Nigeria Has No Future Under Buhari's Government-Ogun State PDP

                           

One year after President Muhammadu Buhari took over power under the All Progressives Congress (APC), his tenure has been described as unfavourable, tortuous, rudderless and directionless.

Assessing the speech of the President, which was read on Sunday May 29, 2016, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said in a statement that it was as colourless as they come, and that Buhari could not point to any meaningful achievement in the last one year.

In the statement, which was signed by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State, Mr. Malik Olamilekan Ibitoye, and released to the press, the party stated that it was regrettable that Buhari wasted 365 whole days, adding that he could not even point to a single achievement other than the assumed rescue of one of the missing Chibok Girls.

"We are surprised that the APC, according to the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that it spent one full year to plan. What would they do in the second year. What the government is saying is that they did not make a single plan before they got to power in the first place.

"Everything has degenerated since APC assumed power at the central in 2015. Fuel price has gone up astronomically, we now have hyper-inflation in Nigeria. People can no longer feed their families, there is no job, no electricity, food is expensive and the whole system has completely broken down," the statement read.

Malik said further in the statement that President Buhari was busy gallivanting all over the world, and that the much pronounced fight against corruption has been one sided.

He faulted Buhari, who he said reneged on his promise to name the looters of the nation's treasury and the amount they allegedly stole, while emphasising that it is now clear that the APC was not ready for governance.

The statement reads further: "The APC got to power with propaganda and they have not stopped issuing statements and press releases as if they were still campaigning. Nigerians thought they voted for a pragmatic leader and that better days were here, but now they have since discovered that they were deceived by the APC.

"What we see everyday is a government without focus, a government with poor economic plan as all economic indices point to zero and we have discovered that this government does not know what to do with power.

"We in the Ogun State PDP are not deceived at all. Buhari has not dropped his military toga going by some of his statements, body language and actions lately. We were expecting that he would come up with reasonable actions and policies that would move the country forward. But with what is contained in that speech, Buhari years have nothing good to offer the teeming population of Nigerians."

The reality on ground now, Malik said, is that people now live in palpable fear and that where we feel there is peace in Nigeria, what is actually manifesting is peace of the graveyard, adding that 'APC is daily digging its political grave as 2019 is approaching with its anti-people policies and actions of the Federal Government.'

Tony Elumelu promotes Nigeria as top investment destination to the French business community

Serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and promoter of Africaptalism, Tony O. Elumelu on 27 May 2016, delivered an inspiring speech in Paris, France, selling Nigeria as an investment destination to the French business community.

 

Elumelu, who is the Chairman of Pan-African banking group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and proprietary investment firm, Heirs Holdings delivered the speech as a guest speaker at the 1st ‘Colloque Nigeria', a colloquium on doing business and investment in Nigeria, which was organised by the French Senate at the exquisite Palais de Luxembourg in Paris, France.

 

Speaking at the conference, the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation said that like every part of the world, investors in Nigeria and Africa are faced with a myriad of challenges, but amidst these challenges no other destinations provided more opportunities and return on investment as do Nigeria and Africa. "Nigeria remains a very viable, attractive and important investment and export destination for French companies. As a matter of fact, I would argue that now is a good time to come and invest in Nigeria, because it is an investor’s market. The fundamentals of the Nigerian economy remain strong," he said.

 

According to Elumelu, some of the trends supporting long - term growth in Nigeria are the increased use of technology by the Nigerian population, high consumerism, young demographic and increasing urbanization. Whilst encouraging French businesses to come and discover Nigeria, he advised the would - be investors to find the right partner that would help them navigate the environment and stated that they need be committed to invest in Nigeria for the long haul.

 

“Nigeria has always been a unique country.  We are not only the most populous country on the continent of Africa, we are amongst the best educated and most-traveled people in Africa.  We Nigerians are well known for our positive outlook and can-do spirit.  Even more importantly, we have a strong culture and spirit of entrepreneurship. The smart investor, knows that this is the time to enter our market because the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy remain strong, and where others perceive risk and challenge, the glass is actually half full rather than half empty” Elumelu said.  

