₦airaland Forum

Senior citizen Victor Olaiya needs the help of Nigerians, and it’s very real. This is as a result of threats being metted out to the legendary highlife musician by the chairman of Coker Aguda Local Council Development Authority Akinyemi Obe.
According to a reliable source, the LCDA chairman has been threatening elder Olaiya for months over a street named after the musician, saying the musician must pay a staggering amount if the name of the street should remain as it was even before Obe was born.

Insiders say Obe is executing a clandestine agenda to remain the street with a friend of his who has promised to make a huge payment.

Flashy Obe, who is a notorious home breaker but was not born when Olaiya started singing once told some people that she does not care about the age of the man in question.

To carry out her threat, the chairman ordered his staff to execute the notice from Coker Aguda LCDA to be pasted on Sir Victor Olaiya’s house on Victor Olaiya Street Aguda Surulere.

The notice is threatening to revoke street named after the musical legend and reallocate to any other interested and paying resident on the street except the Olaiya family pays up.

As a follow up to the threat, one Hon Foaud kept calling from the LCDA on the instruction of Mrs Akinyemi Obe making threats just before new year.

Meanwhile Sir Victor Olaiya who will be 90 this year is a recluse in his house, bed ridden and rarely sees sunlight.

Concerned residents told this morning that Obe is insensitive and ot is unfortunate that a senior citizen in tye person of Olaiya could be treated in such manner.

Meanwhile it was gathered that musicians are planning a walk against her at an LCDA that is slipping away from APC. And election is less that 2 months.

A popular Nigerian business news blog has been exposed while trying to blackmail one of the fastest growing banks recently.

Information filtering in revealed that the business news blog and its publisher (names withheld) recently strategised their plots to blackmail Keystone Bank Limited and its managing director/CEO, Dr. Obeahon Ohiwerei.

According to sources close to the bank, the publisher of the blog had contacted Keystone Bank demanding a whopping N40 million to ‘kill’ purported stories which was discovered to be a fabrication of lies and allegation against the financial institution and its managing director/CEO.

The publisher was told point-blank that the bank could not afford such amount of money. It was learnt that the publisher whose name starts with a ‘O’ and blog name starts with a ‘P’ was undaunted in his plan to obtain from the lender and its leadership. He therefore quickly pegged down his demand to N15 million, a negotiation which the bank also declined immediately.

Angered that his plot to blackmail the bank was becoming unsuccessful, the publisher threatened to publish the false stories to rubbish the bank and its CEO.

When contacted, a staff of the bank who doesn’t want his name in the print confirmed the story. According to him, after building its reputation to its present standard, Keystone Bank will not succumb to cheap blackmails or any blackmail for that matter.

“We are waiting for him to make good his threats. I can assure you that the bank will not hesitate to use all legal means to seek redress as a deterrent to other unscrupulous elements out there,” he said.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has said the President Muhammadu Buhari government is working hard to end youth unemployment.

He said the government had set up training programmes to ensure that the youths were gainfully engaged in skill acquisitions and become employers of labour.

He said before long unemployment in the country would become history, adding that unemployed youths should register with the National Directorate of Employment for various training programmes.

Ngige stated this at Idemili South Local Government Secretariat, Ojoto, during the passing out of 500 youths in the area who were trained in cosmetology by the NDE.

The beneficiaries, our correspondent learnt, were sponsored by the minister.

Ngige said the Buhari government was desirous to provide skilled jobs to the youths “so that they will not only provide employment for themselves but become employers of labour.”

He said the beneficiaries would be provided with funds to enable them to start their own business.

He enjoined them to form cooperatives to strengthen their business, adding that the cost of engaging in cooperatives would be reduced for them.

Buba Marwa, former Military governor of Lagos state, has advised those eyeing the presidential seat to wait till 2023.

He gave the advice during an interactive session with journalists in Yola, capital of Adamawa state, on Thursday.

Marwa, who is the chairman, presidential advisory committee on drugs, expressed confidence that Buhari would defeat other presidential candidates in the 2019 election.

“Buba Marwa Organization is the first to organise rally in support of President Buhari in 2016, because Buhari has done very well in three areas of economy, security and fight against corruption,” he said.

“He will return for the second time by the grace of God, and for that, I have no doubt all those vying for Aso Villa will wait till 2023.”

On the recent security situation in the country, he said the zrmy and other security agencies had done excellently well and need more support and encouragement from the general public.

On illicit drugs, Marwa said the committee he was chairing had made several contacts and efforts to control the importation, consumption and dealing in such drugs and the trafficker.

Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun state, says he fears only God and not any human being, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said this while responding to reports quoting him as saying he fears the president.

The governor had been quoted to have said that he fears God and Buhari while addressing leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta shortly after the national working committee (NWC) inaugurated the state caretaker committee.

“To put the record straight, I never said I fear President Muhammadu Buhari. I only said I fear God. I don’t fear President Buhari,” Amosun said during the 2018 Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons organised by the state government in Abeokuta, the state capital.

“You know this is our time as politician, a time when politicians will call black, blue. Yesterday I held a meeting with our people, and the way I started was that, I was brought up to fear God but only for me to see in the paper this morning that ‘Amosun says he fears God and Buhari.

“No, it is only God I fear, the one that is alive, the only one that will say ‘kufayakun’ and no one can change(it), that is the only God that I fear.

“Of course, I respect President Buhari, I love him and he loves me too but I know him he fears God because he is from God. He doesn’t beg for respect he commands and earns it. So it is only God that I fear.”

The house of representatives has recommended the arrest of Okoi Obono-Obla, senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution.

The house asked Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police, to arrest and prosecute the presidential aide for allegedly being in possession of a fake West African Examination Council (WAEC) result.

The house also recommended the withdrawal of his law degree and law school certificate obtained with the result.

The lawmakers made the recommendation on Thursday while adopting the report of its committee that investigated the special presidential investigative panel for the recovery of public property (SPIP), which is headed by Obono-Obla.

The committee had said it discovered irregularities in the O’level result which the presidential aide has, following a petition to the house by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).

The presidential aide is said to have used the result in question to gain admission into the University of Jos where he studied and subsequently, the Nigerian Law School.

Femi Ola, deputy WAEC registrar, had told the committee that “available evidence indicate that the results were altered and therefore makes them invalid.”

The house also urged Buhari to relieve Obono-Obla of his appointment, and to dissolve the SPIP “in view of the arbitrary use of powers and abuse of office by the chairman.”

Other recommendations of the committee include: ” That the Code of Conduct Bureau should be strengthened to fill the gap that the panel (SPIP) seek to fill in the current anti-corruption drive.

“That the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) should investigate the allegations contained in the Audit Report of the Auditor General of the Federation of the financial transactions of the panel and prosecute the culprits.”

This comes six months after the committee began to probe the presidential aide. He never attended any of its hearings even though the committee said it had invited him a number of times.

He has since headed to court, challenging the power of the committee to investigate both the presidential panel as well as his educational qualifications.

When the allegations were first made, he had said they were the outcome of “a hatchet job masterminded by some members of the national assembly who are under investigation by my panel” and that “the intention is to smear and ridicule me.”

The cinema screening of ‘Lion Heart,’ the directorial debut of veteran actress, Genevieve Nnaji, has been halted due to alleged industry controversies.

NAN reports that although the movie was purchased by Netflix in July, Nnaji’s team announced last Friday that its cinema screening would commence on December 21.

Following that announcement, a viral statement from the ‘Lion Heart’s team alleged that the “powers that be” (distribution companies) have refused to show the movie in their cinemas.

The statement further claimed that one of the major distributors, who had agreed to show the movie, backed out of the deal after being “arm-twisted”.

