Economic Hardship: TeamNigeria4Change Commences Distribution of Free bread in Lagos

In bid to give succour to the vulnerable Lagosians amidst the economic hardship, a socio-political group, TeamNigeria4Change on Wednesday commenced distribution of free bread and bean cake in five locations across Lagos.

The initiative aimed at complementing impactful programmes of Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

The distribution under Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Cares: food support intervention is currently ongoing in Ikeja, Ogba, Ijaye, Shomolu and Ikorodu by TeamNigeria4Change.

Recall that TeamNigeria4Change recently distributed Eko food packs in different parts of Lagos during Sallah and Easter celebrations.

The Progressive Institute Launched As APC Promises Enhanced Participatory Government

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje led the party's National Workings Committee, NWC members to the unveiling of the newly established Think Tank and Resource Center of the party, The Progressive Institute (TPI).

The centre was unveiled on Friday at Ladi kwali Hall of Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja.

The APC National Chairman affirms that the Institute would serve as the official Policy Think Tank of the Party and shall undertake research and advice the Party on the performance of policies and programs of all APC governments.

“It shall provide the platform for robust discussion between the Party, Nigeria’s Academic Community, the civil society and the media as part of a deliberate effort to promote inclusiveness and ownership.

“The essence is to enhance the policy capacity of the Party, especially to enable it to provide policy advice and suggestions for the consideration of Governments elected on its platform.

“Both functions are to enhance the Party’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate of leadership recruitment and setting broad policy agenda for governments elected on its platform through the Party manifesto and ideology.

“Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, this Event is also to formally announce that the Institute’s management has been constituted.

“I am proud to say that our Leadership has assembled some of Nigeria’s best to constitute the management team. I am confident that they will perform even beyond our expectations.

“Finally, I urge everyone, including Nigeria’s developing partners, the Academic community, the non-state organizations and other relevant stakeholders to support this new initiative as our Party’s contributions to enriching our polity through more transparent leadership recruitment, a more inclusive public policy process, as well as an enhanced good governance system” he stressed.

In his introductory address, the Director General, DG of the Institute, Dr. Lanre Adenayo stated that the Progressive Institute is poised to emerge as a center of excellence in education, research, and innovation, contributing to the advancement of Nigeria democracy. He maintained that through collaborative partnerships and cutting-edge initiatives, the institute aims to tackle fundamental challenges and propel positive change in the nation's political landscape.

Governor Hope Uzodinmma of Imo State and Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum in his inaugural lecture titled: Sustaining Progressive Ideology as a Bedrock of Democracy ', the establishment of the institute is an indication that the APC is a party that means well for the common man because it embraces welfarism above capitalism.

Other speakers at the event includes Senator George Akume, Secretary to the government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, Bishop Matthew Kukah.

Others are Mr. Yun, representative of Chinese Ambassador , Alhaji Aliyu Bello, APC Chairman, Nassarawa state who spoke on behalf of APC States chairmen, Prof. Julius Ihonvere, House Leader, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Nalado, Chairman , IPAC..

The Unveiling ceremony was performed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture.

The event was attended by top government officials, Civil Society Organizations, Non-state Actors and members of the Diplomatic Corps including Kogi Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, Minister of science and technology, Uche Nnaji, Minister of state FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, former deputy governor of kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna among other dignitaries.

The Progressive Institute is registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a Company Limited by Guarantee and it has been duly certified by the Ministries of Justice and Education.

Efe Atiyio, a leading Executive Producer and visionary in the African TV and media landscape, was recently honored with a prestigious recognition award, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the advancement of media and entertainment across the continent. The award, presented at the distinguished Eko Mi Awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, acknowledges Atiyio’s pivotal role in shaping African media and bringing its rich narratives to a global audience.

Known for his transformative work in television broadcasting, content creation, and media consultancy, Atiyio has significantly impacted the industry through innovative projects and strategic leadership. His efforts have not only created fresh solutions in the African TV space, but have also fostered greater cultural exchange and understanding worldwide. As the founder of Pozytv Innovations, Atiyio has been at the forefront of integrating African stories with modern technology, ensuring that African voices resonate across the globe.

Efe's career is marked by key leadership roles in major media organizations, including Superscreen TV, Continental Satellite, Azam TV in Tanzania, and Kwese TV in South Africa. His tenure at Azam TV is particularly noteworthy; under his guidance, the platform saw rapid subscriber growth, reaching over 500,000 in less than three years. As an Executive Producer, Efe’s commitment to the development of high-quality, culturally significant content has set a new standard in African broadcasting.

Unfortunately, Efe Atiyo could not attend the award ceremony in person, as he was engaged in other crucial media projects in a different part of the world. His absence was deeply felt, but his legacy was celebrated by industry peers, collaborators, and fans alike, who acknowledged his relentless dedication to the craft.

A representative accepted the award on his behalf, reading a statement from him that expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition. "I am truly honored to receive this award," Atiyo’s statement read. "Although I could not be present, I share this achievement with my incredible team and the countless creatives across Africa who are telling our stories with passion and excellence. This recognition is not just for me but for everyone who believes in the power of African narratives."

The award ceremony highlighted Atiyo's recent projects, including the launch of Naija Gold, an entertainment content project that represents Nigeria as it reaches millions of homes across Southern Africa, the development of Pozytv.com, an innovative 360-degree content project for people of faith, and the launch African Bridges, an inspiring content unity project that will connect international audiences through the proliferation of fresh voices and faces in the media. These initiatives have positioned him as a key figure in the global media arena, furthering the reach and impact of African content.

Efe Atiyo’s recognition award underscores the vital role of media in shaping perceptions and bridging cultures. As he continues to break new ground in content creation and distribution, Atiyo’s influence on African media is set to grow even more profound, inspiring the next generation of media professionals across the continent and beyond.

Efe Atiyio
+1321 559 9234

NGIJ Election: Former Registrar, Oyelola Picks Nomination Form For Vice President

The former Registrar of Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) and FactualTimes Managing Editor, Oyewale OYELOLA has picked nomination form for Vice President 1 in forthcoming 2024 NGIJ election.

Oyelola in a chat with newsmen after picking his nomination form on Thursday, expressed his readiness to work with executive to move NGIJ forward.

The Media Entrepreneur while reeling out his modest achievements said the guild has increased membership strength under his watch as Registrar. He served as Registrar for two terms (July 2020- July 20, 2024).

Oyelola hinted that his campaign for the posting of Vice President Administration and Communications in August 3 NGIJ Election will be anchored on #PRESS-UP.

He appreciated the guild members across Nigeria for their support and solidarity over the years.

