The last has not been heard of the tragic breakup of foremost Nigerian real estate couple Babatunde and Shade Gbadamosi of Amen Estate.
It's no longer news, that the former Lagos Gubernatorial candidate left his matrimonial in May 2021, over a series of infidelity allegations levelled against him.

However, the union ended when allegations of infidelity within and outside his abode keep filtering to his wife. We learnt the latter confronted him for explanation about his philandering moves within and outside the Lekki axis but to make the matter worst, BOG packed his luggages and left the matrimonial home.
Reports revealed that BOG left Amen Estate unprovoked by his wife but under the pretence that his movement were being monitored by his wife.
We also learnt that BOG was the one that initiated the divorce proceedings which the estranged wife, Shade reluctantly accepted before she discovered that he had already married one of the daughters of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Senator Lekan Balogun.

To make the process hasty, BOG lied to his family that he has already put Yinka in a family way just to hasten the divorce process.
We learnt the lovebirds met on Facebook a few years ago with each one of them depending solely on what to gain out of the relationship.
We gathered that BOG went into the relationship to bolster his chance of becoming a force to reckon with in the political circle in the Southwestern part of the country, while Yinka, on her part believes her new catch solely owns Amen Estate.
In a twist of events, the marriage’s collapse unearthed the truth about the ownership of the popular Amen Estate located in the Lekki area of Lagos, which many believe solely belongs to the one time Lagos Governorship Aspirant.

Information at our disposal revealed that Gbadamosi was a mere ceremonial Chairman Executive Officer of the Company, which insinuated that he has no share whatsoever in the real estate establishment other than being the husband to the owner, Shade Gbadamosi.
Before now, Gbadamosi had always projected himself as the chairman and CEO of Redbrick Homes International Limited — a position his estranged wife, Shade now holds following their breakup.
Shade has since taken full control of the business and has been asserting her authority as the sole owner of Amen Estate.
An inside source disclosed to this medium that the estranged wife contributed to the tune of two billion naira to BOG's political ambition since its inception while he's still bent on blackmailing the innocent woman to continue bankrolling his new beau.

Recently, the new bride, Yinka goes ballistic on Facebook, throwing tantrums at Shade whom she thinks has cornered everything she was eyeing before her union with BOG.
Many of her followers rebuked her, calling her unprintable names and alleging that she was the main cause of the estranged couple's separation.
She has since deleted all the posts, but here are some of them as captured by our reporter.
(Photos)

Where is Obiora Agbasimalo?
This is the question on the lips and mind of friends, family and the concerned public about the whereabout of Obiora Agbasimalo.
Obiora Agbasimalo was the Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate of the recently concluded Nov 6 Anambra State Election. He was kidnapped on September 18, 2021, in Anambra State around Azia in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State while on his way for an election campaign and has not been heard from since then. At the moment, no one whether he is alive or his whereabouts.
He was a former banker with Zenith Bank in Lagos but resigned after being approached to contest for the election by an extended family member who later became his political sponsor; Godwin Chieloka Agbasimalo (Oga Ndi Oga), the founder of Oga Ndi Oga Charity Foundation.
Several Civil Society Organizations (CSO) such as the Centre for Freedom and Social Justice have been calling on the Nigerian Police and other important security agencies to make sure he is rescued.

The Labour party Chairman also made a plea on National TV (AIT) to his abductors for him to be released, and also organized a rally in Awka Anambra State to this effect.
It is a shame that the security situation in Nigeria has continued to geometrically decline, and people no longer have the freedom of movement or association.

+ How The Anambra Guber Candidate Was Kidnapped In September

Who kidnapped Obiora Agbasimalo? How and why was he kidnapped? Is he still alive or he has been killed? These are the questions being asked by family and friends of Obiora Agbasimalo, an upwardly mobile banker turned politician.

Last May, Obiora Agbasimalo, an upwardly mobile banker was lured into politics by his uncle, Chief Goddy Agbasimalo (a.k.a Oga Ndi Oga). The billionaire businessman had promised to install him as the next governor of Anambra state, in the recent election held on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

An excited Obiora, who was a political neophyte was sold out to the idea. However, the young man who lacks the experience and ruggedness required of a politician believed his uncle would help him to actual use his ambition. Little did he know that it was highly improbable that he would win.

But his uncle, Goddy Agbasimalo who runs the very popular Oga Bdi Oga foundation in Anambra state maintained that he had what it took to make him the governor. So he resigned his job at Zenith Bank and moved to Anambra state to contest the election on the platform of  the Labour Party, where his uncle is the main financier of the party’s state chapter.

However, on Saturday, September 18, Obiora was kidnapped in Ihiala Local government area. And at the time of filing this report, he is yet to be released.

The story took a more interesting twist, when after the results were announced and Professor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA was declared winner of the gubernatorial election, the Labour Party held an interview in Awka, during which it demanded that their candidate be released since the elections were over.

However, the people of Ezenifite, Osumenyi, Ebenato, Nnewi North LGA and Anambra state, are beginning to question the story being peddled by officials of the Labour Party. They claimed that the kidnap of Obiora was shrouded in mystery and controversy. First, no official report was made to the police in the state about the kidnap. They wondered how a young man under Agbasimalo’s care could be kidnapped and a report was not made to the police and other security agencies. They revealed that after Obiora was kidnapped, his police guard was shot by the kidnappers.

Curiously though, the police haven’t disclosed that one of their officers had been shot. And neither has anyone been able to trace the body of the shot police officer.

Secondly and most significantly, the people maintained that the kidnappers had been contacting officials of Labour Party. The party officials had assured Obiora’s family and friends that he would be released after the elections. They had also appealed that it would be wise not to make the issue a police matter. Amongst the people of Anambra state, there are so many questions begging for answers and they stressed that the officials of Labour Party who had been contacting the kidnappers can tell the true situation of things.  

Invariably, Obiora Agbasimalo’s whereabouts has triggered the concern of friends and family members. Whether he is dead or alive no one knows and so all these questions are begging for answers. Who kidnapped Obiora Agbasimalo? How and why was he kidnapped?

Already, family and friends are seeking for Obiora’s safety and his eventual release from his captors. They are pleading with the Nigerian government and the Anambra state government to wade into the matter and perhaps, help to facilitate his release.

Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eye housemate, Pere, said he is confused about his beef with Maria.

He said this while talking to Whitemoney and Sammie after the first part of their Bet9ja task on Saturday, day 35 of the show.

After the show, Maria walked out of the lounge in tears when Big Brother was addressing the house and that cut the address short.

When that episode was over, Pere told Whitemoney about the talk he had with Maria before she fled out of the lounge in tears.

Ilara Kingdom in Epe Area of Lagos State was a beehive of joyful activities on Thursday August 19, 2021 as His Imperial Eminence, Ooni of Ife and Adimula of Yorubaland, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, installed some eminent personalities with honorary chieftaincy titles in commemoration of the first anniversary of the enthronment of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, HRM, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Telade IV.

The event, which was attended by people from all walks of life, was preceded by the launching of Aje Festival in Ilara-Epe by Oonirisa.

Ooni of Ife, who was not physically present at the event that had all the trappings of the rich Yoruba culture, was ably represented by the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice-Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, HRM, Oba Francis Olushola Alao.

Indeed, who-is-who in the South West and beyond, including traditional rulers, business tycoons, political office holders, and celebrities were on hand to witness the installation of eminent Nigerians including the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and wife as Agba Akin and Yeye Agba Akin, Mr Folorunsho Folarin Coker as Baba Eto, and Surveyor JK Olayemi as Asoju Oba of the kingdom.

Obviously elated Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, in presenting the Chiefs with their crowns, staff and certificates urged them to continue to be good Ambassadors of the kingdom and by extension of the entire Yorubaland.

The monarch, who promised to continue to do his best for the community, stated that he will work hard to sustain the rich Yoruba culture and bring development to the kingdom in his time, adding that Ilara will soon be transformed with his pet project; “AGAPE”and urged everybody to join hands with him.

The Oba then called on the people of the town and other stakeholders to rally round him to move the community forward and thanked the Ooni of Ife for his leadership role in the entire Yorubaland over the years.

On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, popularly known as Folly Coker took over from his late father, Chief Nathaniel Folarin-Coker.

And as the12th century English poet and writer, William Langland aptly wrote that, “Like father like son: Every good tree maketh good fruits,” Folly Coker has stepped into the shoes of his late father.

Indeed, Folly Coker took after his father, the late Chief Nathaniel Folarin-Coker aka ‘Baba Eto’ in service to family, state, country and royalty. A true life of service. No wonder he is being honoured by the society.

This is reflected in the conferment of the Chieftaincy title of ‘Baba Eto’ of Ilara Kingdom on Folly Coker by HRM Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo.

The installation event began on time and a lot of eminent personalities were conferred with chieftaincy titles at the ceremony.

A distinction was however made among the top dignitaries that were installed, when the Alara of Ilara made Forunsho Coker the Baba Eto of Ilara Kingdom.

The socialite-cum-philanthropist was installed around 3pm in the presence of family members, friends, well-wishers and residents of the community.

When Folarin Coker was called to be installed in the presence of other traditional rulers from far and near, the whole hall, where the installation was held, erupted in jubilation with paparazzis and journalists scrambling to take his shots.

The man of the moment was regaled in beautiful traditional Yoruba attire (Aso Ofi) with a befitting cap.

Folly Coker was the cynosure of all eyes with his friends, including top government functionaries, big boys from across Nigeria and sweet looking society women, who came to celebrate with him and his beautiful wife.

When Folarin Coker stepped into the podium with his wife, the traditional ceremony began immediately with Alara extolling the virtues of Folarin Coker as a true son of Oodua and a man of the people, who makes sure that everything is done in order wherever he is.

Folly Coker was also announced as the Baba Eto of The Source by the representative of the Ooni.

Meanwhile, while the ceremony was on, the mother of Folorunsho Folarin-Coker stood up and took permission from the monarch and expressed gratitude to her son, saying that he is very caring as he takes good care of her and other members of the family. At this point, Folarin-Coker became emotional and burst into tears of joy on the podium as he knelt down for the installation.

The Alara then thanked the mother of Chief Folarin Coker for what she said, and stressed that everyone knows about his good deeds.

The Oba thanked Folarin Coker for taking care of his mother and other members of the family and said that it was indeed a day of joy.

The installation continued as Alara directed an Oba in Ijebuland, Ogun State to decorate Folarin Coker with traditional beads and chieftaincy leaf (Akoko) and cap.

The whole place went into frenzy with celebration as multitude of friends went into jubilation.

As Folarin Coker left the podium, he went straight to prostrate for his mother before his friends, while the musician, Ayo Ajekigbe of Faith Music sang his praises to high heavens.

Another enviable achievement of the new Baba Eto of Ilara Kingdom, Chief Folorunsho Folarin-Coker is that he took after his father, the late Chief Nathaniel Folarin-Coker as a public office holder.

As Folorunsho Folarin-Coker is currently serving his fatherland at the federal level, his father, Chief Nathaniel Folarin-Coker also had a robust career as a public officer.

Chief Nathaniel Folarin-Coker served as the Secretary, Industrial Promotion Commission, Western Region, Ibadan from 1960-1961, Chief Information Officer, Western Region, Ibadan, 1961-1962, and Secretary, Public Service Commission, Ibadan, 1962-1963.

Chief Folarin-Coker was also Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, Western Nigeria, Ibadan, 1963-1964, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ibadan, November, 1965, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Tourism, Lagos State, 1972-1975 and promoted Administrative Officer, Principal Staff Grade, Salary Group 3, 1st April, 1972 amongst other positions he occupied in the service of his fatherland.

On his part, Folorunsho Folarin-Coker was Personal Assistant to former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In 2003, he was given another appointment to serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Bola Tinubu.

After a year of working as the Deputy Chief of staff, he was handed over an additional responsibility to run a number plate production agency.

He continued to work at Lagos State Number Plates Production Agency for 10 long years and when he finally made a move, he became the Managing Director.

In June 2014, he began working as the Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on The Central Business Districts of Lagos.

He later worked as the Commissioner for Tourim and culture in Lagos State in 2015.

As commissioner, he initiated “One Lagos Fiesta” that is organized by the state government across the five divisions in the state every December till date.

As a sociable and well-loved individual across the country, in April 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Mr. Coker as the new Director-General for Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) where he has been turning the fortunes of the nation’s tourism industry and winning laurel and medals for his Midas touch in the industry.

Nigeria’s biggest financial institution,

in the illegal diversion and embezzlement of over N5 billion from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has been revealed.

