₦airaland Forum

Somehow, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has been drawn into the latest social media frenzy about who deserves some accolades.
If it was a PR strategy, you would say the Governor’s handlers have pulled a Super Sunday stunt that is reflecting positively on the image of the governor and the state. But what is happening looks pretty much like providence; a divine media blitz that has now given the governor three gbosas, to add to his already soaring, arguably rock-solid reputation management apparatus.
First came a heartfelt appreciation and prayer for the governor from Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel, one of the biggest churches in the world arguably. Ambode became the object of supplication at the church’s early worship session yesterday just for one thing – the construction of 19 roads and 2 bridges in different parts of Alimoso LG; roads mostly linking Ogun State. Winners Chapel is in Ota, Ogun State where roads are quite bad. Most of its members come in from Lagos through some of the roads that Ambode commissioned three weeks ago, incidentally on Easter Monday to, perhaps, prophetically indicate a triumphant entry into places like Winners Chapel by commuters now using his brand new 21 roads.
So when worshippers roared back with loud Amens to Oyedepo’s prayers for Ambode, the world knew that the heavens had spoken.
On the heels of that intercession came another major endorsement, this time at a different gateway into Lagos State, precisely at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota where the new Gani statue was commissioned.
Accolades came from civil society groups as well as activist comrades in huge numbers. Gani, celebrated as the voice of the people, or more fittingly, the Senior Advocate of the Masses, is now being celebrated with perhaps the most imposing in Nigeria (at 44-feet) a beautiful crafted statue on a day that he would have been 80. So moved was the scion of the Fawehinmi household, Muhammed, a fiery and thoughtful lawyer like his father, that he openly announced the endorsement of the Fawehinmi clan for Ambode’s second term bid. If there was ever a whisper or a politically-motivated sidetalk about Ambode’s decision in 2017 to uproot the previous statue of Gani at the Ojota Park for a bigger and more befitting one, the family’s enthusiastic appreciation and open endorsement has now firmly nailed the coffin of any of such obtrusive jibe.
There must be some deep thoughts in Ambode’s strategy of drawing iconic families like the Awolowos, Fela Kutis, Fawehinmi’s and soon to come MKO Abiola family into his public art space. A world in which he is using the celebration of worthy icons to redefine and indeed beautify the city’s landscape with public art installations.
And then comes the trending social media buzz that ‘Ambode deserves some accolades’ on the same Sunday from the creator of that latest buzzword – the actor turned rapper, Charles Okocha popularly known as Igwe Tupac.
What did the artiste do?
He simply drove to Oshodi, stepped out of his car to behold the humongous, absolutely overwhelming level of work that is going on in the construction of roads, multi-layered bus terminals and shopping mall coming to that famous market interchange. Shocked by the enormity of the project, with all the drama and street jingo that he’s now famous for, Ige Tupac simply concludes that Ambode has turned Oshodi into another California for which the governor deserves some accolades!
The elements seem to have decided to work in Ambode’s favour on this special April 22 Sunday. The governor is getting the accolades that he deserves and the sound of this loud applause appear ready to reverberate into the coronation day that the primaries and general elections may turn out to be.
– Dr. Tobi Adekusibe

National telecommunications operator, Globacom limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei for the construction of Glo 2 submarine optic fibre cable. The cable which comprises of three fiber pairs will offer solutions to the protracted issue of non availability of telecommunications service on off shore platforms.

Speaking during the signing of contract between Globacom limited and Huawei technologies for Glo2 submarine cable, Globacom, Enterprise Cordinator, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe, said: “This dedicated submarine optical cable will provide ultra high capacity connection to oil communities as well as enhance the network efficiency in all Globacom operating areas.

“Today’s event is another watershed in the telecommunications industry and it is in line with our status as the game changer.

“Since inception 15 years ago, Globacom has pioneered several innovative technologies in the telecommunications landscape. Some of these innovations include GPRS, MMS, 3G Plus and the 4G LTE technology which today has the widest nationwide coverage.

Today will mark the beginning of another milestone in our history as we sign the contract to build the first-ever national undersea cable to be landed outside Lagos.

“It will also provide high speed internet connectivity as well as digitalize oil platforms to improve productivity. The new cable will usher in a new era of digitalisation to the Nigerian economy.

In his presentation, the company’s Regional Director Technical, Sanjib Roy, said that the Glo2 will be the first submarine cable in Nigeria to land outside Lagos.

“It is a quantum leap in building voice and data communications infrastructure in Nigeria. Glo2 will connect the Oil communities.”

He explained that, there is so much traffic when most oil companies wants to do surveillance, adding that, the cable which contain three fiber pairs, will help to ease such stress.

“Provide redundancy to the terrestrial fiber network rendering high network availability and reliability across Nigeria. It also provide additional capacity high speed data growth in southern part of Nigeria.

“Economic and social empowerment of the communities in oil producing region by providing high speed Internet connectivity and fueling IT enabled service.”

On Glo1, he stated that the company has successfully completed upgrade of glo1 terrestrial network in Nigeria and UK to 100GPs per channel.

“Glo1 is currently undergoing upgrade by Huawei to provide maximum of 16Tps from Nigeria to UK. Operation we be completed by May.

Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west senatorial district, has alleged that there is a plan to kill him.

Melaye tweeted this shortly after the policeman attached to him were disarmed and withdrawn.

The officers were taken away after Sadiq Bello, police commissioner in the federal capital territory (FCT), arrived at Melaye’s residence hours after his men and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) laid siege to the place.

Senators who visited their colleague in solidarity were denied access to him.

Melaye alleged that the policemen who came to his house had no warrant.

“We are in a civil society. No warrant and case is in court yet this lawlessness. I’m a responsible NIGERIAN and law abiding. There is a plan to kill me and I know about it,” Melaye wrote on Twitter.

“We are not in a banana Republic. I can not be silenced. @BBCBreaking AFRICA @BBCBreaking.

“All my policemen have been taken away with their arms. One CP came and took them away. There is also a plan to set me up again. But in God I trust. Truth will always prevail.”
Last month, the police declared Melaye wanted after he was accused of supplying arms to some murder suspects, who allegedly implicated him.

The senator had denied the allegation, saying it was politically motivated.

On Monday morning, Melaye was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where he said he was waiting for his flight to Morocco for an official assignment.

Sunday James, spokesman of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), had said the senator was arrested by the service’s officials “based on instruction”.

He was released some hours later.

However, after his release, some policemen and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) laid siege to his residence in the Maitama area of Abuja.

Some protesters from an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in the FCT, subsequently stormed the residence, demanding that the police officers vacate the residence of their “benefactor”.

John Oyegun, national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), says Nigerians are more aware of their rights than they have ever been.

Speaking on Monday while inaugurating the convention committee in Abuja, Oyegun warned his party against having the sense of a ruling party.

He also charged the members of the committee to ensure that the outcome of the convention reunite the APC members.

“We have a tough election ahead of us and we must prime ourselves for that election. We must not cuddle ourselves with any false sense of being the party in power,” he said.

“Our population today is much more aware of their rights than they have ever been before. So, as you proceed, please ensure that all these views and opinions are brought together into a one united APC.

“The task that you have undertaken to perform is a heavy and tough one. The APC is known, in spite of induced controversies, for the cleanest primaries and congresses. Our last presidential primary was by all account one of the best ever held and I dare say, anywhere.

“It was a convention that was watched worldwide and you are supposed to repeat the feat. I have no doubt that this one, given the controversies that have preceded it will also be a most watched convention.

“So, you have the task of producing a convention that is free, fair and provide a level playing field for anybody who wants to aspire to any position.”

