₦airaland Forum

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/oyo-gov-makinde-reveals-why-he-will.html


Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has vowed to step on toes in a bid to make the state great and set it on a path of sustainable development.
Makinde said his administration will not shy away from taking hard decisions that will be beneficial to the state.
The governor stated this while performing two functions in his office and was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.
He said, “I have seen people come to me and said I should not do some certain things or take certain decisions because of second term. Those that are interested in second term should wait, at least till 2022. For now, we should do the job the people have committed to our hands and do things that will place Oyo State on the path of greatness.”
The governor, while receiving the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Mr. Musa Wada, cautioned politicians against the crave for a second term.

“The people are the sole determinants of the fate of the politicians. Fresh term, second term are all linked to what we have for the people.
“During the first term, you make promises to the people and once you start ticking those boxes, the people can always decide that they want you to come in first and later say they want you to continue,” Makinde said.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/border-closure-allow-our-goods-into.html



Ghana’s Foreign Minister and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has appealed to the Nigerian government to let goods from Ghana enter Nigeria.

This is following the recent closure of Nigeria’s western borders in order to curb the illegal entry of banned items.

Earlier, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), retired Col. Hameed Ali, said the closure was to strengthen the nation’s security and protect its economic interests

Botchwey issued the plea during a meeting with Nigeria’s High Commission to Ghana, Olufemi Michael Abikoye on Tuesday, reports Ghanaweb.

Botchwey said that the Ghanaian government would make use of all diplomatic avenues to get Nigeria to reopen its borders for the free flow of goods from Ghana

She said, “As we speak, Nigerian goods are entering Ghana without any problem and I think that we should find ways of isolating the issues and the countries that you have problems with so that Ghana’s exports can enter your market without being lumped up with all these issues that have emerged.

“Truckloads of goods from Ghana have been detained at the Seme border between Benin and Nigeria for weeks and coming back to use the seaports would present a major problem as the traders have already lost millions within the last few weeks.

But, the Nigerian High Commissioner, Olufemi Abikoye, said Abuja would be willing to collaborate with Ghana to find a lasting solution to the situation.

“At the end of it, we’re helping our economies, the smuggling will stop and the issues we are going to discuss in detail after this [press briefing], we’ll put on the platform and at the end of it, all of us will be very happy about it, the sub-region will be happy, we will be able to generate employment.

” I appreciate you Your Excellency for calling for this meeting, it actually shows your diplomacy at the highest level and whatever you cover with respect to those trucks [Ghanaian goods], we shall convey to Nigeria,” he added.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/falana-reacts-to-kingsley-moghalus.html


Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has reacted to the resignation of former presidential candidate of Young Progressives Party, YPP, Kingsley Moghalu, from his party.



We had reported that Moghalu on Monday announced his resignation on his official Twitter handle.

He said the need to push for electoral reforms ahead of 2023 general elections informed his decision to quit partisan politics.

He had said “Without electoral reform, which includes electronic voting, our democracy will remain weak. Let’s fix this before 2023.

Reacting, however Falana accused Moghalu of resigning because he was given an appointment by the ruling party, APC.

Speaking at the 2019 Felabration symposium held at the NECA HOUSE, Lagos State, Falana was quoted as saying, “Is Dr. Moghalu still around? I think it is unfair to single out Dr. Moghalu for recognition.

“We should not celebrate opportunism. Here is a politician who contested on the platform of a party, who has moved conveniently to the APC.

“They’ve just given him an appointment and he has just discarded his own political party. I don’t think that is fair for all.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/what-death-of-famous-ogbomosho-tortoise.html


Former Senator, Shehu Sani, has said that the death of famous tortoise, Alagba, reflects the spirit of resilience and endurance in Nigeria.

Alagba, who resided in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, died at the age of 344.

Its death was confirmed to TITOPE BLOG in Ogbomoso on Thursday by the private secretary to the monarch, Toyin Ajamu.

Reacting on Friday to the news, Mr Sani in a tweet sighted by Igbere TV wrote:
''The longevity of that tortoise symbolises the spirit of resilience and endurance against all odds and its death was a message to its hosts country''.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/fifa-reacts-to-death-of-isaac-promise.html

FIFA have reacted to the death of former Nigeria U-20 and U-23 captain, Isaac Promise.



Austin Bold FC chairman, Bobby Epstein, announced the passing on Thursday.

“The greatest loss a team can suffer is not on the scoreboard, it’s the death of a fellow teammate,” wrote Epstein.

“It’s with shock and grief that we acknowledge the sudden death of Promise Isaac.

“On behalf of the BOLD organisation, we wish his wife, children and family strength and peace as they struggle to cope with his death.”

Reacting, the world football governing body in a tweet on its official Twitter page on Friday expressed sadness over the death.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Isaac Promise.

“The former Nigeria striker, who helped the @NGSuperEagles claim silver at the 2008 @Olympics, has died at the age of just 31,” FIFA tweeted alongside a picture of the deceased.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Facebook has removed hundreds of accounts, pages and groups from its social network platforms over alleged involvement in coordinated inauthentic behaviour.

The tech giant said it removed a total of 443 Facebook and 125 Instagram accounts, as well as 200 pages and 76 groups originating in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Nigeria and Indonesia.

In a blog post on Thursday, Facebook said that one of the operations was sharing local news in targeted countries and promoting content about UAE as well as criticism of Qatar, Turkey and Iran, NAN reports.

A smaller operation was involved in “domestic-focused coordinated inauthentic behaviour in Indonesia,” with fake accounts sharing content in support of the independence movement in West Papua province, while others posted criticism of it.

A third operation, originating in Egypt, focused on Somalia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, Tunisia, Iran, Turkey, Lebanon and Qatar, the social media company said.

The fake accounts “typically posted about domestic news and political topics including content in support of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

”The fake account also made criticism of Qatar, Iran, and Turkey; and Yemen’s southern separatist movement.”

Over 7 million accounts followed one or more of the pages and some 3,000 accounts joined at least one of the groups.

Around 193,000 people followed one or more of the Instagram accounts.(NAN)


http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/facebook-instagram-remove-accounts-from.html

The Nigerian Navy has commenced the enlistment of graduates and HND holders into the Direct Short Service Commission.