 

He asserted that despite the current challenges faced by Nigeria which have been brought about by the sharp drop in commodity prices, the country still offers one of the highest returns on investment on the continent

Citing the example of what UBA has been able to achieve in Nigeria, Elumelu said that UBA has operated profitably in Nigeria for the past 70 years and in the last decade, increased its footprint into 18 other countries in Africa as it set up business offices in Paris, New York and London. “UBA is helping to finance major projects in infrastructure, as well as in the agriculture and construction sectors of the African countries in which we operate, most of these being francophone countries. We have continued to open more UBA branches of our subsidiaries and we have become better established in those markets.  The second stage of the roll out on the continent begins later this year”. 

 

“The large Nigerian economy plays an important leading role in West Africa and beyond.  So when you invest in Nigeria, the benefits spill over to our neighbours in dozens of countries” he continued.

 

He thanked the investing community for their enthusiasm about investing in Nigeria and he encouraged them to "believe in Nigeria; come to Nigeria; discover Nigeria; invest in Nigeria; help develop Nigeria and prosper with Nigerians; and most importantly, take an Africapitalist approach to entering and investing in Nigeria because what we are looking for are sustainable partnerships that will deliver sustainable development through the private sector going about its normal commercial activities," he concluded.

 

Also speaking at the Colloque Nigeria summit, the President of the French Senate, Mr. Gerard Larcher stressed that the summit is strategic to French business interests as Nigeria remains the first destination of French investment in sub Saharan Africa. " We want to strengthen these privileged links, said the President.

 

He thanked Mr Elumelu for his sterling contributions to the economic development of the continent, and especially in the area of entrepreneurship where the Tony Elumelu Foundation - through its Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme - has been engaging in promoting start-up businesses across the continent

 

When Kwara Gov., Abdulfatah Ahmed Dragged Faithia Balogun, Others For A Stage play

                            
Sultry actress, Faithia Williams Balogun is one of the talented notable thespians that will be performing in a stage play billed to hold in celebration of this year’s Children’s Day in Ilorin, Kwara State. The stage drama, titled, ‘’Asa Wa’’ is a theatrical presentation of the realities and effects of modernisation on our culture.

Asa Wa is a stage play conceptualized by renowned actor and heir-apparent to the popular Adebayo movie dynasty, Femi Adebayo who’s  the Special Assistant to the Kwara State governor on Arts, Culture & Tourism.Preparations for the stage play which is also meant to mark the May 29th, 2016 democracy day are at top gear as various movie stars have stormed Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State in rehearsal frenzy moods in a bid to set the serene ancient city on sparks.

According to sources, the ageless beauty, Faithia who’s one of the lead acts in ‘’Asa Wa’’ is taking a role of a local folklore singer-Labake who eventually becomes the star to beat

The play which holds on Friday, May 27th at the Banquet Hall, opposite the Kwara State government House, sees top celebrities and dignitaries including the State’s No. 1 citizen, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed as colourful audience.

Gulder Celebrates Ambassador' Yemi Blaq

                        

Gulder, the premium lager beer from Nigerian Breweries Plc celebrated its ambassador, Mr. Yemi Olatunji, better known as Yemi Blaq, who turned a year older on Thursday, May 19th, 2016.

The birthday ceremony took place last week with his colleagues, friends and officials of Nigerian Breweries during the Nollywood Beer Academy, sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, in Ibadan, Oyo State.  Edem Vindah, Corporate Media/Brand PR Manager, NB Plc, explained that the brand is proud of Yemi Blaq because he represents Gulder’s ideals of the “real man who is responsible, hardworking, demonstrates leadership and respect for others.”

Gulder, Edem added, stands for the ultimate sign of achievement, masculinity, respect, self-assurance and success and also a premium quality beer for young success conscious men and women

Blaq, who became a Gulder brand ambassador last year, came into the movie industry in 2005. He has featured in over 250 films and he is seen as a hard working movie producer and one of the most famous in Nollywood.

Blaq was born and raised in a family of four siblings in Ondo state Nigeria and grew up knowing he was going to go into the arts.