Badaru Abubakar, governor of Jigawa state, is chairman of the 68-man committee.

Dressed in a red robe and a gold-trimmed Bishop’s miter, the clergyman pours whiskey into his cupped hand and anoints the forehead of the man sitting before him.

“You are hereby invested as a minister … This is a double tot,” he says of the remaining whiskey in the chalice. He hands it to the new minister, who downs it.

“Hallelujah!” shout the congregation members who erupt in singing and dancing, swigging from bottles of beer.

Welcome to Gabola Church, which celebrates the drinking of alcohol. The South African church was started eight months ago and has found an enthusiastic following.

“We are a church for those who have been rejected by other churches because they drink alcohol,” Gabola’s founder and self-declared pope, Tsietsi Makiti, told The Associated Press. “Gabola Church is established to redeem the people who are rejected, who are regarded as sinners. We drink for deliverance. We are drinking for the Holy Ghost to come into us.”

Others in South Africa are outraged by Gabola, saying it is not a church at all.

“Gabola has nothing to do with the word of God. Those are not church services,” said Archbishop Modiri Patrick Shole, Director of the South African Union Council of Independent Churches.

“They are using the Bible to promote taverns and drinking liquor. It is blasphemous. It is heresy and totally against the doctrines.” He said his organization intends to see that authorities close Gabola for breaking municipal regulations that say churches should not be located near bars.

Gabola is not a member of the mainstream South African Council of Churches, which said it has no comment about it. Gabola is not affiliated with any other denominations.

About 80 per cent of South Africa’s 56 million people profess to be Christian. In addition to Catholic and Protestant denominations, there are small independent ones with unusual practices like handling snakes. One pastor was recently found guilty of assault for spraying Doom, a popular insecticide, into worshippers’ faces, which was supposed to chase away evil spirits.

The condemnation by other Christian organizations did not bother the 30 worshippers attending a recent Gabola service, held in a bar in the sprawling Orange Farm Township 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Johannesburg.

A pool table served as the altar, adorned with bottles of whiskey and beer. Six ministers at the altar solemnly blessed the chilled jumbo bottles of beer bought by most churchgoers. A few drank whiskey, brandy or other beverages, all of them similarly blessed. The congregation sang hymns praising the positive effects of drinking. Three new Gabola members were baptized with beer which covered their foreheads and dripped down their faces.

Gabola means “drinking” in Tswana, one of South Africa’s official languages.

“Our aim is to convert bars, taverns and shebeens into churches,” Makiti said. “And we convert the tavern-owners into pastors.”

People in other churches “say they are holy but they drink by the back doors, in secret. They think God does not see them,” he said. “But the Lord zooms in on them and can see them. We drink openly at our services. We do so in peace and we love each other.”

Gabola’s leader said he encourages people to drink responsibly and emphasizes that alcohol will only be sold and blessed to people who are 20, two years older than South Africa’s legal drinking age.

The rousing hymns praising the effects of alcohol brought church members to their feet and they enthusiastically stomped and danced in a circle, often around a beer bottle. As the three-hour service progressed they became louder, more animated and sloppier. Some dozed off during the sermon.

“Nothing is as happy in the world as people who drink,” said Nigel Lehasa, who explained scripture during the service and described himself as Gabola’s professor. “There is no fighting, no arguing. We have nothing but love.”

Senator Shehu Sani, lawmaker representing Kaduna Central in the Senate has called on President Muhamadu Buhari to apologise to Nigerian youths over his comments about Nigerian youths.

Recalls that the President, in London, stated a lot of Nigerian youths were uneducated, “do nothing” and want everything for “free” due to oil money.

The statement led to a backlash on the President by youths while the Presidency tried to explain the President’s statement to no avail.

Reacting, Senator Sani, in a Facebook post on Friday asked President Buhari to withdraw the statement.

He also urged the president to tell the youths what he had done for them and what he would do for them in future.

“The President should simply withdraw the statement on the youths and apologize; and tell them what he will do for them in addition to what he had done for them,” he wrote.

“The President spin doctors are trying to spray fragrances on the feces and lace the dung with olive oil, it’s absurd.The President is a human being, he can gaffe and should be forgiven and should not be sent to the political guillotine.

“As for the Youths, the challenge is to pick the baton and lead and stop holding the Alsatian Dogs of the political elite.

“The President echoes the perception of the bourgeoisie power elites, the youths must rise against it.”

The Lagos State Government on Friday said that at least 18, 184 women and youths were trained in various vocations across the 17 free skills acquisition training centres across the State in the last three years.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Dr. Lola Akande, disclosed this at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing of the Ministry to mark the three years in office of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa Secretariat.

Giving a breakdown of the figures, the Commissioner said that 5,724 trainees graduated from the centres in 2015, 7,301 in 2016 while 5,159 were trained in 2017, adding that the ultimate aim was to empower the trainees to reduce poverty, make them self-reliant and also job providers rather than seekers.

Akande, however, expressed concerns over the low enrollment of women and youth into it 17 free skills acquisition training centres across the State.

According to her, the reduction in the number of trainees in 2017 showed that the centres are not being utilized to the maximum.

”Governor Ambode led-administration is committed to alleviating poverty in all forms among the citizens of the State, especially women who have been identified as the chief burden bearer in the families.

”This is why the government is investing in women empowerment, skills acquisition programmes, access to loans and provision of working tools to enable them better their lives and become self-reliant so as to contribute to the development of the state and the nation at large.

”It is unfortunate that these 17 functional skills acquisition centres are not being utilized to the maximum. The training is at no cost and we offer six to nine months training in courses in computer operations, catering and hotel management, fashion designing, cosmetology, barbing, hat making, soap making, decorations, tiling, vulcanizing, tie and dye and the others.

”I’m appealing to residents especially vulnerable women, youths, job seekers and young school leavers to take advantage of these trainings to become economically and financially viable,” she said.

She said in the last one year, the Ministry organised Short Term Skill Acquisition Training Programmes for several cadres of persons including skill acquisition training for 250 Retiring Public Servants, 300 Widows, 150 Women living with HIV/AIDS, 250 Vulnerable Women at the Epe Local Government as well as 250 Vulnerable Women at the MDG Centre, Ajara Vento Badagry.

She said at the end of the training session, participants were given certificates and starter packs to help them start off their businesses immediately and contribute their quota to economic growth.

The Commissioner added that in its bid to help sustain the general well being of Women in the State, the Ministry also organized Medical screening for 1,500 women and young adults such as Cervical, Breast, Sugar Level, Blood Pressure, HIV/AIDS, etc, to check their health status.

Akande said that the ministry also organised short term skills acquisition training for about 1,300 retired public servants, widows and women living with HIV/AIDs.

She said the ministry also handled a total number of 1,313 domestic violence matters and resolved 1,055 cases.

Chef instructor, Muneera Tahir (Chef Muse) will be at the 2018 GTBank Food and Drink Fair to help groom the chefs of the future.

With a strong passion for cooking that started in her grandmother’s kitchen, Chef Muse’s went on to complete a Diploma in Cuisine and Patisserie at Red Dish Chronicles (RDC) in 2016.

After completing her Diploma at RDC, Chef Muse got an internship at L’italiano Restaurant, London and rose rapidly to the position of Head Chef of L’Italiano Restaurant where she worked until September of 2017. Thereafter she returned to her Alma Mater, RDC, as a Chef Instructor.

Since returning to RDC, Chef Muse has been training budding chefs and continues to undertake several exciting culinary projects in her capacity as an Executive Sous Chef.