Dancing LASTMA Officer Gets N1million Cash at Eko Mi Awards

...As TVC's Journalist Hangout, Faleke, Lagos Commissioner, Others Win Prestigious Awards

By Oyewale Oyelola

A cheerful and passionate officer of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Oluwasegun Timothy on Thursday received cash donations of one million naira (N1million) and award at Eko Mi Awards.

The LASTMA Officer who is always dancing passionately while directing traffic in Lagos received award of excellence at maiden Eko Mi Awards held at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja on Thursday.

The emotional moments of the night was the decoration of the dancing LASTMA officer at Agidingbi, Mr. Adefolalu Timothy, who in appreciation of his effort, the MC, Gbenga Adeyinka called for donations of appreciation and Chief Bestman Nze-Jumbo donated N500,000 on behalf of the organizers.

Other dignitaries followed suit and at the end of the day, a total of N1.2m was raised for the officer.

The audience were treated to thrilling performances by comedians like MC Stylo, Prince Phelar and Chi Young, alongside musical acts by the veteran Jojo Body beat and Fabs, while the honorees delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches that left many in the audience inspired.

Among the highlights of the night was the presentation of the “Most Stylish King” award to King Saheed Elegushi, who was hailed for his impeccable sense of style and fashion. Other notable awardees included Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Hakeem Smith, and Oniru, who were recognized for their contributions to their respective fields.

Other awardees include Lagos State Ministry of Environment under the headship of Tokunbo Wahab, the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede, TVC Journalists Hangout (TV Program of the year), Hon James Faleke (Politician of the year), Chief Segun Odegbami (MON) as Sports Icon of the Year.

In his welcome address, the Convener of the Award and Publisher of Eko Mi, Eko E, Otunba Bestman Nze Jumbo said the award ceremony was inspired by the way Lagos is being transformed daily, through government initiatives and the contributions of private organizations and individuals.

He reiterated Eko mi, Eko E Magazine's commitment towards projecting Lagos positively and shining a searchlight on the various areas the government can further bring dividends of democracy to the people.

Kwara NNEW sensitizes private, public offices on workplace breastfeeding

The Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), Kwara State chapter, has commenced an advocacy campaign to promote workplace breastfeeding for female employees.

The workplace breastfeeding and lactation support programme in Nigeria is being spearheaded by the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), with support from FHI360, and Alive & Thrive.

The project aims at creating family friendly work environment and improved productivity of female employees.

Led by the State NNEW Chairperson, Mrs Taiye Loveth Bamigboye, the NNEW delegation kicked off the advocacy with a visit to TASCON Plastic Industry Limited, in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs Mary Ajado said the lack of workplace breastfeeding in most corporate institutions, and public buildings has become a major concern with attendant negative effects.

According to her, working mothers often struggle to breastfeed according to recommendations due to lack of support and weak protective environments.

Ajado highlighted these to include insufficient break time, lack of privacy and strict work rules.

She added that many mothers also discontinue exclusive breastfeeding midway because of work demands, a development she says calls for a review of workplace policies affecting women.

In her remark, Mrs Ayobami Bamigboye Adediran, said poor infants and young child feeding practices remain a major contributor to the high burden of infant and childhood morbidity and mortality.

She therefore stressed the need for organizations to provide a conducive place for nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies.

This, she noted will help to reduce childhood infections, increased intelligence, and proper growth for children

"Even the nursing mothers are most likely to be protected against overweight or diseases like diabetes and cancer.

"Once they're assured of a space to feed their babies, they will also not be distracted and will be available at work.

"It's a win-win situation because it leads to improved productivity of female employees for the organization as well," she said.

Also speaking, another member of the delegation, Mrs Olorunloju, said adequate infant breastfeeding is a building block for human capital development and is essential child survival, health and development.

She admonished the manufacturing company to adopt the lactation policy in compliance with labour laws as well as international and national recommendations.

The company representative, Mr Kunle Ayantola, commended NNEW for engaging with the public on such impactful campaign.

While noting that the manufacturing company is male-dominated because of the nature of their job, he however vowed to engage the management, towards ensuring the establishment of a workplace breastfeeding space.

The NNEW delegation also presented the company, with toolkits that provides guidelines on establishing workplace lactation programmes for their workers.

The campaign is to be extended to other private companies, public organizations and key institutions in Kwara State.

Civil Society Organisations and human rights lawyers have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to save the image of Nigeria by not prioritising political battles that are counterproductive to the robust anti-corruption policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The scores of activists and lawyers, under the broad umbrella of the Committee for The Defence of Democracy and Rule of Law,particularly noted that the seeming fixation of the anti-graft agency on particular targets, fierce media trial and the network of opposition figures publicly displaying their affinity with the Commission on particular matters easily reflected political hatchet jobs that must be discouraged.

The Co-Convener of the Committee, Barrister Kayode Mogbojuri, who spoke on behalf of the over 100 CSOs at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, said the EFCC could not afford to become a tool of political witchhunt in the hands of every disgruntled politician seeking political retribution against opponents or perceived enemies and advised the helmsman, Ola Olukoyede, to shut out real enemies of the Commission.

“For instance, the way it (the EFCC) is handling the current corruption allegations against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is becoming a case of clear political witchhunt by his political opponents for whom the EFCC seems to be a ready tool to be manipulated into fighting their proxy wars.

“In every country that the fight against corruption has been politicized, corruption has not only thrived but also imploded. Politics and law enforcement should be water and oil that cannot mix,” he stated.

The activists said the fact that the amended charge read that the former Governor committed the said offence sometime in September 2015, when he had not even become Governor, also showed that it was a hurried attempt to nail him without due dilligence, adding that saying it was an error would only compound the embarrassment this had earned for the nation’s anti-corruption struggle.

The CSOs also made particular reference to the EFCC’s statement that the former Governor was at large, stating that it was the greatest evidence of political persecution, considering the fact that there had been no prior publication that he had been invited.

According to them, curious statements against the former Governor and the state government, credited to one JS Okutepa SAN, a counsel to the Social Democratic Party candidate in Kogi State, already gives political colouration to the fresh EFCC allegations.

The CSOs said that their suspicion of political persecution was aroused by the particular elements of EFCC’s method of handling the matter in question.

“First, the EFCC is attempting to stand the rule of law on its head by violating a clear Court order that it is yet to vacate by a counter Court order. The High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division has given a restraining order on the EFCC to stay any action either to arrest, prosecute or persecute the former Governor or any of his appointees pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

The Co-Convener said, “No sensible Nigerian would oppose the fight against corruption considering its horrible effects on the socio-economic wellbeing of the country. It is a phenomenon that must be decisively fought, no doubt. We support the anticorruption drive of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has clearly stated and so far demonstrated its total intolerance for corruption of any sort.