Navy Director of Information, Commodore Suleman Dahun, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.


Dahun said interested applicants, who must be Nigerians by birth, should possess a minimum of Second Class Upper Division for first degree holders and Upper Credit for HND holders.

“Male applicants must not be less than 1.68 metres tall while female applicants must not be less than 1.65 metres in height.

“Applicants must possess NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate and should be between 22 and 28 years by Feb. 20, 2020,

“Except for Imams, Chaplains and Medical Consultants who should not exceed 30 years and 40 years respectively by Feb. 20, 2020,” he said.

Dahun said guidelines for the enlistment could be accessed on the Nigerian Navy Enlistment Portal: www.joinnigeriannavy.com.

He said the portal will remain open till Nov. 14, 2019 for interested candidates to apply online.

“Candidates are to note that all the processes ranging from online registration, aptitude test and the selection interview are free of charge,” he said.

He advised candidates to be wary of scammers and refrain from giving money to any individual under any guise.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/nigerian-navy-announces-service.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/governor-fayemi-visist-ureje-collapsed.html


Titope Blog confirmed that the Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum His Excellency (Dr) John Kayode Fayemi today visited the collapsed bridge at Ado-Ijan road caused by heavy flood.


Temporary measure has been put in place while planned has been made to construct the bridge

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/islamic-group-attacks-fayose.html



The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has insisted that former Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, must be held accountable for alleged stolen funds in Ekiti State.

This was contained in a press statement issued to us on Friday by Professor Ishaq Akintola, Director of MURIC.

The Islamic human rights organization chided the former governor for attempting to intimidate Ekiti State House of Assembly which has initiated the process of investigating his administration.

He said, “Fayose lives in a dream world. He has forgotten that power is transient. He has forgotten that permanent power belongs to the Supreme Creator. He still imagines that he has immunity. Ekiti State Assembly should call Fayose’s bluff. His days of impunity are definitely over.

“Imagine this ex-governor invading the state’s House of Assembly for ‘daring’ to initiate investigations into financial dealings in the state under him. We condemn that invasion. Fayose’s behavior is undemocratic, unparliamentary and therefore unacceptable. He should follow due process and respect the rule of law.

“Fayose was just showing his true colour anyway. He never had any respect for decorum. Was it not Fayose who invaded a high court in Ekiti and allegedly slapped a judge? Was it not Fayose who prevented operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from accosting Fani Kayode’s wife? Was it not Fayose who invaded a bank in Ekiti to compel illegal, unlawful and illegitimate payment to Fani Kayode’s wife?

“Fayose’s cup of impunity, illegalities and excesses is full beyond its brim. It is already spilling. His invasion of the Ekiti House of Assembly on 29th August, 2019 was an attempt to mop up. That attempt has failed. Fayose must account for the people’s money.”

MURIC likens Fayose to the proverbial vegetable seller for invading Ekiti State House of Assembly before an invitation could be extended to him.

“There is no other logical explanation for Fayose’s invasion of Ekiti Assembly than an attempt to foreclose investigations into his poor handling of the financial affairs of Ekiti State during his tenure as governor. Our people say ‘When a vegetable hawker is called but he responds by claiming that his vegetable is not from the dumpsite (even before he is accused), we must know that something is fishing’.

“Fayose can be likened to this proverbial vegetable seller. Haba! The House has merely deliberated over extending an invitation to him. That invitation has not reached him but as soon as he heard about it, he called the speaker to ask him if the report was true. That phone call itself was a dishonourable act. It was an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of Ekiti State House of Assembly. It was most demeaning and highly condescending. The ex-governor acted far below his status.”

MURIC hailed the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly for standing firm on the House’s resolution to probe Fayose.

“We doff our hats for the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Afuye, for refusing to be intimidated by the ex-governor. The sanctity of parliamentary resolutions is unassailable and must remain so otherwise, democracy will become a political farce.

“We call upon honourable members of Ekiti House of Assembly to remain steadfast. It is not Ekiti citizens alone who are watching. Nigerians, nay, the whole world, are curious to know whether or not they will succumb to Fayose’s blackmail, accept his bribe or honourably insist on protecting the integrity of the House by standing on their resolution to probe Fayose.

“We remind the former iron ruler of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose that the game is up. Dictators can run but they cannot hide. If Fayose runs to the sea, the sea will be boiling. If he runs to the mountains, the mountains will crumble. There will be no hiding place for him. The long arm of the law will eventually catch him. The Pharaoh of Ekiti should therefore simply allow the law to run its normal course. The die is cast.

“In our closing remarks, we charge Ekiti lawmakers to be resolute. They must not put their tails between their legs and run just because Fayose barks. This is a battle they must fight to its logical conclusion for the sake of Ekiti citizens who entered Fayose’s ‘one chance’,” he added.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/ganduje-in-alleged-plot-to-move-emir.html

A Renaissance Coalition of Civil Society Group in Kano State, has allegedly uncovered moves by the Governor Ganduje-led administration to swap Emir Sanusi from Kano to Bichi Local Government.

The group’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Wayya, said in a statement he signed that, “It has come to the notice of the Renaissance Coalition that, Kano State Government has gotten a wind of a vile plan to swap the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON to Bichi, and in the event he resists, he shall be deposed.

“This is quite unfortunate that, despite a subsisting court ruling which has ordered the maintenance of status quo pending conclusion of the matter before it, and even the contentious law which was maliciously and hurriedly made, and is being challenged before the court, has not explicitly provided for such swap,” he added.

He said, “This is indeed a very dangerous move that is likely to cause violent unrest in the polity, and the alleged plot also shows extreme desperation on the part of the governor to advance a personal vendetta at the expense of the peace and wellbeing of the citizens he swore to protect.”

“We deem it our responsibility to do everything possible within our power to advocate for the peace and wellbeing of the citizens, by calling on all well meaning individuals and the Federal Government, to call the governor to order, to seize and desist from any further hostile action against the Kano emirate and the person of the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi ll.

“We believe in the adage better safe than sorry, we always want to be on the right path and the right side of history, expressing our objective opinions and engage relevant authorities for appropriate and timely action to prevent societal disasters,” he warned.