If you would like your kids (between the ages of 5-13) to attend Chef Muse’s masterclass at the GTBank Food and Drink Fair on Monday. 30th April, click here to register.

It turned out one of the closest contests in the history of the three seasons old VAT Wonder Goal Award and it was Sunshine Stars Sikiru Alimi who was the last man standing, shaking off tough challenge from Chijioke Alakwe of FC Ifeanyi Ubah to emerge winner of the Match Day 16 edition. The duo took to the polls their rivalry on the pitch on the match day where both netted for their clubs.

Alimi, who has scored in successive games for his relegation dogged club led the polls both on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) website and twitter account with a combined total of 863 votes from a total 1745.

Alakwe’s strong showing on the website polls was undone by a comparatively poor showing on the twiiter polls where Alimi coasted with 50 percent of the 513 votes, leaving Alakwe and Kano Pillars Alassan Ibrahim with 108 votes each.

Overall, Alakwe polled 700 votes while Ibrahim trailed in third place with 125 votes and Stephen Alfred of Kwara United finished fourth with 57 votes.

The goal by Alimi was the only goal in Sunshine Stars 3-1 loss to FC IfeanyiUbah which saw the striker reaching a pass after outpacing his marker, and then did a cut back to set up a right footed shot from the edge of the box.

The player will receive the prize money of N150,000 half of which will be donated to a charity to be nominated by him from the state where the club is domiciled.

The VAT Wonder Goal Award is an initiative of the League Management Company (LMC) and supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to deepen club community engagement and promote the campaign on the benefits of tax payment by citizens.

Rivers United Emeka Ogbugh won the award for Match Day 15.

Armed robbers on Thursday raided the Ifaki branch of First Bank Plc, in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of the Ekiti State.

The country is yet to recover from the Offa bank robbery which witnessed the killing of innocent civilians and police officers alike.

On Thursday, people scampered for safety as the robbers shot and killed a policeman on duty with another officer sustaining bullet wounds.

An eyewitness said the robbers struck at about 4 p.m. shortly after the bank had closed for the day.

He said the armed robbers’ rapid shooting was apparently from their inability to gain entrance into the banking hall.

They, however, shattered the front glass covering with bullets and attacked the ATM point, destroying the machine in the operation which lasted for about 30 minutes.

“It was a terrible experience for us in Ifaki today. The neighbourhood where the bank is located became a war zone with endless gun shots fired by the robbers,” the eyewitness said.‎

“Although they didn’t succeed in entering the bank, they killed one mopol and his colleague who was also shot was taken to the hospital.

“They shattered the glasses used to decorate the front of the bank and they destroyed the ATM Point.

“Although the robbers had left but there is still panic in the town.”

The Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Chafe, confirmed the incident, but refused to give
details.

“I cannot give you details on the incident now because we are in a meeting. We will give full details in due course,” Mr Chafe said.

The attack is coming two weeks after armed robbers attacked banks and a police station in Offa, Kwara State, leaving at least 17 people dead.

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President Muhammadu Buhari says many Nigerian youths just want to sit down and do nothing, banking on the notion that Nigerian is an oil-rich nation.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster on Wednesday, the president said a lot of Nigerian youths have not been to school and they want everything free.

The president said that Nigeria has a very young population, most of whom were uneducated but wanted everything offered them on a silver platter, just because the country is an oil-producing nation.

“About the economy, we have a very young population, our population is estimated conservatively to be 180 million. This is a very conservative one,” Buhari said.

“More than 60 percent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven’t been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria is an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education for free.”

The president is expected to meet with business leaders and other heads of state as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting progress through the week.

The Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) has sealed 19 companies over their failure to fulfil their tax obligations. In Lagos, the FIRS enforcement team, on Wednesday, sealed the premises of Seabulk Offshore Operations Nigeria Limited at 11A, Grace Anjos Drive in Lekki over a tax debt of N34.546million. It also sealed De Rembrandt Hotel (formerly Renaissance Hotel), Ikeja, which owes N30.60million.

The tax agency’s team, led by Bukar Umar, on Tuesday, sealed the premises of Associated Port and Marine Development Company at 7B, Oranyan Street, Apapa, over N12.5million unpaid tax. Also sealed were Kunoch Limited in Ikoyi, which has a tax debt of N34.3million; Jinhua Group Limited in Ibeju Lekki, which owes tax liabilities of N3.1billion.

The team equally sealed Anisha Enterprises in Apapa, which owes N24 million; and Citeco Global in Ikeja, which owes N99 million.

In Port Harcourt, the tax agency, on Monday, shut the offices of Benek Engineering Company Limited at Rumuodara over unremitted Value Added Tax of N137,961,981.53 dating back to 2014. It also sealed Arena Event Centre, which owes N25,063,999.10. The team in Port Harcourt, led by Mrs. Anita Erinne, equally sealed the offices of DSV Pipetronix LTD at Rumuibekwe Housing Estate. The company is indebted to the tune of N99,814,873.00. Another affected firm is

Red Transport and Logistics. The company, which operates from Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout failed to remit Value Added Tax totaling N1,918,764,246.00. It equally shut Otopus Clan Nigeria Limited over a debt of N198,775,513.55.

In Warri, Delta State, the FIRS team sealed Golden Tulip Hotel, Ashinmo Resources, Hotel De Great, West African Pumping Services Limited, Sam- Pira International Limited and Bridge View Hotel, among others.

Mrs. Erinne advised the affected companies to pay the tax debts, so they could resume operations.

“The companies should endeavour to pay their tax debts so they could resume operations.

“We are not punishing you. Once you comply with payments we will come and unseal,” she said.

British Chef, bestselling author and TV personality, Lorraine Pascale, will be at the 2018 GTBank Food and Drink Fair to treat guests to an exciting Masterclass on how to make the perfect desserts.

Before she became one of the biggest names in UK food shows, Lorraine was the first Black British fashion model to appear on the cover of American Elle. Being there and done that, she decided to follow her real passion–cookery–and enrolled for Leith’s Diploma of food and wine course. She later graduated with a first class honours degree in Culinary Arts Management at London’s University of West London.

Lorraine’s mastery of baking has earned her international appeal and accolades. She has been a judge on the UK version of My Kitchen Rules, Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship in the US and in March 2015, co-hosted one of the UK’s biggest TV programmes, The Nation’s Favourite Food. She also runs a successful blog where she shares her recipes for baking as well as tips for those wishing to embark on a journey to a healthy lifestyle.

If you would like to attend Lorraine Pascale’s Masterclass at the 2018 GTBank Food and Drink Fair, which holds on Sunday, April 29th, click here to register….

Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has called on the Nigeria Copyright Commission to urgently intervene in the lingering crisis rocking the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).

He made the plea in a letter addressed to the Director General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission, Afam Ezekunde, on Monday.

The music star also copied President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

2Baba employed the authorities to take necessary actions to halt the now embarrassing public crisis that has rocked the Copyright Society of Nigeria for years.

In his letter, the music star referenced the recent arrest of the contending president of the commission, Efe Omorogbe, which was allegedly masterminded by the embattled chairman, Tony Okoroji.

Omorogbe, 47, is well known in the music industry for managing 2Baba for more than a decade.

He condemned the drama referring to it as disheartening.

It is quite unfortunate and disheartening that a simple call for accountability and transparency has degenerated into relentless media attack, harassment and intimidation of the group of people who made the call.”

He explained that some members of the COSON’s board who are seeking accountability and transparency are allegedly being harassed and intimidated by the police.

“The personal interest of a few should not supersede the collective interest of generality of members and overall well-being of the society.