.”

**** Employees held him hostage, demands for his arrest, prosecution.


These are unprecedented times at Chi Limited, makers of fast-moving consumer goods, including Chivita Fruit Juice, where the outgoing Managing Director, Roy Deepanjan, has been accused of mismanaging allowances meant for staff welfare.

Members of staff were seen blocking Roy in the factory as he was on his way to his office and ordering him to come address staff at the congress holding on the ground floor.

Roy was initially hesitant, as he tried directing staff to a certain ‘Amaka’, a Human Resource official, but the staff remained relentless in their demand. They stood their ground and said they would not leave unless he acceded to their request. Roy succumbed, eventually.

“We want our MD to give us our productivity bonus before he goes,” a member of staff was heard saying in the video. “The payment of our HMO has been denied us from what we are supposed to be receiving. All this money, we want them now, before you leave.”

In an announcement by Coca-Cola Africa OU President, Bruno Pietracci, to the staff of Chi Limited, Roy was thanked “for his leadership and commitment from the moment he first joined Chi in 2009”.

“During his nine years as MD, Roy built a successful team, managed the transition into the Coca-Cola system while winning in the market. Under his leadership, the system grew more resilient and the culture of ownership and can-do-attitude prevailed,” read a part of the statement.

“Roy, who spent a significant period at Chi and more recently as part of the Coca-Cola system, is planning to venture into the world of start-ups, which is best suited to his passion and skill set.”

However, contrary to the claims by the President of Coca-Cola Africa sources a Chi that due to recent revelations on Roy’s role in how about N19.6billion meant for staff welfare was mismanaged, the company decided to let him go.

Roy’s tenure at Chi comes to an end this July, with Eelco Weber set to take over. In the interim, Sanjeev Kumar has been appointed to direct the company’s affairs.

Efforts to reach the management of Chi proved abortive, as official lines of the company were switched off as of the time of filing this report.

In the meantime, the staff revolt is yielding results, as the company, for the first time in a long while, went on Sallah Break, which wouldn’t have happened during the tenure of Roy.

GTBank Plc appears to be swimming in murky water of crisis as the bank has been taken to court over an issue bothering on a business idea.

A business woman, Kehinde Abiodun alleged that she discussed a food and drinks affair business idea with the officials of the bank, but that she was sidelined by the bank.

Abiodun alleged that GTBank unilaterally embarked on the project contrary to an agreement she reached with them, and she is seeking damages of N510 Million against the bank over the matter.

Justice Ayokunle Faji of a Federal High Court, Lagos on Monday July 19 fixed November 22 and 24 for the hearing of the matter in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/616/2018 between the sole applicant, Abiodun and the sole defendant, GTB.

The plaintiff averred in the suit filed by her counsel, Oliver Ilori, that she conceptualised and created a business concept called ‘The Shopping Arena (TSA)’.

The TSA is said to be a sales marketing and networking platform, where wholesalers and retailers converge to showcase their products and services at discounted prices to a wider targeted audience in a more friendly and conducive environment.

TSA’s primary aim, she said, is to avail Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with a physical platform on which to converge and market their brands, products and services to the public.

The Plaintiff stated that the defendant operates an online marketplace for SMEs known as the GTBank SME Market Hub which is an electronic platform on which SMEs are registered to market and sell their brands products and services

She added that in a bid to grow the TSA brand and gain further publicity, she resolved to partner the defendant to leverage on the defendant’s multiple publicity channels, including the defendant’s SME Market Hub platform.

Abiodun asserted that she approached Gtbank with a proposal for a partnership on TSA and the bank accepted her proposal.

The claimant alleged that after she was led to share her trade secrets with Gtbank, it shunned her and held its fair using her ideas.

Abiodun averred further that the bank passed off her business concept by using it to organise its Food and Drink fair.

She prayed the court to award the sum of N510million as damages and cost against the bank for allegedly passing-off of her business concept and intellectual work.

The sum consists of N300million for passing off the plaintiff’s intellectual idea and logistical data for the organisation and hosting of the Defendant’s food and drink fair, general damages of N100million, aggravated damages of N100milion and cost N10million.

She is also seeking, among others, a declaration that the plaintiff is the originator and creator of the Shopping Arena Business Concept and that the defendant has passed off her business concept and intellectual.

Others are an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant from further passing off, a letter of apology to be published in two national among others.

Gtbank, in its defence, denied stealing the plaintiff’s idea, adding that the idea is not novel

Super Eagles skipper Ahmed Musa at the weekend got married for the third time.

The 28-year-old reportedly got married in a secret ceremony last Saturday.

The marriage with his first wife, Jamila, ended in 2017.

He took another wife, Juliet, in 2017 with whom he has been living.

His marriage to Mariam officially makes her his second wife.

Eminent Nigerians on Friday, May 7, 2021, converged at Ile Oodua palace in Ile Ife, Osun State to honour the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adedeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi and other top traditional rulers in Yoruba land.

The International Recognition and Appreciation Award is a brainchild of Prophetess Princess Princess Elizabeth Olubisi Oyenekan, which was birthed to honour, appreciate and recognise the individual contribution to the socio-economic development and growth of the nation.

However, the convener of the event described the award as a symbol of responsibility to uphold the Omoluabi spirit — the spirit of integrity, the spirit of perseverance, and the spirit of mobility amongst the Yorubas at home and in the diaspora.

She continues, it is also meant to encourage people who are valuable to the society to continue to influence their community positively while our mission is to give service to humanity and recognise excellence in various field of service”.

Apart from the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adedeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, other notable monarchs who were honoured include Oba Dr Ambassador Olusegun Aderemi (Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti), Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo (Salu of Edunabon), Oba Babatunde Adetokunbo Awosunle (Elejesi of Ejesi-Ife Kingdom) and Yeye Lara Fashola Fanimokun (Yeye Olokun of Lagos).

On why the inaugural edition of the award was staged in the Palace of Ooni, Princess Elizabeth Olubisi Oyenekan reveals that it was done to show to the entire world that it is genuine and authentic. It also shows the acceptability of the foundation by the royal fathers.

Furthermore, the convener stated that The International Recognition and Appreciation Award has come to stay as plans are in the offing to continue to recognise individuals with selfless service to humanity, visitation to motherless babies home and Orphanages, taking care of the widows and the less privileged in the society.

***EFCC, DSS reports confirm Linas fulfilled obligation with states, LGAs

LINAS International Limited and former Member, House of Representatives, Hon Ned Nwoko, have disclosed how they were threatened in their bid to untangle the excess charges and over deductions in Paris Club advances for which the Federal Government had refunded $13 billion to States and Local Governments Areas.

An Interim Management Committee, IMC, of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, recently distanced the association from the current plan by the Federal Government to pay Linas and Ned Nwoko their overdue consultancy fees, but ALGON national president, Mr. Kolade Alabi and others who confirmed Nwoko’s engagement, dismissed the IMC as nonexistent.

J.K Gazadma, SAN and other lawyers to Linas and Nwoko, in a statement said: “The British government at some point was reluctant to disclose repayment details claiming that such disclosures will jeopardize relations with Nigerian government. The company persisted and through the High Court in London got the desired disclosure orders and the much-needed documents to establish the excess charges and over deductions.”

“This windfall was facilitated by the consultancy work of Linas International Limited which initiated the forensic audit and accounting review process that discovered over deductions and excess charges debited to the account of these tiers of government over time and accelerated with the exit of Nigeria from the London and Paris Club of lenders during the President Olusegun Obasanjo regime.

“The consultancy was on a contingency basis where the payment to Linas International Limited is dependent on the success and actual funds recovered no matter what costs were incurred. The consultancy presented huge risks as no funds were committed by the beneficiaries – states and local governments.

“No state or local government funded the huge costs involved. Some states and local governments were in fact skeptical about the chances of success. Linas International Limited tenaciously and silently commenced and pursued these finance and accounting review since 2009. Its discovery led to the stoppage of the excess charges being debited to the accounts of states and local governments from the Federation Account.

“Linas followed the money trail to several European banking centres in the United Kingdom, France and Geneva to aggregate the over deductions to the accounts of Local Government in the Federation Account. To achieve the above feats, Linas International Limited engaged diverse professionals in these foreign jurisdictions including Inquiry Agents, Accounting and legal professionals.


“Linas International Limited and Ned Nwoko were threatened in the course of the effort to unravel the excess charges and over deductions. The British government at some point was reluctant to disclose repayment details claiming that such disclosures will jeopardize relations with Nigerian government.

“The company persisted and through the High Court in London got the desired disclosure orders and the much-needed documents to establish the excess charges and over deductions. In the course of the court cases four former Nigerian state governors lent their support with their presence in some of the court proceedings,” they said.


The lawyers frowned at the misrepresentations and false narratives in the print and social media over the matter, saying: “These misleading impressions, in the past, led to complaints to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC. The EFCC invited Linas Limited and Ned Nwoko and thoroughly investigated the complaints and after sifting through piles of documents issued a report dated m August 1, 2018, affirming that Linas International Limited and Ned Nwoko executed the consultancy leading to the refunds and is entitled to be paid consultancy fees.”


“A review investigation by EFCC confirmed the earlier report. In fact, there are three separate EFCC reports – August 1, 2018, April 30, 2019, and June 15, 2020, all independent and confirming that Ned Nwoko and Linas International are that ones that were duly engaged by states and local governments.

“The Department of State Services, DSS, based on intelligence report has also investigated the subject matter and turned in a report in similar terms.

“Linas is not engaged by ALGON, we are engaged directly by all the local governments directly (with irrevocable powers of attorney which is still subsisting). Above all, the local governments have received funds of $3.2 billion because of our efforts. We deserve our fees and we will be paid in full,” they said.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/13bn-paris-club-refunds-how-linas-nwoko-were-threatened-lawyers/amp/

Rain Oil Boss, Gabriel Ogbechie Accused of Complicity In the Mysterious Death of Suspect who Name Him As Sponsor of the Botched Assassination Attempt On Prince Ned Nwoko

The death of Ossy Boise, who implicated an oil merchant, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie in an alleged plot to assassinate politician, business mogul and international lawyer, Prince Ned Nwoko is currently causing ripples in the country.

Sources have revealed that the circumstances leading to the death of Ossy Boise was meant to put a dead end to the ongoing investigations of Mr Ogbechei in the alleged assasination plot against Prince Ned Nwoko

Ogbechie had earlier been mentioned as the sponsor and backbone of some arrested thugs who had been involved in mayhem, murder and terrorism that took place in the ancient town of Idumuje Ugboko of Delta State few years back over the issue of who becomes the town’s next monarch. He had also been deploying his financial resources to procure services of senior lawyers for the suspects.

Sources revealed that Boise, who had faced a series of threats to his life and made several complaints to the Nigerian Police, died in mysterious circumstances, on the 30th of December 2020 shortly after his release from an Abuja correctional facility.

However, Boise had informed the family of Prince Ned Nwoko to be wary of an assasination plot allegedly being orchestrated by some prison detainees who were caused to be put behind bars through their involvement in the mayhem that rocked Idumuje Ugboko and reportedly sponsored by Gabriel Ogbechie, revealing he overheard the conversations on plans to have him (Nwoko) assassinated, over the kingship tussle.

In continuation of the investigations linking Ogbeche with the alleged assassination plot against Prince Ned Nwoko, the oil mogul was invited again this time to the Force Headquarters in Abuja by the IGP Monitoring Team for further questioning ‪on January 4, 2021.

Meanwhile, top Deltans and members of Idumuje Ugboko community are wondering why Ogbechie had to run to the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed complaining of being detained and that the story emanating from his detention would hurt his business and sought an order of court to stop the investigation on the basis of his fundamental rights if his hands are clean.

Another question being asked is why Ogbechie is saying that he is not the only oil magnate from Ugboko while all Deltans know that no other indegene of the town is into the oil and gas business. .

“Who else has been funding and supporting those who terrorized indigenes of Ugboko. Who is paying the legal fees of senior advocates for the defendants. Who is arranging the bails of the defendants.

“Indeed who is to benefit from the sudden and mysterious death of Ossy who had complained to the police and Department of State Security (DSS) that he was being threatened for leaking the plot to assassinate Prince Ned.

“Above all he may not be aware that the deceased had made subsequent statements to the police identifying specifically that he (Ogbechie), the owner of Rainoil is the person behind the assasination plot. I think that was why he was killed,” a senior chief in Delta state said.