“However, the agencies constitutionally charged with fighting corruption must have to avoid fighting corruption with corrupt means of political compromises and means that are against it as this will surely run counterproductive to the robust anticorruption policy of the Tinubu administration.”

“We advise the Commission to leave politicking to politicians and concentrate on professionalism and delivery of its constitutional anti-corruption mandate without political pollution which has the potential to make it lose local and international support,” the activists concluded.

NGO drags Akpabio, Abbas to court over passage of bill extending retirement age of staff, asks court to halt exercise


A Federal High Court has been asked to halt further proceedings at the National Assembly seeking to extend the retirement age of National Assembly staff from 60 to 65 years.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Chairman of the National Assembly and Clerk of the National Assembly are 1st to 4th respondents respectively.

The request contained in a motion on notice filed by the Registered Trustees of Mavrik Applicant Solution Foundation, a non governmental organisation (NGO), is aimed at preserving the subject matter of a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/287 /2024.

The applicant is specifically praying the court for, "An order of Interlocutory Injunction retraining the 1st and 2nd respondents from taking any further move in passing or forwarding the bill extending the retirement age of the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for assent pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

"An order mandating the 4th respondent or any one in his capacity and all the staff of the National Assembly who are due for retirement, to proceed on leave forthwith, since there is no assented legislation permitting them to stay more than the age stipulated by the Public Service Rules.

The suit brought pursuant to Order 26 of the Federal High Court of Nigeria Civil Procedure Rules 2019 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, dated March 5, was filed on March 6, by Henry Okoro and it is before court 8, Federal House Court, Abuja.

In an affidavit deposed to in support of the motion on notice, the applicant alleged that, "the due process of law was not followed in passing the bill and as such is inconsistent with the constitution."

While arguing that the order of the court is needed to stop the further perfection of the bill pending the determination of the substantive suit, the applicant submitted that "if the res is not preserved, pending the determination of this substantive suit, the judgment of the court will at the end be an effort in futility should it go in favour of the applicant."

In the main suit, the plaintiff raised some issues for determination which include: "Whether having regard to the extant provisions of section 318 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) if the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly did not fall within the purview of the description of who can be referred to as a public servant?

"Whether having regard to the provisions of Rule 020908 of the Public Service Rules (2021), if it is legal for the 1st and 2nd Respondents to with uttermost disregard to the above provision, and without firstly amending the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, plot for, through a clandestine legislation, to extend the retirement age of the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly to additional five (5) years?

Among the reliefs sought are a declaration that the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly fall within the purview of public servants as provided in section 318 of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) whose appointments and retirements are regulated by the Public Service Rules (2021)

In an 28 paragraph affidavit deposed to in support of the main suit, one of the trustee of the plaintiff, Mr Muhammad Haamid, recalled that the 4th respondent and others working under that capacity have over the years served and retired at the expiration of 35 or 60 years as the case may be.

"That the said years of retirement was set by the Public Service Rules, under which the 4th respondent and other Staff of the National Assembly were employed.

"That in swift move, the Ist and 2nd defendant came up with a legislation seeking to increase the retirement age of the 4th respondent and other staff of the National Assembly from 35 to 40 years and 60 to 65 years depending on which one comes first.

"That the above bill is at variance with the provision in the Public Service Rules.

"That the 4th respondents and other staff of the National Assembly did not fall under any special category of public servants that could warrant such hasty amendment.

"That the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not place the 4th respondent and other Staff of the National Assembly as special staff outside the Contemplation of the Public Service Rules.

"That the Ist and 2nd respondents have no power to secretly pass a bill on issues that are subject to the Constitution without firstly amending the constitution.

"That the said bill (Harmonize Bill for Retirement of National Assembly Staff) did not follow a due process of law.

"That this court is urged to invalidate same.

"That there is no special training at the point of their employment that makes them different from other Public Servants whose retirement age is 35 and 60 years depending on which one comes first.

"That an order of this court is needed to stop the extension of the years of service of the 4th respondent and other Staff of the National Assembly.

"That if this court did not make the order, it will lead to chaos in Public Service of the Federation."

President of TeamNigeria4Change, Otunba Bestman Jumbo-Nze has emerged, the Most Resourceful and Year Innovative Grassroot Political Mobiliser of the year at Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture 2023.

In the same vein, TeamNigeria4Change Bags Most Outstanding, Innovative and Resourceful Political Group of the year award.

Bestman Jumbo-Nze is a most detribalized Nigerian of no mean feat. The amiable socialite is a seasoned Marketing Communications Expert with diversified competence in Alternative Security.

He is a graduate of English/Arts from the University of Lagos and multiple Award winner in many areas of professional and humanitarian endeavors.

Otunba Bestman Jumbo-Nze is the President of TeamNigeria4Change and Publisher of Eko mi Eko e Newspaper among other commitments to good governance and community development.

He is the Otun Fiwagboye of Agudaland, Ogba, Lagos and the Otun Atunluse of Ibogun in Owu Kingdom of Ogun State. He is married to Yeye Atinuke Nze and blessed with three lovely children.

The Secretary General, National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (NATCOM-UNESCO) in Nigeria, Dr. Olagunju Idowu has hailed the appointment of Otunba Biodun Ajiboye as Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for cultural Orientation (NICO), saying it is a ray of hope for Nigeria when it comes to culture and the creative economy.

Dr. Olagunju disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, January 25, 2024 while receiving the Executive Secretary who was in his office on a courtesy visit to seek NATCOM’s support, knowledge and direction towards achieving the mandate of the Institute.

According to him, the kind of energy the new ES has already brought on board within a short period towards repositioning the Institute will go a long way to change the narratives for the good of the culture and creative sector and the Nigerian economy in general.

While assuring him of the needed support to achieve his vision, Olagunji reiterated that NATCOM-UNESCO remains duty bond to ensure that no agency of government in Nigeria will miss any benefit emanating from UNESCO.

His words “UNESCO believes in collaboration, especially in the area of rubbing minds together to achieve a set goal and our special duty is to get benefits from UNESCO as much as possible. While I am here, Nigeria will not lose anything anymore. I will do my best for posterity to remember. We will continue to do our best to get available information from UNESCO and send it to the appropriate quarters for them to implement while we avail ourselves for technical support if the need arises”.

“For instance, anything that has to do with intangible culture matters, we forward it to NICO while those that has to do with tangible culture is forwarded to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). Where there are things that cuts across, both Institutions are called upon to collaborate”.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye maintained that his basic interest is to drive the Institute’s core mandate and reposition it to take its right responsibility within the dictate of the Act that created it.

He maintained that the meeting was to give him the opportunity to make intentional inquiries and see how NATCOM-UNESCO can support the Institute in accessing funding opportunities for cultural development in the country.