“I will like to implore you to use your good office to engage the Inspector General of Police with a view to setting the records straight and reversing the embarrassing and dangerous scenario where Mr Omorogbe and Mr Joel Ajayi, chairman and members of the commission-recognised board acting well under the directive of the regulator, are now being harassed, intimidated, demonised and prosecuted by a sister government agency – The Nigerian Police Force,” 2Baba’s petition read in part.

“Our CMO is under siege and our commonwealth is threatened by Chief Tony Okoroji and his agents who, for personal ends, continue to demonstrate deep contempt for regulation and the call for accountability,” he wrote in the petition.

The musician also said Nigeria is a nation of laws and the music industry stakeholders and regular citizens have only the government to turn to for protection at perilous times.

Some members of the commission’s board in December 2017 installed Omorogbe as the new chairman, having legally recalled Okoroji from his position as chairman of COSON.

The former was replaced over allegations of impropriety.

It was alleged that Okoroji collects 10 per cent commission on licensing income deemed to have been brought in by him and primarily, because he contracts COSON projects and events to his company, TOPS Limited.

Despite Omorogbe’s election, Okoroji was reinstated as the chairman at an extraordinary general meeting of COSON, held on December 19.

A faction of the board loyal to Okoroji reinstated him and sacked those who voted for Omorogbe.

The crisis got messier last week as police from Zone II Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, arraigned Omorogbe before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for alleged impersonation and forgery.

According to the prosecuting officer, Sergeant Friday Mameh, the defendants (Omorogbe and others) had stormed the meeting of venue of the COSON chairman, with thugs on December 7, 2017 and conducted themselves (in a manner) likely to cause breach of peace.

Mameh alleged that Omorogbe and others forged the COSON letter-headed papers, “with intent to defraud, knowingly use the forged COSON letter headed with intent that it may in anyway be used or acted upon as genuine whether in Nigeria or elsewhere to the prejudice of COSON.”

Omorogbe and Ajayi pleaded not guilty.

Their counsel, S. Ehiwelele and Chibuzor Nwankobi, prayed the court to admit them to bail on liberal terms.

Says, Economically Empowered Women can Change the World

Seeing the inequalities and disparities in her native country of Nigeria opened Aisha Babangida’s eyes to the bigger problems our world as a whole faces today. Poverty, economic instability, and differing opinions plague us, creating division rather than community. Without taking active steps to create sustainable business models that grow economies and close income gaps, Aisha believes we as leaders set ourselves and our communities up for failure. With the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) push, Aisha felt the need to bring things a bit closer to home.

The SDGs – if achieved, have the ability to change millions of lives for the better. That being said, without grassroots or country-specific initiatives, we can’t expect to achieve these milestones. As a result, Aisha Babangida launched the AFRICA500 initiative, a mission that bolsters the SDGs and empowers and trains businesswomen to improve the economic situations in countries throughout Africa in order to bring light to the power each woman has when it comes to influencing their communities.
So why should we actively participate? For Aisha, actively participating in these efforts was never not an option. These issues are no longer problems only government officials and diplomats need to solve, but rather a greater problem we all need to actively combat. It is important to see the social aspects behind this move as well. Yes, if successful, the mission is projected to improve the economy, but that results from powerful social objectives that also bring us together as one people.

As Aisha said: “A society that prioritizes social objectives over purely economic ones have better chances of success. That is why female entrepreneurs should play a central role in this culture because women who start a business tend to be motivated by social and environmental values. She is key to all the Social Development Goals.”
As the Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, of the AFRICA500, she sees firsthand the impact a few people can make on an entire demographic of people.

Aisha Babangida believes in the power of women, a tool she doesn’t think we often harness enough. In leveraging the power female CEOs have in her region, she believes the initiative can stimulate growth, inspire the next generation of leaders unrestricted by gender and improve the continent and world in a sustainable and impactful way. Every day, they prove to be an under-tapped asset and therefore in her work, Aisha looks to develop their skills and create opportunities for these females to go out and improve our world.
After celebrating International Women’s Day in Abuja and discussing the SDGs, Aisha is confident that these milestones are not a question of if Africa can achieve, but more so a question of when.
About Aisha Babangida: Aisha Babangida grew up in the country and now lives in Abuja, Nigeria, but she feels fortunate to have been able to study and engage in constructive discourse throughout the world.

She attributes her optimistic outlook and aspirations for her country and the world overall to her global perspective. While every person in every country faces some form of adversity, she sees it as an opportunity for change. If we can positively change the lives of others, why wouldn’t we? For Aisha, she sees her knowledge of finance and the impacts female empowerment as two of her greatest assets and opportunities to initiate her own change. As a result, Aisha Babangida worked to establish the Egwafin Microfinance Bank to challenge the ‘unbanked’ issue that Nigeria, like many other countries, currently face.

Financial inclusion opens doors not just for the people it finances, but also their children, families and communities alike. At her core, Aisha Babangida strives to make the world better than it was the day before, just as her parents taught her. She also wants to be able to set a positive example for today’s youth and act as an example of the impact one person can make.

Ohha Microfinance Bank Ltd has sent an appeal to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun over non-refund of her fixed deposit by Sterling Bank Plc.

The Enugu based Microfinance bank accused Sterling Bank branch Manager in Enugu, Mr. Oliver Anidiobi, who is also the Account Officer of the Microfinance Bank of allegedly converting the petitioner’s fixed deposit in the sum of N219,034 901.50 (Two Hundred and Nineteen Million, Thirty Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and One Naira Fifty Kobo) into personal or bank’s use.

In a petition to the apex bank, EFCC and other relevant institutions, copies of which were made available to THEMOMENTNG over the weekend, Ohha Micro Finance Bank, through her counsel, Olu Omotayo, Esq, appealed to the relevant bodies to compel Sterling Bank to refund her the fixed deposit and accruing interests.

Ohha Microfinance bank in the petitions entitled, “Re: case of stealing by conversion the sum of N219, 034 901.50 (Two Hundred and Nineteen million thirty four thousand nine hundred and one Naira fifty kobo) by Sterling Bank Plc,” accused the bank of refusal to refund her the deposit.

“Sterling bank cannot deny knowledge of the criminal activities of the syndicate in the bank hence the protection of its’ officials. It took the bank over one month to turn over Mr. Oliver Anidiobi to operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite the fact that we notified the bank of this massive fraud perpetrated by its’ officials on the 5th January 2018.

“We submit without equivocation that all over the world banks owe their customers utmost duty of care and trust. A bank cannot open offices and put criminals therein and expect that it is the prospective customers that should investigate the uprightness of these elements. Sterling Bank has held out the manager of its’ Market Road branch as its’ agent and therefore the bank is vicariously liable for all its’ actions,” the petition stated.

In a written reaction sighted by our reporter, and signed on behalf of Sterling Bank Plc by Messrs Sa’id Balogun and Femi Aiyegbusi, associate counsel and senior chief counsel respectively, the bank stated that after comprehensive investigation of the alleged “fixed deposit” transaction with the bank, “we are unable to establish the existence of a fixed deposit investment by your Client.”

The bank further stated: “Even though your Client (Ohha Microfonance Bank Ltd) maintains two separate accounts with the Bank, there is no proof of funds transfer to a “fixed deposit account” in their name.

Furthermore, your Clients could not provide proof by way of a transfer instruction, cheque or investment directive to show that they parted with any consideration to warrant the issuance of the purported deposit certificates by the Bank, which deposit certificates are a product of forgery.

“We are loathe to believe that your client would hand over cash of this magnitude to Mr. Oliver Anidiobi (branch manager) without any proof of deposit, unless the transaction is a private arrangement between your goodseleves.

