this month, Hon. Marvelous Muhizu Zibiri had slandered the highly respected philanthropist, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, when in a willfully damaging publication, which went viral on the social media he described the illustrious son of Benin a “drug baron”.

For many reasons, Captain Hosa as he is called, didn’t find such impudence funny neither was he going to let it slide this time.

This was a matter that had been resolved some 25 years ago, with a competent court declaring him clean. So, where is this coming from? Who could be behind this, because obviously, it was beyond the man, who was the new face of the attack?

But Captain Hosa made a resolution: that he would pursue this to the very last. However, in doing so, he would not employ any extra-judicial means or be seen to have abused his power and influence over a rather younger Zibiri, who was evidently misled.

That was how the journey that eventually culminated in a peaceful denouement, began. First on June 3, 2020, Captain Okunbo, petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, intimating him of what he described as “malicious, vicious and injurious” conduct of Zibiri.

Mindful of the damage that the publication had cause to both his person and business, Okunbo asked the IG “to put a stop to the ongoing criminal falsehood and conduct of Mr. Marvelous Muhizu Zibiri and his cohorts, while we seek other legal remedies for this very dastardly act.”

Acting on the petition, the IG immediately deploy some of his men to work and after days of searching for Zibiri, he was arrested and taken to Abuja, where investigations about his destructive publication commenced.

However, on June 20, Jimba Chambers, solicitors to Zibiri, wrote to Captain Okunbo, seeking his patience and understanding, especially, having met at different times with their client, who had also owned up to the charges against him.

In the letter signed by Alhaji Yakubu Jimba, the solicitors wrote: “Our client is willing, ready and able to put up and publish a written withdrawal of alleged defamatory publication without prejudice. To this extent, we shall be grateful if you kindly decline to press charges. Our client further undertakes that upon regaining freedom, he shall publish a written apology to you forthwith.”

Replying to Jimba Chambers, solicitors to Captain Okunbo, C.E Atano and Co, in a letter dated June 21, noted that, “Our client has been and is greatly hurt and embarrassed by your client’s conduct and actions.

His slanderous publications not only dented his image, but also caused great damage to his reputation and business for which he is justifiably angry and had initiated legal actions to seek redress.

“Our client is an elder statesman, who has worked so hard to build his image and Business Empire over the years, and his people, especially, the youths look up to him as a role model and beacon of hope in Edo State and the country in general.

He is particularly interested in developing the youths and encouraging them to pursue their dreams for which he has greatly invested in Edo State.

“Suffice it to say that your client caused serious damage, but based on his apologies and undertakings as stated in your letter, our client, out of magnanimity and as an elder statesman, may without prejudice decide to forgive ‘IF’ and when your client is able to make wide and copious publications and a handwritten apology as stated in your letter.

“Our client believes he was misled and ill advised, and now that he is remorseful and repentant, our client may overlook his excesses, though the damage has been done.”

Thus, on June 22, Captain Okunbo wrote back to the police, this time through the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police and intimated the police of the development, which included the proposed apology and other undertakings by Zibiri as part of the understanding resulting in the final resolution of the matter.

“Being an elder statesman and a person with good interest of the youths and people of Edo State, coupled with several pleas from his people, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, has decided to forgive and not press charges on the condition that Mr. Marvelous Muhizu keeps to his undertakings as expressed through his lawyer’s letter and reiterated in the response letter by Cyril Atano esq., lawyer to Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo.

“Though serious damage has been caused by Mr. Marvelous Muhizu’s acts and conduct, and though his undertakings, pleas and withdrawals may not adequately redress or compensate for the damage, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, being a father figure to such youths and out of his magnanimity, has decided to forgive and let go if the conditions aforesaid are met.”

In two separate letters – of apology and undertaking – dated June 23, 2020, Zibiri, while apologising to Captain Okunbo said: “I further hereunder vow never to be involved in such publications affecting him (Captain Okunbo) in any manner. I hope Captain Idahosa will find a heart to forgive me and withdraw the petition against me in the FIB.”

In that of undertaking, Zibiri stated also: “I wish to undertake that I shall make wide and copious publications in both Print and Social Media, recanting, withdrawing and disclaiming slanderous publications against Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo.

“I also wish to undertake that I will cease to in any manner defame or undermine Captain Idahosa in whatever guise. Failure to do so shall entail judicial action against me.”

Hopefully, this uncharitable episode to the recurring albeit unfounded allegation puts an end to a matter that died and was buried 25 years ago.

However, there’s a lesson here for both sides. While the timely show of remorse by the accused was smart and commendable, because he would have spent a good time prison on account of a willful defamation of character, the show of magnanimity by Captain Hosa is worthy of note and mention.