Reacting to the statement, Patrick Lee, chairman of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), said that the Lionheart team did not adhere to the processes involved in exhibiting a film in cinemas in the country that’s why most of its members “rightly refused to take the movie”.

“We expect the movie to come from a licenced distributor, we expect the movie to be given adequate runtime in the cinemas before it is officially released on other platforms,” he said.

“And also for our cinemas to be provided with adequate notice for the inclusion of the movie in an increasingly crowded calendar.

“It is clear from the approach taken by the Lionheart team that these processes were not adhered to and most of our members rightly refused to take the movie.

“It is also important to note that this movie had been signed up by Netflix months ago, thereby giving Genevieve’s team ample time to secure a spot on the calendar.

“An option they did not take until quite recently thereby ensuring the possibility of the movie not being shown by cinemas during their preferred date.

“Genevieve has starred and produced movies for cinema exhibition in the past so should be familiar with the way the industry works which is why this is a cause for concern for us in the cinema association.

“Finally it’s worth pointing out that other movies such as Chief Daddy, KOB and Merry men had all been slated from early March this year.

“Mo Abudu, AY and Kemi Adetiba who are industry compatriots of Genevieve’s followed the right approach by scheduling early for cinema release. It’s not fair that they may now possibly have their screen times reduced because of the rushed inclusion of Lionheart in the cinemas.

“We at the cinema association are also not pleased about the attacks in the statement on some of our members and the sweeping generalisations the statement makes.”

‘Lionheart’ had successful screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Marrakech, Morroco and will be available on Netflix in January 2019

Diamond bank has confirmed its merger with Access Bank Plc, stating that the development is in the best interest of all stakeholders including, employees, customers, depositors and shareholders.

In a statement signed by Chioma Afe, Head, Corporate Communications of Diamond Bank, and made available to TheMomentNG, the lender said that the proposed merger would involve Access Bank acquiring the entire issued share capital of Diamond Bank in exchange for a combination of cash and shares in Access Bank via a Scheme of Merger.

Read the full statement below:

The Board of Diamond Bank Plc (“Diamond Bank”) on Monday announces that following a strategic review leading to a competitive process, the Board has selected Access Bank Plc (“Access Bank”) as the preferred bidder with respect to a potential merger of the two banks (“the merger”) that will create Nigeria and Africa’s largest retail bank by customers.

The Board of Diamond Bank believes that the merger is in the best interest of all stakeholders including, employees, customers, depositors and shareholders and has agreed to recommend the offer to Diamond Bank’s shareholders. Completion of the merger is subject to certain shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The proposed merger would involve Access Bank acquiring the entire issued share capital of Diamond Bank in exchange for a combination of cash and shares in Access Bank via a Scheme of Merger. Based on the agreement reached by the Boards of the two financial institutions, Diamond Bank shareholders will receive a consideration of N3.13 per share, comprising of N1.00 per share in cash and the allotment of 2 New Access Bank ordinary shares for every 7 Diamond Bank ordinary shares held as at the Implementation Date. The offer represents a premium of 260% to the closing market price of N0.87 per share of Diamond Bank on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (“NSE”) as of December 13, 2018, the date of the final binding offer.

Immediately following completion of the merger, Diamond Bank would be absorbed into Access Bank and it will cease to exist under Nigerian law. The current listing of Diamond Bank’s shares on the NSE and the listing of Diamond Bank’s global depositary receipts on the London Stock Exchange will be cancelled, upon the merger becoming effective.

Diamond Bank expects the transaction to complete in the first half of 2019.

Uzoma Dozie, the Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank, said: “The proposed combination with Access Bank will create one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.

There is clear strategic rationale for the proposed merger and strong complementarities between the two institutions. While Diamond Bank has pioneered Nigeria’s largest technology-led retail banking platform, Access Bank is one of Nigeria’s leading full-service commercial banks. Consolidation in the Nigerian banking industry is an inevitable, natural progression in a sector where the gap between Tier 1 and Tier 2 banks has been widening and scale has become critical; where technology will disrupt the traditional business model while enabling broader financial inclusion.

The board of Diamond Bank believes that the proposed combination of the two operations provides an exciting prospect for all stakeholders in both businesses and will create a financial institution with the scale, strength and expertise to capitalise on the significant opportunities in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa more broadly.”

Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Bank, said: “Access Bank has a strong track record of acquisition and integration and has a clear growth strategy. Access Bank and Diamond Bank have complementary operations and similar values, and a merger with Diamond Bank, with its leadership in digital and mobile-led retail banking, could accelerate our strategy as a significant corporate and retail bank in Nigeria and a Pan-African financial services champion. Access Bank has a strong financial profile with attractive returns and a robust capital position with 20.1% CAR as at 30 September 2018. We believe that this platform, together with the two banks’ shared focus on innovation, financial inclusion and sustainability, can bring benefits to Access Bank and Diamond Bank customers, staff and shareholders.”

Exotix Capital acted as international financial advisor to Diamond Bank, and Templars acted as Nigerian legal counsel.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) (“MAR”) and is disclosed in accordance with Diamond Bank’s obligations under Article 17 of MAR.

Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was plotting to operate “container economy” if voted into power in 2019.

Tinubu made the allegation while reacting to the Vice Presidential debate. Speaking at the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi’s Roundtable entitled: ‘The Imperatives of Building Institutions for Lasting Legacies,’ held at Ibadan, Tinubu said the outcome of the debate has shown that the ‘developmental economy’ of APC cannot be compared with the ‘container economy’ of PDP.

The former Governor of Lagos State argued that the developmental economy would take Nigeria to a secured next level of economic prosperity. He, however, stated that the container economy would return the country to perpetual slavery and poverty.

The former governor also assured that he would support the APC governorship candidate for the 2019 poll in the state, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. He said:

“I saw the debate yesterday, to crown my remarks. You could see the difference between a developmental economy and a container economy.

“Is Oyo State going APC? Oyo State is APC. It is progressive politics. I said in one place before, our Moses has crossed the Red Sea, no going back to Egypt. Success all the way.”

He stated that he did not feel bad if opposition parties in the State associated him with the process that threw Adelabu up as governorship candidate.

“If we do indirect primary again, I will still vote for your (Governor Ajimobi) choice of successor, because reforms, re-engineering, reinvigoration of the institutions can only continue beyond us. If the foundation is bad, the house will crumble,” he said.

Over the past few weeks, Diamond bank has been enmeshed in various dramas and just when it seemed that the bank had risen from the storms and was on an upward trajectory, a new twist emerged when Mr. Bickersteth, one of the ex- directors that resigned from the bank made some allegations against the management of the bank.

Mr. Bickersteth is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and has served as Chief Executive Officer at KPMG Professional Services Limited.

There is a popular maxim that says “He who comes into equity must come with clean hands.” Mr. Bickersteth also served for a time on the board of ARM Holding company (Asset Resource Management) and it is rumoured that his exit was shrouded with allegations of improper conduct. What exactly took him off the board of ARM? A quick search of his profile online does not list his time at ARM under his biography. The CBN similarly appointed him to the board of 9mobile (formerly Etisalat) and till date we are yet to see how well that has fared so far.

The former minister of petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke likewise appointed Mr. Bickersteth to a special committee to oversee the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) during her tenure. The brazen allegations of corruption and mismanagement carried out under her watch has since been exposed and is currently the subject of international probes and is being investigated by the Courts even now.

His involvement with Diamond Bank started when he was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director in Diamond Bank on June 26, 2018 and resigned in October of the same year. He has denied his resignation, claiming that he did not resign but was forced out but investigations reveal this as a falsehood. There is evidence that he did resign and his letter was forwarded to the appropriate regulatory authorities. His denial of his resignation brings to question his motives.