“Mr. Oliver Anidiobi has already been handed over to the Law Enforcement Agents for criminal offences that bother on forgery and the authorities are making progress in the their criminal investigation.

“Based on the foregoing, we are unable to accept your demand for a refund of this amount (N219, 034, 901.50) as there is no evidence that it was ever initiated with the Bank.”

Meanwhile, Anidiobi who was earlier handed over to the police by his employers, where he was detained for several days, has reportedly been picked up by the EFCC following a petition by Ohha Microfinance Bank.

When contacted, the spokesperson of EFCC, Chris Oluka said his office receives myriads of petitions on daily basis but that he was yet to be briefed on that particular case, and promised to revert to our reporter as soon as he get the details.

The Central Bank, in a memo sighted by our reporter, and dated March 5, 2018, had forwarded the petition to her Directorate of Consumer Protection for investigation and necessary action.

It was yet another drama filled week with clashes and tension in the Big Brother house with Sunday’s live show capping it with more intriguing and emotional moments.

At the end of Sunday’s show, Anto, Lolu and Khloe, the trio who polled the least number of votes, were evicted from the #BBNaija house.

The show took off with a performance from Mavin Record’s Reekado Banks, who performed his latest single ‘Like’. Big Brother, always with an ace up his sleeves, then asked the housemates to move to the arena, where they were to have their final wager challenge.

Housemates were to pick a suitcase each from 10 suitcases holding various gift items including a cash prize. If a housemate picked the suitcase with the cash prize, the wager would be lost. Miracle picked the suitcase with the money thus winning the cash prize, even as the housemates now get to spend their last week in the house without their wager.

The remaining housemates were up for even more surprises as they each received a video message from their loved ones back home wishing them well on the final leg of the show. Vying for the grand prize of N45 million naira worth of prizes are Miracle, Tobi, Cee C, Nina and Alex with the finale poised to go down in history.

Voting for the winner of the Big Brother Naija third edition is open, and viewers can vote via SMS, mobile and website. To vote via SMS, simple text the word “vote” followed by the team name to 32052. Voting costs N30 per SMS. To vote via mobile site and website, simply register on africamagic.tv/bbvote with your mobile number and password, then enter the OTP number and vote for FREE. Voting is now open and closes at 9.00pm Nigerian time on Friday.

…It is official! Yudala and Konga to operate under Konga brand name.

…New company to keep Yudala’s bright magenta

…2 CEOs- Nick Imudia and Prince Ekeh

… 2 distinct arms – Konga Online and Konga Offline supported by Konga Pay and Konga Express

Konga, Nigeria’s largest online mall and Yudala, Africa’s pioneer composite e-commerce company have officially announced a merger of their operations which will see them effectively become the biggest organized retail and e-commerce/marketplace outfit on the African continent.
The business merger, which takes effect from Tuesday May 1st 2018, will see both companies operate under the KONGA brand name.
The strategic decision will see both companies leverage the combined strengths of both platforms and is expected to further broaden the scope of organized retail and e-commerce in Nigeria and deliver more value to customers and merchants.
“Combining forces to power the new Konga will enable us effectively achieve our goals of platform expansion and accelerated growth, as we embark on an ambitious journey to redefine the retail ecosystem with the industry’s most advanced technology,” disclosed Konga Chairman, Olusiji Ijogun.
“Effective from May 1st, Yudala will now operate under the name KONGA, with dual CEOs in the persons of Nick Imudia who will be in charge of online among others and Prince Nnamdi Ekeh who will be responsible for offline. This merger will further strengthen our position in the Nigerian retail market as we creatively position Konga as the first profitable e-commerce company in Africa.

“The efficiency of Konga’s cutting-edge online platform, access to thousands of merchants and Yudala’s expansive network of fully stocked offline stores is poised to give our customers the best shopping experience imaginable. We will be working closely with all our combined clients, customers, merchants and employees to make the integration process as seamless as possible and thereafter make public our road map to sustain our leadership on the continent,” Ijogun said.
One of the exciting benefits of this merger is the possibility it offers prospective shoppers to order online, pay and pick-up the product(s) at the nearest Konga offline store. There are also increasing business opportunities for merchants nationwide.
“We are very excited about the operational merger between Yudala and Konga into the new Konga,” noted Prince Ekeh. “A merger of this magnitude has never been experienced in Africa. We will be leveraging on Konga’s strong technology backbone and online experience as well as Yudala’s offline experience, network of retail stores and operational efficiency. In the near future, we plan to have a Konga store in every local government area in Nigeria. While this is ambitious, we believe that every Nigerian deserves the right to have access to the full range of genuine products offered by Konga,” Prince Ekeh declared.
Plans are also underway to showcase the full power of the merger with expanded access to thousands of products in Konga online and offline stores for all categories of shoppers.
According to Imudia, “We believe this operational merger between Konga and Yudala will bring immense opportunities for consumers in the e-commerce space. We urge all shoppers, consumers, merchants and clients to stay tuned as we unveil the massive ambitious contents we have to offer.”
Widely applauded by industry watchers as a masterstroke, the merger will broaden the range of products and solutions on offer within the Konga/Yudala stable, while giving the customers and merchants more options and access to an expanded variety of guaranteed quality offerings and payment methods.
The Konga Business platform will now include two distinct but fully integrated aspects including Konga Online, the e-commerce/marketplace platform and Konga Retail, the offline arm of the business. Both will be supported by Konga Pay, a CBN-licensed mobile money platform and Konga Express, a world-class logistics company with advanced delivery capabilities for internal and external customers.

Joins the Premium Board just after 4 years of its dual listing on the NSE and LSE
SEPLAT’s market capitalisation now N391.37bn
Migration recognises SEPLAT’s adherence to international corporate governance best practices
SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company Plc has been migrated to the Premium Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The pre-eminent Nigerian independent alongside three other companies, joined the elite club of only three members on Monday, April 16, 2018. The migration is historic because SEPLAT became a listed company just four years ago on April 14, 2014 and with this migration becomes the first in the oil and gas sector to attain the Premium Board.

SEPLAT was migrated alongside Access Bank Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc, sequel to them applying and meeting the Exchange’s listing requirements for the board. Other companies listed on the Premium Board include Dangote Cement Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, and Zenith International Bank Plc who were migrated to the Premium Board in 2015.

The Premium Board is the listing segment for an elite group of issuers who have met the Exchange’s most stringent corporate governance and listing standards. The Premium Board provides a platform for showcasing companies who are industry leaders in their sectors. It also gives a company access to a global pool of investors who are particular about companies managed in conformity to the highest standards in their target markets.

To feature on the Premium Board, companies must meet certain criteria, top of which is strict adherence to international corporate governance best practices as well as the Exchange’s highest standards of capitalisation and liquidity. They must also attain a minimum market capitalisation of N200bn as at the date of application, obtain a minimum score of 70% on the Corporate Governance Rating System (CGRS), and maintain a minimum free float of 20% of their issued share capital or a free float value equal to or above N40 billion.

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc currently has a market capitalisation of N391.37bn.

Commenting on the migration, Dr. ABC Orjiako, Chairman of SEPLAT said “SEPLAT has always adhered to international corporate governance best practices in every area of our operations as Nigeria’s pre-eminent independent. Conformity with rules and processes were critical to our historic dual listing on the NSE and LSE in 2014. I am glad to see our company SEPLAT, be the first company in the oil and gas segment to attain the Premium Board of the NSE.”