From his primary school days, he got a lot of encouragement and support. After he played the role of the incorruptible judge in Olu Olagoke’s ‘The Incorruptible Judge’, his teacher came home and said to his mum, ‘oh this one is going to become an actor. Since then he has nurtured it up.

“I always wanted to act, I always loved acting. I used to act back in my days in school I studied theatre arts in school. I travelled and after I came back I joined the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN),” he said.

Yemi believes he was one of the lucky ones because he got into the industry when everyone said it was a bit tough. He was in it for about five or six months auditioning for roles, and talking to people for opportunities. Then he ran into a really large big audition which turned out to be a grand encounter.

“My first experience on set was with Obi Osotule and Mathias Agbo in Benin city. They were shooting this movie, ‘The Unseen Eyes’ and I had gone there to just flex my acting muscles. I got on set with the rest of the people who came for the audition and we started reading,” Blaq said.

‘Lost to Lust’ was the movie that gave him a breakthrough, being his first lead role movie with Mercy Johnson. "It came out successful and since then every director and producer want me to work for them. Because in the industry if you are good, people tend to look for you, to utilize your talent “he said.

After his breakthrough with ‘Lost to lust’ directors and filmmakers started calling upon him to feature in movies.

   

AFRICA POISED TO BECOME THE ENGINE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH SAYS TONY ELUMELU

                                   
At the 51st Annual meeting of the board of governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB), African philanthropist Tony Elumelu, urged the private sector to tackle unemployment among African youths on the continent.

 

Mr. Elumelu, the Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and pan-African investment company Heirs Holdings said during a panel session at the event on Jobs for African Youths that “The solution to the problem of unemployment is going to come first from within and then from all of us working collectively. I believe entrepreneurship can solve the problem of job creation.”

 

Other speakers at this session include H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Republic of Ethiopia; Akinwunmi Adesina, President, African Development Bank; Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; Mo Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and Thomas Silberhorn, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development(BMZ).

 

Mr. Elumelu charged the audience and co-panelists: “If we are serious about cultivating jobs, let Africans who want to help deal with this issue. The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), is my foundation’s 10-year, $100 million commitment to empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs and surely, there are more private sector leaders that are willing to invest in our continent’s future.”

 

“I see great entrepreneurship potential in many of the 45,000 applicants that applied for TEEP this year alone, but the level of training, mentoring and networking that we offer means that we can only select 1,000 each year. I call on everyone here to support those who missed the cut. This is a clear path to sustaining African economic growth.”

 

Also contributing to the panel discussion, the AfDB president, Akinwunmi Adesina, noted that Africa has a job crisis.

 

“Unemployment rate is a crisis. Africa is in a job crisis. I believe the solution is right here in Africa” Akinwunmi, who is also Nigeria’s immediate former Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that the future of Africa lies in a more “prosperous and inclusive Africa.”

 

The panelists were focused not only on creating jobs for the youths but also harnessing the skills available on the continent to ensure good use is made of the natural resources available. Thomas Silberhorn wants the world to take note of the fact that “$150bn worth of goods is exported each year outside the continent(of Africa) which is much more than the aid given” as Elumelu opined that “International Aid organisations need to re-evaluate the way they engage Africa in the 21^st century”.

According to Mo Ibrahim “We are wonderful at wasting natural resources. The same way we waste our youth. We send our natural resources overseas where they add no value until they are refined’.  In support of this, Lopez added that “African migrants, if properly trained, can return to the continent to add value just like the entrepreneurs being trained by the Tony Elumelu Foundation”.

“Young people need a helping hand, the kind that will make them self- reliant and self- confident so that they can add their quota to the development of the continent” said Tony Elumelu. He commended the AfDB for launching the New Deal on Energy for Africa initiative.