Mr. Bickersteth’s actions after his resignation have been questionable to say the least. This leads one to wonder, is he acting out a sinister agenda hatched out by some people? He has tried to portray himself as a saint yet his actions run contrary to this image and depict that of a person on a mission to bring down an institution with a well-established name and history.

As a professional who has worked at executive level at a highly reputable Consulting firm, if there were issues with Diamond Bank should he not have approached the regulator and tabled his matters rather than sending or leaking letters to the press, engaging in interviews that have only served to sully the brand name of an organization he was chosen to serve?

He has embarked on a campaign of calumny against the bank alleging all sorts of allegations and claims against the management. In one of his attacks, he wrote a letter where he stated that “My overall and irrevocable interest remains ensuring the reversal of the declining fortunes of DIAMONDBANK, as well as ensuring that no party, however and wherever placed, threatens the survival of Diamond Bank”.

Curiously however, financial and market analysts maintain that before his recent attacks against the bank, Diamond bank shares were actually on the upswing and rose by 57% in five days after its announcement of CBN’s approval of its application to operate as a national bank in line with its “objective of streamlining its operations to focus resources on the significant opportunities in the Nigerian retail banking market, and economy as a whole.”

Barely had shareholders begun to heave a sigh of relief and analysts start to look through the positivity of this new development as reflected in the new Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of Diamond bank with Financial experts lauding the move as an indication that its management is strengthening its domestic competition and boosting its earnings at the same time creating value for its shareholders, when another letter hit the media and public again.

Mr. Bickersteth’s actions seem in direct contradiction to what he claimed in his letter. HE claims to be acting in the interest of the bank and its shareholders yet his actions have directly led to a drop in share price which will adversely impact on the shareholders. Investigations have also revealed that before his resignation, Mr. Bickersteth was appointed to the Diamond Bank board on the recommendation of a majority shareholder in Diamond bank yet his actions are running contrary to the interest of the group. Sources even say that the CBN had questioned his independence on the board of Diamond bank. This begs the question, in whose interest is Mr. Bickersteth acting and why is he crying louder than the majority shareholders who have maintained a dignified silence in the face of his rants and accusations. In the past few months, the value of the shares of Diamond bank have dropped dramatically following all these board shenanigans.

So exactly whose side is he on? From a neutral standpoint, it appears that the Diamond bank brand is being dragged through the mud, in trying to “protect” the interest of the business, the staff and shareholders have watched helplessly as their beloved business is maligned in letters and statements leaked to the press. Is this the best way to go?

Is Mr. Bickersteth’s buttons being pushed by a group of people that are threatened by the rising potential of Diamond bank and are seeking to ruin its upward trajectory by any means or are his attacks based on a more personal reason? Why is Mr. Bickersteth the only one of the Directors that resigned the one making all the accusations and trying to tarnish the banks image? After all, there are three board directors who resigned at the same time that he did and these people have not in any way corroborated his misinformation and have distanced themselves from him and his actions.

These are some of the questions that these silent sufferers would want to ask the erstwhile chairman.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed an eight-count of money laundering against a former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc (Now Polaris Bank), Mr. Tunde Ayeni.

The charges which were filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, said Ayeni and one Timothy Oguntayo conspired to withdraw N4.750 billion and $500 million belonging to Skye Bank Plc contrary to the provisions of Section 1(a) of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended.

Details later.

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has again reinforced its reputation as leading light in the industry as it won six gold, two silver and four bronze medals at the just-concluded 2018 Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival for its creative television commercials and radio jingles produced in the year.

It was the brand’s day in the sun at the event held recently at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos as its masterpiece commercial titled “ Rhythm” which draws parallels between African dance moves and tactical football gestures like ‘heading’, ‘scissors kick’ and ‘leg overs’ aired during the 2018 World Cup in Russia won gold in three categories, including Film Corporate Image category, Travel, Tourism and Entertainment category of Film and Best Production Design and Art Direction in Film Craft.

Thesame commercial also clinched silver medal in Film Promotions. The commercial demonstrated that African football moves are inspired by the rhythm of African dances. The production renders the transitions in simple and perfectly timed morphs. This allows the brand to demonstrate its support for football passion in Africa. It features dance steps from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal and Kenya.

Similarly, “Glo Flatmates” led in Film Promotions as “Glo Spoken Words” came tops as the best in Radio Telecoms Products and Services as well as Radio Craft (Best Use of Copy) while “The Chase” clinched silver in Best Film Editing in the Film Craft category. ).“Glo Flatmates” leverages on the trending topic of who makes better jollof rice between Nigeria and Ghana? Rather than taking sides, the commercial subtly uses jollof rice to bring everyone together. This was done to promote the Glo-sponsored comedy festival in Ghana, Glo Laffta Fest.

In the same vein, “Glo Laftgasm” clinched bronze medal in the Film Travel, Tourism and Entertainment category , “Experience the legendary game” won bronze in the Film Telecom Products and Services, the “Spoken Words” in Radio Craft (Casting and Performance) while “Glo Data Unmatched Unfair Advantage” got a bronze medal in the Campaign Category. . “Glo Laftgasm” is a compilation of different types of laughters by various iconic comedians who performed in the Glo Lafftafest comedy show held in Ghana. The comedians acted out the various types of laughters – from the guttural, to the rapsy, to the musical and the guffaw.

The two marketing communications agencies servicing Globacom, X3M and SO&U received the medals for the campaigns at the award ceremony.

Counsel to Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Godfrey Airemen has disclosed that the Company would appeal against the judgment of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, whereby the Company was ordered to apologise to one of its consumers, Professor Ernest Izevbigie for what the Court described as “wrongful inscription of low sugar” on the bottle of the Company’s Amstel Malta brand.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday, Mr. Airemen faulted the judgement, which he said his Client would appeal against. According to him, the inscription on the Amstel Malta label was not misleading, as decided by the Court in the judgment.

Mr. Airemen, the Principal Partner of Airemen and Company, noted: “I am glad that the Court stated in the judgment that the sugar content of the product is within the range approved by the relevant regulatory agency, and that the information on the label was not deceitful.

“The inscription admits that the product contains a certain level of sugar. It does not imply that there is no sugar. Whether you choose low or lower sugar, it is a matter of semantics.

“My Client is socially and legally responsible, with credible and verifiable operational standards. It cannot mislead its consumers and the general public. So, my Client has decided to appeal against the judgement. This is the logical way forward.”

…Says its’ meets complete nutrition need of the people



Management of the NASCON Allied Industries Plc, a subsidiary of the Dangote Industries Limited has pledged its commitment towards a healthy living by the people by producing products that meet the physical and mental needs of the people.

Executive Director, Commercial NASCON Allied Plc, Fatima Aliko Dangote gave this pledge in Kano during the unveiling of new Classic Seasoning Cube in addition to its array of food seasonings already in the market.

The new product which the NASCON boss described as a product of thorough and painstaking research into the preference of the people in the seasoning sub sector of the food industry came in the wake of a similar launch recently, of new Curry Powder and Stew Mix from the stable of NASCON.

Fatima Aliko Dangote said she had no doubt in her mind that the new product would be an instant hit given its unique taste, flavor and aroma noting that the new classic seasoning cubes and stew mix were created with a special blend of herbs and spices to give meals that unique taste and great aroma.

She described the new classic seasoning as a new innovation birthed after years of consumer led research and development, and urged distributors, marketers, eateries and consumers to immediately key into it.

Lacing her remarks with the Hausa local dialet, while explaining the strengths of the product, she described the seasoning as Karshen Magana meaning the real deal and that it is second to none in the market throughout the country.

According to her, the management of NASCON decided to go into the research for the new product bearing in mind that wellbeing is reduced by poor diet yet it is expensive to be unhealthy.

Good nutrition, she stated maintained immune system and delays the effect of aging because it reduces the risk of chronic disease while poor diet reduces physical and mental health. She therefore urged women to try the new seasoning cubes, stew mix and curry powder, as they would ensure meal moments are great moments.