Commenting on the development, Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON said, “This migration affirms the strides our listed companies are making towards meeting the highest standards of corporate governance and underpins the robustness of our market. The new companies have consistently demonstrated their inherent values to be globally competitive brands and we congratulate them on the attainment of this migration.”

The NSE Premium Board and the associated Premium Board Index were launched on Tuesday, August 25, 2015.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to resume the prosecution of former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, at a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The trial is for alleged criminal conversion of money belonging to the Ministry of Police Affairs into personal use while he was at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

This development followed a ruling of the Supreme Court which dismissed the appeal filed by the former Police Chief challenging the jurisdiction of the Commission and that of the FCT High Court to try him.

Mr. Ehindero and an alleged accomplice were in 2012 arraigned on a 6-count charge for allegedly conspiring to criminally convert public funds totaling N16,412,315.00 being interests generated from the sum of N557,995,065.00 Police money he had placed in two fixed deposit accounts at Wema Bank Plc and Intercontinental Bank Plc.

The said money was donated by Bayelsa State Government to the Force at the time to enable it purchase equipment for proper policing of the state.

When the principal sum donated was to be transferred to the Ministry of Police Affairs from the accounts, the interests earned were not transferred with it, and that formed the crux of the allegations against the accused.

On 6th June, 2012, Mr. Ehindero filed a motion on notice, by way of preliminary objection, wherein he prayed the trial court for orders: dismissing and/or striking out the amended charge for want of jurisdiction; quashing the amended charge against him for want of competency and; debarring any official of ICPC from prosecuting him for not having constitutional power to do so among others.

In the reserved ruling delivered on 21st September, 2012, the trial judge had dismissed the application in its entirety.

Thereafter, the former IGP proceeded to the Court of Appeal and again his appeal was dismissed by the appellate court sitting in Abuja on 14th January, 2014. A.D. Yahaya and T. Akomolafe-Wilson, JJCA concurred with the lead judgment of A. A. Adumein, JCA.

The United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, on Thursday, revealed that no fewer than 1,000 children, including 276 Chibok girls have been abducted by Boko Haram in North-East since 2013.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja, the UNICEF Country Representative, Mohamed Malick Fall, described the reoccurring attacks against children as unconscionable.

He further called for the release of those still held in captivity by the insurgents, saying, “UNICEF is appealing for an end to attacks on schools and all grave violations of children’s rights.

“Since 2013, more than 1,000 children have been abducted by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, including 276 girls taken from their secondary school in the town of Chibok in 2014.

“The four-year anniversary of the Chibok abduction reminds us that children in northeastern Nigeria continue to come under attack at a shocking scale. They are consistently targeted and exposed to brutal violence in their homes, schools and public places.

“Four years on from that tragic incident, more than 100 of the ‘Chibok girls’ have yet to be returned to their families.

“The recent attack on a school in Dapchi in which five girls lost their lives is just the latest indication that there are few safe spaces left for children in the northeast. Not even schools are spared from violence.

“These repeated attacks against children in schools are unconscionable. Children have the right to education and protection, and the classroom must be a place where they are safe from harm.

“Nigerian authorities have made a commitment to make schools safer and more resilient to attack, and UNICEF stands with them to implement the Safe Schools Declaration, by which Nigeria commits to protecting schools and universities from violence and military use during armed conflict.”

…Ambode inspects Oworonshoki Lagoon reclamation, Sabo Model College, others



The contractors handling major ongoing projects across the Lagos State on Thursday assured that the 10-lane Airport Road and Pen Cinema Flyover would be completed by December 2018 as special end of the year gifts to residents and visitors.

The contractors, who spoke separately during an extensive inspection tour of major ongoing projects by the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode which lasted for several hours, also said the network of roads in Ilaje and Bariga as well as a new jetty through which Ikorodu, Apapa, Lagos Island, Badagry, Ajah and Epe could be linked via the waterways would be ready in July, while the Oshodi Transport Interchange would be delivered by September.

Speaking at the U-turn flyover point along Airport Road after being briefed by Messrs Hi-Tech Construction Company, the Governor appealed to residents to bear with government for the inconvenience being experienced as a result of the construction work, saying that the project was designed to change the face of Lagos for good and improve on the economy.

He said: “We have just seen the progress of work on the Airport Road. I want to appeal to all Lagosians to bear with us. As much as possible, we have tried to reduce the impact of traffic on residents and other road users believing that it is in the overall interest of all that we should have a standard road that leads to our international airport.

“I have been assured by the contractor that this project will be part of our Christmas gift; it will be ready before Christmas and we should be able to use it in conjunction with the Oshodi Bus Terminal and then make a major facelift of what we are having in this whole axis.”

While urging those whose structures gave way for the project to bear with government, Governor Ambode said the State Government would soon commence payment of compensation to them once the necessary paper works are concluded, adding that the project, upon completion, would be a pride to Lagosians in particular and Nigerians in general.

Speaking during the inspection of Oworonshoki Lagoon reclamation which is designed to transform the blighted area to major tourism, transportation and entertainment hubs, Governor Ambode clarified that contrary to some reports in the media, the project was not a housing scheme but part of the overall programme for Lagos to emerge as the entertainment hub for Africa.

He said 30 hectares land space have so far been reclaimed out of the 50 planned for the scheme, while upon completion, the project would end the perennial flooding in the area, and would also accommodate boutique hotel, event centres, cinema, clubs, bars, bus terminal, parking space with capacity for about 1000 vehicles, among others.

The Governor, who also inspected the ongoing network of roads linking Bariga to Ilaje and a new jetty, commended the contractor handling the project, Messrs Avatar Global Resources Limited for the level of work done so far and the assurance that the projects would be delivered by July.

He said in a bid to cater for the growth in economic activities that the projects would facilitate to the area, a comprehensive health centre would be commenced immediately in Ashogbon, while the additional 14 roads already approved to be constructed in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) would also be delivered on schedule.

At the inspection of ongoing new Model College in Sabo area of Yaba which is billed to be delivered in December alongside that of Angus Model College in Shomolu, the Governor said the intention of his administration is to scale up infrastructure in public schools across the State, starting with commencement of massive rehabilitation of public schools.

“What we are seeing here is our new concept of what a model college should look like and that is why in this complex we have about 36 classrooms, nine laboratories and because of the land space here, we don’t really have a recreational facility around but the ones we are building in Ojo and Shomolu, they have all the necessary recreation facilities that should actually go with a modern secondary school.

“The idea is that we want to increase the number of model colleges that we have; we also want to create a new template of how public secondary school should look like moving forward. This is our own template; this is the way we want to begin with it; we are doing three now; we will move forward next year to expand model colleges in the State.

While inspecting the Maternity Centre in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja popularly known as Ayinke House and the Pen Cinema Flyover, Governor Ambode lauded the contractors and medical personnel for a job well done so far.

“When you add the total length of the Pen Cinema Bridge together, it is equivalent of Ajah and Abule Egba Bridges. In terms of the width, it is wider. We are impressed with the progress of work here; I am actually impressed with what has been done in the abatement area and the piling that is being done.

“We believe this flyover will change forever the economic landscape of the Agege axis because it comes with its economic value and expanding our infrastructure to this axis by complementing what we have in Abule Egba is the right way to go. I just want to encourage the contractors to deliver on schedule by December,” he said.

He said the Ayinke House, which is designed to be the major baby factory for the State, would be delivered in June and commissioned for public use by July, while other facilities ongoing in the health sector would be delivered to safeguard the health of residents.

The Ayinke House is a 162-bed space facility and expandable to 250, with other features such as 22 neo-natal intensive care units, 16 intensive care units for adults, five fully equipped theatres, laboratory, common ward, maternal and child care centre, among others.