Ibrahim further noted that ” We decided not to wait and be reactive but to be proactive because of the perceived heavy toll the repercussions of the alleged action of the Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, awaits the people of Kano, if the alleged plot is materialized and remains unchecked.”

“Therefore, as responsible and concerned citizens, we strongly call on the governor to desist from going on with this alleged plot and such similar action, which is capable of jeopardizing the relative peace we enjoy in the State. We also particularly call on the security agencies, political leaders, the respected elders, venerated Ulamas, intellectuals, opinion leaders and any person or people with the means to reach out to advise the Governor to desist from such act.”

“However, in the event that the Governor refuses to heed the good counsel and goes ahead to actualize the evilly hatched dastardly agenda, we would be left with no any other option but to call on the federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Kano state as soon as the Governor makes the pronouncement of the alleged plot, in order to save Kano State from the consequences of the Governor’s action.

” We wish to use this medium to remind the people and Kano State Government on the consequences that occurred when similar action was attempted against the then Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero in 1981. We are of the strong belief that, today if such action is attempted may likely be the worst because of increased social and economic stress which are already keeping people on edge, ready to erupt as well as a much higher restless youth population in the State.”

“It is our prayer that, the Federal Government, must to do everything possible to prevail on the Governor to forestall the alleged plot of Swapping the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammad Sanusi, to ensure that our dear State remains peaceful.”

All efforts to get government response on the matter were not successful.


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/n90bn-alleged-fraud-resign-as-vice.html


N90bn alleged fraud: Resign as Vice President, face Timi Frank ‘man to man’ – Fani-Kayode mocks Osinbajo


Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister has reacted to remark by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on being probed for allegedlly collecting N90bn from Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, for 2019 election.

Fani-Kayode dared Osinbajo to prove his mettle as a man by resigning and facing the former Deputy spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank “man on man.”

Mocking Osinbajo, the PDP chieftain said Frank “will eat you for breakfast.”

Recall that Frank had alleged that the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, had released the N90bn to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo for the 2019 general elections.

The political analyst had alleged that Osinbajo’s ongoing travails was allegedly due to corruption and had nothing to do with 2023 politics.

He had claimed that he has reliable information from his sources in the presidency to the effect that Osinbajo’s travail has nothing to do with 2023 but alleged mismanagement of about N90 billion Naira released by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to prosecute the last general elections in favour of the APC.

But, FIRS had denied the allegation, saying it did not make N90 billion available to Vice-President for election campaign.

It accused Frank of seeking cheap popularity while threatening that it would file a libel suit if he refuses to tender an apology in three major newspapers within the next 24 hours.

But, Osinbajo, in his response yesterday declared his readiness to be probed, saying he was prepared to waive his constitutional immunity aside to allow for proper investigation.

However, Fani-Kayode in a tweet wrote: “If you are really a man don’t just waive your immunity to sue Timi Frank but RESIGN from your position and take him on man to man. He will eat you for breakfast. I know that young man: he is a real Ijaw! Deeply courageous and tough as nails. You cannot intimidate him or break him.”

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/what-adesina-told-world-leaders-at-un.html



President Akinwumi Adesina on Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly unveiled ambitious plans to scrap coal power stations across the African continent and switch to renewable energy.

Addressing a gathering of presidents, ministers and officials from almost 200 countries in New York, Adesina outlined efforts to shut down coal-fired power plants and build the “largest solar zone in the world” in the arid Sahel belt.

“Coal is the past, and renewable energy is the future. For us at the African Development Bank, we’re getting out of coal,” Adesina told the Climate Action Summit in Manhattan.

The Bank’s $500 million green baseload scheme will be rolled out in 2020 and is set to yield $5 billion of investment that will help African countries’ transition from coal and fossil fuel to renewable energy, said Adesina.

Adesina also talked about plans for $20 billion of investments in solar and clean energy that would provide the region’s 250 million people with 10,000 MW of electricity.

“There’s a reason God gave Africa sunlight,” said Adesina.

UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, also took a swipe at the “dying fossil fuel industry” and said it was still not too late to keep the global rise in temperatures below the benchmark figure of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“But it will require fundamental transformations in all aspects of society — how we grow food, use land, fuel our transport and power our economies,” said Guterres.

“We need to link climate change to a new model of development — fair globalisation — with less suffering, more justice, and harmony between people and the planet.”

The meeting was part of the run-up to the international climate talks in 2020, which is the next deadline for countries to make significant emissions reduction pledges under the 2015 global warming deal.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Some youths, under the umbrella of Lagos Youth Vanguard (LYV) on Tuesday stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding the probe of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode over alleged corrupt activities.

The protesters were led by the Patron of LYV, Mr. Rasak Olokooba and the President of the Group, Mr. Ibrahim Ekundina.

Some of the placards of the protesters read: “Ambode, submit yourself for probe,” “Ambode must be probed,” “EFCC do your job,” “Ambode is a thief,” “Ambode awarded fake contracts,” and “Ambode, return Lagos money.”

The Lagos Youth Vanguard stated in their leaflet that was distributed to journalists that Ambode “deliberately laid landmine through the obvious improper, inappropriate and insufficient content in his handover note that should serve as a guide to the incoming administration in the tradition of every civilised public officer.”

They accused Ambode of flouting so many government procedures, saying that he refused to abide by the procurement laws.

He was accused of wrong priority in policies and programmes and abandoning the track that can bring about development in the state.

“We call for his probe and investigation with a view to apportioning penalty and dishing out appropriate penalties.

“We want to assure the good people of Lagos State, including all the people that care about Lagos and the people of Lagos that we will continue to pursue every legitimate means until justice is done,” they said.

Speaking to journalists in an interview, Mr Rasak Olokooba, said that it was good to be fair to every administration.

Olokooba added that they had watched events for 90 days and that there were clear indications that the former governor had been going about to disrupt the activities of the current administration.

“For every government that is going out, you leave a template for the coming government to succeed.

“Ambode handed over a very rickety handing over note that cannot assist the current administration.

“If you go round the state today you will see that there is no governor that would inherit such state and the people of the state would be happy with him, but thank God the goodwill enjoyed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is still intact if not, by now the people of Lagos State would have been complaining bitterly.