Fatima Aliko Dangote assured that the products would be launched in other parts of the country very soon, adding that despite the high innovative quality, they are affordable and available with various promotional items to be given out to the distributors and consumers.

In his remark, the Group Managing Director of NASCON Allied Plc Mr. Paul Farrer assured that the new product is a high margin product that would help ensure distributors and customers remain profitable, describing the new product as premium but affordable to the consumers.

The Company used the occasion to introduce its Brand Ambassador to the customers, in the person of renowned Kannywood multi-talented actress Hadiza Gabon, who described the Dangote Seasoning cubes as a seasoning with great flavor, and good taste while recommending it to all women in Nigeria.

Speaking to media men in an interview at the event, NASCON key distributor, Alhaji Hamisu Rabiu of Hamis Investment in Kano described NASCON products as fast moving and of good quality. He urged other distributors and retailers across the country to immediately key into the new classic cube, Dangote stew mix and Dangote curry powder.

At the launch Wednesday about 300 distributors, wholesalers and retailers were excited and most express optimism that it will up the market of NASCON.

Head of Marketing of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Mr. Olusegun Ajala expressed optimism that the “innovative brand will up the company’s market share exponentially because of its unique taste and aroma.

The yearnings of the people of Lagos for freedom was reaffirmed last weekend when the venue of “Experience 13” celebration organised by the House on the Rock Metropolitan Church in Lagos erupted in frenzy when Jimi Agbaje, the People Democratic Party, PDP candidate for the 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos State was introduced to the crowd at the event.

The Pharmacist turned politician had, at his campaign launch last week, reiterated that his mission in Alausa is to liberate the state and bring true freedom and democracy to the people.

He maintained that after 20 years, Lagos yearns for freedom from godfatherism; dilapidated schools; hopelessness; poverty and terrible traffic. He posited where a state is under the control of one man can not augur well for democracy and charged Lagosians to use the instrumentality of the ballot to free themselves.

Agbaje insisted that as a megacity, Lagos must rightly be compared with others around the world. He added that sadly the comparisons shows Lagos has been and remains one of the worst cities to live in the world as it is presently ranked 138 of 140 global cities.

“Twelve years after promising and commencing the construction of the light rail system in Lagos, the project remains uncompleted. The example of the Addis Ababa Light Rail is instructive of what diligent governance can deliver. They commenced construction of the Addis Ababa Light Rail in 2011 – half-a-decade after Lagos,” he said.

He disclosed that over the past two decades, the government of Lagos, managed by the same core of people, has collected nearly N5.0trn or US$26bn in revenues and spent approximately N6.2trn or US$35bn. “An important question to ask is whether the outcomes generated by this level of expenditure has sustainably improved our State,” he said

The PDP candidate also promised to harness the entrepreneurial capacity of Lagosians to ensure that the economy of the State grows rapidly and competitively to ensure sustainable businesses are built to create and support the employment.

Without this, he noted that the further descent of Lagos into one huge urban slum will continue. “We must rebuild the industrial capacity that in recent years has been lost to our neighbouring states. Improving the quality of life of our citizens will remain unattained if their access, irrespective of their socio-economic status, to adequate healthcare continues to be unmet,” he said.

The Universal Basic Health coverage, according to him will be run through a well- structured and financed health insurance scheme is a key priority for a PDP Administration, under his leadership, in Lagos.

On waste management, Agbaje maintained that it remains a matter of great shame that after twenty years of governance, the ruling party and its various re-incarnations are still unable to provide and implement a framework that ensures the continuous cleanliness of our State.

According to him, the failure of the State, despite huge expense, to discharge a responsibility as basic as waste management “belittles us at the same time as it endangers our collective health.”

Agbaje charged that Lagos State must work for all her citizens – as a place where they can live, thrive and have a future. “This campaign is about a new future for Lagos built by the entire community of Lagosians. I am clear about the key imperatives towards a brighter future for Lagos and the role of government therein. The government must serve the safety and security of residents and visitors alike as they pursue their legitimate ambitions,” he noted.

In line with its commitment towards boosting savings culture and promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading retail lender, Diamond Bank has rewarded 1,016 customers in its 3rd DiamondXtra quarterly draw.

The draw which held over the weekend at its Mobolaji Bank-Anthony branch in Lagos, attracted some of the bank customers, journalists, and staff of the bank and some past winners who shared testimonials of how Diamond Bank has improved their lives through the Savings Xtra promo.

Also on hand to witness and confirm the transparency of the draws were members of regulatory bodies from KPMG and CPC. The star prize of a brand new car was won by Mrs. Uche Ann Daniel, a customer from Festac branch, Lagos. Other winners includes, Bello Bashir, who won the education grant for five years and three winners of a rent grant worth N1 million each, other prizes won includes, salary for life and other cash prizes in the draws.

Speaking at the event, the Head, Regional Businesses, Lagos Directorate, Diamond Bank, Mr. Chris Ofikulu told journalists that: “In this environment, we really do not have a culture of saving so it is an opportunity for us to encourage people to save. This account is a savings extra and that means that as you are saving, you also have the opportunity to also win. And also this draw is for our loyal customers who have been saving money; this draw gives you the opportunity to win. So this promo is a way we encourage people to save and also give back to the society.”

Buttressing Ofikulu’s point, head, consumer liability products, Osita Ede, said that DiamondXtra Season 10 promised bigger and better rewards for the customers of the Bank, saying that the DiamondXtra draws rewarded a total of 1,016 customers out of which the star winner of a brand-new car emerged.

“The DiamondXtra reward scheme is open to new and existing customers and all you need to do is to visit the nearest Diamond Bank branch, open a DiamondXtra account and fund it with N5,000. The more the multiples of N5,000 you save, the higher your chances of winning.’’

He assured customers that the bank would constantly seek robust platforms and initiative such as this to reward their loyalty.

A representative of the KPMG, the audit firm in charge of the validation process, in her address assured that a regulated process was put in place for picking eventual winners and those qualified for the promo, adding that the winners were selected from a pool of electronic tickets belonging to DiamondXtra Savings subscribers who had balances in the account.

The Bank encouraged customers to cultivate the savings culture because that is what the Diamond SavingsXtra account seeks to promote, stating that Diamond Bank Plc would not relent in its efforts to create mutually beneficial relationships between the bank and customers through its services and offerings.

Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos state, says he will free Lagos state from Alphabeta Consulting.

According to Agbaje, Alphabeta Consulting receives a particular — unknown — percentage of every dime Lagos earns in taxes and revenues, which he says is against international best practices.

“I could be here all day talking about Free Lagos. Let me start from the basic freedom of information Act, Lagos is still run like a closed shop, like a private company,” Agbaje told Channels TV on Sunday Politics.

“Lagos has refused to domesticate the freedom of information bill, so we don’t know what plays out in Lagos. So we are talking of freedom to have access to exactly how they are running our government.

“In the last 20 years, Lagos has spent some N7 trillion, and we are asking what have we got for N7 trillion? Are we getting value for money?

“Out of that N7 trillion, there is a private company that takes a percentage of that N7 trillion, and we are asking, for what purpose? There is private company fund collector, Alphabeta or whatever, collects that much.

“We don’t even know what the percentage is; it could be 12 percent, 10 percent, it could be 8 percent.”

When asked if the company was legal or not, he said “it is not about being legal, it is about being moral, because if you tell me that of every amount of money that Lagos spends, there is a private company that is collecting, and I am asking, that is taxpayers money, why should it be, to what purpose?”

“It is against standard practice because we don’t see what they are doing and we don’t even know what the percentage is, and I don’t see value for money, so its freedom from that.”