Legendary Juventus striker-turned-pundit Alessandro Del Piero has admitted that he struggles to understand Gianluigi Buffon’s point of view after the veteran goalkeeper launched a scathing attack on match officials following Juventus’ Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid.

The 40-year-old custodian was shown a red card in what many believe will be his final appearance in Europe’s premier club competition after protesting a decision, made by referee Michael Oliver, to award Los Blancos Lucas Vazquez a penalty late into stoppage time.

Following the match, Buffon voiced his displeasure at the official, making reference to the first leg of the tie before suggesting that the referee should have been more sensitive in the context of the match.

However, Del Piero has conceded that he finds it difficult to understand Buffon’s position, and claims his former teammate could regret his choice of words once the dust settles on their defeat.

“When [Buffon] talked about the referee, it was difficult for me to understand him honestly,” Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia.

“I do not understand why he made such a reference to the first leg.

“Football is like that, we analyse the present moment whether it is good or ugly.

“I think that in a few days, Buffon will have different words to say to the referee.”

We’ll showcase Lagos tourism potentials to the world -FG



The Federal Government on Thursday said that it has concluded plans to use its hosting right of the 61st edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)/ Commission for Africa (CAF) Meeting to showcase the culture and tourism potentials of Lagos and Nigeria in general.

Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Alausa in Ikeja, said Lagos would play a significant role in the success of the meeting considering its economic position in Nigeria and also as a foremost tourism city.

He said though the UNWTO/CAF Meeting would hold in Abuja from June 4th to 6th, 2018, a major part of the event, tagged Technical Visit, would be held at the Eko Atlantic City, adding that the decision to hold the visit in Lagos was strategic and pivotal to the overall success of the programme.

“The choice is not an accident. It is designed to showcase to the world a city that promises to be a tourism haven, with the largest shopping mall in sub-Saharan Africa and a city which also boasts of vast amenities for entertainment, such as food courts, cinemas and playgrounds, an ample parking space and a canal that can be used for water transportation and water sports,” Mohammed said.

He said during the day-long Technical Visit, Governor Ambode would also play host to top executives of the UNWTO, African Tourism Ministers and a select group of local and international media, saying that it would be the major highlight of the meeting and that Lagos was better positioned to host it.

“The meeting will give Nigeria the opportunity to showcase itself to the world especially in the area of its culture and tourism and of course, we have a lot to showcase; our tourism attractions, our rich culture, as well as our music and films which have take the world by storm”.

The Minister said the UNWTO, a leading international organisation for tourism with a global membership of 158 members and over 500 Affiliate members unanimously gave Nigeria the hosting right for the Meeting during its 59th Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in April 2017, noting that it was a reflection of the growing positive perception of Nigeria by the international community.

He said the Meeting, which has the theme “Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst For Development”, would be attended by mostly delegates drawn from the 51 member states of the Commission for Africa, the Executives of UNWTO, International Organisations, local and international media as well as experts and stakeholders from the public and private sector.

Thanking the Governor for the strong support so far towards the success of the meeting, the Minister commended the move by the State Government to hold a Tourism Summit on Monday, saying that the development was in line with the Federal Government’s quest to make Nigeria a top tourism destination in Africa.

“We will not only be participating at the summit, we will also be making a presentation that showcases Nigeria as the preferred destination for tourists,” he said.

Responding Governor Ambode said the State Government was pleased to support moves by the Federal Government to preserve the rich culture and heritage of the nation, adding that his administration was also working hard to make the State the tourism hub of Africa.

“So, we are in tandem with your vision and aspirations to make sure that we tell Nigerians the way our story was and the way our story is and also be able to tell outsiders who we are and who we want to be. So, for me it’s a no brainer that I need to support you because this is also in line with what we believe strongly that Nigerians ought to do.

“In the last three years, we have tried as much as possible to promote our heritage and also promote our languages. We do not want a situation where the Nigerian culture which is so rich and diverse will become extinct and that is why we must do everything in our own capacity to ensure that everything that the Federal Government is doing through the Ministry of Information and Culture, in bringing the unity of Nigerian together, is supported by this government,” Governor Ambode said.

Pledging the support of the State Government for the success of the UNWTO/CAF Meeting, Governor Ambode assured that his administration would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure that would attract tourists to the State.

We want to showcase Lagos as a tourist State; our drive is to make Lagos the tourist hub of Africa; we are getting near it; we are providing tourism infrastructure and you could see because tourism is not so much about what you see; it’s about the infrastructure that makes it to happen – the roads, the airport, the ease of doing business, the warmth and then the strength of the people because there is so much energy in the spirit of Lagos,” the Governor said.

Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc boss, Dr Marilyn Amobi became the latest Buhari administration official to be caught up in a travel expense scandal Friday with the release of a watchdog’s report that painted an 11-day trip to Gainesville, Florida as more of a sightseeing junket than official business for 6 members of the Nigerian National Assembly.

A whooping N65 Million Naira from public funds was alleged to have been spent by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) for the trip, despite federal government’s restriction on foreign travels and trainings abroad.

A circular conveying the message, titled ‘Restrictions on Foreign Trainings and International Travels by Public Servants,’ was issued from the office of the head of the civil service of the federation to all ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government in 2015, putting embargo on foreign travels and international trainings.

“Public servants invited for foreign trainings/study tour, conferences by any organisation, government or other bilateral/multilateral organisation will be allowed to travel provided that no travel cost, estacode application or any other cost on government is involved, the circular stated.

In defiance of the federal government’s rule, the MD/CEO of NBET, Dr Marilyn Amobi, on the 28th of November 2017, gave a directive to spend $96,350 USD of public funds for Participation at the 43rd International training program on the utility regulation and strategy held in January 15-26 2018 in Gainsville, Florida, USA, by members of the National Assembly committees on power.

The whistleblower alleged that the national assembly members did not attend the event, describing it as a shocking waste of taxpayers money.

The National Assembly members are Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, (PDP Abia), Senator Adamu Aliero, (APC Kebbi), Senator Lanre Tejuosho, (APC Ogun), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, (PDP Abia), Hon. Daniel Asuquo, (PDP Cross River) Hon. Mohammed Garba Gololo, (APC Bauchi).

Independent investigation by Per Second News revealed that an additional $7,200 was charged by the organizers of the training for each participant, revealing an additional N15 million tab by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.

The watchdog alleged that the NBET had desperately tried to withhold the information, claiming making travel expenses public would create an “excessive administrative burden”.

Group photo below of participants at the training obtained by Per Second Newsfrom Florida did not show the senators from Nigeria.
In another fresh allegation the watchdog group accused the NBET boss of another N40 million trip bonanza for some government officials.

“Our recent investigation has revealed how some staff of the Office of Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF, have coerced the MD/CEO of NBET to sponsor them on foreign training to Denmark where about forty million was expended, the group told Per Second News.

Among the OAGF staff fingered include Fola Oladipo Adebowale- (DFA, Ministry of Power), Alex Ogbuokiri (OAGF staff) and Deborah Ayuba (OAGF staff) among others.

The group also alleged that some of the OAGF staff did not attend the training but enjoyed the financial benefits paid into their various bank accounts.

The group allege that some staff of the Office of Accountant General of the Federation has been embedded into the payroll of NBET on monthly basis in addition to their monthly salaries from OAGF, in an audacious move without the approval of neither the Minister of Power, Works and Housing nor the Head of Service of the Federation.

The head media for NBET, Henrietta Ighomrore, did not respond to multiple inquiries seeking comment.