“When I came on board, I realized that we need a little bit of energy to drive the core mandate of NICO to a recognized conclusion because the conversation between NICO and government has not been deep enough to make government give it what is due by recognizing what they are supposed to be”.

According to him, culture plays a very important role in human development and there is every need to properly redefine our cultural understanding as a nation towards incorporating it in our governance system.

The Executive Secretary was accompanied by the Director, Orientation and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Segun Adegbaju and Head, Cultural Affairs, Hajiya Basirat Muse-Ajumobi among other support staff.

A Civil Society Organization, The Good Governance Advocate has implored Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja to call some Soldiers tarnishing image of the military with their reckless attitude and consistent disobedience to civic rules, especially in Lagos State.

The Good Governance Advocate in an open letter addressed to Chief of Army Staff on Monday, January 8, 2024 berated series of attacks on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu by Military Officers in the social media following arrest of a soldier and others for disobeying traffic laws.

Recall that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last week order arrest of some motorcyclists plying against traffic rule; where one of them identified himself as a soldier.

The group noted that the reaction of a Senior Military Officer and other officers in different social media posts follow confirm overbearing attitude of Soldiers who should upload the law.

The group charged Chief of Army Staff to call order Soldiers across the country, especially those operating in Lagos State, noting they are not above the law.

According to them, Soldiers are not exempted from civil rule and they shouldn't see themselves as set of people above the law. They ought to maintain the law, conduct themselves in manner that will attract respect from people in the society. The attitude of Soldiers driving against one-way rule should be condemned by Nigerian Army. It's therefore disservice for uncultured Military Officers to be attacking His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for enforcing the law.

"We hereby implore Chief of Army Staff to take action against erring officers who are bent of causing civil disobedience in Lagos State and inciting Military Officers against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for doing the right. We expect the Military Headquarters to sanction erring officers without further delay in order to serve as lesson for others.

Kwara Trade Fair: Fadipe Hails KWACCIMA, Shares Agenda For Economic Development in Isin LG

The TIC Chairman Isin local government area of Kwara State, Hon Tunde Fadipe has commended Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) for hosting colorful and eventful 2023 Kwara Trade Fair.

Hon Tunde Fadipe stated this while addressing newsmen during Grand Final/Closing ceremony of the trade fair held at Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin on Sunday.

He noted that the introduction of cash support for Small business owners and talent hunt competition add value to the 10-day event.

According to him, this year Kwara Trade Fair is the best so far. This is the third year of attending the event as council boss. The organizers have improved by making it unique with side attractions such as talent hunt.

His words: "I think this year Trade Fair is different from previous ones and I will give you reasons. firstly, the organizer (KWACCIMA) introduced unique event that is why young entrepreneurs get grant to boost their businesses and allowing young entertainers to have healthy competition to showcase their talents. We all saw what happened and reward given to them. Secondly, I think this one is also the best. As Council Chairman, I have interacted with Federal agencies and other organizations that would have direct impact on economy of our local government in the coming months. companies on ecaubse the first -two I attended as local government chairman.

"Recall that during our special day on Thursday I announced the plan to host Economic get-together in January 2024. We have acquired 18,000 hectares for farming. We have cleared the land and already building facilities around the area. We have completed health centre at Ogun-imele and by January the one in Eti-oyi will also be completed. We trying to bring development around farm settlement and building culter farms. We want to reduce rural-urban migration because we noticed that the rural communities are strinking."

Fadipe hinted on his plan to Garri and Cashew Processing Plants in order to create employment and boost the council economic.

The Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Hon Damilola Yusuf Adelodun represented by the Ministry Permanent Secretary presented Certificate of Participation to Hon Tunde Fadipe and other Council Chairmen.

Nigerian human right activists Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka Honey and Ifeanyi Okoye have, in different interviews, blamed ex-president Muhammadu Buhari for truncating a peaceful protest across the 36 states with a military action that became historical.


Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka Honey and Okoye spoke on the current state of the country as well as why the ex-president should be called to answer queries on the instruction of the military action as well as all he knows about the protest that went south.


“I would be very honest and this is a constructive explanation from my end. First and foremost, there was an administration in power at that time and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari was the head of that administration. I know for sure that no country’s military act without the approval of the number one citizen, in person of the president, so the number one and only person that should be held responsible for the EndSARS incident which continues to resonate amongst Nigerian youths and has become a stigma, is no one else but ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, “ Honey began.


Supporting Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka Honey’s submission, Okoye, who is calling for ex-Army Chief, Tukur Buratai’s trial, said, “Many people talk and say Governor Sanwo-Olu should not be exonerated but I, Comrade Ifeanyi Okoye, can tell categorically that the governor was never in charge of the security apparatus until we have a state police because we still run a federal police system and central military system with the C-in-C still the president and the president to be answerable for whatever transpired is ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, hence, to an extent, I will exonerate Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was the governor then and current governor. We all saw the effort he made to ensure that the demands of the protesters were met by meeting the president several times, meeting him privately and taking our demands to him but like we all know, Nigeria is a place where citizenry need to be on our toes to get what we want but sadly, the military struck, obviously, on the orders of the C-inC. Buhari should be queried and asked to give account because he was the President and C-in-C and the actions of the military were carried out on the instructions of the C-in-C and the Chief of Army Staff, who is Buratai. They should be questioned and called to answer several plaguing questions as to why.”


In the same vein, Honey, an entrepreneur and construction expert exonerated the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu but insists the whitepaper document recommendation by the panel he set up to look into the EndSARS activities should be implemented.


“Breaking it down now, I was in Lagos and it was tough, there was chaos, Lagos was like the leading state and we have Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom I saw on two occasions visiting Buhari with our demands but what went wrong, I can not explain. In fairness to Mr Sanwo-Olu, I also saw him trying to engage us on a few occasions but my issue was when the order was given by the then administration, he could have interjected because we are in a democratic state and not a military state. Governor Sanwo-Olu tried his best but he could have done more. The aftermath of EndSARS saw him visiting the victims, organised a panel and the panel concluded its submission with a whitepaper document but he’s now referring us to the Federal Government. Sadly, the past administration won’t do anything again and the current administration might not be able to do anything because they are just in the system. We are not saying we want to hold Sanwo-Olu responsib;le but what we are saying is that there should be an implementation of the whitepaper document. Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration can re-write the story of EndSARS to give hope to the Nigerian youth and that is because the Nigerian youths matter.”