“Put all these things together and add it to what the EFCC said recently that they were going to conduct an investigation into the activities of the former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, you would see that we are right,” he said.

The activist insisted that anybody could be investigated anytime, but that they were shocked by what happened at the residence of former governor Ambode in Epe, when the operatives of the EFCC wanted to search his residence.

He described what happened there as very ungentlemanly, adding that this was not how statesmen behave as they were expected to respect institutions and apparatuses of the government.

“Also, the parliament has promised us that they were going to look into the activities of the last administration, but we have not heard anything from them.

“I am a taxpayer, I pay education tax, I pay the salaries of the Governor from my tax and I must be concerned about how the money is being spent, likewise other Nigerians.

“The former governor must be accountable for how he ran the affairs of the state in the last four years. We want him to clear his name. Gone are the days when people just hear of probe and you don’t take it up,” he said

Olokooba maintained that they were taking the matter up because the EFCC and the parliament had spoken about it.

He stressed that the rest of the world was watching Nigeria, which he said must work as it represents 2.5 % of the population of the world.

“We are the most populous black nation in the world and after Cairo it is Lagos among the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa.

“We don’t want anybody to mismanage Lagos. We want this to be a deterrent to others such as local governments chairmen, senators and others in public offices who might want to do what the last administration did.

“Look at the state of Lagos, people were complaining bitterly over the litters of refuse in the state though they are disappearing now. Look at Badagry Road, you would agree with me that you are also part of what we are doing today as journalists,” he said.

Addressing the protesters, the representative of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Hon. Rotimi Olowo stated that the protesters were right as their action was constitutional.

Olowo emphasized that the House had commenced investigations into the government of Ambode and that they would look into the petition as a House and do their jobs as expected.

The lawmaker added that they were having a committee meeting shortly before the protesters arrived to look into the finances of the state and ensure that the road in the state was motorable.


http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/youths-storm-lagos-assembly-demand.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/dangote-adesina-others-get-new.html




The President of the Dangote group, Aliko Dangote, and the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, have received new appointments from the United Nations (UN).

They were appointed as part of a team to combat malnutrition across the world. António Guterres who is the secretary-general of the United Nations made this appointment as part of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement.

According to a statement released by SUN, the 27 leaders will meet to sustain the continuation of the movement into its third phase which is 2021 to 2025.

Full list of appointees below:

1. Akinwumi ADESINA (Nigeria), president, African Development Bank

2. Aliko DANGOTE (Nigeria), chairman and CEO, Dangote Group

3. Manal AL ALEM (Jordan), chef

4. Reem Ebrahim AL-HASHIMI (UAE), cabinet member and minister of state for international cooperation

5. Mercedes ARÁOZ FERNÁNDEZ (Peru), vice president, Republic of Peru

6. Inger ASHING (SWEDEN), CEO, Save the Children International

7. Cherrie ATILANO (Philippines), founder and CEO, Agrea Agricultural Systems International Inc.

8. Alicia BÁRCENA IBARRA, (Mexico), executive secretary, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

9. David BEASLEY (USA), executive director, World Food Programme

10. Martin CHUNGONG (Cameroon), secretary general, Inter Parliamentary Union

11 Josefa Leonel CORREIA SACKO (Angola), commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission

12. Annette DIXON (New Zealand), vice president Human Development, World Bank

13. Chris ELIAS (USA), president of Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

14. Shenggen FAN (China), director general, International Food Policy Research Institute

15. Henrietta H. FORE (USA), executive director, UNICEF and chair of the SUN Movement Lead Group

16. Sophie HEALY-THOW (Ireland), youth leader

17. Daniel KABLAN DUNCAN, (Côte d’Ivoire), vice president Côte d’Ivoire

18. Monica Katebe MUSONDA (Zambia), founder and CEO, Java Foods

19. Jakaya KIKWETE (Tanzania), former President, United Republic of Tanzania, Kikwete Foundation

20. Shinichi KITAOKA (Japan), president, Japan International Cooperation Agency

21. Maryam MONSEF (Canada), minister of International Development and minister for Women and Gender Equality, Canada

22. David NABARRO (United Kingdom), Sustainable Development Facilitator, 4SD

23. Sania NISHTAR (Pakistan), founder and president, Heartfile Foundation

24. Inia SERUIRATU (Fiji), minister of Foreign Affairs, Fiji

25. Feike SIJBESMA (The Netherlands), CEO, Royal Dutch DSM

26. Gunhild Anker STORDALEN (Norway), founder and Ppresident, EAT Foundation

27. Gerda VERBURG (The Netherlands), UN Assistant Secretary-General and Coordinator of the SUN Movement


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/treason-president-buhari-told-to-stop.html


Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to terminate the trial of the publisher of the Saharareporters Omoyele Sowere with immediate effect.

HURIWA said it has been inundated with messages from all over the World by persons expressing the unanimous view that the charges framed against Sowore are a disgrace to the corporate image of Nigeria.

According to the group, the charges have made Nigeria appear like a huge joke to the rest of the civilized World just as most people have said that the persecution of Sowore and others depicts Nigeria like the General Idi Amin of Uganda or even the tyranny of Yoweiri Museveini.

The rights group stated that the frivolous charges slammed on the activist including the infantile charge of insulting the president is a direct affront to the fundamental legal principle in which constitutional democracy is anchored upon.

The rights group said there is a general accord on the sensitivity and centrality of freedom of speech in a constitutional democracy in all schools of thought.

“Freedom of speech is an important part of democracy because it protects minorities’ rights to speak in politics participation. Freedom of speech puts restrictions on tyranny of the majority who are required to sacrifice their own time in order to permit minority opposition to express their views and ideas. Also the Rights group pointed to section 14 (2) (c) of the constitution which clearly provides that the participation by the people in their government SHALL be ensured in accordance with the provisions o this c constitution. The Rights group said the call for CIVIL Action by Omoyele Sowore for which he was picked up was constitutionally guaranteed.”

The Rights group, which stated that those spurious charges instituted by the office of the Federal Attorney General and minister of Justice in partnership with the Department of States Services under a democratic administration is a direct throwback to the sad and sordid days of misfortune and disaster called military dictatorship just as the group said the illegal and arbitrary arrest of the activist and his other followers amounted to an abuse of power which offends the constitution in section 15(5) which states that Nigerian state shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.