TINUBU MADE ME OFFERS
Speaking of his relationship with Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state and a strong godfather in the state, Agbaje said he has no feud with Tinubu.

He adds that Tinubu is his friend, but they disagree on principle and brands of democracy.

“There was never a feud, I think it is very wrong to say that there was a feud, there has never been a feud,” Agbaje added.

Asked if it was anger that made him leave Tinubu’s camp, he said: “It wasn’t about anger, it was about principle, don’t forget that even after that, offers were given to me, it is not about that, it is about principles. I don’t have any feud with anybody”.

When asked if they are still friends, Agbaje said “yes, we were political associates, we were in the same camp, and in 2007, I felt the way democracy was being practiced by him was not the way I understood democracy to be practiced, so I took an option to opt out”.

He said the All Progressives Congress guber primaries in Lagos was a mockery of democracy, and since then governance has come to a near-zero in Lagos state.

Agbaje said traffic situation has gotten worse, waste management has been abandoned, and he called on Lagosians to choose between one man’s Lagos and the people’s Lagos.

As the buildup to the 2019 general elections gathers momentum, a thickening plot to implicate the key aides of Akwa Ibom State governor, Dr. Udom Emmanuel with trumped-up accusations of being involved in cult activities has been uncovered.

It is alleged to be spearheaded by a top-ranking former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who recently cross-carpeted to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Akwa Ibom State has turned into a theatre of war, no thanks to the activities of key opposition politicians in the state led by a senator who has not hidden his determination to retake control of the political machinery in the state and ensure power swings to his new party at the polls come 2019.

The once peaceful state has been engulfed in an intractable crisis since the defection of the top party man to the extent that the centre can no longer hold. Everything has allegedly been done by the Senator and his cohorts in the last few weeks to make the state ungovernable. It is perceived to be a ploy to humiliate the governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel, who has been locked in a battle for the soul of the state since the beginning of the crisis.

It got to a stage that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was deployed in the humiliation process. In the process, Gov. Emmanuel was indicted by officers of the anti-graft agency for purportedly withdrawing the sum of N1.7 billion from the state treasury, an accusation which the government has since denied.

The senator representing Uyo Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan; the Assembly speaker, Hon Onofiok Luke; and Hon Ekong Samson, Commissioner for Economic Development, Labour and Manpower Planning are among Governor Udom’s aides penciled down to be labeled cultists in the latest onslaught.

Others include Transition Committee ex-chairman, Hon Victor Umondak as well as Hon Kenneth Okon and Hon Eno-Obong Uwah, the Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Youth Groups to the governor and Executive Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority, UCCDA, respectively.

More names included in the hit list include that of Barrister Emmanuel Eno-Idem, PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, Hon Kelly Okon and Dr Charles Mbong, among others.

The strategy is to use the law enforcement officers including the police and DSS to harangue the top aides of the governor.

Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu (AMEN) and outspoken Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has issued an open and unreserved apology to former governor of Anambra State and PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, following the embarrassing comments he subjected the former governor to, during the thanksgiving and bazaar programme of the church, last Sunday.
Fr. Mbaka’s apology is coming on the heels of a stern warning by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) against the use of the church by the priest to engage in activities and actions that contradicts the church’s doctrine.
But addressing a mammoth congregation during his weekly adoration night prayers on Friday night, the fiery Catholic priest also urged his members to sheath their sword and end the on going social media war that was sparked off by the events of last Sunday.
He said: “Some of you may be expecting me to write something and put it online or join the attacking or defensive group. It’s not my job. I don’t have time to waste. I am not even a priest of social media. It may surprise you to hear that I don’t even have a personal Facebook account.
“So all these I am hearing, I don’t even know about them. Meanwhile, on behalf of myself, Rev. Fr. Mbaka Ejike, the servant and the spiritual director of this Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria, I wish to apologise humbly to the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who came here on Sunday for Bazaar, in anyway, shape or form my utterances or actions induced, initiated or prompted derogatory remarks, criticisms, unhealthy attack on his personality.
“I didn’t intend any of these. All I said on that day, I never meant to insult him or to bring his political career down. My intention was simply to support the work of God. If my actions exhibited misdemeanor or any unhealthy attitude that provoked even himself and those who love him that brought about all these verbal attacks, I am asking whoever is or was or may be hurt to please forgive me.
“Henceforth, I will equally encourage adoration members to keep focused on Christ whom we worship here and I will ask you to cease fire. Stop fighting back.”
It would be recalled that Fr Mbaka had, during the thanksgiving and bazaar programme of the Church, to which they invited dignitaries, mainly politicians, cajoled Mr. Obi to announce his monetary donation and the project he would execute within the Adoration ground, despite the the fact that the former governor had earlier told him that he would discuss with him privately on that.
After cajoling Obi to no avail, Fr. Mbaka made some uncomplimentary remarks, including calling him a “stingy man”.
The development that went viral in the media sparked off criticisms of the Rev. Father’s behaviour, even as his supporters returned the diatribe.
Weighing in on the matter, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, on Friday, warned Fr. Mbaka to desist from using the Catholic liturgical ceremonies for political campaigns.
They said the warning became imperative following the shameful scenario, which played out at the Adoration Centre ground between Mbaka and Peter Obi.
Secretary-General of CBCN, Rev. Fr. Ralph Madu, who spoke in Abuja at a briefing, reiterated that no Catholic priest or people of consecrated life should be actively involved in partisan politics in obedience to the Canon Law of the church.
He said: “The bishops condemn in totality, the shameful scenario on an adoration ground as contained in the video recording that has gone virile on the social media and say without reservation that the reported incident does not have the support of Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
“Our concern is for a peaceful election process seen to be free, fair, credible and just, and a democratic governance that guarantees peace, justice, equity, development and religious freedom for the common good.”

Ghali Umar Na’Abba, a former speaker of the house of representatives, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Na’Abba conveyed his resignation from the ruling party in a letter addressed to APC chairman of Sharada ward in Kano state.

The former speaker cited “crass” incompetence and lack of vision among other factors as reasons he dumped the ruling party.

“This is to notify you of my resolve to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective today 5th December 2018,” the letter read.

“My decision to resign from the party follows the cavalier manner in which both the federal government, states controlled by the APC and the APC itself are being run, as a result of which anybody who has eyes to see only sees doom and not prosperity for our dear country.”

The former lawamker said the lack of simple management skills is reason the APC lost Senate President Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives.

“It is a measure of the incompetence of the APC government that after all is said and done, it has lost a senate president and a speaker of the house of representatives and many others for reasons that border on meanness, lack of simple management skills and capacities and a great measure of arrogance,” he said.

“While it is generally accepted that no human organisation can be rancour-free, it is disheartening that these conflicts in the party are inflicted by its leaders, some of whom can be said to be poorer in human qualities than the poorest of men.”

Na’Abba accused some unnamed party leaders of snatching “away the political rights of the people.”

“Under these conditions no person can be politically mobile except he becomes a sycophant, it becomes necessary for me to speak up. This I did many times, unfortunately only to be met with complicit silence,” he said.

Na’Abba was speaker of the lower legislative chamber from 1999 to 2003.

Rather than thaw, the crisis between the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has deepened.
Okorocha has told President Muhammadu Buhari to call Oshiomhole to order because the national chairman talks like a rascal.
The Imo governor was reacting to media attacks against him and some APC governors by Oshiomhole.
In a statement by Sam Onwuemeodo, his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Okorocha declared that himself and some APC governors such as Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) would not waste time discussing the excesses of Oshiomhole but would rather plead with Buhari to call him to order.

Okorocha regretted that Oshiomhole has, in less than six months, enthroned the culture of rascality into the party “and the development is not good for the party. APC is not known for rascality and abuses.

And the earlier he is called to order, the better for the party”.
The governor observed that since Buhari became President, he has never used any foul language on any Nigerian, low or high.