 

 

EFCC 's case against Mallam Tukur is a lie-Associates

                                 
Friends and associates of the Principal Secretary to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Mallam Hassan Tukur have bursted what they call ‘the balloons of lies’ against the politician who was recently arrested by the EFCC.
According to an online platform, Tukur was reportedly given $40m to facilitate the negotiation of the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls by the Boko Harammn sect, he gave out only $5m (five million dollars) to the Chadian President, Idriss Derby, and pocketed the rest of the money, which amounted to $35m (thirty-five million dollars)…In continuing with the report, the online media went further to allege that Tukur ferried the money to the Chadian capital with Presidential jets.
The group of friends which was represented by a long associate of Hassan Tukur, Akeem Babalola called the report ‘a total reliance of pepper soup joint gossip’.
Babalola in defence of Mallam Tukur stated “As you’ll see, there are three specific issues with to raise in the said story. The questions that readily come to mind here is: what was the money meant for? Was it to be distributed to members of Boko Haram for them to free the girls? Was it meant for logistics? Why was part of the money given to Chadian President (if any)? Was it given to him on his personal capacity or to ministry of finance? Was the money meant to buy weapons for Chadian army? These and others, are pertinent questions those vilifying Tukur should ask themselves before any further action.
“The insinuation that Tukur has been singing in the EFCC cell, implicating Jonathan and others, who worked under him, is nothing but the imagination of the writer. Tukur was not involved in the sharing of the money; if at all there was any money shared.
The story of Tukur making helpful confessions in detention spread like wildfire while other news channels also linked his alleged confession to ex-President Jonathan’s exile to Cote D’ivoire, a report the former president vehemently denied.
Tukur remains one of the closest aides of Goodluck Jonathan and his wealth of experience and integrity is what many cannot stop talking about as he was said to have also served in President Buhari’s government when he was a military Head of State.

 

Photo News:PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES AMB. SAEED KOOZECHI OF REPUBLIC OF IRAN IN ABUJA.

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (R) PRESENTING A SOUVENIR TO OUTGOING AMBASSADOR OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN TO NIGERIA, MR SAEED KOOZECHI, WHO PAID HIM FAREWELL VISIT  AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY (25/5/16)
3810/25/5/2016/ICE/CH/NAN

Photo News: LAGOS STATE SIGNS MoU ON 4TH MAINLAND BRIDGE IN LAGOS

REPRESENTATIVE OF VISIBLE CONCEPT, PASTOR IDOWU ILUYOMADE(R) PRESENTING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON 4TH MAINLAND BRIDGE TO GOV. AKINWUNMI AMBODE OF LAGOS AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY IN LAGOS ON WEDNESDAY (25/5/16).
3811/25/5/2016/MA/CH/NAN

FG Appoints New DGs For NAN, NTA, FRCN, NBC, VON & NOA

                       
The Nigerian federal government has announced the appointment of new chief executives for six information-related parastatals under the ministry of information and culture.
The appointments were announced in Abuja on Wednesday, May 25, by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture.
The appointments take immediate effect.
The new Chief Executives are:
1. Mr. Ishaq Modibo Kawu – Director-General, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
2. Mr. Mansur Liman – Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)
3. Mr. Yakubu Mohammed – Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
4. Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA)
5. Mr. Bayo Onanuga – Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
6. Mr. Osita Okechukwu – Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON)
The new appointees replace the Chief Executives of the parastatals who were disengaged on Monday, February 15 2016

UBA and Konga Boost e-Commerce With Mobile POS

                         

Pan African banking group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has partnered Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce company  and   Innovectives Nigeria Limited to create a seamless delivery and payment system by integrating mobile point of sale solution into Konga's delivery system.  

 

Mobile POS (mPOS) which is powered by UBA PLC and MasterCard will make it easier for Konga customers to pay for their orders thereby enhancing payment acceptance and making reconciliation easy for Konga customers and sales agents. The mobile POS payments are 100% secure and accept for  local and international card types. 

 

The new Mobile POS will accept MasterCard, Visa and Verve cards from all banks and enable Konga delivery agents to easily capture sales.  Customers can also confirm payments on the spot thus improving accountability in e-commerce transactions.