By his action in this matter, Captain Hosa has also lived true to type as a kind, sympathetic and generous son of Benin, who is interested more in mentoring the youths and building a future for them than watching them destroy themselves.

Although many of those close to Captain Okunbo hinted that he was badly damaged by such a weighty allegation, which sadly, was lacking in substance, that he was prepared to go the whole hog in seeking justice, the father in him however showed up at a most auspicious time, when it was badly needed.

This is a classic case of a deviant son and a large-hearted father doing right from their respective standpoint.

Importantly, however, it is hoped that many others in Zibiri shoes, who are susceptible to manipulations by the dregs of the society would take a cue from his ordeal and ponder a productive use of their time and gift.

First and foremost, I give thanks to God Almighty for the successful conduct of the primaries and the safety of all our members, including officials of all agencies, who took part across the state.

I thank the leader of our party, the All Progressives Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly disposition and democratic stance that set the stage for a free and transparent contestation devoid of institutional bias, favoritism, or imposition of any kind.

I am also grateful to the national leadership of the APC for the courage displayed and the commitment to democratic ideals that have distinguished our party and made it appealing to millions of Nigerians across the country. The bold insistence on adherence to the constitution of the party, even amid immense pressure, was a great show of leadership that served as a reminder to all that the APC is a party founded on sacred values central to its growth and survival.

My grateful thanks also go to the Edo State Traditional Council led by Our great King, Omo' N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpo, The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for the fatherly counsel and important interventions. I wish to reiterate my deep respect and undying loyalty to the institution.

To the election committee chaired by His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for organizing a primary election that allowed the members of our party in the state to elect a candidate in a responsible, safe, fair, and transparent process, I convey my deepest gratitude.

From the start, with the adoption of the direct mode of primary, our party showed its recognition of the peculiarity of the times we are in and its commitment to complying with all regulations and guidelines in place to ensure that our people are protected from danger, specifically the coronavirus disease.

Today, because of the hard work of the committee, the cooperation of INEC, observers, and all security agencies, that desire got full expression as members of our party, whose conduct was admirable and responsible, participated in a primary that will form a point of reference to all on how to practice democracy without compromising safety procedures in the fight against a viral disease.

I am grateful to everyone for their support, most especially my fellow aspirants who shunned the politics of bitter opposition and displayed the level of maturity and sportsmanship never before seen in the history of this country.

Against an incumbent government that tested the resolve and unity of our party using morally bankrupt tactics without any regard for the rule of law, we were able to prevail because Dr. Pius Odubu, Hon. Osaro Obazee, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, General Charles Airhavbere (rtd), Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, Hon. Saturday Uwuilekwe and Professor Ebegue Amadasun showed great leadership and fought a good fight premised on the shared understanding that we are all on the same side, confronting and seeking to undo the many failures of an administration that betrayed our people and the values of our party.

I am very grateful to them and I look forward to working with them as we return to the streets and homes of our people, to restore and strengthen their hope and faith in the party, the All Progressives Congress, and return Edo state back on the path of development and growth.

Today’s victory is not for me alone. It is a victory for democracy, for the rule of law, and for our party, the All Progressives Congress. To everyone who played a part in making it possible; to my family, my campaign team, support groups at home and in the diaspora, members of our party, and all Edo people, I say thank you.

Receiving your endorsement and nomination to represent our party in the Governorship election is one of the greatest honors of my life. I find myself joyous but as well aware of the faith reposed in me by you all. Most importantly, I feel the weight of that trust and the great need not to disappoint all of you who deemed me worthy of the honor to fly the banner of our great party and be your representative at the polls.

The agenda remains SIMPLE in the literal sense of those alphabets as I renew my pledge to devote myself to moving this state forward by bringing new ways and innovative methods in: Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructural Development and Urban Renewal, Manpower Development and Training, Public-Private Partnership, Leadership by Example, and Employment Creation and Social Empowerment Scheme.

This time, we must get it right. And the work to make this a reality must continue with revitalized passion and zeal. Our victory today is only the beginning. We must now all come together, renew our loyalty to the party, and march with sturdy strides on this new path that beckons.

Fellow party members, thank you once again for your confidence in me and support. I assure you, and the people of our state, that you will not be disappointed.

May God bless you all.

By Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

Capt Hosa Blow Hot, Warns To Prosecute Perpetrators Of Falsehood Against His Person, Company

Chairman, Ocean Marine Limited and Business mogul, Capt Hosa Okunbo has warned that he would stop at nothing until perpetrators of malicious falsehood and attack against his person and organization are meant to face the full wrath of the law.