To Okorocha, Oshiomhole should learn a lesson from the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 when the handlers of the party then were abusing Buhari.

Reacting to Oshiomhole’s attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Okorocha said: “Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is the former President of the country and no matter the provocation or his political activities this time, Oshiomhole should have considered his status as the former President of the country in talking about him, and should have exercised caution in addressing him. Saying that God would punish the former President was never advisable. This should not be the language of APC”.

The governor reminded Oshiomhole that the party does not belong to him.

“He should carefully select his words when he is talking about certain categories of Nigerians. And he should also find out why he is the only one talking about APC and no other member of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party is doing so.
“Oshiomhole should help the party and its candidates by making his points without abusing people.

The way Oshiomhole is talking has become nauseating to most Nigerians and the earlier he is called to order, the better. He should be talking about the achievements of President Buhari and APC as a party instead of using the opportunities he would have used to do that, to be insulting people”.

It appears that the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) has cancelled the compulsory one-year orientation exercise embarked on by David ‘Davido’ Adeleke.

The ‘Fall’ singer said the scheme cancelled his service in a comment on Instagram.

Reacting to a post made by Adesegun Adeosun, Nigerian music promoter better known as Smade who just finished his three-week NYSC orientation program, and got a letter of recommendation Davido wrote “Naso dem cancel my own”.



The 26-year-old singer, who graduated from Babcock University in 2015 after studying music, had registered for NYSC in 2018 Batch ‘B’ stream II corp members who were sworn in on August 30.

The NYSC programme is mandatory for all graduates to qualify for gainful employment in Nigeria.

Speaking on why he registered for the scheme, Davido said he was tying all loose ends.

“I am a youth and I am delighted to serve my fatherland,” he said at his swearing-in ceremony.

“NYSC is also a leadership development programme and since I will not remain a youth forever, I have to start preparing myself for the future.”

After promising to take part in all camp activities, the ‘FIA’ singer cancelled his US tour that was scheduled to hold in September for NYSC commitments.

“Due to scheduling conflicts and NYSC commitments in Nigeria, the remaining dates for the Davido Locked Up Tour has been cancelled. Refunds will be made available at point of purchase.”

There had been questions if the singer broke NYSC bye-laws by campaigning for his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, during the Osun governorship elections.

There has been no official statement from the scheme disputing or confirming the action.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has declared that it would begin an indefinite strike from December 12.
The polytechnic lecturers will join their university colleagues who have been on strike for a month.

In a phone interview on Wednesday morning, the National President of ASUP, Usman Dutse, said the federal government had failed to meet the demands of the polytechnic lecturers.

Prior to this impending strike, the union had on October 2 issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government before it extended it to November. But even then, it did not commence the strike.

But Mr Dutse said the proposed strike would be “total and indefinite”.

“This further emphasises the resolution of the 93rd National Executive Council meeting reached at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos last week,” he said.

“Government has failed to implement and fulfil agreements it reached with the union as contained in the memorandum of understanding signed,” he said.

ASUP went on strike in November 2017; but when the federal government reached an agreement to implement the recommendations of the 2014 NEEDS assessment, the strike was suspended 15 days after.

The agreement particularly highlighted the need for increased funding of polytechnics.

Mr Dutse also said the roles of state government and the National Assembly is not encouraging when it comes to funding the education sector.

“The issue of the funding of the institutions has always been a major concern. After the government conducted the NEEDS assessment in 2014, it promised to implement it. Years after, there is no designed roadmap to implement that,” he said.

He said the bill meant to review the act on the establishment of polytechnics in the country was yet to be passed by the National Assembly. He said the union was hoping that the strike would also help fast-track its passage.
“The institutions are not funded. The states are even worse because state governments just establish schools without actually funding those schools. So, no infrastructure is in place,” he added.

The ASUP president also alleged that some state governments were owing salaries for up to 14 months just as institutions victimise union leaders who voice out against what he termed injustice.

“We have states that are owing about 14 month salaries. Some owe eight months. Benue, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Kogi are owing up to as long as 14 months,” he said.

Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Buhari Monday lamented that two powerful personalities have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of speedy development of the administration.
Mrs. who spoke at a conference organized by Project 4+4 in Abuja, however did not mention the names of the powerful persons. The event was also attended by the wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo.
The First Lady explained that the government has achieved a lot but could have achieved more or even achieved all it has in one year but for two people in government who will never allow things to move fast.
The President wife said that she was disappointed in men who rather than fight these two men will go to them in the night begging for favour. Mrs. Buhari urged Nigerian women to rise up and fight.
According to her, ” I have realized that Sen Babafemi Ojodu, Special Adviser political to the President, and Dr. Hajo Sani, my aide Sajo and wife of the Vice-President Mrs Osinbajo are not comfortable with my saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech but we must say the truth, she said with emotions.
The President’s wife insisted that the powerful duo are retrogressive elements preventing the government from moving forward.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Buhari has appealed to Nigerian women to ensure the return of the All Progressives Congress, APC administration led by her husband in 2019.
She observed that during the last election, women participated fully in the voting process and ensured that APC was elected, that is why the government of President Buhari came up with Social Investment Programmes targeted at them and their children in order to get them engage and reduce the level of poverty among them.

She called on the women to spread the good news of the accomplishments of this administration.

According to her, women have been at the receiving end of the struggles of men, especially soldiers who have been fighting insurgency and called on government to ensure speedy release of their entitlements so that their families do not suffer.

Mrs Buhari called for a minute silence over all soldiers that lost their lives in the process.

She commended the political group for organizing the Summit and setting the tone for other Buhari support groups as 2019 election campaign period opens.

Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, also speaking at the event, commended women for providing a permanent support base for the APC and that they remain ambassadors of the party wherever they find themselves.

She called on them to continue to support the party, saying continuation of the party in 2019 means a better Nigeria for them and their children.

Earlier, National Coordinator of Project 4+4, Comrade Garba Musa Bello, said the purpose of the Summit was to bring together women from 774 local government areas and chart for them a strategy for the campaign period.

He said it is not in doubt that women control the voting power and as such they must be reckoned with.

Bello pointed out that the successes of government are too glaring to ignore, and women, who are witnesses and beneficiaries to these achievements must pronounce them to the world.

He commended wife of the President and the role she plays in Nigeria’s political space, saying women have confidence in her protection and support.

APC National Women Leader, Salamatu Baiwa, said APC women have secured the concurrence of the party on the issue of a more gender-balanced administration come 2019.

As campaign commences, she called for a mature campaign from members of the party, a campaign of issues and not that of insults. As a ruling party, she said, they must show example to other parties.

Goodwill messages and presentations were delivered by an array of women leaders and academics.

Ejike Mbaka, spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), says Buhari will go no where if he remains ungrateful to the ministry.

In a video clip, trending on the social media, Mbaka accused the president of abandoning the ministry despite the support and the prophecy about his victory in 2015.

He said he was almost killed for supporting Buhari, adding that even now, his attackers are waiting to see if he would declare support for Buhari again.

Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, represented Buhari at the ministry’s 2018 harvest and bazaar celebration on Sunday.

“We were chased away because of Buhari… No one person has been employed by Buhari after Fr. Mbaka almost died for his sake,” he said.

“Supporting Buhari is almost becoming a curse, we will not tell you that we will not support him, even if not for the sake of his good wife. She has been sending some little charity… for his (Buhari’s ) sake, I was almost assassinated because we stood for him.

“APC was down till the prophecy came up that Buhari was going to be the president. After that, we were forgotten…
If you know what this ministry is going through because we are supporting Buhari, the attackers are waiting to hear me say that I will support him again attack; and Buhari will remain in Aso Rock, being somebody who cannot give money, what does that mean?