“Does Mr. President not know that the atrocious act of locking up political opponents, civil rights activists and journalists in the 21st century has gradually exposed Nigeria to the danger of being regarded as a rogue administration?”

HURIWA said: “We find it unbelievable that the Federal Government on Friday last week filed seven counts of treasonable felony and money laundering against the Convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Mr Omoyele Sowore when it is a notorious fact that these are simply spurious and unsustainable charges which cannot stand any standard judicial test in a properly constituted independent court system which the Nigerian constitution in section 6 envisages. Recall that Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a presidential candidate in the February 2019 presidential election, is charged along with Olawale Bakare, also known as Mandate. The charges were signed on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), by Aminu Alilu, a Chief State Counsel in the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice.”

On the charges which were filed a day before the expiration of the detention order of the Federal High Court in Abuja permitting the Department of State Service to keep the activist for 45 days, HURIWA says the continuous detention of these Nigerians and many others remain unlawful and unconstitutional and the Federal government is under a legal and moral obligations to end this persecution now. ”

“For the Federal government to stylishly rush to The court to institute frivolous charges when the detention order elapses on September 21 shows that the government completely lacks any rational reason for this continuous persecution. In the charges instituted against the defendants, the prosecution accused Sowore and his co-defendant of committing conspiracy to commit treasonable felony in breach of section 516 of the Criminal Code Act by allegedly staging “a revolution campaign on September 5, 2019 aimed at removing the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The entire World views these cocktails of draconian charges as an attempt to return Nigeria to the dark days of dictatorship”.

The rights group faulted the prosecution who also accused the activists of committing the actual offence of reasonable felony in breach of section, 4(1)(c) of the Criminal Code Act, by using the platform of Coalition for Revolution, in August 2019 in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, to stage the #RevolutionNow protest allegedly aimed at removing the President because in the opinion of HURIWA these citizens calling for CIVIL protests are allowed by the Nigerian Constitution to enjoy the fundamental right to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association”.

HURIWA also condemned the alleged use of torture against Omoyele SOWORE by the DSS as alleged by the defendant who stated that the DSS threw him on a cold floor and locked the door at the detention facility of the DSS.



lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/osinbajo-timi-frank-firs-trade-words.html



Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank has claimed the ongoing travails of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was allegedly due to corruption and has nothing to do with 2023 politics.

Frank in a statement sent to us claimed that he had reliable information from his sources in the presidency to the effect that Osinbajo’s travail has nothing to do with 2023 but alleged mismanagement of about N90 billion Naira released by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to prosecute the last general elections in favour of the APC.

But the FIRS has said it did not make N90 billion available to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo for election campaign.

It accused Frank of seeking cheap popularity, adding that it would file a libel suit if he refuses to tender an apology in three major newspapers within the next 24 hours.

Frank’s press statement read in part: “The presidency discovered how Osinbajo allegedly mismanaged N90billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

“When confronted by the presidency, he confirmed to General Buhari that he indeed allegedly took N90billion from FIRS but it was used for the 2019 presidential election campaign in strategic states of the South-west.

“Gen Buhari asked for a breakdown of how the money was spent and he said he gave N11 billion to Lagos state APC leader but when the said national leader and one former APC chairman were invited for an explanation, it was confirmed that Osinbajo gave only N5billion and not N11billion to Lagos state.”

In a swift reaction, Wahab Gbadamosi, FIRS’ director of information, dismissed the claim, saying the service’s annual allocation is not even up to the said amount.

“The entire allegation being spread by one Frank Timi that the Federal lnland Revenue Service spent N90 billion to fund the last election is mendacious, wicked, malicious and a calculated attempt to smear the image of the Service and that of his Excellency, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

“In the last four years since Mr Tunde Fowler has supervised operations at the FIRS, the agency had not received up to N90 billion, per annum, as Cost of Collection from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC. Mr. Frank and his band of liars might wish to cross-check this from FAAC, a public institution, whose records are open to the public.

“It is from the remittances from FAAC—which had never grossed up to N100 billion, PER ANNUM, that FIRS pays the salary and emoluments and trains it’s over 8,000 staff, runs over 150 offices and provides for other needs of the Service.

“Given the above, IT IS NOT PLAUSIBLE nor DOES IT MAKE ANY SENSE that FIRS will commit its resources to a phantom campaign of N90 billion as suggested by Mr Timi Frank and FIRS does not fund political associations.”

Taxpayers money including its operational funds, the FIRS said, a”re sacred and they exercise extra care and diligence in expenditures, even after such funds must have been appropriated by the national assembly.”

“The agency is subject to the eagle eye scrutiny, supervision and close monitoring by the National Assembly, the Federation Account Allocation Committee and the Ministry of Finance through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF,” the statement further read.


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

The Nigerian Army on Sunday says it has dismissed three soldiers arrested in Maiduguri outskirts in Borno State.

Maj.-Gen. Olusengun Adeniyi, the Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, made this disclosure on Sunday.

He said that the soldiers were initially deployed to the Operation Lafiya Dole, but engaged in nefarious activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, killings and cultism.

Adeniyi added that the erring soldiers were dismissed in accordance with the military procedures, warning that the army would not condone criminals in its fold.

“The three soldiers were caught among the evil group, there was further resistance and attempt to escape, so we tied them up with ropes because handcuffs were not available.

“In addition; we could not put violent men that do these kind of crimes into a police van to take to the station, there will be breakout on the road and we know what would happened.

“We have to restrain them thoroughly with ropes before we take them and handover to the police.

“The Acting GOC, 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. AK Ibrahim has conducted military procedures. We do not keep armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists in the army, they had been dismissed.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/nigerian-army-sacks-soldiers-involved.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/we-did-not-approve-poster-with-mc.html



The University of Lagos, has said it did not approve the banner which had the Caretaker Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos State, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, as one of the invited guests for a programme on the campus.

The university management, in a statement on Friday, September 20th dismissed the reactions trailing the invitation on the social media as mere propaganda. UNILAG had been attacked on social media on Thursday for inviting the transport union leader to the campus.