He said the time when he would gloss over orchestrated attack and activities of mischief makers aimed at maligning his integrity and reputation are over.

Okunbo in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, Edo state, captioned "Enough Is Enough" said he had through his legal team written to the Inspector General of Police, Muhammadu Adamu, over activities one Marvelous Zibiri's attempt to denigrate his name through malicious and libelous publications in order to peddle alleged falsehood and lies under the guise of playing politics in the state.

Okunbo said he takes pride in his Bini ancestry and holds dearly the highest ethos of integrity, as that has been key to his success as an entrepreneur of international repute.

He spoke against the backdrop of a publication by ‘Honourable’ Marvelous Zibiri, said to be a serving aide of the Governor of Edo State, pointing out that he (Zibiri) had “betrayed his lack of capacity for decorum and reasonableness, bellying his claim to being an ‘honourable’ as his very action is a direct negation to that revered title.’

He vowed that his “reputation built over decades of hard work, dedication, commitment to excellence and the highest standards of forthrightness, cannot be damaged or demeaned by anyone whose pedigree is questionable, to say the least.”

Okunbo is also the Chairman, Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, however, expressed confidence in the police through IGP Adamu would “apply due diligence investigations to establish the veracity or otherwise of Mr. Zibiri’s claims, adding that ”My legal representatives have also been briefed for possible libel and defamation of character charges.”

According to him, “The intent, tone and language deployed in this particular publication betrayed his desire to cast aspersion on my person, and to smear my hard-earned reputation with innuendoes, allusions, and outright falsehoods.”

“If they ever thought it’s going to be business as usual from this day onward, then, it’s okay to do a test of my resolve to protect and guard jealously my priceless asset: my name,” he said.

While making reference in a discharged and acquitted of all charges on a ‘no case’ submission. Proceedings of this case with in suit No: MOT/L/163/95 which was documented and accessible to the public, Okunbo stated that, “It is this unfortunate incident of 1995 that my detractors and vicious character assassins have continuously drummed up to tarnish my character, to score cheap political points and for other devious reasons whenever it suits them.”

“I have never been interrogated nor charged, much less convicted for any drug or drug-related issue anywhere in the world. Thus, Mr. Zibiri’s reference to me as a ‘drug baron’ is the height of malice and mischief,”

He said, “Much as they had tried to splash mud in my corner, including some of my businesses, I have not ceased to receive letters of commendations from our partners, who not only appreciate our efforts at adding value and improving the overall good, but urging us to do more. Their words of support and encouragement are definitely inestimable.”

He urged all his associates and partners, “not take these inane and unfounded attacks seriously, because they know what it is: an attempt to deliberately damage a thriving and enduring brand. But the time to pull the breaks and put all of those mischief-makers in their respective places."

Hundreds of youths, elders of host communities of OML 30, Cluster 11, in both Burutu and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State Thursday described as not only frivolous, baseless attempt by Central youth body of Warri to blackmail operators of the facility, Ocean Marine Solutions, OMSL that the multi-billion naira firm has not done any empowerment to Indigenes of the area.

This is coming as another group, Niger Delta Coalition Of Coastal Communities, Chief Donben Donyegha, also debunked allegations by one Bullet Otuaru against the Managing Director of Ocean Marine Solution, Captain Hosa Okunbor as false.

In a press statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, Edo State, by leaders of the communities which constituted OML 30 cut across Burutu and Warri South West Local Government area of Delta state, rose in the defense of the security firm and its Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Hosa Okunbor for subletting surveillance contracts to indigenes of the host communities

The statement which was jointly signed by Fidelix Atutu, Engr. Don Dickson Ogugu, Comr. Yerin Golo, Chief Jeremiah Iyepade, Comr. Ebikeme Angodideke, Pst. Phillip S. Fianka, Chief Prince E. Onaro, Comr. Burutu Mozu, Mr. Yerin Joel, Mr. John Ekerefe, Double Chief Felix Ebah among others.

They noted that those benefiting from the company are all bonafide indigenes of the communities.

Speaking further, the leaders had noted that besides doling out pipeline contracts to indigenes of the host communities, Ocean Marine Solutions Limited had also empowered youths from the said communities and beyond that are receiving salaries on a monthly basis as employment.

They maintained that it is not fair for anyone or group of persons to have come up with such untrue and blackmailing method to malign a company that is doing well and calling beneficiaries from the area strangers.

However, they called on the Federal Government, Delta State Government, the concerned local governments councils and members of the general public to completely disregard such group of people.

Part of the statement jointly signed by the elders reads: “The said purported Central Youth Body of Warri, Excravos, Burutu and Forcados in Burutu Local Government and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State does not have the host communities mandate in cluster 11, OML 30 Transforcados pipeline.