Adding to Honey’s submission, Okoye said, “Governor Sanw-Olu set up a panel that came up with a whitepaper document and despite all that efforts, the recommendation of the panel in the document is yet to be implemented. The military men, the errant police officers, who necessitated the protest, and many more should be brought to book. Till date, neither the military officers nor the SARS operatives have been brought to book for their actions. In the same vein, the Chief of Army Staff or the ex-President have not been tried for their involvement in the military action that occurred in Lagos.”


Okoye rounded off saying the EndSARS protest and the outcome has re-awakened the political consciousness of the Nigerian youth. He further maintained that this was seen in the outcome of the last general election.


“EndSARS remains a sad one and it’s something that awakens the political consciousness as regards the quest for good governance and demanding accountability from our leaders in terms of creating and implementing workable policies. I would gladly say that the outcome of EndSARS brought about the sub-consciousness of young people. The reality is that the outcome of EndSARS wasn’t what we bargained for and this was evident in the last election. The movement created a sub-conscious political awareness in young people but as much as that, many young people are disappointed with the process. It’s not yet Uhuru, it’s a time to build on the gains of the last election and build the momentum.”

Lagos First Lady To Distribute Christmas Package To 1000 PWLDs

1000 Lagosians To Get Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Christmas Package

A caring heart will always go extramile to make other people happy. This is the reality of the caring and amazing Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who has rolled plan to distribute cash and food items as Christmas package to 1000 people living with disabilities (PWLDS) and less privileged in the state.

The initiative under Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Care will be handled by TeamNigeria4Change led by Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo.

The beneficiaries drawn from 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs across Lagos will get N20,000 and food items including rice/vegetable oil to celebrate yuletide season.

According to Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Lagos first Lady is the messenger Angel sent to the less privileged this yuletide. The programme will hold on Monday December 11, 2023 in capital city of the metropolis.

His words: "Her Excellency, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is a caring mother and supportive wife to the performing Governor of Lagos State, HE Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. We will be reaching out to 1000 people living with disabilities across Lagos to help them celebrate Christmas and New Year. TeamNigeria4Change would be coordinating the programme under platform of Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Care.

"We appreciate the First Lady for always supporting PWLDS and less privileged in the society. She has been consistent in making Lagosians smile with different initiatives."

Excitement, encomiums and accolades continue to pour in for the Founder Kayode Adamolekun Foundation, Engr Kayode Adamolekun as his foundation commenced distribution of yuletide package to aged in Ekiti State.

The foundation is distributing clothe, rice, vegetable oil and N5000 cash to aged women in Gboyin local government area, Ekiti State to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

These package according to him aimed putting smile on faces of less privileged and aged persons amidst economic hardship in the country.

The foundation Yuletide Package has turned silence environment created by economic hardship to bubbling and carnival with jubilation from beneficiaries across strata of the society.


One of the beneficiaries, while appreciating Kayode Adamolekun said distribution of yuletide package to less privileged and aged persons have brought joy to the people.

His words: "I am happy with food items, clothe and cash gift given to us by Illustrious son of this community, Kayode Adamolekun. He has always been doing this to help the needy in the society. The food and cash gift will go along way to ameliorate the suffering facing people due to fuel subsidy removal. Almighty God will continue to bless him"

Community Leader in Ijan, Chief Adeniyi Aladesin and Olugbenga Adetiba from Ilumoba both described Adamolekun's gesture as huge relief to his people, especially with the growing inflation rate in Nigeria.

Similarly, another Community Leader in Aisegba, the home of Kayode Adamolekun lauded the philanthropist for his consistency and commitment towards giving hope to the downtrodden people in Gboyin local government and other parts of Ekiti State.

Earlier, Kayode Adamolekun in a chat with newsmen said he drives joy in proving succour to less privileged as directed by Jesus Christ. He noted that Christmas is a season to share love and make people to celebrate in merriment, irrespective of their social status.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Spokesman for Kogi 2023 governorship election and Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo on Saturday won his polling unit with wide margin.

APC polled 222 votes in Fanwo’s polling unit in Takete Ide, Mopamuro local government.

He also delivered his ward Otafun Ward to Usman Ododo of APC in November 11 gubernatorial election.

Takete Ide/Otafun Ward
Mopamuro LGA
Polling unit 004
APC 222
ADC 33
PDP 34

...Refuses To Implement Tribunal Judgment

The Investment and Securities Tribunal has ordered the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to implement the decision against FINMAL to buy back shares and accrued bonus shares belonging to the estate of Late Ambassador Abubakar Garba Gobir that were wrongly sold or risk being committed for contempt.

According to the notice of Consequence of Disobedience of Court Order (Form 48) which was filed at the registry of the Investment and Security Tribunal on the 2nd of November 2023, at our disposal, the DG of SEC may be committed to prison due to inaction of the group chairman of NGX.

The dispute leading to the committal proceedings has a long and chequered history, according to our investigation.

Late Ambassador Abubakar Garba Gobir had shares in various companies before his demise on November 27, 1996. Upon his demise, a letter of Administration was granted over his Estate by the Probate Registry Division of the High Court of Kwara State on August 6, 1997.

Subsequently, one of the heirs was appointed by the Court to manage the Estate in the interest of other beneficiaries.

Our sources revealed that the Estate discovered that there had been some underhand dealings with the shares belonging to the Estate, prompting a petition to SEC.

The petition was investigated, and FINMAL FINANCE & SERVICES Limited and Professional Stockbrokers Limited (her sub-broker) were found to have sold the shares belonging to the Estate on the instruction of some untraceable persons. The value of the shares sold and accrued dividends totaled N170,036,405.79.

According to the sources, despite the directive of SEC, the boss of FINMAL, who is now NGX group chairman, failed to buy back the shares and failed to pay the dividends to the estate. The Estate has vowed to do all within the confines of the law to ensure that justice is served and the Estate gets what rightly belongs to it.

At this stage, we contacted the counsel for the Estate to shed more light on the dispute and the involvement of the DG of SEC.

According to the counsel, Mr. Ahmed Tafa, "FINMAL FINANCE & SERVICES Ltd was ordered by SEC to buy back the shares wrongly sold and pay the accrued dividend to the Estate of Late Ambassador Gobir vide the letter dated 9th February 2021 on or before March 15, 2021, a directive which FINMAL failed to comply with.

However, FINMAL Finance & Services Ltd, in a letter dated 1st June 2021 and jointly authored by Alh. Umaru Kwairanga and Mr. Adedapo Adekoje, offered to pay the Estate of Late Ambassador Gobir a sum of N90,000,000 in full and final settlement of the indebtedness which accrued from unauthorized sale of the shares belonging to the Estate; the Estate promptly rejected the offer.

Despite a letter of reminder dated 16th June 2021, FINMAL FINANCE & SERVICE Ltd has refused to comply with SEC directives, leading the Estate to approach the Investment and Securities Tribunal to seek redress and hope for closure. The Tribunal, in its judgment dated 6th January 2023, directed SEC to enforce its decision against FINMAL FINANCE & SERVICES LTD.