“ I want to remind you that if Buhari will remain ungrateful to this ministry he is going no where…
“One thing that is holding him (Buhari) is spiritual, how many times has he almost died? And he should not take it for granted that he is healthy.

“Anything can happen and his health can collapse. Atiku is waiting for him somewhere and the only thing that can stop Atiku is spiritual. You people should go and come back, you people should not take us for granted, I am speaking with spiritual mandate.

“Even if you don’t want to do something for us, look at the poor masses that almost die for you people, not even a job was given to anybody.”

Mbaka had also tackled Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi, his running mate, for “refusing to donate to his church”.

Here is the video of Mbaka speaking about Buhari:

The 2019 Lagos state People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has promised to restore the lost glory of the state and ‘deliver it from the hold of one man’ if elected as governor.

Speaking on Saturday at the flag off, Agbaje stated that things could be done differently in the state for the benefit of the people, just as he promised to make life more meaningful for the teeming residents of the metropolitan state and kick-start a proper economic development of the state.

Agbaje said the 2019 poll is a contest between people’s Lagos and one-man Lagos, adding that he is on the side of people’s Lagos.

He noted that he would improve on his performance in 2015 to emerge winner of the election, saying, “This time around, we will beat them flat”.

Agbaje who lost the race in 2015 to the incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said that his mandate is to free Lagos state from the hands of detectors.

The pharmacist-turned politician added: “These people have been in government in Lagos State for 20 years, what do we have to show for it? Lagosians between the ages of 18 and 50 do not see the future in the Lagos of today.

“Many residents of Lagos State want to relocate abroad, where there are good schools, constant electricity, and other amenities of life. The ruling party in the state has spent about N6 Trillion or $35 Billion in 20 years and they have nothing to show for it.”

He noted further: “They said I am their customer but they have forgotten that the customer is king. They are already afraid. We are ready for them. If they give us one, we would give them two. If they give us two, we will give them three,” he boasted.

The PDP candidate also promised to restore the glory and standard of education in the state by providing more accessible to quality education as opposed to the current ineffective system.

“I am running a believable administration and I am in the race for service not for self. They are in politics for selves. They have said that I am their ‘customer’. But I want to tell them that the customer is the king and he is always right. By March 2019, the rest will be history because this election will be decided by the people of Lagos who yearn for freedom, and not by political parties,” he told the enthusiastic supporters.

“Our campaign is centred around those things that would make life better for the people of the state. In four years, the traffic situation in the state would be made better.

On those who left the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), such as Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and the erstwhile chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Moshood Salvador, he said that nobody left with them and that they were lone rangers.

Commenting on why he kept contesting for the Governorship position, Agbaje said that his case is like that of a man, who wanted to woo a lady, he said that would keep going until he gets a positive response from the lady.

He used the occasion to introduce his running mate, Mrs. Halimat Oluwayemisi Busari, who he said would join hands with him to make Lagos State better.

Nigeria won the ninth Africa Women Cup of Nations after a 4-3 penalty shoot–out defeat of South Africa following a goalless 120–minute attrition in Accra on Saturday night.

The Super Falcons played a clever, controlled game at the Accra Sports Stadium and certainly looked quite impressive.

Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was the heroine as she saved one kick in the shootouts.

Heading to the final Nigeria won nine, drew one and lost two games in 12 meetings with South Africa.

The Super Falcons gave Banyana Banyana all sorts of problems with their quick passing system in the opening 20 minutes.

South Africa goalkeeper Kalyin Swart dived low to save a goal bound grounder from Ngozi Sonia Okobi in the 23rd minute.

Seven minutes before half time, Francisca Ordega skillfully beat her marker before sending a poor cross to the box.

In the second half, South Africa were more purposeful in their approach to the game.

But it was Nigeria that had the chance to pull ahead after a goal bound Ordega was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Swart.

Oshoala failed to score from the penalty spot as the game dragged to extra time.

In the fourth minute of extra time, Oshoala out muscled two defenders before sending a low drive which was well dealt with by Swart.

Striker Chrestinah Kgatlana went on a solo run in the 98th minute after beating Onome Ebi and Rita Chikwelu for pace. Her weak effort was saved by Oluehi.

South Africa continued to look dangerous on the counter. Linda Motlhalo had a well whipped shot well taken by the agile Oluehi.

Oluehi kept her side in the game with another world class at the dying moment of extra time from Bambanani Mbane’s long range free kick.

How They Lined Up;

Nigeria: Tochukwu Oluehi, Josephine Chukwunonye, Osinachi Ohale, Onome Ebi, Ngozi Ebere, Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Sonia Okobi, Rasheedat Ajibade (Chinwendu Ihezou 63′), Asisat Oshoala, Halimatu Ayinde, Francisca Ordega (Chinaza Uchendu 112′)

South Africa: Kaylin Swart, Lebohang Ramalepe, Janine Van Wyk, Bambanani Mbane, Nothando Vilakazi, Mamello Mkhabane, Leandra Smeda, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Linda Motlhalo, Chrestinah Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has finally been issued a visa to the United States, TheCable can report.

A family source disclosed this to TheCable on Saturday and confirmed that the former vice-president has left Nigeria for the UK, where he will spend some time before flying to the US.

TheCable also understands that former president Olusegun Obasanjo played a “critical” role in getting the American government to issue the visa to his former deputy with whom he was estranged for almost 15 years.

The trip marks another chapter in the controversy that has rocked the former vice-president for over a decade.

Atiku, who is widely travelled, has not been to the US in 13 years, intially fueling speculations that he might be avoiding possible arrest or prosecution.

His political opponents had used his absence from the US not just to taunt but to discredit him.

His row with the US authorities began after the FBI investigated a bribery scandal involving William Jefferson, former US congressman, in 2004.

Atiku was accused of demanding a bribe of $500,000 to facilitate the award of contracts to two American telecommunication firms in Nigeria.

The FBI had searched his residence in the posh neighbourhood of Potomac, Maryland, but no money was found.

The investigators had videotaped Jefferson, who was the congressman representing Louisiana, receiving $100,000 worth of $100 bills which he claimed was meant for Atiku, but the former vice-president has consistently denied the allegation.

Despite Atiku’s claim to innocence, the controversy raged.

Two months before he declared interest in the 2019 presidential race, Atiku granted an interview to Dele Mommodu, celebrity journalist, where he clarified his absence from the US.

“It is the sole prerogative of America to determine who they want in their country or not,” he said.

“I’m not running away from America. I applied but wasn’t issued a visa.”

He said the US did not categorically deny him visa.

“They’ve only said my application is going through administrative process,” he said.

On Thursday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information, had warned the US to be cautiousin granting visa to the main opponent of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Asked to comment on Atiku’s visa status on Friday, Rusell Brooks, public affairs officer of the US consulate in Lagos, had said issuance of visa to Nigerians irrespective of their status is strictly a confidential matter.

He said the US government would not discuss such confidentiality in public.

Some All Progressives Congress (APC) members had alleged that Brian Ballard, publicist of US President Donald Trump, was working towards relaxing the visa ban on Atiku.

Move is part of Diamond Bank’s strategy to focus on Nigeria’s significant opportunities

Change in license means Diamond can expand product services to Nigerian consumers
Logical next steps following the disposal of Diamond’s West African Subsidiary and the sale of Diamond Bank UK


Diamond Bank Plc (“The Bank or “Diamond”), Nigeria’s fastest growing retail bank, has received the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) following its application to operate as a National Bank with immediate effect (subject to conclusion of the sale of Diamond Bank UK- DB UK Plc). With this approval the bank will cease to operate as an International Bank.

The re-licensing as a national bank supports Diamond’s objective of streamlining its operations to focus resources on the significant opportunities in the Nigerian retail banking market, and economy as a whole.