It will be recalled that Ogbechie was arrested and detained by the police on Friday December 4, 2020, but he was later released on bail to his lawyer, Barrister Ademola over the assasination plot against Prince Ned Nwoko. .

In an open letter to the Inspector General of Police prior to Ogbechie’s arrest, Prince Nwoko had alerted the IGP about a hatched plot to assassinate him over the Idumuje-Ugboko kingship tussle.
Nwoko had in the open letter urged the police to unearth the sponsors of those allegedly plotting to harm him.

Ogbechie hails from Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State and was said to be an estranged friend of Prince Ned, who is from the same town.

Ogbechie and Prince Ned Nwoko parted ways over the kingship tussle in the Nwoko Royal Family, a dispute that led to mayhem in Idumuje-Ugboko between May 18 and 25, 2017, where many supporters of Prince Ned were attacked with two people, Cyprian Kumiolun and Kennedy Iloh murdered.

Some of the alleged hoodlums involved in the Idumuje-Ugboko attacks are now facing trial for terrorism and murder at the Federal High Court Abuja under Justice Okon Abang.

Ogbechie is a supporter of Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko, one of the claimants to the disputed Idumuje ugboko stool and also among the accused persons in the terrorism trial, implicated to have imported the hoodlums that wrecked havoc on the village in 2017, but have the financial backing of Gabriel Ogbechie

Gabriel Ogbechie, had said that his arrest tale on social media was fabricated and sponsored ‘to embarrass and tarnish his reputation’.

But this was disputed by a source, who said that he was arrested and detained by the police before he was later released on bail based on a court order.

Now, the mysterious death of Ossy Boise was seen as a plot by Ogbechie and his supporters “to cover the plot to eliminate Price Ned Nwoko’. But we learnt from a police source that the Rain Oil boss is currently being fingered and investigated in the death of Ossy.

With many already known stars in the industry like Odunlade Adekola, Lateef Oladimeji, Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele leading the pack in the film making industry.

Fast-rising Nollywood actor, Adewole Femi Apefe Waheed is working assiduously to break into the industry and leaving no stone unturned in ensuring his career also gets to the peak.

He cut his tooth in the film industry when he joined Saheed Balogun Film Production in 2003 to understudy the legendary actor.

The Osun born thespian who is fast becoming a favourite in Nollywood and the Yoruba film industry is presently working on new Television Series, ready to be premiered on major satellite and terrestrial stations soon.

Apefe as he’s fondly called in the industry has also worked on several projects amongst whom are Iyawo Adedigba by Yewande Adekoya, The Cockers by Lateef Adedimeji and Obun by Shotayo Shobola.

“With my unique talent, creativity and ability to interpret roles effortlessly, I believe I’ll make a lot of changes in this industry, Apefe boasts.

His mentors include veteran Indian actor, Shah Rukh Khan, Ibrahim Chatta and Yomi Fash-Lanso to mention a few.

However, with the emergence of this young star, it’s obvious that he’s a beacon of hope in the industry, stressing the fact that the future of the Nollywood is in safe hands.

Secretary General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mohammed Abubakar is concerned about what he believes is massive fraud in the funds meant for the local governments in Nigeria.

In the interview, he granted recently, the ALGON scribe speaks about the rot in the system and why he thinks the Nigerian President and the Governors must rise to the occasion.

Some few days back, you made a very strong allegation against some few cabals whom the Minister of Finance was allegedly going to pay huge sums of money from local government funds, can you say more on this?

Thank you, you see Nigeria is one hell of a country where anything goes, the issue raised by Algon Interim management committee( IMC)ably led by Hon Abdullahi Maje chairman of Suleja local government are not just allegations but facts that are backed by proof.
But we realized that nobody cared to listen to us, instead we saw those, who were supposed to take the matter seriously fraternising with those individuals that were mentioned as the beneficiaries of the funds. Now, as we speak, our lives are under threat for having the gut to come out boldly to expose them.

What will be IMC next move to stop the release of the money?

At this point in time, we can only draw the attention of Mr. President, who is the Commander-In Chief of the armed forces, Muhammadu Buhari, the state governors, local governments chairmen and other relevant stakeholders to please support the IMC in the fight over this burning issue. The credibility of Mr. President anti-corruption posture is at stake here and it is being put to test.
Let it not end up being seen as a mere charade. Painfully, some aides of the President are culprits in this whole issue. They wine and dine with this group of people.

What do you mean, when you said aides of the President are deeply involved in corrupt practices and can you mention their names?

See these guys know themselves, they are the close aides to the President, they only pay lip service to the President’s anti-corruption crusade. The truth is that many of those presidential aides are friends to those that are milking the country dry, ministers, SSA, SA media aides, security agents etc.

We see them every evening hanging out with these so-called consultants and contractors to collect their own shares of stolen government funds without doing any job. Just recently, i took a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over diverted funds belonging to the local governments by the former president of ALGON, Hon Alabi Kolade David of Bariga Local Development Area (LCDA).

A man who was not a local government chairman, but only deceived his colleagues by claiming to be the chairman of Shomolu LGA in Lagos instead of Bariga LCDA has since been removed by the General Assembly of ALGON, with his partner in crime Hajiya Bimta Bello, a former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Aviation and that of Health.

Also in connivance with there cohorts, Chief Chikwe Udesi, Barrister Ude, a former deputy governor of Abia State, Mr Ted and many more that I cannot remember their names now. They siphoned N7.8billion
And when this senior EFCC official looked at the petition and saw the volume of evidence attached to it, he was so excited, only for him to call me aside and said “see my brother, here in EFCC, we can only try our best but the matter will not fly.”

With shock written all over my face, I asked him why would it not fly and his response was even more devastating, He said that “see, immediately actions commence on this issue, calls will start coming in from the Villa or from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and that will be the end of the case.”

He said that with the volume of money involved, half of it would have found its way into the hands of some people in the Villa, the Federal Ministry of Finance and Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

He warned that I should not kill myself and said that these guys are powerful and highly connected that they will come for my life.

In my entire life nothing has ever broken my heart like what happened that day. Tears rolled down my eyes and I felt so sorry for the President, the old man is dying to save this country, but unfortunately he is surrounded by wolves.

In short, I had to quickly get in touch with my mentor, my father, Chief Anthony Momoh, defunct CPC chairman, an incorruptible man and i explained to him everything about my frustration and the disappointment in EFCC. Sadly too, many among these people are old.

So, I sometimes wonder where they are taking the money to when death is already knocking everyone’s on doors this days. As you can see, I am still in my 40s and all I can only wish for is a better society for everyone and not to start amassing wealth that one does not need. We have to take up the culture of contentment in this country. Hence, I don’t see Mr. President winning this war against corruption.

Now back to the recent alarm you raised over the huge amount that will be paid to some individuals from the local government funds, what are you trying to say?

Oh yes, ever since we raised the alarm, a few of them are now running to their friends in government and trying also to convince some governors to allow them take the money.
I have it on good authority that one of them is expecting to be paid billions of naira without doing anything. He has met with a governor from the North West, I am talking of Prince Ned Nwoko and co. who rushed to lobby the governor to help him talk to other governors.

I want to make a passionate appeal to the governors and the Governors Forum to please ignore these people. Governors are the custodians of the local governments.

Nigerians are relying on them on this issue. Although we have full confidence in the governors, they know where to draw the line, no matter who is involved. When you are doing the wrong thing they tell you off and correct it.

The ALGON IMC leadership is also doing a lot to correct the rots in ALGON. The place is in a total mess, and i wish to appeal once again to Mr. President and the governors to please support ALGON Interim Management Committee leadership to fight the evil and corruption in ALGON.

If I may ask, apart from Prince Ned Nwoko, who are the other contractors or consultants involved?

Thank you very much for this question. Now, let me shock you, there is this man; Prince Ukachukwu. I think he is the owner of Prince and Princess Estate here in Abuja, he claimed to have erected 100 boreholes in each of the local governments in Nigeria and he went to court to get a judgement against ALGON. As we speak, his company; Riok is among those the Ministry of Finance wants to pay billions of dollars. These things are so annoying, people don’t even fear God Almighty anymore. When you talk, they start threatening your life and sending assassins after you.

Again, the most annoying part is that the former president of ALGON, Hon Alabi Kolade and the former secretary general, Hajiya Bimta Bello are always readily available to be used.

What they do is to give accent without notifying anybody or get the approval of the local government areas. The only proof that the borehole man could produce as evidence of erecting boreholes in the various local government areas were the reports of the Department of State Security (DSS) that cleared him. Is DSS now a local government chairman? You see, this country is full of dubious characters.

And the other person is one Barrister Ted. The truth is that we don’t even know what that one said he did and wanted to collect such a huge amount of money.

In short, not too long ago, late last year, he collected well over N2bllion from a particular local government funds and ever since then he disappeared to the United States of America (USA) and as we speak, he is still in the US catching fun and here we are. He is about to be paid some more billions of dollard help in this country.

National Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mohammed Abubakar is concerned about what he believes is massive fraud in the funds meant for the local governments in Nigeria.

In the interview, he granted recently, the ALGON scribe speaks about the rot in the system and why he thinks the Nigerian President and the Governors must rise to the occasion.

Some few days back, you made a very strong allegation against some few cabals whom the Minister of Finance was allegedly going to pay huge sums of money from local government funds, can you say more on this?

Thank you, you see Nigeria is one hell of a country where anything goes, the issue raised by Algon Interim management committee( IMC)ably led by Hon Abdullahi Maje chairman of Suleja local government are not just allegations but facts that are backed by proof.
But we realized that nobody cared to listen to us, instead we saw those, who were supposed to take the matter seriously fraternising with those individuals that were mentioned as the beneficiaries of the funds. Now, as we speak, our lives are under threat for having the gut to come out boldly to expose them.

What will be IMC next move to stop the release of the money?

At this point in time, we can only draw the attention of Mr. President, who is the Commander-In Chief of the armed forces, Muhammadu Buhari, the state governors, local governments chairmen and other relevant stakeholders to please support the IMC in the fight over this burning issue. The credibility of Mr. President anti-corruption posture is at stake here and it is being put to test.
Let it not end up being seen as a mere charade. Painfully, some aides of the President are culprits in this whole issue. They wine and dine with this group of people.

What do you mean, when you said aides of the President are deeply involved in corrupt practices and can you mention their names?

See these guys know themselves, they are the close aides to the President, they only pay lip service to the President’s anti-corruption crusade. The truth is that many of those presidential aides are friends to those that are milking the country dry, ministers, SSA, SA media aides, security agents etc.

We see them every evening hanging out with these so-called consultants and contractors to collect their own shares of stolen government funds without doing any job. Just recently, i took a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over diverted funds belonging to the local governments by the former president of ALGON, Hon Alabi Kolade David of Bariga Local Development Area (LCDA).

A man who was not a local government chairman, but only deceived his colleagues by claiming to be the chairman of Shomolu LGA in Lagos instead of Bariga LCDA has since been removed by the General Assembly of ALGON, with his partner in crime Hajiya Bimta Bello, a former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Aviation and that of Health.

Also in connivance with there cohorts, Chief Chikwe Udesi, Barrister Ude, a former deputy governor of Abia State, Mr Ted and many more that I cannot remember their names now. They siphoned N7.8billion
And when this senior EFCC official looked at the petition and saw the volume of evidence attached to it, he was so excited, only for him to call me aside and said “see my brother, here in EFCC, we can only try our best but the matter will not fly.”

With shock written all over my face, I asked him why would it not fly and his response was even more devastating, He said that “see, immediately actions commence on this issue, calls will start coming in from the Villa or from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and that will be the end of the case.”

He said that with the volume of money involved, half of it would have found its way into the hands of some people in the Villa, the Federal Ministry of Finance and Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

He warned that I should not kill myself and said that these guys are powerful and highly connected that they will come for my life.

In my entire life nothing has ever broken my heart like what happened that day. Tears rolled down my eyes and I felt so sorry for the President, the old man is dying to save this country, but unfortunately he is surrounded by wolves.

In short, I had to quickly get in touch with my mentor, my father, Chief Anthony Momoh, defunct CPC chairman, an incorruptible man and i explained to him everything about my frustration and the disappointment in EFCC. Sadly too, many among these people are old.

So, I sometimes wonder where they are taking the money to when death is already knocking everyone’s on doors this days. As you can see, I am still in my 40s and all I can only wish for is a better society for everyone and not to start amassing wealth that one does not need. We have to take up the culture of contentment in this country. Hence, I don’t see Mr. President winning this war against corruption.