"The Estate met another brick wall because SEC has refused to comply with the judgment of the Tribunal. The Estate has now resorted to contempt proceedings against the D.G SEC to compel him to comply with the terms of the judgment by enforcing its decision dated 9th February 2021."

The position of the Estate is buttressed by the process at our disposal which gave the DG SEC notice in the following terms: "TAKE NOTICE that unless you obey the direction contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of the court and will be liable to be committed to prison."

All efforts to reach out to the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Alhaji Lamido Yuguda, to hear his side of the story were unsuccessful, as several attempts to contact him went unanswered.

Our correspondent also gathered that the Managing Director of FINMAL FINANCE & SERVICES is Alh. Umaru Kwairanga, who is the current Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, while Mr. Adedapo Adekoje was at a time the President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. It is believed that their positions may be responsible for the reluctance of the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry out the order of the tribunal. They seem to be "above the law."

President TeamNigeria4Change, Marketing Communications and Alternative Security Expert, Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo on Sunday bagged two media awards for his contribution to development of Media Industry in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo received the award at Airport Hotel Ikeja. 

The Federation of Independent Broadcasters Associations in Nigeria (FIBAN), Lagos State Chapter presented merit award to Publisher Eko mi, Eko e for supporting Independent broadcasters in the state.

FIBAN also named the All Progressives Congress Stalwart as one of their patrons.

Similarly, Bestman received award of excellence from Media Nite -Out Award.

Media Nite-out Award was presented to prominent personalities and professional who have added value to the media industry.

APC Manchester urge Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa residents to vote APC
By Tosin Brown
The leadership of Manchester arm of the All Progressive Congress, APC, have urged residents of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa vote massively for the APC candidates in the upcoming election.

In a statement by Hon David Adeoye, the political party arm in the United Kingdom made this known recently after some top members of the party met to strategise on how to support the parties in the different states.

In the same vein, the leadership of APC Manchester urged the residents to resist any form of oppression or aggression by other parties as the the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has charged security agencies to take quick action against perpetrators of electoral violence.

Recently, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, charged the security operatives at a meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ahead of the coming state elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa.

For the elections scheduled for November 11, 2023, INEC has announced that 18 political parties including APC will partake in the governorship election in Kogi, while 17 political parties including APC will slug it out in Kogi and 16 political parties with APC will slug it out in Bayelsa.

The leadership of the APC Manchester stressed the need for residents of the three states to vote enmasse for APC saying that the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu will be employed in making the states better than they are currently.

The Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders in Nigeria (IMBL) is set to hold its first national conference in Abuja.

The National Mortgage and Real Estate Conference 2023 will hold at National Merit House, Abuja from November 16-17.

FactualTimes reports that the theme is ‘Towards a sustainable real estate and mortgage industry in Nigeria.

Recall that former President, Muhammadu Buhari signed Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders into law to regulate mortgage and real estate professionals in the country.

TeamNigeria4Change Symposium: Lagos Commissioners Urge Youth To Harness Opportunities Created By Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Commissioners and other experts have charged youths across the state to harness job and business opportunities created by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reduce unemployment, create jobs and make them self-reliant.

Lagos State Commissioners for Agriculture Abisola Olusanya and her counterpart in Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Cooperative and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medem made this call on Thursday at Excellence Hotel Ogba while addressing thousands of youth during symposium organised by a Socio-political group, TeamNigeria4Change.

The symposium with the theme: 'Lagos, a goldmine for the youths' attended thousands of participants from 20 local government areas and 37LCDAs physically and virtually.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medem said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration has created alot of business opportunities including training and grants to support SMEs in the state.

The Commissioner speaking through Mr Aro Peters advised the youth to pay attention to packaging of their services as well as products to attract patronage within and outside Nigeria.

Mr Aro noted that the fluctuating FOREX can be address by turning Nigeria to manufacturing/production economic,

According to him, every Nigerian must just the ongoing campaign of ignore the dollars; spend the naira. The foreign exchange rate of naira to dollar will continue go up, if we don't change our attitude towards Nigeria made products.

On her, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya who was represented at event tasked the youth to embrace Agribusiness, noting Agriculture is beyond farming. She said Governor Sanwo-Olu is willing to support young and vibrant Lagosians in the agricultural value chain.

Earlier, the convener of symposium and President TeamNigeria4Change, Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo implored the participants to acquire quality education and vocational skills to prepare them for better tomorrow.

Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo while sharing his personal experience cautioned youth not to allow peer group or social trends to derail them from attaining their potential.

"I grew up in Lagos. I attended Baptist Academy and University of Lagos. I remember when my guys on the street were trying to discourage me from taking academic study serious but now we are supporting alot of them. Some girls will want to join clique and jeopardize their future for trendy stuff. I challenge you to be different, add value to yourself, stay focused and what you will become in the next 10-15 years." He explained.

Our Correspondent reports that some of the participants will be sponsored to Brazil for capacity building training. Some of the participants also displayed their creative talents to delight of guests and other attendees.

Commissioner-nominees: Obasa and his War against a Greater Lagos

The Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa seems to be working against #agreaterLagos agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the rejection of 17 Commissioner-Nominees.

Recall that Lagos State House of Assembly during the week rejected 17 out 39 Commissioner-nominees forwarded the House for confirmation inline with provisions of Nigeria's constitution. The rejected nominees include former Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi and his counter in Information Minister, Gbenga Omotosho.

The 17 nominees were rejected for frivolous excuses and Obasa's deliberate power play as well as misuse of gavel during the voice vote for confirmation of Commissioner-Nominees by Lagos Assembly.

Obasa has indeed declared war against President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Lagosians by plotting to slow down the pace of development in centre of excellence by rejected Nominees with track record of excellent service delivery since 2019.

Obasa-led Assembly is trying to bring governance to standstill for personal political gains. Their act is not in the interest of the All Progressives Congress.

For records, President Bola Tinubu during 2023 general elections campaign hailed Sanwo-Olu for implementing Lagos Master-plan and also fast tracking development of the mega city. It's a known fact that the Governor made significant progress by working with Eggheads and professionals to deliver dividends of democracy and good governance.

We urge the assembly to immediately retrace their step or face the wrath of civil rights movement. Legislative rascality cannot stop progress of a greater Lagos.

Comrade Aghedo Kehinde Stephen
Convener, Vanguard Liberation Human Rights Activists

Towoju Bags West Africa Youth Assembly Award


Former Kwara State Commissioner, Hon Olabode George Towoju has bagged Award of Excellence from West Africa Youth Assembly.