 

“We have partnered with Konga to get this innovative payment solution because it offers convenience to Nigerians who are increasingly shopping online. Mobile POS offers a significant improvement in transparency in the way customers pay for their goods. Konga delivery people will be able to accept payments from a phone-like POS terminal and UBA is powering this with its advanced digital payments technology” said Dr. Yinka Adedeji, Divisional Head, Digital Banking, UBA Plc.

 

Konga has adopted convenient, cutting edge and secure payment solutions to reduce cash handling and enhance the shopping experience for its customers.

 

With a customer base in excess of 10 million, UBA has invested heavily in building a robust and secure Digital Banking platform that supports its digital banking operations globally through strategic partnerships with various local and international organizations.

 

The UBA Group is a highly diversified financial services provider, with business offices in New York, Paris and a subsidiary in London. A leading player on the African continent, UBA has significant market share and operations in 19 different African countries. The Group has a strong retail franchise across the continent offering its customers a bouquet of products and services tailored to meet their different financial needs.

 

 

 

 

Electrocuted UNILAG undergraduate’s family gets N45m compensation

                     

The family of Oluchi Anekwe, a 300-level student of Accounting in the University of Lagos, who was electrocuted by a live wire on the school premises, has been paid N45m as compensation.

A source told us  that the money was paid after the Eko Electricity Distribution Company reached a non-disclosure agreement with the victim’s family. Our correspondent had reported in September 2015 that Oluchi, a first class student of UNILAG, was electrocuted at about 7pm, while returning from an evening mass with her younger sister.

Oluchi had reportedly entered the Eni Njoku Hall to buy an item and was walking out of the hostel when a high-tension wire fell on her.

The remains of the Igbo-Etiti, Enugu State indigene, were buried shortly after.

The Federal Government also set up a panel to investigate the death.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, reportedly took up the case and wrote EKEDC, asking that the firm compensate the family or risk litigation.

It was gathered that after series of meetings, the power firm buckled and settled with the family.

A credible source told our correspondent that the firm paid N45m to the family.

He said, “They agreed and paid N45m in a non-disclosure agreement. This means the agreement is not to be disclosed to the public. It is supposed to be a private arrangement between the company and the girl’s family.

“The reasoning is that if it is publicised, it could encourage people who have similar grievances to insist on monetary settlements. That might not augur well for the company. The victim’s younger sister has also been flown abroad for treatment for the injuries she sustained in the incident.”

When contacted, Oluchi’s father, Chief Basil Anekwe, refused to confirm if any money was paid to his family, saying instead that the victim’s younger sister was abandoned in an American hospital.

He said, “Which money are you talking about? Where did you get the information? Well, I don’t have an idea of what you are talking about; I am in Enugu right now.”

When PUNCH Metro probed further if the family had received any payment, he said, “Do not ask me because I do not know you. You cannot hear anything from me. Go and confirm from the person that gave you the information. Write that I said I have nothing to say about it.

“I stopped the negotiation process because my daughter was abandoned in an American hospital and I had to go and get her.”

Falana, whose chamber reportedly mediated in the process, could not be reached for comment despite efforts by our correspondent.

But the General Manager, Corporate Communications, EKEDC, Idemudia Godwin, confirmed that there was a settlement, adding that it was not for the public.

He said, “We have settled out of court. We don’t have any issue with the family again.

“I think we want it private; we don’t want it publicised and the family also does not want it published.”

Godwin, however, expressed surprise at the allegation that the company abandoned Oluchi’s sister in an American hospital, saying he was not aware

Source-The Punch

 

BREAKING: EFCC declares Omisore wanted

                           

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared wanted a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

The EFCC said this on its official Facebook page on Tuesday.

The commission said Omisore allegedly received N700m from a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)

The anti-graft agency said Omisore had been evading arrest for several months and it thus had no choice but to declare him wanted.

The statement read, “The EFCC, today,  May 24,2016, declared a former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore wanted.

“The former senator is wanted in connection with a case of receiving and misappropriating the sum of over N700, 000,000.00 from the Office of the National Security Adviser, between June and November, 2014.

“Omisore has been elusive and refused to report to the Commission after invitation was extended to him on April 7, 2016 requesting him “to come and make clarification on the ongoing investigation.”