Now back to the recent alarm you raised over the huge amount that will be paid to some individuals from the local government funds, what are you trying to say?

Oh yes, ever since we raised the alarm, a few of them are now running to their friends in government and trying also to convince some governors to allow them take the money.
I have it on good authority that one of them is expecting to be paid billions of naira without doing anything. He has met with a governor from the North West, I am talking of Prince Ned Nwoko and co. who rushed to lobby the governor to help him talk to other governors.

I want to make a passionate appeal to the governors and the Governors Forum to please ignore these people. Governors are the custodians of the local governments.

Nigerians are relying on them on this issue. Although we have full confidence in the governors, they know where to draw the line, no matter who is involved. When you are doing the wrong thing they tell you off and correct it.

The ALGON IMC leadership is also doing a lot to correct the rots in ALGON. The place is in a total mess, and i wish to appeal once again to Mr. President and the governors to please support ALGON Interim Management Committee leadership to fight the evil and corruption in ALGON.

If I may ask, apart from Prince Ned Nwoko, who are the other contractors or consultants involved?

Thank you very much for this question. Now, let me shock you, there is this man; Prince Ukachukwu. I think he is the owner of Prince and Princess Estate here in Abuja, he claimed to have erected 100 boreholes in each of the local governments in Nigeria and he went to court to get a judgement against ALGON. As we speak, his company; Riok is among those the Ministry of Finance wants to pay billions of dollars. These things are so annoying, people don’t even fear God Almighty anymore. When you talk, they start threatening your life and sending assassins after you.

Again, the most annoying part is that the former president of ALGON, Hon Alabi Kolade and the former secretary general, Hajiya Bimta Bello are always readily available to be used.

What they do is to give accent without notifying anybody or get the approval of the local government areas. The only proof that the borehole man could produce as evidence of erecting boreholes in the various local government areas were the reports of the Department of State Security (DSS) that cleared him. Is DSS now a local government chairman? You see, this country is full of dubious characters.

And the other person is one Barrister Ted. The truth is that we don’t even know what that one said he did and wanted to collect such a huge amount of money.

In short, not too long ago, late last year, he collected well over N2bllion from a particular local government funds and ever since then he disappeared to the United States of America (USA) and as we speak, he is still in the US catching fun and here we are. He is about to be paid some more billions of dollars. May God help in this country.

Bussiebee Supplies a fully certified organic food store with an extensive and complete range of foods and personal care products (Beflawless Nigeria) has birthed in London, UK.

The company, BussieBee Supplies major in organic products and edible foods supply chain.

Bussiebee Supplies is a boutique supermarket that opened its online store in London,  UK this year and has since pioneered all things organic since its birth.

Busayo Adeyemi, the owner of BussieBee Supplies stated that the company maintains the strictest quality standards in the industry and is rigorously committed to sustainable agriculture farm products.

According to the company's mission statement, BussieBee Supplies thrives to seek out the finest organic food available by purchasing products for retail sale from local regions as well as international wholesale suppliers.

Some of BussieBee Supplies organic edibles include Dried Skin Hide (Ponmo Ijebu), Melon seed, Ogbono, Onions, Locust Beans (Iru), Ogiri, Bitter leaves, Dried Shawa Fish, Beans and nuts such as Groundnuts and cashew nuts, Chips and so on.

Adeyemi is also the UK distributor of Nigerian owned - Be flawless organics a holistic skincare brand which aims to provide the purest and safest organic products for all from infants to adults.

In conclusion, BussieBee Supplies distributes all organic edibles in the UK and all other European Union countries at very cheaper rates.

BussieBee Supplies can be reached on Instagram with this handle

Royalty Lounge & Suite boss, Babatunde Olaogun is in a joyous mood as he plans to celebrate his mum’s diamond birthday anniversary, next Thursday, October 1, 2020.

The astute businessman alongside his siblings is set to throw a classy but low-key celebration for their mum, Mrs Florence Adunni Olaogun’s 60th birthday.

However, the celebrant’s children, Omotolani Olaogun; a fulfilled businesswoman, Tunde Olaogun, politician and a Federal Government Official, Olaide Olaogun; an Actress, Ex Lux Ambassador who’s also an Officer at Federal Inland Revenue Services will be hosting close friends and associates to Orisun Ibukun Baptist Church, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos to celebrate their mum’s diamond anniversary.



According to Tunde Olaogun describes the celebration as a remarkable milestone and a very significant one for the family.
He further reveals that “the celebration is to essentially celebrate the grace of God in her life in the last 6 years”.

Madam Olaogun, according to several testimonies from family and friends is a disciplinarian and a highly commendable philanthropist in the society.

Babatunde Olaogun is a graduate of Microbiology from the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU) and an associate member of Nigeria Institute of Management.

The world is gradually coming to an end as several odd things that didn't happen two decades ago have started to become a norm in our society.

Several hours ago, we bumped into a video of a young lady, who happens to be in her 20s displaying her complete nude pictures to the world to see.

We won't be revealing her real names for now but we have all her details and that of her employers, just in case she claims she's not the one in the said video clip.

Our findings revealed that the lady works as an On-Air Personality with an undisclosed media house in Lagos, Nigeria.

Her Instagram handle is @**d*s*01... With a pseudonym...... (withheld).
https://naijacelebritymirror..com/2020/07/lagos-oap-flaunts-her-nude-pictures.html?m=1

Although, the beautiful Calabar lady looks decent to many of her followers but none of them actually knows what she does apart from being an OAP.

We'll be giving you update on new developments soon.

Azuka Jebose started his journalism career as one of the league of young journalists that pioneered a special brand of entertainment reporting in the country.

Then, Azuka Jebose was regarded as a bundle of talents with a creative writing style, which he used to dazzle his numerous followers.

Some years after, Azuka Jebose found himself in the United States of America, when he traveled with the band of the late superstar, Evangelist Sony Okosuns and decided to stay back in the country. He currently lives in North Carolina.

In his days with Punch Newspaper, Azuka was amongst the young journalists who scouted around Lagos entertainment circuits for news, and he worked under Ladi Ayodeji, who was his editor at that time.

To state that Azuka Jebose was popular and preferred is to state the obvious, he hung around music celebrities in the 80s and those, who knew him then had no doubt that he was actually cut out for the job of a journalist as he was said to be passionate about the profession.

But all these appear to be in the past as Azuka Jebose has since derailed and fallen.

Those who follow his moves in recent years made it clear that Jebose has perfected the art of using his pen to blackmail his perceived enemies on Facebook, while also doing some hatchet jobs on behalf of his pay masters to hound and intimidate top Nigerians.

His style is to praise you, when he considers you to be an asset, while he resorts to blackmailing and character assassination once he sees you or gets the contract to label you as enemy of the people.

He is said to be in the business of disparaging other people, promoting unfounded rumours and concocting lies about them and attracting negative attention to people through his publication on Facebook.

To some people, Azuka Jebose is clueless; he has lost his relevance in the profession and his frustrations are obvious for anyone to see in his recent write-ups.

They believe that Azuka Jebose ought to take a break, reflect on his life and see if he could retrieve his rhythm “rather than making a mountain out of a mole hill as he appears to be suffering from dementia in recent times.”

“It will not be a bad idea if Azuka Jebose seeks other means of livelihood rather than using his pen to throw tantrums at others at a great cost.

“He shouldn’t be seen in such a bad habit after years of practicing as a journalist. It is time for his chicken to go home to roost,” said an analyst.

Jebose rarely travels to Nigeria from his base in the United States and he was once linked to a cocaine smuggling ring in the states.

Those who know much about this “once upon a time darling of readers” said he has not been able to hold on to any reasonable job since he got to the United States of America.

But like the proverbial fowl that excreted inside pot, Azuka Jebose used his Facebook page to embarrass the publisher of Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena some years back.

He informed the whole world that Obaigbena was a slave driver and accused him of maltreating hundreds of his workers by denying them salaries for months.

The story did not only diminish Obaigbena, it raised a lot of posers about Thisday Newspaper and it took some time before the publication could find its feet again and people eventually saw through the lies of Azuka. while Nduka Obaigbena and the Thisday title continue to soar higher.

That seems to be the calling of Azuka Jebose, whose style is to open can of worms, paint people in bad light, come up with unproven allegations against them, explore all avenues to ruin his prey’s hard earned image.

Azuka is a destructive writer, he believes in breaking an egg that could be difficult to put together.

No wonder, he has lost quite a number of followers in recent times as people have now come realize that Azuka is an unprincipled writer, a character assassin, who is highly unguided by the ethics of the journalism profession.

Flashback to 2015, when his Facebook page came into the limelight. Then, he sang the praises of President Muhammadu Buhari to high heavens.

Buhari warmed his way into Jebose’s heart, when he appointed Ibe Kachiwku as the Minister of State for Petroleum.

But trust Azuka, his allegiance has since changed after Kachikwu was removed from office.

His page is now devoted to finding faults in Buhari’s government, leaving many to see him as a fair weather friend.

He is a master in destructive game, who sees opportunity in bringing people down once you are in his bad book.

His victims are as many as they come, he moves from one individual to another, and attacks respected celebrities including politicians of note, businessmen, and others as if he had personal scores to settle with them.

An observer informed that Azuka Jebose might see himself as a veteran journalist, but that “he is a crook, and a nonentity, who has outlived his relevance in the noble journalism profession.”

“He blackmails people through innuendoes, obvious lies, and all forms of character assassinations.

“His style is to force you into his side with frivolous accusations and unfounded rumours.

‘He has lost patronage from people and I can tell you that history will not be on the side of Azuka Jebose,” said a concerned Nigerian.

Now, the question is what does Azuka Jebose want?

That seems to be a simple one. He wants attention. He is a noisemaker just like the novel Coronavirus Pandemic that is ravaging the whole world.

Indeed, Coronavirus pandemic is milder, Azuka Jebose is worse. He sits in the comfort of his room and produces pieces of information that could destroy the image someone has built for 20, 30, 40 years.

Is the job paying off, only Azuka Jebose could answer. His past appears to be hunting him and nemesis is about to catch up with him.

That he is attacking some respected personalities in recent times is a manifestation of the truism in the statement that a drum that makes an unusual noise is about to burst.

Azuka Jebose is a spent force and he should be seen as such. He is totally on lockdown, and it might be difficult for him to find his feet again.

On what he wants, well time will tell as his dog might soon be in the belly of the lion. It is a matter of time

Historically, Idumuje people trace their roots to ancient Bini kingdom, just like most of the Enuani people that left Benin in the 18th century.
Idumuje Unor and Idumuje Ugboko are one people and members of Idumuje clan .They have no common land boundary and bear same cultural and traditional heritage.
Both communities went their separate ways though united by tradition and culture following an Odogwu title dispute . Those who felt aggrieved left and wandered farther into a nearby forest to their present location where they share boundaries with towns like Igbodo in Ika North East, Onicha Ugbo, Ugbodu, in Aniocha North and Ewohinmi in Edo State according the 1937 Intelligence Report by R.B. Karr.
Idumuje-Ugboko is the epicenter of this analysis and it must be said that to understand a people you must look at their history, their mores, social and interpersonal relationship, religion, culture and related values that shape their world view.
Hence the sage says that those who ignore the lessons of history, would repeat its tragedy. To understand the unfolding events, it is important to follow the historical trajectory of the hidden discontent and strictures in the Royal family and the Idumuje-Ugboko before the death of the immediate past king.
OBI NWOKO I’s SONS
Obi Nwoko I had nine (9) sons including: NWABUOKEI (first son), AMOJE, BIOSE, BIDOKWU, PAUL, ELUMELU, UJOMOR, NWAOBE and ESUZOR.Nwabuokei, Amoje and Ujomor are of the same mother whose name was Ehihor, one of the daughters of Oko-Onyimi Idumuzu, Ogbe-Ofu village, Idumuje-Ugboko. Biose and Elumelu shared same motherhood while Bidokwu and Paul had same mother.Esuzor was an only son and his mother another wife of Obi Nwoko I was from Atuma village, Idumuje-Ugboko. If Omorhusi was Nwoko’s son as claimed, who was her mother and where is she from?
NWOKO’S BROTHERS
Nwoko was the first son of Ologbo who gave birth to seven (7) sons also including: NWOKO, CHIMA, MOEMEKE (MEKE), OKOH, ODOR, ALIGBE, ANYAONICHA. Please not that Omorhusi was not Nwoko’s brother neither was he a member of Umu-Ologbo. He was a native doctor brought to the village .
Ogbeide the father of Ologbo and grandfather of Obi Nwoko I hailed from Uzebu quarters in old Bini kingdom. He first settled at Ashama in the present day Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State before he moved to Idmuje (Idumje-Uno) as one of the early settlers in the 17th century where he died and was buried.
Nwoko’s sons and brothers with their children made up the Umu-Ologbo family, but only Nwoko’s children known and referred to as Umu-Nwoko are the only members of the Royal Family of Idumuje-Ugboko.
When Obi Nwoko I, the first Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko died, his first son Nwabuokei whose mother was Ehihor the daughter of Oko-Onyimi being the Crown Prince, was to succeed him in accordance with the tradition and customs of Idumujes. That is under the primogeniture system of succession to the throne by most Anioma monarchies.