Towoju who served as Kwara State Commissioners in Ministries of Communications and Youth Development under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq first tenure for his outstanding performance.

The Nigerian Chapter of West Africa Youth Assembly presented the Award of Excellence to Towoju during One-day symposium held at National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja on Thursday.

The Symposium with the theme: Building a Youthful Democracy: Enhancing Representation and Participation in Nigerian Politics created platform to honor the Kwara born politician for supporting youth constituency and promoting good governance.

Hon Olabode George Towoju is a grassroots politician who had his education in Nigeria and abroad. He left his comfort zone in United States of America to participate in Otoge Struggle that led to emergence of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other Progressives in KWARA politics.

TeamNigeria4Change in conjunction with Nigeria Paravolley Federation will this weekend host Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Paravolley Challenge Cup in Lagos.

The Paravolley Challenge Cup in honor of Lagos First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu will hold at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on Friday and Saturday August 12- 13, 2023.

Our Correspondent reports that eight team from across the country will feature at the maiden Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Paravolley Challenge Cup.

According to TeamNigeria4Change President, Bestman Nze-Jumbo, eight teams are already in camp at the Teslim Balogun stadium getting set for this challenge cup sir. Four male and four female teams.

"We are branding their jerseys “ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Challenge Cup 2023” we are challenging them not to be hampered by their disability and this is the message from the First Lady. It is holding at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere and handsome prizes and cash rewards awaits the winning teams from the First Lady. It would be an annual competition". He explained

Bestman Nze-Jumbo said the Paravolley Challenge Cup is organised to appreciate Lagos First Lady for her unalloying support and commitment toward #GreaterLagos led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Haruna Kolo, the former staff of the Federal Character Commission who gave evidence at the ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives probing job-racketeering allegations against the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has been allegedly described as the ring leader of the syndicate which deals in job-racketeering before the advent of Dr Muheebah Dankaka as the Chairman of the Commission.

This medium found out that he acted as IPPIS Officer combined with Protocol duties for 10 years without being moved. Dr Dankaka, in her bid to fight the menace of job-racketeering, redeployed him and others in the syndicate and since then he has been looking for ways to 'deal' with her.

Staff and some Commissioners who spoke to this medium on Monday, accused Kolo of heading the syndicate when Dankaka resumed at the Commission.

"He was planted at the Commission to work as IPPIS/Protocol Officer, hence he has access to the job slots. He was the head of the syndicate. He was at the post for 10 years before Dr Dankaka came and redeployed him in her effort to fight the menace of job-racketeering.

"Her (Dankaka's) determination to fight job-racketeering in the Commission is being used against her now.

"When she came in, she bust the syndicate, redeploying the likes of Kolo and his ilks. Of course they vowed to deal with her," a staff of the Commission said on Monday.

This medium learnt further that the evidence presented by Kolo at the hearing of the Committee was allegedly written for him by one of the Commissioners fighting the FCC Chairman.

"The evidence was written for him by one of the Commissioners fighting the Chairman but unfortunately for them, they shot themselves in the leg. They have indicted the man. How can a civil servant admitted to taking bribe.

"That guy called Haruna Kolo is gone. Admitting on camera that he was collecting money for job slots. He even admitted that the monies were paid into his personal account," another staff told our correspondent.

It was obvious that Haruna Kolo was lying when he said he was paying money to the FCC Chairman. He could not prove the payment saying he was paying through Point of Service (POS). Even POS operators print receipts for transactions.

Investigations also revealed that Haruna Kolo lied when he said he gave cash to the FCC Chairman in her house. It was revealed that he didn't even know where Dr Dankaka lives, not to talk of entering her residence.

"The guy is lying and he was being used by the few Commissioners working against the woman," sources close to the Chairman told this medium.

The claim that he was being threatened was also found out to be untrue. This medium found out that it was Dr Dankaka herself that Hass once been attacked by unknown gunmen.

Our sources also confirmed that Commissioner from Lagos has once publicly threatened the FCC Chairman in her office that if she didn't cooperate, they will use the system they use in Lagos to discredit her.

"We never know that they will go to this extent of importing somebody to come and lie publicly against her. But thank God, they've been exposed and at the end of the day, Haruna Kolo will bear the full weight of his offence," our source added.

Investigations revealed that Haruna Kolo gave evidence based on what he was asked to say by the minority group of Commissioners working against the FCC Chairman.

This medium found out that two days before the sitting of the Committee, Kolo was always seen in the company of the Commissioners from Lagos and Osun states who are the arrowheads of the minority group.

"He was following them up and down and they were seen together and it was no surprise that he was ushered into the Hall to speak before members of the Committee by the Commissioner from Osun State," our source added.

In all of these, the FCC Chairman, Dr Muheeba Dankaka remained calm, maintaining her innocence. "It's a case of corruption fighting back," she has maintained and she is being proved right.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed six media aides following backlash over the demolition of buildings and roundabout in the state.

https://factualtimesng.com/demolition-backlash-kano-governor-appoints-six-media-aides/

PRESS STATEMENT

IGNORE FAKE NEWS FROM POLITICAL BLACKMAILERS , HON EGBEDUN URGES OSUN "I HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORDS"

● DIRECT HIS LAWYERS TO SUE GROUP, INDIVIDUALS PEDDLING DEFAMATORY ARTICLES

● PETITION SECURITY AGENCIES TO ARREST FAKE NEWS MERCHANTS

My attention has been drawn to a defamatory and seditious publication currently circulating in the social media about my person, my business life and my political career. While a lot of lies have been peddled about by political opponents in the recent past, this current one has crossed the red line.

I am therefore constrained to strongly debunk and deny the photoshopped allegations and documentations purportedly relating to me and my past business activities. A forensic review of the documents being circulated show clearly the supper-imposition, the wrong dates and the false content. I assert that the documents are mere fabrications which never exist and which are concorted as a weapon of blackmail by political hackers terrified by the grace and mercy of God in my political career.

I declare that never in my past had I ever gotten arrested or interrogated or convicted by the FBI or any other law enforcement agency anywhere in the world. My business life now and in the past is legally compliant, devoid of criminality and in conformity with all legal regulations of countries where I have had legal dealings.

The fake news is therefore the failed bid of frustrated political fraudsters who smell failure and who assume character assassination can rescue their sinking political boats.

I have consequently instructed my lawyers to sue the faceless group and their operatives even as security agencies have been petitioned to arrest authors of the defamatory publications and anybody found to be sharing or disseminating such fake news.

It is also germane for me to clarify that the Executive Governor of Osun State , Senator Ademola Adeleke is a leader of all who is busy with State governance and delivery of the Imole agenda. It is unfair and uncharitable to drag His Excellency to a legislative leadership matter which is an issue for the legislators-elect to decide.