The EFCC explained that instead of responding to the Commission’s investigation, Omosore had approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

It added, “Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf consequently ordered that Omisore should only be arrested through a due and legal process. The EFCC thereafter obtained a warrant to effect the arrest of the politician.”

 

 

Source-The Punch

 

 

 

Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam: Contestants in Oyo laud Nigerian Breweries

                  

Impressed by the opportunity provided by Nigeria’s number one Fuji talent show, Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam, many contestants who participated in the Oyo State edition of the auditions have applauded Nigerian Breweries Plc for providing the platform that has led to the discovery of budding talents and also for putting Fuji music on the spotlight in Nigeria and beyond.

 

The contestants said they appreciate the commitment of the company to the promotion and development of the genre of music, which has over the years contributed to the socio-cultural development of Yorubas living in the western part of the country and beyond.

 

Among the contestants who spoke about the positive impact of the annual competition on the culture of Yorubas are Lateef Aremu, Akintunde Fatai, Isiaka Adelodun, Sadiq Ishola and Chief Ramon Akano Olatunde (a.k.a. TungbaAtiba. They unanimously commended the initiative behind the yearly talent hunt for the budding Fuji musicians.

 

Specifically, Aremu, who said he veered into Fuji music in 1996, five years after kicking off his career as a performing artiste in 1991 with Were and Apala traditional music, declared that his expectation is that Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam would help him actualize his dream. According to him, he managed to record an album titled: Journey, eight years ago but could not record another one because of lack of sponsorship.

 

Meanwhile, he expressed optimism that the contest would catapult him to the promise land if he eventually emerges overall winner. His words: “I thank NB Plc. What they are doing is something that can brighten one’s hope in life. I want them to continue to sustain the programme for the benefit of young artistes like myself and several others who need support.”

 

Fatai corroborated his view when he affirmed that there are many up-and-coming talented artistes who find it difficult to hit the airwaves because of their inability to finance their career to the top. Although Fatai said he had been in the Fuji music business for over 15 years, he could not afford to record any album. He said that was not because of lack of initiative but due to the difficulty in raising capital for the project.

 

The young musician further stated that Nigerian Breweries Plc, makers of Goldberg lager beer, is a responsible organization having designed the Fuji t’o Bam competition to identify, build and set a career path for aspiring Fuji musicians and for the development of Fuji music in its entirety. He enjoined other brands to emulate Goldberg as it has helped to promote the rich traditional music.

 

In his own comments, Adelodun, who started his Fuji music career in 1988, disclosed that he came to Oyo from Ogbomosho to participate in the audition. Adelodun, who already has three albums to his credit, however said his band is in dire needs of a promoter. His words: “Fuji music has come to stay in Nigeria because it is enjoyed by all. I commend Goldberg for being part of history that will forever remain in the minds of everyone. The brand has indeed created a platform for me and hundreds of promising Fuji artistes to showcase our talents.”

 

Another contestant, Olatunde, expressed satisfaction with the high standard of the competition as he expressed hope that the contest would enable him to add to the number of his albums in the market.

 

Speaking after the audition, one of the judges, Sikiru Agboola aka SK Sensation described the audition as keenly contested. He disclosed that all the participating Fuji artistes in the Oyo audition showed exceptional talent. He therefore encouraged them to see themselves as stars because they have what it takes to be successful in Fuji music, even though they won’t all make it through the audition stage to the finals.

 

On what the judges look out for in each contestant, Agboola said “we create a level-playing field for all contestants where we look at their singing abilities and their dexterity in performing and managing stage

National Convention: Ladi Adebutu Takes Over Ogun State PDP From Kashamu Buruji

                       

The event that played out at the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday May 21, 2016 has further given credibility to the Ladi Adebutu Faction of the PDP in Ogun State.

Two groups from the state; one led by Ladi Adebutu and the other led by Senator Kashamu Buruji had prepared to attend the convention with each claiming to represent the state.

However, the Ladi Adebutu group was recognised by the party's national executive and the convention's planning committee, which made it clear that Adebutu's group is the one recognised as the authentic executive of the party as Buruji's parallel group was not given recognition at the event.