On Twitter, in particular, many had wondered why MC Oluomo was honoured with an invitation when a former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was barred from addressing students when he was invited for a similar gathering a few weeks earlier.

The UNILAG Principal Assistant Registrar, Communication Unit, Mrs Taiwo Oloyede, confirmed that the event was organised by students in the Geography Department of the school and that it held on Tuesday.

She said, “The management of the University of Lagos hereby notifies parents, guardians and other stakeholders of the university that it is aware of the event to which the Lagos State Caretaker Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, was allegedly invited.

“The event was a colloquium on ‘Transport Efficiency: Employing Lagos Terrain Alternatives.’ organised by the National Association of Geography Students (NAGS) on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. “Relevant stakeholders in the transport sector invited to the event were: Arc. Abiodun Dabiri, MD, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA); Engr. Ibrahim Alhassan, Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation; Dr. Olusegun Spencer, Director, Amalgamated Mega-City Transport; Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, MD, Lagos Waterways Authority; Dr. Adewale Sanni, Station Manager, Lufthansa and Dr. Charles Asenime, LASU School of Transport, PG Coordinator.

“Although Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) was one of those to be invited, which informed the draft banner with his picture, currently trending on social media; the approved banner did not have Alhaji Akinsanya as an invited guest, neither did he attend the event.

“For the record, events are organised on campus to expose students to current trends in the academia and industries. During such events, experts and relevant stakeholders with considerable knowledge and experience on the theme of such activities are carefully selected and invited to come and share their thoughts with our students. The goal is to produce students that are locally relevant and globally competitive. Therefore, the general public is enjoined to disregard any propaganda making the rounds on social media about the propriety of inviting a particular guest or not.”



lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo who is the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, has reacted to the backlash he received over his invitation to speak at a programme in the University of Lagos UNILAG.

MC Oluomo was invited by the National Association of Geography Students, UNILAG chapter to give a speech at their function today September 19th but the invitation was greeted with widespread criticism. Many Nigerians felt that MC Oluomo who is not educated, should not be given a platform in a citadel of learning such as the University of Lagos.

Reacting to the criticism, MC Oluomo who spoke through his aide, Jimoh Buhari, said he could did not attend the event again as he is currently in Abuja attending to urgent matters. He wondered why Nigerians would not want to give an opportunity to a person like him. Speaking, Oluomo said.

“I don’t know the reason people are going against the invitation because the people who invited him knew what they wanted him to say. If he had gone there and said something wrong, then the critical reactions would have been justified.

“Is it a crime not to be educated?
Should people who did not go to school go and commit suicide?

I think that if someone did not go to school and has a large following, it is enough reason for people to invite him to occasions. Those who invited him for the event had a strong reason for doing it.

“People are judging MC Oluomo based on hearsay. You don’t judge a book by its cover. We are also making efforts to change the negative impression people have about him.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/mc-oluomo-reacts-to-nigerians-over-his.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/ogun-polytechnic-in-secret-moves-to.html


The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cried out that the Management of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, was making secret moves to increase tuition fees and to extort students through the introduction of other ‘illegal’ charges.

However, the management of the polytechnic said there was nothing secretive about its plan to increase tuition fees as it had requested for upward review of the fees through a proposal sent to the Ogun State Ministry of Education Science and Technology; which is yet to get a reply.

But NANS said the polytechnic was trying to make life more difficult for indigent students.

According to NANS, students running their ND programme would now pay N61,000 instead of the current N55,000, while those running their HND programme would have their fees hiked from N71,000 to N76,000.

NANS has since rejected the increase in tuition fees by the polytechnic; alleging that, “we are not unaware of a tactical threat to the students if they dare speak up against their suffering state in the institution.”

The Nigerian students also alleged that, “the school management has also indulged in ‘modernised extortions’ which have been tagged different names such as:

Sundry fee – N12,000

Developmental fee – N15,000

Fine for late submission of file – N10,000

Updating of file – N5,000.”

NANS said it had “investigated and discovered that the increase and the new charges were true, saying it opposed the development in its entirety.

The students body said, “We are also aware of the move by the Rector, Prof. Olufemi Fatade, to pocket the Students Union after holding a meeting with the union’s executive on Wednesday. We are assuring that, against all odds, NANS will not mortgage the trust of the students in their mother body especially, the children of the poor.”

Azeez Adeyemi, NANS Public Relations Officer in a statement said the National President of NANS, Com Danielson Bamidele Akpan, had delegated a six-man panel of comrades and national executive members to meet with the polytechnic management on Monday to ensure that status quo remains.

The statement reads inter alia: “Our attention has been called to the decision of the Ogun State-owned DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic to increase its tuition fees by N5,000.

“We have investigated and discovered that the increase was true, the development that NANS opposes in its entirety.

“We however appeal to the Rector of the institution, Prof. Olufemi Fatade to immediately see to the immediate reversal of the management’s decision on the increment as we hold him in high esteem.

“Of the thirteen tertiary institutions in the state, we have discovered that none is thinking of doing such at this critical time, except DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic.

“We however request that the amount of the tuition fees be reversed to status quo effecting from this semester in the institution.”

Why we requested for N5,000 increase in tuition fees – Registrar

When we contacted the management of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, our correspondent was informed that adding N5,000 to the tuition fees became necessary if the institution is to maintain its existence.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Registrar, Mr Bayo Ogundimu, informed that the polytechnic had, after considering a lot of factors sent a letter to government, requesting for the upward review of tuition fees. He, however, said the request had not been granted.

Ogundimu revealed that the polytechnic had been self-sustaining in a way, since its creation in 2006; saying it gets N5m monthly subvention from government and it has to pay salaries of staff.

According to him, lecturers of the institution are being owed four months salaries. This, he said, was as a result of lack of funds as “the wage bill alone is about N27m monthly.”

He added that the ICT polytechnic now has more courses accredited, thereby, increasing the wage bill.

According to him, “the Gov Dapo Abiodun-led government is just settling down and it will be too early to belabour it with too much requests. We also know the government has a lot before it. That is why this increase becomes indispensable. We know there are many indigent students, but what do we do?”