Historically, Idumuje people trace their roots to ancient Bini kingdom, just like most of the Enuani people that left Benin in the 18th century.
Idumuje Unor and Idumuje Ugboko are one people and members of Idumuje clan .They have no common land boundary and bear same cultural and traditional heritage.
Both communities went their separate ways though united by tradition and culture following an Odogwu title dispute . Those who felt aggrieved left and wandered farther into a nearby forest to their present location where they share boundaries with towns like Igbodo in Ika North East, Onicha Ugbo, Ugbodu, in Aniocha North and Ewohinmi in Edo State according the 1937 Intelligence Report by R.B. Karr.
Idumuje-Ugboko is the epicenter of this analysis and it must be said that to understand a people you must look at their history, their mores, social and interpersonal relationship, religion, culture and related values that shape their world view.
Hence the sage says that those who ignore the lessons of history, would repeat its tragedy. To understand the unfolding events, it is important to follow the historical trajectory of the hidden discontent and strictures in the Royal family and the Idumuje-Ugboko before the death of the immediate past king.
OBI NWOKO I’s SONS
Obi Nwoko I had nine (9) sons including: NWABUOKEI (first son), AMOJE, BIOSE, BIDOKWU, PAUL, ELUMELU, UJOMOR, NWAOBE and ESUZOR.Nwabuokei, Amoje and Ujomor are of the same mother whose name was Ehihor, one of the daughters of Oko-Onyimi Idumuzu, Ogbe-Ofu village, Idumuje-Ugboko. Biose and Elumelu shared same motherhood while Bidokwu and Paul had same mother.Esuzor was an only son and his mother another wife of Obi Nwoko I was from Atuma village, Idumuje-Ugboko. If Omorhusi was Nwoko’s son as claimed, who was her mother and where is she from?
NWOKO’S BROTHERS
Nwoko was the first son of Ologbo who gave birth to seven (7) sons also including: NWOKO, CHIMA, MOEMEKE (MEKE), OKOH, ODOR, ALIGBE, ANYAONICHA. Please not that Omorhusi was not Nwoko’s brother neither was he a member of Umu-Ologbo. He was a native doctor brought to the village .
Ogbeide the father of Ologbo and grandfather of Obi Nwoko I hailed from Uzebu quarters in old Bini kingdom. He first settled at Ashama in the present day Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State before he moved to Idmuje (Idumje-Uno) as one of the early settlers in the 17th century where he died and was buried.
Nwoko’s sons and brothers with their children made up the Umu-Ologbo family, but only Nwoko’s children known and referred to as Umu-Nwoko are the only members of the Royal Family of Idumuje-Ugboko.
When Obi Nwoko I, the first Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko died, his first son Nwabuokei whose mother was Ehihor the daughter of Oko-Onyimi being the Crown Prince, was to succeed him in accordance with the tradition and customs of Idumujes. That is under the primogeniture system of succession to the throne by most Anioma monarchies.

The Ogun State government has concluded plans to commence the distribution of stimulus package to homes across the state starting from tomorrow, Saturday, April 4.

Announcing the state government’s resolve to ensure that the Coronavirus pandemic is curbed, Governor Dapo Abiodun stated that the package would cushion the adverse socio-economic effects of the lockdown directive of the federal government on the people of the state.

The packages, according to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, contain staple food and essential hygiene items.

Residents of the state will be given food items, anti-bacteria soap bars, detergents and hand sanitizers which were produced by the State Ministry of Health to the World Health Organisation’ standard.

The Governor emphasised that the distribution exercise would be monitored to ensure equitable access for the people.

The purpose of the initiative, the Governor emphasised, is to make sure that the people remain well during the lockdown.

The state government said it had finalised plans with all local government transition chairmen on the distribution process.



The packages would be delivered to 500,000 homes, with an average of four persons each.

According to a statement released by the state government, the transition chairmen were expected to “organise sensitisation programmes for people within their LGAs, where they will enlighten the people, as the state government has so far done, on the symptoms and preventive measures of the coronavirus”.

“The chairmen will also ensure that everyone is aware of the pattern of distribution so that all households will be reached effectively,” the statement read.

The state government urged compliance with the ban on large gatherings saying the package would not be distributed at gatherings.



On Sunday, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and the federal capital territory with effect from 11pm on Monday, March 30, as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.

However, Abiodun said he had convinced the president on shifting the lockdown in Ogun state to Friday, April 4, 2020.

By Prince Walters Eziashi



It has become important that I let the world know the exact events in Idumuje-Ugboko, from 2015 to date, particularly due to the falsehoods the public had been fed with in the last few days through the social media particularly facebook. These falsehoods are the handiwork of certain individuals being recruited to smear the name of an illustrious son of Idumuje-Ugboko, Prince Ned Nwoko. The townsmen know that God has continued to use Ned Nwoko to put smiles on the faces of both the indigenes of Idumuje-Ugboko and mankind in general.

INTRODUCTION

Idumuje-Ugboko kingdom, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, was founded by Nwoko and others who migrated from Idumuje-Uno. A chieftaincy tussle that erupted in the 18th Century AD brought about the migration. The kingdom shares borders with other villages, which are Ekpon, Ewohimi and Ohordua communities of Edo State in the north; Igbodo and Ummunede Communities, both located in Ika North-East L.G.A, in the west. On its south, the kingdom borders Onicha-Ugbo Community, in Aniocha North L.G.A, while sharing boundaries with Idumuje-Uno and Ugbodu communities in the east, both of which are in Aniocha North L.G.A, all in Delta State. Idumuje-Ugboko is made up of four (4) federating villages, namely Ogbe-Obi. Ogbe-Ofu, Atuma, and Onicha-Ukwu.

As regards its traditional institution, Idumuje-Ugboko is headed by a king, who is to supported by four traditional chiefs. These chiefs are Iyase-Onowu, from Atuma; Odogwu-Abi and Ozah-Okita, from Ogbe-Ofu; Isama-Akwe, from Ogbe-Obi, and Uwolo-Agba, from Onicha-Ukwu. Each of them representing the four villages earlier mentioned. Aside the chiefs, the king, in consultation with the royal family, may elect deserving individuals within or outside the kingdom to be part of his governing council.

The role of these principal chiefs are as follow: the Iyase is the traditional prime minister. He is also the mouthpiece of the Kingdom and head over the other chiefs. In this wise, the Iyase is the king’s second-in-command. On his part, the Odogwu is the traditional defense minister. The others, being Ozah, Isama, and Uwolo, hold their designated titles till their deaths, except they are found wanting and removed from their positions. And where they are accused of any misdeed, the chiefs are given a fair hearing to make a defence. Equally, Omu is regarded as the spiritual head of the all women in the town and she is usually addressed as Her Royal Highness. The holder of Omu traditional title is nominated by the people of Ogbe-Ofu subject to the approval of the king (obi). Aside this, the Omu has control over markets and resolves disputes among women in the town. The distribution of roles among the traditional title holders is to ensure smooth administration of the kingdom. More so, the town’s traditional institution has other coordinating structures and responsibilities assigned to them. One is the Onotu, (in charge of land and other related matters). Members of the Onotu include Iyase Odogwu, Ozah, Isama, Uwolo, and others who are nominated by chiefs and the Obi. Another is Dibie, which is headed by Eze-Dibie and saddled with the role of handling spiritual matters in the kingdom. The other is Ikpala, a group of red cap chiefs occupying privilege positions and being exempted from communal works. Also is the Development Union, which oversees developmental efforts in the community. The head of the union is addressed as President-General and has other members, who form the National Executive Committee. The union has branches anywhere indigenes of the kingdom reside around the world. These branches are headed by Branch Presidents. In addition, the town has a Land Allocation Committee, which is headed by the Iyase (traditional Prime Minister). He is assisted by other principal chiefs and representatives of the four federating villages. The committee allocates community land to anyone or corporate organisation that applies to build any structure for developmental purposes and upon verification of such application. The categories of projects allowed for this purpose include schools, factories, recreational facilities, hospitals.



As regards decision-making, the highest policy-making organ of the town is the Town General Assembly, otherwise known as Izu-Ani. This organ comprises the Obi, the five principal Chiefs, other chiefs, members and representatives of the four federating villages. While participation in the meetings of the assembly is open to everyone, only representatives of the federating villages are allowed to vote anytime a decision is to be taken. Furthermore, ad-hoc committees are set up for specific purposes, if the considered necessary. Also, the modus operandi within individual federating units is to appoint a head, known as Diokpa. He has the power to summon village meetings, after consulting with major chiefs from the village and also with the heads of Idumus (Quarters), known as Diokpala-Eboh.

In spite of its democratic structures, Idumuje-Ugboko has one king, whose heir apparent must not be seen nor heard while reign of his father-king lasts.


Read more here: http://www.societygists.com/2020/03/idumuje-ugboko-in-a-time-of-misinformation-facts-correct/[b][/b]

I have been recurrently asked of recent whether tourism will still be possible in an era of epidemics or the global pandemic, or whether we are not already witnessing the gradual lights out on an industry that has grown year-on-year in the past decades to contribute more than 15 per cent to the global GDP in contemporary times. Also, the possible demise of a sector that has been growing at almost 4 per cent per annum and which witnessed revenues in excess of $12 trillion dollars in 2017, while offering livelihoods to over three hundred million people, directly and indirectly, across the world.

Closer home, could this be the curtains drawing on a sector that has engaged our exertions, and which the National Bureau of Statistics values as a contributor of some 35 per cent to new GDP, yielding huge tax receipts and accounting for the jobs of over 20 per cent of newly employed Nigerians, formally and informally?

No doubt, our interconnectedness through time has been one of the greatest strengths and achievements in the human experience, which however now appears to be unravelling in this era of the pandemic as also a great source of vulnerability.

While the past few decades have seen humans build enduring communities across geographies – in no less our various Diasporas; across intellectual interests; and even within a virtual continuum enabled by cybernetics and disruptive technologies, yet we are now rudely confronted by the flip-side of having to find means of surviving the shared burden of infection and disease as a global community.

The past couple of weeks have no doubt been deeply troubling in the statistics that regularly assail us across all media – of infection, sickness and even deaths borne on the wings of the dark vector we have come to know as the coronavirus disease of 2019, otherwise referred to by its grim shorthand, COVID-19.


It is also the statistics of how systems are overwhelmed and crashing – whether as health care systems, systems of commerce, stock markets, and so forth. There is even prognosis that the world is about slipping into the abyss of economic recession and the emergence of a new global economic order.

Still, the other side of the story less referred to has been the marvellous capacity for human resilience, not only in terms of the determination to push back on the epidemic through the continuous research for antidotes. Or the increasing numbers of those who are surviving the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, in figures that are many multiples of the mortalities being recorded. But, equally, there is that relentless spirit of overcoming adversity that’s already looking into how to rebuild a post-pandemic world.

In the work that I do, which has now become a source of concern to many across geographies, local and international, we are experiencing one of the lowest periods ever, which a few cynics have unfortunately described as the death of tourism, as the notion of pandemic tourism appears almost as a contradiction in terms, since the human outreach quickly recoils in periods of any sort of upheaval. Even the tourism for remedies becomes more and more impossible as national borders are successively shut as part of strategies of containment.

But could this present circumstance foreshadow or signal the death of tourism? Just looking at the map of the territories that have been afflicted by the coronavirus infection, the rash of luminous red dots furiously populating the earth, calls to mind the situation for much of Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia in those long centuries of the Black Death that begun in the 14th Century when the Bubonic plague struck and wiped out over 70 per cent of the human population then, according to some estimates.

Yet, Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia recovered from those decades, to subsequently pursue a globalisation that has advanced the human experience many notches up till date. Certainly, the world we live in currently has more skills, technologies and capabilities to contain and shorten the run of tragic experiences, whether by natural disaster or biological infections.