Sources within the party at the convention stated this has put paid to doubts by some events watchers and party members about which group has the right to control the PDP in Ogun State.

A member of the Adebutu Group, who begged for anonymity, told us that the group would be expecting those in Kashamu's faction to sheat their swords and embrace peace for the sake of the party.

"We have to come together to move Ogun State forward. We cannot continue to fight ourselves now that our group has been given credibility by the party leaders so that we can take over the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019," he said.

It will be recalled that three factions of the party had existed in the state; one was led by Ladi Adebutu, another one by a former speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole and the third by Senator Kashamu Buruji.

But the Dimeji Bankole group later merged with Adebutu's group after the three groups had held their congresses on May 11, 2016 at different venues.

While Bankole's group reportedly held their congress at the Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta, Adebutu's group was said to have held theirs at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Libraray (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

Kashamu's group was said to have held their congress at the PDP secretariat at Kobape Road, opposite NNPC Mega Station, Kuto, Abeokuta.

It was shortly after this that Dimeji Bankole's faction decided to merge with that of Ladi Adebutu.

The deal between the faction of Bankole and Adebutu was allegedly sealed during the zonal congress of the PDP, which held in Akure, Ondo State on May 14, 2016.

"Dimeji Bankole decided to work with the faction of Ladi Adebutu to tackle Kashamu Buruji's faction in the state ahead of the 2019 election. He then insisted that his group must be given one of the key zonal positions of the party zoned to Ogun State.

"He was eventually given the post of the Organising Secretary, which went to a former Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Fasiu Bakenne, while the group of Ladi Adebutu got the position of ex-officio, which was given to a former chairman of Ado-Odo Ota Local Government, Abayomi Tella and that of the Women Leader," said a party source.

We were reliably informed that Ladi Adebutu Group is now set to re-position the party in Ogun State and start preparing the ground for its eventual take over of the state in the coming years

BEER, A CULTURE FOR ENHANCING HEALTH, SOCIAL BONDING – STUDY

                       
Drinking, as we have already noted, is essentially a social act, subject to a variety of rules and norms regarding who may drink what, when, where, with whom and so on. Drinking does not, in any society, take place ‘just anywhere’, and most cultures have specific, designated environments for communal drinking. 

Alcohol has long been regarded as a social leveller, and the act of communal drinking as a means of communication between those of different ranks and status in society

Major life-cycle events such as birth, coming-of-age, marriage and death; important life-changes such as graduation or retirement - and even far less momentous shifts such as the daily transition from work to play - all require ritual endorsement

Alcohol punctuates our lives from the cradle to the grave. A few drinks to ‘wet the baby’s head’ is a common practice in many cultures. In Poland, Christenings are celebrated in the local tavern, with the child’s godparent covering the cost of the liquor (Freund, 1985).

"These ceremonial events, with their accompanying drinking patterns, undoubtedly provide relief from the daily boredoms and frustrations of peasant agricultural life. They also provide a base for conviviality and the easing of social tensions in a society where human relations are not easy. Alcohol seems to do much, for example, to break down barriers between the sexes and social classes on ceremonial occasions." 

In most cultures, a marriage is a major transformation, conducted in stages, each of which requires a drinking-event. In many cultures, the ritualisation of transition is not restricted to the major life-cycle transitions of birth, coming-of-age, marriage and death, but extends to less portentous life-changing events such as graduation, job promotion, house-warming and retirement. The need to invest ‘lifestyle’ transitions with wider social and symbolic meaning - and particularly to do so by drinking - seems a near-universal feature of human cultures. 

 

The purchase or building of a first house, and subsequent house-moves, are, in many cultures, transitions of significance in terms of social and economic status, as well as potentially stressful events for those concerned - a combination which seems to demand ritual recognition. In some cultures, the rites of passage associated with house-transitions may involve only family and close friends; in others, the entire community may participate in the ritual, in which alcohol will usually play a central role.