On other fees, Ogundimu clarified that Developmental fee is for HND 1 students only; while Sundry fee, he said, was a combination of many fees like library, GNS, sending of result through the portal and others; adding that file updating and late submission of file are mainly for students, especially outgone ones, who defaulted in completing their registration or failed to possess the registration file.

“We introduced all these compliments of fees so as to be able to meet our overhead. Apart from the N5m, there’s no other thing coming from government. We are pushing for the upward review of the subvention, even when we know government has a lot of demands on its neck.”

Asked if he sees government approving the proposal for upward review of tuition fees, considering the public outcry it has generated, Ogundimu said, “I can’t speak for government. Except government sits on it and gives us a reply.”


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/xenophobia-south-africa-finally-grants.html


Xenophobia: South Africa finally grants Air Peace Flight landing permit to evacuate 320 Nigerians




South African authorities have granted landing permits to Air Peace Flight B777 to enable it to evacuate some 320 Nigerians escaping from xenophobia in that country, a Nigerian consular officer has confirmed.

Nigeria’s Consul- General in Johannesburg, Mr. Godwin Adama, made the confirmation in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

Adama spoke against the background of a complaint by the Managing Director of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema.

Onyema had said that the refusal of South Africa to grant the permit made it impossible for the flight to leave Lagos at 1 a.m. for Johannesburg to convey the second batch of returnees.

But Adama said the permit had been granted the airline and that the flight would be late on the night of Tuesday.

Adama said, “They want Nigerians to arrive during the week, they are taking-off from here at midnight.

“I do not know the exact time but they will be leaving (South Africa) midnight.

“I do not know why they were denied the landing permit. I think it is an airline operational issue. They did not get it yesterday but they told me that it came late yesterday (Monday).

“It was the weekend and they were going to get it this morning; the airline did not tell me it was deliberate, but they explained to me that they have gotten it.

“Our manifest arrived last night towards the close of work and they were to take-off 1 a.m. Nigerian time yesterday (Monday) but they did not because it was late.

“I have gotten it now so they will be able to make me know the time of their arrival here so that we can know when to take-off.”

Adama said buses provided to convey Nigerians wanting to return home were still at the mission premises and everyone was there.

“We are still really working on the number (320) to see how we can fill up the airline capacity with anyone that is readily available.

“We have more than enough, we are even trying to ensure that the aircraft is filled up that is why we are readily taking people who are on the ground now.

“We have more than enough to fill the aircraft, the delay has also helped us because as we call names to board we see some people cleared at the last minute.

“The truth is they are people who have not been cleared, those who are ready to go are all here and we are trying to queue them up.

“We may not even be able to take all of them who are hopeful,” he added.

Adama said that the next batch of evacuation would be based on the Federal Government’s directives.



lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/what-buhari-should-do-with-south-africa.html




Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani Kayode has condemned the apology tendered by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa to President Muhammadu Buhari over xenophobic attacks.





We reported that South African Government on Monday formally apologised to Nigerians and the Nigerian Government over recent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians in that country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to Nigeria, Mr Jeff Radebe, conveyed the apology when he met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

Radebe said President Ramaphosa had already directed the law enforcement agencies to apprehend all those involved in the attacks.

Radebe apologized on behalf of his President for what he called “acts of criminality and violence” that recently occurred, adding that “such do not represent our value system, nor those of the larger number of South Africans.”

President Buhari responded to the apologies from the South African President, pledging that relationship between the two countries “will be solidified,” while describing the xenophobic attacks as “very unfortunate.”

Reacting to the meeting, Fani-Kayode urged Buhari to reject the apology from Ramaphosa.

According to him, Nigerians were killed for no just cause, therefore there must be a response.

Fani-Kayode on his Twitter page wrote: “Buhari should take Cyril Ramaphosa apology letter, mark it “rejected”, use it as toilet paper and send it back to him by @FedEx or @DHLAfrica.

“Innocent Nigerian blood has been spilt by the South Africans for no just cause.

“Something must be done! There must be a response!”




lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/gov-makinde-makes-demand-from-political.html




Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has challenged his political aides to be committed to the efforts of his administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He made the demand on Sunday in his closing remarks at the end of a two-day executive retreat for members of his cabinet and senior aides in Ibadan, the state capital.

Governor Makinde was quoted in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, saying: “For our permanent secretaries and political office holders, it still remains ‘soldier go, soldier come’ but the barrack remains.

“How many governors have you seen their backs? You will see the back of this government too. But your commitment to the success of this administration must not waiver.”

Governor Makinde further stressed the need for political appointees and top officials of the state civil service to work in harmony.

He stated that collective responsibility must be the watchword for success to be achieved and gave assurance that the civil servants would be empowered to do their job but not without accountability.

The governor said, “We are making a pact with you that the current administration will empower you. We will give you those responsibilities. We will give you the authority to carry them out but we demand from you accountability.

“I know that the pertinent question that is probably agitating your mind right now is that, will the system be fair to you? I make bold to say that, under my watch, absolutely.”

“So, my appeal to everybody is, come with me, let us create a new prosperous Oyo State together and God will help us,” he added.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/xenophobia-84-nigerians-return-from.html


The first batch of 84 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive Nigeria on Wednesday at about 2.pm local time via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos in company of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in an update made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, stating that although 313 Nigerians were confirmed as those to form the first batch of evacuees, only 84 of them would arrive on Wednesday because they were the ones cleared to embark on the flight to Nigeria.

According to the ministry, 640 Nigerians have indicated the desire to return from South Africa and have registered to do so.

The ministry added that the second batch of evacuees would depart Johannesburg for Nigeria on Friday.

“The Air peace aircraft which was scheduled to take off at 9. a.m local time was delayed due to the fact that checking in and clearance procedures by immigration are very very slow.

“There are complaints of system failure and out of the 313 confirmed for first batch of evacuation today, only 84 are cleared so far.

“The more the Aircraft waits for the passengers, the higher the amount the Aircraft will pay for Parking,” the ministry stated.



We reports that following the xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa, Mr Allen Onyeama, Proprietor of Air Peace. Airline volunteered to send an aircraft to evacuate Nigerians willing to return free of charge

The process which was earlier scheduled to commence on Sept. 6 had stalled as it was reported that most Nigerians willing to return did not have valid passports or travel documents to complete immigration formalities.