“The self acclaimed Central Youth Body does not know the true picture of what and what is going on in Transforcados pipeline OML 30.
"Concerning the said publication by this self acclaimed youths who are not even recognised in the host communities where this operation is taking place in OML 30 Transforcados pipeline.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, Delta State Government, the Chairmen of Warri South West and Burutu Local Governments should be aware that OMS has legally engaged the host communities and has done the needful by giving employment slots/jobs to the youths of the host communities, therefore, there is no youth restiveness that is likely to cause crisis in the said concerned area where OMS is running the surveillance contract.

“The only thing that might likely bring issues if not urgently addressed is the use of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to cancel and terminate the indigenous grass cutting/local surveillance contractors and workers in Transforcados pipeline, OML 30 which the leaders of various communities, Delta State Government and Heritage in a joint meeting held at Government House, Asaba resolved that Heritage should with immediate effect re-award such contracts back to its original beneficiaries from the host communities which Heritage has not been able to fulfill.

“As far as we are concerned leaders of the host communities in OML 30, this is the only thing that is causing tension which might likely cause issues if Heritage fails to reversed the contracts back to their original indigenous contractors.”

A socio-political group, the Estako Solidarity Forum (ESF) has warned politicians in Edo State to stop maligning the name of respected business mogul, Captain Hosa Okunbo over the forthcoming governorship election.

The warning by the ESF came following several posting of malicious and untrue statements online linking Captain Hosa as being the brain behind emergence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as consensus aspirant of a faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC.


The ESF urged politicians to leave Captain Hosa out of their political misfortune.

It said the politicians sponsoring the falsehood online publications would soon be exposed, shamed and sued appropriately.

National Coordinator of ESF, Comrade Seidu Momoh, said Captain Hosa is one of the prominent sons of Edo State that quit partisan politics in 2015 to focus on his global business.

Comrade Momoh noted that Captain Hosa philanthropic activities extended to all parts of Edo state and beyond.

Momoh said politicians sponsoring the malicious statements should hide their head in shame.

Also, the Bini Progressive Forum, BPF, Jude Idemudia, condemned the dragging of Captain Hosa name into the political crisis in the state.

"We want to warn the perpetrators and their sponsors to desist from this madness. Politics should be played in an atmosphere of peace, togetherness, fairness and unity instead of subjecting it to ridiculous unsubstantiated and false claim against our illustrious son that has continue to give his all to the advancement of Edo indigenes and Nigeria. He deserves our respect.”

A new interactive virtual classroom platform, ViCLASS has launched in Nigeria to cushion the effects of school closure following the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This pandemic has changed the age-old chalk-talk teaching model to the one rooted in technology.

ViCLASS Integrated Virtual Learning Platform by Ham Network Limited can be accessed from anywhere with an internet-connected laptop or mobile device through a web browser.

A statement by the firm's media relations manager in Abuja, Christopher Oulu-Crown said the platform charges are as low as NGN 12 daily and NGN 300 monthly per student's course enrollment for the shared solution.

According to Christopher, "This product brings a completely new concept to learning by taking students and instructors (which may include; lecturers, teachers or trainers) to a virtual reality of an assuredly better version of their traditional classroom experience – a learning experience without borders."

ViCLASS Virtual Study Center is an integrated learning platform that has a virtual classroom which enables a live audio and video conferencing sessions between students and instructors.

Instructors have the feature to open a live class session, section students into groups for group discussion, upload presentation materials, write and draw on an interactive white teaching board amongst other features. Students who join a live class session can ask their instructor questions in text or by unmuting their microphone. Both parties have the feature to stream videos together within the virtual classroom.

Beyond the Virtual Classroom feature in the Virtual Study Center, instructors can issue assignments, open discussion forum topics, and grade assignments submitted by students. On the other hand, students can submit assignments, reply, or comment on open discussion forum topics in text, audio, or video format. Students can also take their exams directly from the Virtual Study Center.

The company said, "ViCLASS offers two types of service packages; a dedicated and shared solution. The dedicated solution is majorly for education providers that have a high number of students and wants to have their own branded virtual study center while the shared solution is a general virtual study center for education providers who do not have many students and do not mind sharing a virtual study center with others unnoticed."

ViCLASS (A brand of Ham Network Limited) is a Managed Cloud LMS and a Virtual Study Center for Developing, Hosting, Management, and Delivery of Educational Courses by corporate organizations, training firms, schools and universities.

Contacts

Media: Chris +234 (0) 808 480 5155
Investors: Hanniel +234 (0) 703 360 6515

www.viclass.net