Of course, epidemics and pandemics impact on tourism and its related ecosystems most severely, as the instinct for safety in humans leads to restrictions of movement that deeply whittle the businesses of airlines, hotels and restaurants, travel agents, tour operators, and other tourism stakeholders.

There is an increasingly vocal concert of opinion pointing to the fear that COVID-19 will very likely trigger a global economic recession in the very immediate future, and it is incontrovertible that tourism continues to be one of the industries most affected in this era of the pandemic, being that’s its forte is essentially anchored on the continually renewed human relationship with space, mostly requiring very physical acts that enable human connectivity, through transportation and the engagement with hospitality, entertainment, etc.

Now, revenues running into billions of naira and dollars are being lost, productivities are diminishing and so are jobs and livelihoods, with devastating impacts on nations, communities, and families. One needn’t crane far to witness how the states in the Middle East’s huge tourist corridors have been impacted at this time.

But then, is pandemic tourism possible, or have we entered into the age of the death of tourism, even while we have just been labouring strenuously for the rebirth of domestic tourism?

As diseases can now travel with ease, from the most affluent parts of the Far Eastern and Western Hemispheres to the poorest villages in Africa and Asia, with the speed of the Internet and on the back of economic routes, in a manner highlighting our interconnectedness and shared vulnerability, we need to urgently perfect a sturdy system of preparedness; a robust system of healthcare and health management, embedded in a strong capacity for response to and containment of epidemics and pandemics.

This will be a system that has a vigorous early warning and response component that can predict and respond to swiftly isolate and inhibit the outbreaks of local and global infections, while neutralising disease vectors. When this system is fully attained and comes into maturity – as the Federal Government has been missioning passionate after recently and will soon achieve – to serve as a secure buffer against the fears of health challenges or crises, either as epidemics or pandemics, the expediencies of having to shut down national borders in times of global health emergencies would no longer be as urgent.

Naturally, narrativesr aroundh level of preparedness would have to be communicated as widely as possible, as this is highly crucial in stemming the rampaging fear and panic that haemorrhages tourism to near or total death in periods of crises.

Pandemic tourism will and can be possible when our state of healthcare preparedness, and the narrative around it, have fully evolved, with institutions having the capacities to offer robust responses to healthcare needs, of both citizens, residents and visitors.

No doubt, when health or pandemic crises make landfall in one’s front yard, one gradually becomes isolated as a country, as conventional institutions and establishments start to fail as part of the burden of an unfortunate visitation, driving businesses to closure, and the economy into retraction or outright collapse. With tourism easily being one of the first victims, the picture then gets complicated by surges in the crime rate and the manifestation of other indices of human desperation. But with a renewed focus on preparedness, the corrosive edge of this is blunted, as travel advisories get more detailed and offer information on the national capacity for surviving raging exigencies, without the closure of borders.

Tourism in the age of the pandemic is about taking on the serious business of disaster preparedness, of which ground work has been done in areas such as the Federal Government’s efforts in improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria, coupled with the newer visa collection at the point of entry regime. With the strengthening of institutions to deal with emergencies like pandemics, and the altering of the narrative around a debilitating state of national affairs, there can be no death to tourism in the foreseeable future.

Importantly, in terms of the present situation and the on going ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic making an accelerating and vicious run through our country, our institutions have been demonstrating how greater multi-sectoral and multi-agency coordination can make that fundamental difference. This definitely also requires the private sector to keep layering on the efforts of the public sector, to allow for better emergency collaboration in managing and containing this crisis.

More so, data and evidence driven solutions must be increasingly employed to track, monitor, evaluate and grant therapy to the afflicted and needy. With these and the careful application of the knowledge and standards provided by multilateral agencies such as the United Nations, international organs like the World Health Organisation (WHO), and our extremely industrious Federal Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Nigerian “can do, never carry last” spirit, we are on the course to a victorious pushback, if we keep acting responsibly in a collective manner.

Without an iota of doubt, I believe that for tourism in Nigeria, it is still a dawn that holds bountiful promise of the day that is unfolding.

Folorunsho Coker is the director-general of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation.

Ogun State has seen remarkable changes in governance and development in the ten months of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State being in office.

A 21st century political leader, and accomplished corporate player before his job, Governor Dapo Abiodun knows the underpinnings for a prosperous state. This explains the on-going revolution in infrastructure, health, education, and Information and Communications Technology.
Ten of such landmark projects captured during a recent media tour are as follow:
The Ogun Tech Hub and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Centre:
Built on expanse of land that once housed an abandoned school, the STEM Centre is the result of government-private sector partnership. In the words of Governor Abiodun, the centre is the one-stop-shop for technological innovations across Africa where start-up companies will conveniently be set up.” Knowing the world is on a quick drive into becoming a smart global village, Governor Abiodun is determined to give Ogun State a competitive edge in technology and innovations for the future that has come. Though this remarkable idea is set in Ogun State, the STEM centre achieving its full potentials will definitely revolutionise both the state and national economies, particularly in terms of wealth creation, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) CENTRE
Commissioned in February, the ICT centre, located on the premises of the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, is a 3,000-capacity multi-purpose complex. The centre is provided with cutting-edge tech facilities and has 24-hour internet connectivity. Here, students receive hands-on training in various ICT courses from tech experts and do so in an ambience conducive to learning

Infrastructure: The Ijebu-Epe Road
The idea to reconstruct the Ijebu-Epe Road into a ten-lane highway has fetched Governor Dapo Abiodun torrent of plaudits from road users. For several years, the pothole-ridden road has been a nightmare to its users, posing hazards to lives and commercial goods, dwindling productivity, and unnecessarily elongating travel time.
With construction works being done by Craneburg Construction Ltd, the government is set to lock such hardship in the past. The new project, when completed, will have a toll plaza comprising 14 payment points. The road is expected to provide easy access to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while aiding movement of goods as well.
On this, Governor Abiodun said: I made a promise that our administration will rehabilitate and reconstruct the Ogun end of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe road to bring succour to our people and engender the economic development of our state.
C OKO- OWO DAPO THE EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE THAT HAS BOOSTED SMES IN OGUN
Launched in September 2019, about four months into his administration, the Oko-owo Dapo is an empowerment initiative to provide funds to women who are involved in legitimate SMEs across the state. It also aims to enhance trade as well as micro, small and medium scale enterprises. 2000 women benefitted in the first phase of the initiative as it is envisaged to reach at least 100,000 women in the first year of the Abiodun-administration. Beneficiaries could be market women, politicians, members of women’s societies, religious associations or trade associations. The governor revealed that the initiative is a social intervention programme borne out of the passion to make life better for Ogun people.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: THE JOB PORTAL TRUMP CARD
One of the earliest initiatives that pleasantly amazed many in the state was the launch of the Ogun Job Portal, which aimed to tackle the scourge of unemployment by linking the states unemployed youths with matching job opportunities in the labour market. Describing the job portal as one of the initiatives that would take the good people of Ogun State out of unemployment while also bettering the career chances of the employed, Governor Abiodun said that the portal is particularly suited to prepare the people to fit into appropriate sectors while revitalising all the sectors of the state’s economy. To underscore his seriousness in this regard, one of the earliest appointments Governor Abiodun made was that of Olalekan Olude, an award-winning entrepreneur, co-founder of Jobberman Limited, the leading job site in sub-Saharan Africa and founding partner of the African Talents Company in South Africa. Olude is also the co-founder and Executive Director at Rovedana Limited, a business process outsourcing company that provides employment to more than 2000 Nigerians across different industries and specialises in upscaling and placing them into employment with over 100 companies.

ENHANCING SECURITY FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Security is integral to the prosperity and growth of any state or nation. And Governor Abiodun is blithely aware of this. He did promise at the outset of his administration that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the state maximised its potential to the fullest by creating an enabling environment for residents and prospective investors. Firstly, he inaugurated the Security Trust Fund committee headed by Bolaji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, one of Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking firms, to source funds for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment, personnel gear and other resources necessary to prevent crime and preserve public peace in Ogun State.
The committee is also to promote the synergy of all security agencies in the state and mobilise support in cash or kind from public and private sources in a transparent and accountable manner. Secondly, the governor signed into law the State Security Trust Fund Bill. Thirdly, he procured 100 Patrol Vehicles and 200 Bikes to aid the activities of law enforcement agents in the state while reiterating his support for efforts and ideas that would make Ogun a crime-free state. Just recently, the governor also signed into law the creation of the Western Nigeria Security outfit, Operation Amotekun.

INFRASTRUCTURAL REJUVENATION AND REBUILDING: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OGUN STATE PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY
To serve as a quick fix mechanism to address the deplorable condition of the township and rural roads in the state, Governor Abiodun established the Ogun State Public Works Agency because, Infrastructure, for us, is key to development. We have been able to demonstrate a commitment to the continued socio-economic development of our dear state, particularly in education, health, infrastructure and other key sectors that have a direct and positive impact on our people.
You will recall that we requested that our people should select roads that should attract immediate attention in each of the 236 wards across our dear state. These roads are receiving an immediate intervention. This is in addition to governments identified projects that will be spread across the three senatorial districts of our dear state.
As our team went around the state that Wednesday, it was evident that the agency is proving to be efficient and responsive in rehabilitating roads.

WATER FOR ALL IN OGUN

The bucolic community of Arakanga in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state is home to the Ogun State Water Corporation. Alas, even people in that community suffer from water scarcity as much as people in urban areas like the state capital, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun would discover on assumption of office that potable water was scarce in many homes around Abeokuta and beyond. For a governor who believes that water is not only an essential commodity but a right to which people should not be denied, he didnt see why the situation should persist regardless of the challenges. Thus, he embarked on an assessment tour of the water corporation where he was confronted with the state of disuse of the corporation, which has a pumping capacity of 103.68 million litres per day. There, the governor announced that water would not only be restored, he ordered the prompt repair and restoration of faulty transformers in the corporation.
As our team moved around the state, the story was different; availability of water was the song on virtually everybodys lips. What changed within months? Governor Abiodun!

HOW GOVERNOR ABIODUN IS COMBATTING THE CORONA-VIRUS SCOURGE A VISIT TO OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SAGAMU
With the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, across the world; and the fears that Nigeria stands susceptible, Governor Abiodun has been widely praised for his proactive efforts in putting a rein on its outbreak in the state. Lagos is Africas most populous city and Ogun is its closest neighbour.
When the Italian index patient was discovered in Lagos and possible contacts traced to Ogun State, Governor Abiodun rose to the occasion by informing the public that the 28 people who had contact with the Italian have been identified and quarantined and that the firm where he visited in Ewekoro has also been shut down. The 28 people were identified after the state government conducted a contact tracing through the Disease Surveillance Notification Centres (DSNC) set up in all 20 local government areas of the state.
The OOUTH has been designated and empowered specifically to be a DSNC in the case of an outbreak. The plan was for our team to see if we could get within shouting distance of the DSNC but as it was running late, and with no one to take us there, we took our leave but not without being shown some ongoing projects within the hospital.

THE PEACEMAKER AND PACIFIST
Even when politicking was rife with hate and propaganda, Governor Abiodun never returned fire for fire or wavered in his adoption of soft power that sheer ability not to use force or coercion for political gain when you can shape the dissidents or oppositions long-term attitudes and preferences by tact and diplomacy. And it is working perfectly for him. Perhaps seeing the enviable and exciting direction Governor Abiodun is steering the ship of state, a coalition of opposition members formally declared for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Some of the notable defectors include Chief Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the March 2019 governorship election in the state; Mrs Salmot Badru, a former deputy governor under the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration; Joju Fadairo, former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Chief Iyabo Apampa, former PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member; Hon. Ayo Odugbesan, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly; and Hon. Dave Salami, a two-time member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the PDP, among others. Opposition members like Ladi Adebutu, former Governor Gbenga Daniel and Senator Buruji Kashamu have openly embraced the governor.

Revealed:

Ogun State has seen remarkable changes in governance and development in the ten months of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State being in office.