Bisola Aiyeola, first runner up, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) 2017 season two ‘See Gobe’, says her participation in the show has contributed to her successful growth in the entertainment industry.

Aiyeola, who is most popular for her hit movie ‘Picture Perfect,’ recently, released two hit songs this year, ‘Luchia’ which details her life journey and ‘Uncle Luku’.

She credited the Big Brother Naija platform for allowing her possess “a greater selection in the kind of projects” she does.

According to her, it gave her an opportunity to add her voice to the plight of young girls and most importantly, become closer to her fans.

In her reflective post on Tuesday on Instagram, @iambisola, Aiyeola wrote:

“Today is a birthday of sorts for me. One year ago, I left the Big Brother House as runner-up and set upon a path that has been beyond my wildest dreams.

“People always ask me about my time in the house, but the truth is none of us imagined the hype surrounding everything we were doing and how our lives were going to change.

“It still takes me by surprise when I travel around the world and people come up to me to wish me well and sometimes even quote things I said from a year ago.

“I went to the house with just one purpose, which was to reach as many people as possible and showcase my talent.

“When I think of the things that my Big Brother experience has allowed me to do in the past 12 months, it is difficult to do so without overwhelming gratitude,” she wrote.

The actress and singer also thanked her manager, The Temple Management company and family for supporting her dreams during and after the show.

Multiple music award winner, Innocent Idibia, has announced his entrant into politics.

He, however, did not reveal under which political platform and at what level he would be seeking to actualise his political aspiration.

Idibia said he was interested in affecting lives positively and would soon pick up the challenge of a political position.

“Politics affects everything I do. So, I am definitely going to be interested in politics. I will soon participate as a contestant and speak the truth at all times,” he told NAN.

“I hope and pray that good men will rise up and make a difference in this country, because we need more patriotic people in all aspects of life,” he said.

Also, Idibia called on Nigerians to come to the aid of victims of the herdsmen and farmers clashes.

“There is so much we’ve been saying about this crisis, but nothing much has come the way of the victims.

“We just need more people to support and join hands to continue extending relief materials to affected people.

“This is the most important thing we can now do; bring succour to the victims,” he said.

The musician said people need to be sensitised on safety precautions during times of crisis.

Idibia appealed to the Federal Government to do the needful by ensuring permanent solution to the crisis.

“This thing is going on for too long, repeating itself over and over. There has to be a solution, the victims are not goats they are humans and should be taken care of.

“I feel terrible not because it also happened in Benue State, where I hail from, but because it is also happening almost throughout the federation.

“It does not have to happen to someone you know before you speak up about it,” he said.

The senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu, has stated that the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun has transformed the central senatorial district of Ogun state to a small Paris.

While vowing that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, would wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun state come 2019, he harped on the need for someone from Ogun East to be elected as governor to turn Ijebu land to small London.

Kashamu maintained that the PDP would zone its governorship ticket to Ogun East Senatorial District contrary to the decision of the APC to choose its candidate from Ogun West.

The senator stated this yesterday at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu-Igbo area of Ijebu-North Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, “The time has come for an Ijebu indigene to assume the governorship position in Ogun State. You should all be prepared just as we are prepared.

“At home and abroad, go and cooperate; you all can see what Amosun is doing at the central, you see how he has turned the central Senatorial district to small Paris; let us also strive to turn Ijebu to a small Paris.

“You all can see what Governor Amosun has done in Ogun central, how he developed the place and turned it into a small Paris.

“The time is here for us to put our own son there, who will turn Ijebu into a small London just like Abeokuta.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has formally announced his intention to seek a second term in 2019.

The president made his plan known to the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress.

His office issued the statement below on the announcement giving further details on the president’s decision.

See Full statement below:

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO SEEK RE-ELECTION IN 2019

President Muhammadu Monday in Abuja declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019.

President Buhari made the declaration at a closed-door meeting of the National Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President said he was responding to the clamour by Nigerians to re-contest in 2019, adding that he wanted to give NEC the honour of notifying them first.

Shortly before making the declaration, the President presented a speech on the report submitted by the APC National Executive Technical Committee.

His remarks:

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 9TH APRIL, 2018

I am delighted to welcome you all to this very important meeting in the affairs of our party and our country. I want to specifically thank members of the Technical Committee for a job well done within the limited time frame.

2. It shows a great sense of commitment to the ideals of our party with a view to consolidating and positioning the party to continue delivering good governance in the overall interest of Nigerians.

3. With the present state of the party and based on the report submitted by the Technical Committee, It is important to focus on how to move the party forward by avoiding actions detrimental to the interest of the party. Considering that politics is a game of numbers, we must not be a house divided against itself and must try to note, appreciate and accommodate our differences as far as the law permits.

4. Upon my review of the Report, my position is to ensure that the party tows the path of unity, legality and cohesion and not that of division.

5. Therefore, I am stressing that we should strengthen our internal democracy by organising the Party’s Congresses and Convention where election of National Executive Committee members would be held. This will automatically end the cases filed by members seeking orders of Court compelling the party to hold its Congresses.

6. I also believe that the current executives should be free to vie for elective positions in the party if they so wish as permitted by our Party constitution.

7. However, considering the provision of Article 31(1)(iii) of the APC Constitution which requires any serving officer desirous of seeking re-election to resign from office 30 days before election, I am not sure of the practicality of present serving officers’ ability to meet this condition.

8. Accordingly, the party may consider granting waivers to party executives at all levels so that they are not disenfranchised from participating in the elections should they wish to do so, provided this does not violate our rules.

9. Necessary waiver(s) should also be extended to executives at the Ward level whose tenures may have elapsed, and indeed to anyone knocking at our doors from other political parties. This is in the spirit of the Right to Freedom of Association guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

10. In this circumstance, the party should officially issue a statement on the above Waivers so that our house may be full. We all must not be ignorant of the times, and the journey that is ahead of us.

11. Just like our party symbol; “the Broom,” which typifies strength in unity, let us strive to remain united in our purpose. Victory is sure by the Grace of God, and together we must continue to sanitize Nigeria’s political environment.

12. Once again, I welcome you all to this meeting with the hope that we will, in our deliberations today, conduct ourselves without rancour and promote the highest interest of the party and the nation.

Thank you.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

Media & Publicity

April 9, 2018

A 20-year-old man arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command has confessed that his gang uses a toy gun to rob stranded motorists around Adeniji Adele end of the Third Mainland Bridge.

The suspect, Rilwan Wasiu from Oyo State, was arrested last week Thursday at Adeniji Adele under bridge around 10:00 p.m. while he was fighting with his girlfriend.

The officers sighted the suspect beating his girlfriend late at night by the road side. The officers stopped to mediate in the dispute when a toy gun fell off the body of the suspect.

The suspect had attempted to run away immediately the toy gun fell off his body but he was promptly apprehended and taken to the RRS Headquarters.

Wasiu had initially claimed that he picked up the toy gun from where he was sleeping under the Adeniji Adele Bridge.

“I found it where I was sleeping. I picked it up to go and destroy it before the misunderstanding with my girlfriend,” he said.

On further interrogation, the suspect disclosed that he is one of a 3 – man robbery team dispossessing stranded motorists and passers-by around Adeniji Adele end of Third Mainland Bridge of their belongings.

According to him, his two other gang members operate at night after working as bus conductors during the day.

Commenting on the development, the Lagos State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti said, “the deployment of more police officers by the Commissioner of Police to checkmate the activities of criminals on the Third Mainland Bridge had reduced crime in the area.

“Officers are on the trail of other members of the gang. The suspect has been transferred to FSARS for further investigations.”