Democracy is a game of numbers. What is expected of players is to seek support of colleagues instead of embarking on impotent blackmail and emotional harassment. I apologize to His Excellency for the lack of maturity of some players who constituted themselves into a nuisance and a premature threat to the new era Osun people are currently enjoying.

I assure leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state that my records are clean and my antecedents are enviable. I am just a victim and a target of attacks by those incapable of accepting the will of God, the divine who enthrones and dethrones leaders.

Signed:
Hon Adewale Egbedun,
June 2nd, 2023

Ayodele Agboola, the CEO of Omo Iyaila & Sons and founder of Orisun Igbomina FM, has emphasized the importance of harnessing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to prepare African children for the global market in the digital age.

In a message released to commemorate Children's Day 2023, Agboola called upon African leaders, including Nigeria, to invest in technological gadgets such as computers, tablets, and other digital learning facilities from primary schools to tertiary institutions. This investment would expose children to current opportunities at an early stage.

Agboola expressed concern about the significant technological gap prevalent in many African countries, particularly in rural areas. He highlighted the issue of brilliant students struggling in computer-based examinations like JAMB due to a lack of early exposure to computers. Addressing this challenge collectively is essential for progress in the country.

Furthermore, Agboola urged private sector players, individuals, and parents to contribute their efforts to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria. He also mentioned the plans of Omo Iyaila & Sons to establish a recreational center with modern facilities in Oke-Irorun, Ila-Orangun, the location of Orisun Igbomina FM. This center aims to provide children and residents of the ancient town an opportunity to bond and relax

By Oyewale Oyelola

The 25 Members-elect of Osun State House of Assembly will on Tuesday June 6, 2023 perform their first legislative activity by selecting the Speaker inline with provision of 1999 constitution as amended and House rules. The Assembly comprises 24 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and one from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Out of the 25 Members-elect, Hon Adewale Egbedun from Odo-otin State Constituency has indicated interest to become Speaker. His aspiration is enjoying backing of Members-elect, Party stakeholders and others for following reasons;

1. Hon Adewale Egbedun has good academic credentials from reputable institutions in Nigeria and abroad.

2. He is a grassroots politician with native intelligence of managing different interests. The political sagacity of Hon Adewale Egbedun helped him secure PDP to contest for House of Assembly in 2019 and 2023.

3. He is young, vibrant, articulate, agile, useful and responsible. Prince Egbedun is under 40 and has the leadership charisma of adult. His emotional intelligence has endeared him to Party leaders including Governor Ademola Adeleke and other stakeholders beyond party lines. He is a dependable and reliable man with good character.

4. Hon Adewale Egbedun is a committed, dedicated and loyal party man. He contributed to PDP victory in local government area during 2018 and 2022 governorship elections. He remains committed to Osun PDP despite of setback experience in 2018. He worked assiduously to ensure victory of all PDP candidates during 2023 general elections.

5. Hon Adewale Egbedun is young but he has been adding value by managing company creating employment for many people. He is a key player in Agribusiness of the country.

6. Prince Egbedun also possesses skills to network and manage people to achieve common goal. This has positioned him as rallying point for other Members-elect because Egbedun's speakership will mean a win-win deal for ALL. It will favor the current leadership in the state under Governor Adeleke, people, party, members and other stakeholders.

7. Hon Adewale Egbedun has robust legislative agenda which some of his supporters codified as SMOOTH Legislative Agenda.

S- Synergy for development and progress of Osun State
M - Members' capacity building and welfarism
O - Open legislature with digitalization of the House and possibly transmission of plenary hearing
O - Open Osun for development through introduction of laws and reviewing existing laws to make the state business friendly
T - Thoroughness and meticulous in carrying out legislative activities
H- Harmonious - Working together with other arms of government to improve well being of the citizenry.

Lagosians Will Enjoy More Dividends of Democracy During Sanwo-Olu's second term - Bestman

The President TeamNigeria4Change and Stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo has stated that Lagosians will enjoy more dividends of democracy during Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second term.

Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo gave this assurance on Sunday while featuring on MITV Interview programme in Lagos.

The Otunba Fiwajoye of Aguda said Sanwo-Olu alongside his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat had impressive scorecards during their first tenure of managing the economy capital of Nigeria.

According to him, people will continue to feel positive impacts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in infrastructural development, health, education, transportation and social security. The unprecedented achievements of Sanwo-Olu, especially with his smart way of actualizing Lagos Masterplan conceived by the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu shows Lagos is in a safe hands.

Bestman however implored Lagosians to continue to support the humane and classy Governor in delivering more dividends of democracy to the 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of incumbent Governor, Prof Charles Soludo has won 17 out of 30 Anambra State House of Assembly seats in March 18 election.

APGA clinched 17 out 29 House of Assembly seats from collation centres across the state.

The ruling party in Anambra State won in Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia, Aguata 1, Aguata 2, Awka-North, Awka South, Orumba south, Ayamelum, Njikoka 1, Idemili South, Ekwusigo, Ihiala 1, Ihiala 2, Anambra, Oyi and
Anambra East

The Labour Party secured seven seats while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) win in three Constituencies. YPP cleared all three Constituencies in Nnewi due to influence of Senator Ifeanyi Uba.

LP of Peter Obi won in Onitsha North 1, Onitsha North 2, Onitsha south 1, Onitsha South 2, Idemili North, Orumba North and Anaocha 1

FactualTimes reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Ogabru 1 and Ogabru 2 State Constituencies. Collation is still ongoing in one constituency.

Source: https://factualtimesng.com/anambra-2023-soludos-apga-wins-17-out-30-assembly-seats/

Why Lagosians Should Reelect Sanwo-Olu - Bestman

The President TeamNigeria4Change, Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo has highlighted reasons for Lagosians to reelect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during March 18 governorship election.


Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo disclosed this on Wednesday while featuring during live program of Eko FM to project Sanwo-Olu's reelection.

Bestman, a Stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC) said Sanwo-Olu has touched every part of Lagos State including hinterlands through infrastructural development, empowerment programmes and others in the last four years.

He said the completion of Light Rail by Sanwo-Olu administration has positioned Lagos as a true megacity inline with vision of Nigeria's President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The APC Stalwart explained that Sanwo-Olu possesses the character, competence and comportment to consolidate on gains of progressive administration in Lagos State.

He however admitted that the grievances within APC ranks across 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs is being handle by Party leadership to ensure reelection of Governor Sanwo-Olu and APC candidates during Saturday's election.

Bestman therefore urged Lagosians to vote en masse to keep the performing team- Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat beyond 2023, noting that Lagos remaining with APC under Asiwaju Presidency is the best deal for ALL.