A 21st century political leader, and accomplished corporate player before his job, Governor Dapo Abiodun knows the underpinnings for a prosperous state. This explains the on-going revolution in infrastructure, health, education, and Information and Communications Technology.
Ten of such landmark projects captured during a recent media tour are as follow:
The Ogun Tech Hub and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Centre:
Built on expanse of land that once housed an abandoned school, the STEM Centre is the result of government-private sector partnership. In the words of Governor Abiodun, the centre is the one-stop-shop for technological innovations across Africa where start-up companies will conveniently be set up.” Knowing the world is on a quick drive into becoming a smart global village, Governor Abiodun is determined to give Ogun State a competitive edge in technology and innovations for the future that has come. Though this remarkable idea is set in Ogun State, the STEM centre achieving its full potentials will definitely revolutionise both the state and national economies, particularly in terms of wealth creation, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) CENTRE
Commissioned in February, the ICT centre, located on the premises of the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, is a 3,000-capacity multi-purpose complex. The centre is provided with cutting-edge tech facilities and has 24-hour internet connectivity. Here, students receive hands-on training in various ICT courses from tech experts and do so in an ambience conducive to learning

Infrastructure: The Ijebu-Epe Road
The idea to reconstruct the Ijebu-Epe Road into a ten-lane highway has fetched Governor Dapo Abiodun torrent of plaudits from road users. For several years, the pothole-ridden road has been a nightmare to its users, posing hazards to lives and commercial goods, dwindling productivity, and unnecessarily elongating travel time.
With construction works being done by Craneburg Construction Ltd, the government is set to lock such hardship in the past. The new project, when completed, will have a toll plaza comprising 14 payment points. The road is expected to provide easy access to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while aiding movement of goods as well.
On this, Governor Abiodun said: I made a promise that our administration will rehabilitate and reconstruct the Ogun end of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe road to bring succour to our people and engender the economic development of our state.
C OKO- OWO DAPO THE EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE THAT HAS BOOSTED SMES IN OGUN
Launched in September 2019, about four months into his administration, the Oko-owo Dapo is an empowerment initiative to provide funds to women who are involved in legitimate SMEs across the state. It also aims to enhance trade as well as micro, small and medium scale enterprises. 2000 women benefitted in the first phase of the initiative as it is envisaged to reach at least 100,000 women in the first year of the Abiodun-administration. Beneficiaries could be market women, politicians, members of women’s societies, religious associations or trade associations. The governor revealed that the initiative is a social intervention programme borne out of the passion to make life better for Ogun people.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: THE JOB PORTAL TRUMP CARD
One of the earliest initiatives that pleasantly amazed many in the state was the launch of the Ogun Job Portal, which aimed to tackle the scourge of unemployment by linking the states unemployed youths with matching job opportunities in the labour market. Describing the job portal as one of the initiatives that would take the good people of Ogun State out of unemployment while also bettering the career chances of the employed, Governor Abiodun said that the portal is particularly suited to prepare the people to fit into appropriate sectors while revitalising all the sectors of the state’s economy. To underscore his seriousness in this regard, one of the earliest appointments Governor Abiodun made was that of Olalekan Olude, an award-winning entrepreneur, co-founder of Jobberman Limited, the leading job site in sub-Saharan Africa and founding partner of the African Talents Company in South Africa. Olude is also the co-founder and Executive Director at Rovedana Limited, a business process outsourcing company that provides employment to more than 2000 Nigerians across different industries and specialises in upscaling and placing them into employment with over 100 companies.

ENHANCING SECURITY FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Security is integral to the prosperity and growth of any state or nation. And Governor Abiodun is blithely aware of this. He did promise at the outset of his administration that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the state maximised its potential to the fullest by creating an enabling environment for residents and prospective investors. Firstly, he inaugurated the Security Trust Fund committee headed by Bolaji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, one of Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking firms, to source funds for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment, personnel gear and other resources necessary to prevent crime and preserve public peace in Ogun State.
The committee is also to promote the synergy of all security agencies in the state and mobilise support in cash or kind from public and private sources in a transparent and accountable manner. Secondly, the governor signed into law the State Security Trust Fund Bill. Thirdly, he procured 100 Patrol Vehicles and 200 Bikes to aid the activities of law enforcement agents in the state while reiterating his support for efforts and ideas that would make Ogun a crime-free state. Just recently, the governor also signed into law the creation of the Western Nigeria Security outfit, Operation Amotekun.

INFRASTRUCTURAL REJUVENATION AND REBUILDING: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OGUN STATE PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY
To serve as a quick fix mechanism to address the deplorable condition of the township and rural roads in the state, Governor Abiodun established the Ogun State Public Works Agency because, Infrastructure, for us, is key to development. We have been able to demonstrate a commitment to the continued socio-economic development of our dear state, particularly in education, health, infrastructure and other key sectors that have a direct and positive impact on our people.
You will recall that we requested that our people should select roads that should attract immediate attention in each of the 236 wards across our dear state. These roads are receiving an immediate intervention. This is in addition to governments identified projects that will be spread across the three senatorial districts of our dear state.
As our team went around the state that Wednesday, it was evident that the agency is proving to be efficient and responsive in rehabilitating roads.

WATER FOR ALL IN OGUN

The bucolic community of Arakanga in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state is home to the Ogun State Water Corporation. Alas, even people in that community suffer from water scarcity as much as people in urban areas like the state capital, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun would discover on assumption of office that potable water was scarce in many homes around Abeokuta and beyond. For a governor who believes that water is not only an essential commodity but a right to which people should not be denied, he didnt see why the situation should persist regardless of the challenges. Thus, he embarked on an assessment tour of the water corporation where he was confronted with the state of disuse of the corporation, which has a pumping capacity of 103.68 million litres per day. There, the governor announced that water would not only be restored, he ordered the prompt repair and restoration of faulty transformers in the corporation.
As our team moved around the state, the story was different; availability of water was the song on virtually everybodys lips. What changed within months? Governor Abiodun!

HOW GOVERNOR ABIODUN IS COMBATTING THE CORONA-VIRUS SCOURGE A VISIT TO OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SAGAMU
With the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, across the world; and the fears that Nigeria stands susceptible, Governor Abiodun has been widely praised for his proactive efforts in putting a rein on its outbreak in the state. Lagos is Africas most populous city and Ogun is its closest neighbour.
When the Italian index patient was discovered in Lagos and possible contacts traced to Ogun State, Governor Abiodun rose to the occasion by informing the public that the 28 people who had contact with the Italian have been identified and quarantined and that the firm where he visited in Ewekoro has also been shut down. The 28 people were identified after the state government conducted a contact tracing through the Disease Surveillance Notification Centres (DSNC) set up in all 20 local government areas of the state.
The OOUTH has been designated and empowered specifically to be a DSNC in the case of an outbreak. The plan was for our team to see if we could get within shouting distance of the DSNC but as it was running late, and with no one to take us there, we took our leave but not without being shown some ongoing projects within the hospital.

THE PEACEMAKER AND PACIFIST
Even when politicking was rife with hate and propaganda, Governor Abiodun never returned fire for fire or wavered in his adoption of soft power that sheer ability not to use force or coercion for political gain when you can shape the dissidents or oppositions long-term attitudes and preferences by tact and diplomacy. And it is working perfectly for him. Perhaps seeing the enviable and exciting direction Governor Abiodun is steering the ship of state, a coalition of opposition members formally declared for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Some of the notable defectors include Chief Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the March 2019 governorship election in the state; Mrs Salmot Badru, a former deputy governor under the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration; Joju Fadairo, former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Chief Iyabo Apampa, former PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member; Hon. Ayo Odugbesan, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly; and Hon. Dave Salami, a two-time member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the PDP, among others. Opposition members like Ladi Adebutu, former Governor Gbenga Daniel and Senator Buruji Kashamu have openly embraced the governor.

In management and in life, a picture always speaks a thousand words. A few months ago, a curious photograph surfaced online. It was posted by the veteran investment banker himself to celebrate the institution he built. In the past four decades of reading autobiographies, I have learned that great men and women are defined by only three things – the indelible character they exude, the institutions they build and the quality of offspring or protégés they nurture. Atedo Peterside is one man who appears to have done well if anything, he has built a great institution and no one can reasonably argue with that!

In the monochrome photograph he posted about the founding team of three women and three men in the bank he founded in 1989, the bank that has now become the IBTC in today’s Stanbic IBTC, most of the viewers simply ‘liked’ it while a few others congratulated him and praised him for his business foresight.

 An interesting young lady, however, took a discerning view of the simple photograph and commented ‘this picture screams of equality’. Indeed, that view resonates with some of the recent and ongoing empirical findings that our team at The Diversity Initiative have been reaching consistently about successful African corporations. Businesses that respect diversity simply outperforms businesses that don’t.

Perhaps not in the short-term, but in the long-term they do even if not in strict financial measures. A few months before the curious release by the doyen of Nigerian investment banking himself, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in conjunction with the Swiss Confederation State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, the Institute of Directors and ‘Women in Management and Business’ (WIMBIZ) released a working paper titled ‘Women on Boards in Nigeria’.

Apart from the generally low representation of women on boards in Nigeria, with the banking sector having one of the better performances, the other clear deduction from that report was that there wasn’t any direct positive linear relationship between women’s representation on boards and financial performance. Indeed, the correlation between women representation and financial performance is mixed based on many global and country empirical studies.

 The caveat though is that the IFC report used only a five-year horizon, probably due to limited data. The second explanation to many of the empirical findings of women on boards is that women are not a homogenous group so simply assuming that there would be a correlation or indeed a causation between having increased women representation and financial performance may be presumptuous if not simplistic. There is a technique to optimising diversity and making the most of women in senior management and on boards, and Mr. Peterside’s single photograph shows us the three secrets.

First, diversity should never be at the risk of meritocracy or excellence. In Mr. Peterside’s photograph of six persons, every single one of those persons who are still alive today are still actively working, or involved in financial services today. Indeed, the three women in the picture, Sola David-Borha, Angela Omo-Dare and Yewande Muoyo spent the next two or three decades working with Mr. Peterside. All of them spent the rest of their banking career at IBTC: Yewande Muoyo leaving after over twenty years to join the Ogun State Government as Commissioner of Finance, Angela Omo-Dare staying on as either company secretary or head of legal services for another thirty years till she retired only last year in 2019, and the tireless, indomitable Sola David-Borha still waxing strong in the parent company Standard Bank in South Africa.

The beauty of that photograph is therefore not only that it speaks to the diversity mentality of Atedo Peterside in having a balanced team, but the futuristic power and hidden messages. Simply put, how do you keep three young and very bright women working with you at the highest levels for almost three decades till they retire, when few other financial institutions have done so in modern-day Nigeria. While there may be a twist of providence and happenstance to the IBTC story, there is still a clear management lesson.

Lesson 1: Pick a diverse team when starting your business, and pick them very wisely and based on merit. Pick people with a genuine passion for what you do and not gamblers nor speculators in the industry for the short-run.

The second lesson from the iconic photograph is a bit cryptic. Even though all of the founding persons in the IBTC management team swore by investment banking till retirement, and those alive are all still primarily involved in financial services, it is more curious that none of the other merchant banks or investment banks that existed at the time that photograph was taken exists today, apart from FCMB. At least not by name. No other merchant bank or investment bank in the pre-1990 era, safe FCMB, still has its name as part of a registered regional, national, or international bank in Nigeria today. Simply put, IBTC was the only merchant or investment bank that survived the 2005 holocaust of Nigerian banks. This is recognising the fact that FCMB had already taken the universal banking route by the time of the 2005 banking holocaust. Does having largely the same teamwork with a CEO for sixteen years guarantee longevity as it did for IBTC or superior performance. Well, there is no statistical model that can be used to validate that hypothesis.

However, what our emerging knowledge of organisational behavior suggests is that organisations with a stable, high-performing team over the long haul free up the CEO to focus on more strategic issues while the senior lieutenants focus on the tactical issues and put out the fires. If nothing else, the fact that IBTC is one of two investment banks of the pre-1990 era (and that includes all the merchant banks that ever existed in Nigeria between 1960 and 1990) and indeed the pre-2004 era, that is still alive today speaks volumes.

 Indeed, evidence from the control banks, that is from other banks in our universe of banks, suggests that the banks that tended to have a lower tolerance for women in their senior management on the average have had a higher mortality rate or significantly higher rate of non-performing loans. While it may be invidious to mention the names of any financial institutions for reasons of prudence, a simple analysis of some of the larger banks in the pre-2004 era and their trajectory till date would provide the supporting evidence.

 Lesson 2: It has been empirically proven that women tend to have more balanced views in times of crisis. Having a diverse management team may contribute to managing the risk-appetite of your institution and in some instances may contribute to the survival or longevity of your organisation.