The move follows Diamond’s decision to sell its international operations, which included the disposal of its West African Subsidiary in 2017 and Diamond Bank UK, the sale of which is currently in its final stages.

The change to national bank status also enables the bank to maintain a lower minimum capital requirement of 10% as against 15% required for international banks. This creates room for the bank to deploy more capital for stronger growth in the quarters ahead through additional investment in technology platforms, customer acquisition and expansion of loans to the critical sectors of the economy.

Uzoma Dozie, CEO, said: “The move to a national banking license marks a continuation of our strategy to focus on Nigeria’s significant fundamental trends, including a large underbanked population and Africa’s biggest economy. By focusing and optimizing our resources towards Nigeria and the priority area of retail banking, we will be better positioned for longer term growth and greater profitability.

“The reduction in minimum capital requirement also increases our capacity to expand the quantum of business and product services we can offer consumers, as well as representing a key step in strengthening our financial position.”

This development does not affect the bank’s ability to offer services to its clients in international locations; rather, with focus on its domestic business being priority, the bank also intends to pay down in full, the Eurobond loan of $200m at maturity in May 2019. There will be no refinancing of the loan as the intent to pay down with foreign exchange generated from its internal operations, a reflection of the solidity of its operations and funds flow in the last few years

Top quality services to international customers will continue through its digital channels (Diamond Mobile, Internet Banking etc.) and network of correspondence banks.

Senator Dino Melaye has been appointed as the spokesman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign council.

PDP announced Melaye’s appointment at the inauguration of its presidential campaign council in Abuja.

“Thank you, PDP for my appointment as Director in charge of Civil Societies/ NGO’S and Campaign Spokesperson in the PDP Presidential Campaign. We shall usually overcome. Light will always rejoice over darkness. Power to the People,” Melaye tweeted.

The top priority for the council headed by Nigeria’s Senate president Bukola Saraki as the director-general would be to ensure PDP’s presidential candidate and former vice president Atiku Abubakar unseats incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari.

The chairman of the opposition party, Uche Secondus expressed optimism in the council’s ability to ensure its return to power after its 16 years rule was halted by Buhari’s election in 2015.

“I am confident that this assemblage of capable, courageous and patriotic men and women would lead us successfully to realize this objective of winning the 2019 general elections in order to rescue our dear country from the hands of the failed APC government,” Secondus said.

According to him, “If you meet every day with optimism if you confront every obstacle with determination; if you refuse to give up; if you never quit; if you approach every challenge with confidence and pride, no dream would be beyond your reach.”

He, therefore, urged to council to surmount its challenges and ensure victory in next year’s election.

The Igbo Canadian Community Association (ICCA/Umunna) have called on President Muhamadu Buhari to with immediate effect sack the defense chiefs for their failure to adequately protect the lives of combatant soldiers deployed to fight the war against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East of the country, describing their performance in the war on terror as dismally embarrassing; abjectly incompetent and invariably discouraging to officers and soldiers of the Nigeria Army who are involved in the defense of the country.

The President of the socio-cultural and political group, Chief Ugochukwu Okoro, in a statement issued in Toronto, Canada by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Ahaoma Kanu, said “the recent attack on soldiers and officers of 157 Task Force Battalion, Metele, Borno State on November 18, this year by the Al Barnawi faction of Boko Haram of which videos were circulated online is gravely unfortunate, irreprehensible and totally embarrassing of the armed forces of a country like Nigeria.”

The ICCA/Umunna said that though they share in the pain and anguish that befell our heroic and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and also mourn with the families of the victims of the attack while respecting loved ones during this period of mourning, it is also expedient and necessary that questions need to be asked of how such horrendous calamity occurred and have been happening, stating that the service chiefs should be held responsible for the failures leading to such tragedy so disastrous for our soldiers.

“We boldly say that the Minister of Defence Dan Ali Monsur, Chief of Defense Staff General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. T.Y. Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral IE Ibas and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar as well as the Director General of the Directorate for State Security, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, should be held responsible for such wanton failures recorded in our armed forced recently.”

“We have seen videos of the attack purported recorded and being circulated by the insurgents and it is disheartening to see the superiority of the weaponry on display used by the terrorist group as compared to those available to our soldiers. Also, we have also gone through videos made by our soldiers in the theatre of war complaining of inadequate arms and ammunition to carry out the ongoing war. They complain of obsolete armoury and weapons, lack of supplies, non-payment of allowances and even unsteady food supply for soldiers in the line of defense which is totally unacceptable and deserving of an investigation.

It is rather worrisome that despite reports that the Nigeria Army received advance notice from the insurgents, inadequate preparation, reconnaissance, intelligence and tactics were not deployed to wade off and prevent the eventuality from occurring leading us to wonder what the Directorate for Military Intelligence (DMI) and DSS are doing.”

The Melete attack left hundreds of soldiers and officer killed with a reported 150 soldiers still missing in action and unaccounted for.

The ICCA/Umunna also questioned how the insurgents were able to have moved unhindered into the military formation without being detected nor intercepted.

“Also, we have learned from reports that Boko Haram fighters disguised in military fatigues of the Nigeria Army and gained entrance and access to the office of the Commanding Officer and this begs us to ask:

How does Boko Haram get their supplies?
Doesn’t the NA have channels in communication of movement of troops to its bases?
How come despite alleged warnings by Boko Haram nothing was done to consolidate the defense of the base?
What response and support did the Nigeria Air force give during the period the attack lasted?”
“It is sad to note that the service chiefs are incompetently handling this war on terror that, according to media reports, officers and soldiers are being killed in the most gruesome of manner with records of soldiers and officers now showing symptoms of Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with some committing suicide. This is a development that is very regrettable,” Okoro said.

ICCA/Umunna frowned at the attitude of the service chiefs who have lately become so visibly involved in partisan politics and alleged production of election campaign materials.

“It is unfortunate that rather than be involved in prosecuting the ongoing war on terror and gainfully deploy tactics and strategies to prevent needless slaughter of our soldiers, the service chiefs are shamelessly attending political rallies and hobnobbing with politicians and only come for photo-ops when tragedy occurs.”

“It is tragic and condemnable that the present crop of service chiefs who are supposed to have been retired and made space for more capable officers to take over are only known for giving orders for the army to unleash mayhem on innocent and armless Nigerian protesters who are killed and fired at with live bullets when they are peacefully exercising their constitutional rights of expression as was seen recently when the army killed several Shiite members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja as well as harassing and killing members of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), the most recent happening at Nnewi, Anambra State.”

Finally, ICCA/Umunna called on Buhari to shun nepotism and his tendency to always give appointment to a section of the country but look inwards to select competent men and officers in the armed forces to get a final solution to the war on terror in Nigeria.

“President Buhari should for once look at competence in appointing capable officers that will turn around the narrative in this war and bring the pride of the Nigeria Armed Forces back. We also want the military authorities to know that threatening to deal with Nigerians who are criticizing the killing of Nigeria soldiers is very unnecessary as Nigerians are patriotic and supportive of their soldiers despite acts of oppression and suppression they unleash on them on orders from above. They should rather do what they are supposed to do and they will see the accolades Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora will pour on them.”

Abiodun Akinlade, the preferred candidate of Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun state, for the 2019 governorship election in the state, has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Allied People’s Movement (APM).

The defection of Akinlade, who represents Egbado south and Ipokia federal constituency of Ogun, was announced at the house of representatives on Thursday.

Three other members of the lower legislative chamber also moved to other parties. They are Rabiu Kaugama from Jigawa who moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Salisu Koko from Kebbi who also joined APC but from SDP and Mohammed Ajanah from Kogi who defected from APC to PDP.

Akinlade had lost the governorship ticket of the APC to Dapo Abiodun despite all efforts put in place by Amosun to make him secure it.

More to follow…