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/efcc-arrests-13-yahoo-boys-in-enugu.html


Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested internet fraudsters popularly known as Yahoo Boys in Enugu.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Enugu Zonal office of the anti-graft agency during a raid at their residence in Lomalinda Extension of Maryland, Enugu.

The arrested suspects were identified as Frank Ikechukwu,Bright Alozie, Aloysious Ani, Ikenna Kingsley,Prince Ofoeze, David Ugonna, Prinewill Onyia,Chibuike Ebulue, Charles Chinedu,Christopher Patrick, Emeka Joel, Valentino Simon and Joseph Ani.

Cars, laptops among other valuables were recovered from the suspected internet fraudsters.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade.

EFCC’s statement reads in part, “The raid was a fallout of intelligence report relating to their flamboyant lifestyle and internet/cyber related activities which were said to have been used to defraud unsuspecting member of the public, including foreigners of their hard earned monies.

“Some of the items recovered when their residences were searched with duly signed warrants include several mobile phones, laptop computers, several Identification and ATM cards, Honda Accord Salon car, three Lexus ES350 cars, a Mercedez Benz C300 and other incriminating documents which are all being analysed.

“They will be charged to court soon.”

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/lagos-governor-sanwo-olu-mourns-death.html




THE Former Head of Service in Lagos State, Alhaji Rafiu Tinubu is dead. Report confirmed that Tinubu died in Abuja on Wednesday at the age of 75, after a brief illness.



A statement signed by Mr Gboyega Akosile, Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Tinubu’s death as a huge loss to the state and the nation in general.


Sanwo-Olu sympathized with Tinubu’s family, the deceased’s friends and associates, saying: “Alhaji Tinubu’s demise came at a time the nation and Lagos in particular needed his wealth of experience the most.”


“As experienced administrator per excellence, we certainly will miss the late Alhaji Tinubu’s counsel on matters of importance in the state civil service.”


The Governor said people of the state would always remember the “laudable achievements” of the former top civil servant, who, he said, served the state meritoriously for 26 years before he rose to become the Head of Service.





Sanwo-Olu said: “We can’t forget the contributions of late Alhaji Rafiu Tinubu towards the professionalisation of Lagos civil service. His quest for excellence and exemplary leadership were a hallmark of his earthly sojourn.


“We condole the Tinubu family, especially our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wife and children of the deceased and the entire extended families of late elder statesman.



“I pray that Almighty Allah grant the late Alhaji Rafiu Tinubu Al-Janah Firdaus and grant members of the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” NAN.


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/xenophobia-belief-that-shoprite-mtn.html




Bukola Saraki, the immediate past Senate President, on Wednesday cautioned Nigerians against reprisal attacks on business ventures erroneously believed to be owned by South African in the country.

A video had surfaced online of South Africans attacking some Nigerians and foreigners in their country.

Confirming the incident, the President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo said the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals. But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest.

“Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses,’’ he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Against the backdrop of the xenophobic attack in South Africa, some aggrieved Nigerians had embarked on reprisal attacks on businesses owned by South Africans in the country.

The aggrieved youths attack some outlets of Shoprite and MTN offices in some states.

However, Saraki described the reprisal attack as “disheartening and disturbing.”

In a series of tweets on his verified Twitter handle, Saraki wrote: “Videos of Nigerians engaging in reprisal attacks in Nigeria against businesses believed, in many cases erroneously, to be owned by South Africans are disheartening and disturbing. ”


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/xenophobia-mtn-reacts-says-we-all-have.html



Telecommunication giant, MTN has broken silence on xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

There had been a series of reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa under the guise of xenophobia. The latest one was Sunday’s attack where some Nigerians were attacked while their property were looted.

The network provider in a statement signed by its CEO, Ferdi Moolman and made available on its verified Twitter page called for peaceful living among Africans.

The statement read: “MTN Nigeria strongly condemns hate, prejudice, and xenophobia and reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of all violence

“We seek to connect people, bring people together and provide a platform for everyone’s voice to be heard. we are against all forms of bigotry and discrimination; they should have no place in society

“Everyone has the right to a world where their rights and freedom are respected- the right to live and earn a living, freely, safely and protected by law.”

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/09/xenophobia-attacks-zambia-cancels.html



Zambia’s Football Association has cancelled its friendly match against South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks.

The friendly match between Chipolopolo (of Zambia) and Bafana Bafana (of South Africa) was scheduled for Saturday in Zambia.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday evening by the Football Association of Zambia announced.

The statement read: “The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regrets to inform members of the public that the international friendly match between Zambia and South Africa that was scheduled for National Heroes Stadium on Saturday, 7 September 2019 has been called off in view of the prevailing security concerns in South Africa.

“FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala has relayed the message to the South African Football Association (SAFA) about the decision.”

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the 36 states governors to appoint more young people into positions of power with a view to exposing them to the inner workings of government.

It argued that doing so would prepare the youths to provide, in the future, effective political leadership at all levels of governance.

Speaking at the National Muslim and Christian Youth Summit in Abuja yesterday, CAN President, Revd Samson Ayokunle, lamented that no significant effort is been made to create for the youths; the reality that the country’s today and future belong to them.

Ayokunle, who was represented by Evang. Samuel Kwamkur, CAN’s Director of Legal and Public Affairs, said: “May I also use this opportunity to call on those in power to use their good offices and influence to bring Youth into the circle of government not as a mean of empowerment them only but as a way of preparing them for future independence and leadership.

“We cannot continue to say youth are leaders of tomorrow when there is no significant effort to expose them to true act of governance and practical leadership especially while we, the elders, are still around them.

“As Christians, we are looking forward to a nation where the youth will truly understand that today and the future belong to them.”

However, the CAN President urged the youths to shun restiveness and ensure peaceful coexistence across the nation.

He said, “We call on the Youth to shunt all form of violence and embrace peace

“It is our hope that this summit will not only be that of usual speech making but will go a long way in having the youth and facilitators brainstorming towards finding lasting and sustainable solution to the age long youth restiveness and poverty.

“Youth must refuse to be used for thuggery but governance and administration which shall stand the test of time,” he insisted.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/09/can-to-buhari-govs-bring-more-youths-into-power/amp/