On the whole, perhaps the greatest lesson from the Peterside photograph is about Atedo Peterside himself. In the reminiscences posted by Yewande Sadiku, a one-time Executive Director of StanbicIBTC and the current Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, “At IBTC I found people whose private affairs and comments were consistent with their public statements. The Bank aspired not to be the most profitable bank, but an inspiration to the Nigerian youth”.Indeed, this public disclosure by Yewande who herself spent about two decades at the bank explains why a one-time CEO of Stanbic IBTC was once highlighted as the highest-paid CEO in Nigeria.

 Only a naïve person would, of course, believe that in absolute terms, as that disclosure only tells us about the level of transparency in the bank Atedo built. The corollary of this finding is what age-old truths and received wisdom tell us about women. Most women primarily seek security and emotional safety, even in the workplace, and if you provide those for your female colleagues, all other things would be added unto you. It is informative that both the current CEO of Stanbic IBTC Holdings and Stanbic IBTC Bank have approximately spent almost three decades each.

That is almost all of their working life!!! The ability to be able to retain and keep top talent through the season, business cycles and vicissitudes of business is a leadership skill that Atedo Peterside in his humility may be too self-conscious to admit.

Separately, even though Stanbic IBTC is not measured among the eleven banks surveyed in the IFC Women on Boards in Nigeria, it is not surprising to us that based on our research at The Diversity Initiative, Stanbic IBTC together with Access Bank (that ranked consistently highest in the IFC Report terms of women representation on boards) are among the most gender-friendly financial institutions in Nigeria.

Lesson 3: Transparency and respect is the greatest team bonding exercise. You can’t fool your staff even if you fool your customers. Build a culture of respect and trust for a diverse team to stay with you over the long-haul and they’d save you the costs of rehiring. If your staffs are not staying with you over the long-haul, why should your customers believe you.

Atedo Peterside may have only shared a black-and-white monochrome photograph, but the lessons would remain with us in colour for several years. It is called the beauty of a single photograph.

As we celebrate sixty years of women in corporate Nigeria, it is imperative we begin to clearly understand the influence women bring to organisations that stand the test of time, and how best to tap the power of loyal women on senior management and on boards.

Folarin Alayande

Dr Alayande, international strategy and growth consultant and convener of The Diversity Initiative, was coordinator/senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Economic Recovery from 2017-2019. He is author and producer of the forthcoming documentary, ‘Sixty Years of Nigerian Women’.

Contemporary history in sports development in Nigeria, particularly football, is incomplete without a mention of Amaju Pinnick. His sterling records in the sports development and successes achieved in sports competitions, during and after his stint as Chairman of Delta State Commission, succinctly explains his climb to the hierarchy of national and international football administration.
As the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Pinnick places huge premium on excellence and never shirks from challenges. Rather, he throws himself into his tasks however challenging such may be until a solution is found.
Undaunted by the deep-seated and age-long issues debilitating football administration, Amaju Pinnik, in 2014, offered himself for service. He took up his job like a skilled mechanic, fixing knotty problems and tightening the loose bolts and nuts to get things working again. He would go ahead to win a re-election as the federations president, based on nothing but his sterling performance.
Before the advent of Amaju Pinnik, Nigeria football has always struggled to get private sector sponsorships. It would amaze watchers to see the NFF nicking sponsorship deals one after the other. The list includes AITEO Energy Resources Limited, Nigerias leading Energy Solutions Company becoming the Official Optimum Partner of the NFF. The company decided to sponsor the FA Cup, Challenge Cup and Federation Cup. Similarly, ZENITH International Bank has handled capacity building for administrators, youth development programme and payment of Super Eagles Head Coach. And on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, two partnership agreements were signed in one day with Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group as Official Food Sponsor of the Super Eagles, and PayPorte Global Systems Limited, as Official Online Store of the NFF. Coca-Cola also teamed up with Nigerian Football on a five-year agreement, which made Coca-Cola the Official Soft Drink of the National Teams. Months later, the NFF signed more endearing agreements; first with Nigerian Breweries PLC a five-year deal worth N2.2 Billion and which made Star Lager the Official Alcoholic Beverage of the Super Eagles; and Amstel Malta the Official Malt Drink of the NFF and the National Teams. There is also a partnership deal with Cadbury Nigeria PLC which makes Tom Tom the Official Candy of the Super Eagles. WAPIC Insurance PLC is the Official Insurance Company of the NFF and the National Team while Emzor Pharmaceuticals has been retained with another longterm contract.

In December 2017, a two-day workshop to fully connect the NFF to the FIFA Connect system of registration of football players and officials was held in Abuja. FIFA Connect is the centralized portal for the registration of football players and other stakeholders. Following its full integration, Nigeria became the first African country to be on FIFA Connect.
On the international stage, Amaju Pinnick has served as member of the strategic FIFA Organising Committee and as an executive member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2017. This enviable feats would be followed with his appointment as President, African Cup of Nations and, later, First Vice President of CAF, in September 2018. Hate or love him, one quality that cannot be taken away from Amaju Pinnick is integrity. Despite the avalanche of attacks from his rivals, Pinnick proudly wears a badge of honour as he does his well-trimmed beard. This underlies his passing various integrity test by continental and world football bodies.
Although, ambitious and determined, Pinnick would do nothing to undermine Africa and African football administrators. He would demonstrate this value to the admiration of the world when he stepped back to give opportunity to another African as the continents representative on the FIFA Council. Aside, amaju Pinnik has been pivotal in steadying the drifting ship of African football. To unclog Africa football from its entanglement, Pinnick vigorously saw to the retirement of former football grandee, Issa Hayatou, as CAF president after three decades of being in the saddle. This, he didnt do for personal gain or glory as rejected calls for him to succeed Hayatou. Instead, he prodded and supported the emergence of Malagasy football administrator, Ahmad Ahmad as CAF President.
The Pinnick administration has also concentrated on enhancing the capacity of administrators, referees and coaches. About two dozen referees went for refresher programs in the United Kingdom in December 2014, and about the same number took their turn in February 2015. Another capacity-enhancing program took nearly 30 administrators to London in December 2015. Some coaches were specially trained in the world-renowned Pro-Zone software to enhance the performance of Nigerian teams in international competitions. Thanks to Pinnick, too, there have been a range of FIFA-supported courses and workshops for coaches, referees and administrators in the country in the past four years. The CAF A coaching course for home-grown coaches was a first of its kind and benefitted over 80 coaches with highly-experienced resource persons in attendance.
Under Pinnick, former Nigeria football stars have been highly considered for coaching positions with the various National Teams. Pinnick had so much confidence in former Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh by appointing him Head Coach of the Super Eagles in July 2015 but the latter fell short of expectations by resigning abruptly. Former goalkeepers, Imama Amapakabo and Alloy Agu have been with the Super Eagles; Samson Siasia coached the U-23 boys; while Emmanuel Amuneke coached the U-17 and U-20 boys at different times. Manu Garba is the current coach of the U-17.
The women are not left out. Florence Omagbemi, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ann Chiejine worked with the Super Falcons at different times. According to Pinnick, The NFF recognizes and appreciates the great efforts of our footballers who have done well locally and internationally for the glory of our country. They are the most important aspect in the game because, without them, there will be no NFF, FIFA, sponsors, fans and others. The NFF will be putting in place the NFF Foundation principally to look into the welfare of players.
Not just that; he also set up the machinery to take care of retired footballers who are distressed. An example is Wilson Oruma who lost his fortune but has been assisted back to good health by Pinnicks Brownhill Foundation. The foundation is his way of giving back to society. Those who know say that five per cent of earnings from his businesses is channelled to the foundation. Several students have been awarded scholarships and ex-sports personalities with health challenges have also benefited from this foundation. The legendary Segun Odegbami had to applaud Pinnick because some of the beneficiaries of the Foundation went through the Segun Odegbamis Sports College in Ewekoro.
At the moment, Brownhill Foundation is rebuilding the football pitch, seating pavilions, classroom blocks, volleyball court and renovating the main administrative building in Hussey College, Warri, his alma mater.
Instructively, the Pinnick administration has already started the construction of mini-secretariats for the Football Associations in each of the 36 States and the FCT. The first round of the project has already been concluded in six states (selected from each of the countrys geo-political zones), and construction has commenced in the second tranche of six states. This was part of the significant add-ons agreed with AITEO.
When German giants, Adidas, refused to renew its agreement with the NFF following perceived failures of the previous administration to protect it from the ambush of rivals, and with Nigeria left with no choice than to be buying kits for its various National Teams, Pinnick reached out to his contacts and succeeded in bringing NIKE, another global player, into the fold. Following participation at the FIFA World Cup and the generally rising stock of Nigerian Football on and off the pitch, conversations moved to NIKE significantly improving the terms of the contract, and in November 2018, a robust, new contract was signed between the NFF and NIKE.
Typical of the Nigerian Pull-Him-Down syndrome, Pinnick would soon become a victim of his successes. At the early stage of his second tenure, his opponents, supported by the former sports minister, Solomon Dalung, attempted to forcibly gain control of the NFF but after the intervention of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria was spared a worldwide ban by FIFA. Not satisfied, the opponents again wanted to use the retirement of the World Cup fund to cause more confusion but again the presidency stepped into the matter and a fresh crisis was averted. 
In May 2019, Nigerias Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property brought charges against Pinnick and other members of the NFF top brass over the alleged misappropriation of the $8.4 million (around R120 million) which FIFA paid Nigeria as a participation fee in the 2014 World Cup. 
Pinnick maintained his innocence, claiming victimisation. According to him, The motive for this media trial is purely destructive; its a deep-seated emotional, obsessional and delusional hatred. This is not the first time. We believe all the false allegations are aimed at destroying our credibility and what weve built. The charges were, however, withdrawn by the Federal Government who had taken over the case from the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP).
It is interesting to note that despite all the allegations thrown against him and which have landed in court, Pinnick has always triumphed. Still, his detractors would not back off, preferring to distract him from his mission to put African football aright and in the right light. But Pinnick is seen by many as a child of destiny. And they have good grounds to believe so because he has survived both physical and spiritual attacks especially after his close shave with death after a firecracker accident that took out half of his face and had to be flown to London in an air ambulance in 2011 from Warri via Lagos. The legal attacks have also been unrelenting but he keeps surviving all.
A former Super Eagles player, Chikelue Iloenyeosi, recently advanced reasons why he believes Nigeria should celebrate Pinnick rather than pander to the orchestrated moves to bring his name into disrepute. Since his emergence as chairman, Iloenyeosi said Pinnick has been buffeted with allegations of all kinds in the media and public space, with some of the issues ending up in court. He has been the victim of high-grade envy, intense political schemes and vendetta. Before I came close to the NFF, I was like the other armchair critics who saw nothing good in the federation and thought all they were doing there was sharing money, the former defender said.
He added, Since I started working with Mr. Pinnick, the NFF has never received up to N1 billion as allocation from the government. The money that comes from FIFA is about $1.2million, of which $700,000 is for infrastructure, with the rest broken into subheads like women football, youth development and leagues.
When you place this side-by-side with the responsibilities of catering for 11 national teams, most of which are always competitively engaged, you begin to wonder where all the outlandish figures that some persons are bandying around town as having been embezzled came from.

Iloenyeosi declared further that Pinnick and his team deserve kudos for their resourcefulness in getting some state governments to take the burden of sponsorship of some matches of the national teams as the Federal Government does not give monies for every match but intervenes only for critical tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup. He continued, For the 65 months that he has been NFF President, Mr. Pinnick has not received money for accommodation in Abuja, despite travelling to the city several times every month for official functions. His predecessor collected a tidy sum for this.
A successful businessman before his love and passion for football took over, he is the chairman of the Brownhill Group UK with subsidiaries like Brownhill Investments Company Ltd, A Marine and Offshore Support Services Co, the Brownhill Investment Company Ltd, Brownhill Construction and Engineering Ltd, Brownhill Properties LTD, Brownhill Coliseum, Brownhill Events Incorporated and BrownHill Marine and Offshore support services.

His journey to the NFF began after a four year-stint as Chairman, Delta State Football Association. Against all odds, he won the NFF election in 2014 despite being pitted against heavyweights like sports business mogul, Shehu Dikko, and former NFF Secretary-General, Taiwo Ogunjobi. Pinnick went on to name Dikko as second vice-president. The plan is to make genuine reconciliatory moves. I will personally go to Jos to see and speak to Chris Giwa because we all need to come together for the sake of our country and football, said Pinnick. It was the first sign that he was not at the NFF to wage petty wars against real or phantom enemies. He won re-election in September 2018 and has promised to focus on youth development programmes and reconciliation, build a sustainable football culture for Nigeria, and continue the great march towards ensuring financial independence for the NFF during his second tenure.