As we have seen, however, the symbolic meanings attributed to alcohol vary across different cultures, and the suitability of alcohol as a symbol of transition to playtime, the perception of drinking as antithetical to working, is by no means universal. In many cultures, the stop off at the drinking-place on the way to work, or to ‘re-fuel’ at lunchtime, is just as common as the after-work drinking session, and alcohol is used to generate ‘energy’ and enthusiasm for work, as well as to relax after work or to celebrate the completion of a task.

This perception of alcohol as a quintessentially ‘social’ substance is reinforced by the practices associated with its consumption at rites of passage - the rituals of pouring, sharing, toasting, round-buying etc. - which serve to define and regulate social relationships, to promote conviviality and to build and strengthen interpersonal bonds.

Despite cross-cultural variations, the central fact remains that in all cultures where alcohol is used, drinking is an essential element of celebration. This requires explanation: why should alcohol, rather than any other substance, be the universal symbol of festivity? The answer requires an understanding of the underlying social functions of celebration, and their relation to the symbolic and pharmacological properties of alcohol. 

A new study has revealed that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol in a group setting boosts people’s emotions and enhances social bonding.The study, published recently in the journal Psychological Science also found that moderate consumption of alcohol can minimize negative emotions — or at least reduce displays such as being silent in a group 

The study, funded by the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism submitted that Alcohol fueled social bonding and increased the amount of time people spent talking to one another. It also increased the frequency and enhanced the coordination of “true” smiles, the researchers said.

According to researchers, beer allows us to loosen up when we indulge with moderation and respect, while it also inspires us to be our true selves.

“Too many of us go about our daily lives suffocating in our own uptightness, in a constant state of worry, focused on work and not life, being nitpicky and oblivious to the wonderful people and moments that surround us. Too many people never take a break to sit down with a pint of their favorite, to look over at the person next to them and say "hello," to make a connection -- an important connection,” the researchers said.

In carrying out the study, researchers randomly assigned 720 men and women to groups of three people who didn’t know one another. They said previous studies have focused on alcohol’s effect on individuals.

“We felt that many of the most significant effects of alcohol would more likely be revealed in an experiment using a social setting,” study author Michael Sayette, a professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, said in a journal news release.

Sterling Bank Elevates 565 Staff

                      

Sterling Bank has continued to demonstrate its commitment to rewarding excellence, hardwork and dedication, and boosting productivity among staff as it announced the promotion of 566 staff.

The Bank in a statement signed by its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Yemi Adeola and made available to our reporter explained that the promotion exercise which cut across the senior and middle management as well as the junior management cadre was based on merit using a transparent and robust performance management system in line with global best practice.

 

The list as highlighted in the press statement consists of Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, a senior management staff who was elevated to the grade of General Manager, 258 middle management and 307 junior management staff.

 

Until his promotion, Mr. Emefienim was a Deputy General Manager of the Bank. He oversees the Bank’s business in the South South and South East geographical zones of Nigeria. His elevation has already been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as the Board of the Bank.

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Adeola in the statement noted that the elevation of  Mr. Emefienim was based on his immense contribution to the sustained growth of the Bank over the years.

 

His words: “Emmanuel has contributed immensely to the growth and success of the Bank. Indeed, he has been awarded the Best Performing Group Head (Regional Businesses) at various times for his exceptional performance. Over the years, he has consistently proven to be a worthy individual with outstanding leadership qualities. He has displayed an incredible depth of knowledge, skill and excellence. He has delivered value, put forward his best and taken ownership as and when necessary. By all standards, he is a professional par excellence”.

 

Emmanuel has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, having worked in various middle and senior management capacities within the Banking Operations and Marketing functions.

 

Sterling Bank Plc, “the one-customer bank”, is a full-service national commercial bank with an asset base above N800 billion with over 190 business offices and more than 800 ATMs nationwide. In over 55 years of service, Sterling Bank (formerly NAL Bank) has evolved from the nation’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a fully-fledged commercial bank. Furthermore, with a strong national presence, Sterling Bank is  one of the top 30 most capitalized institutions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The bank is also one of Nigeria’s fastest growing banks and is recognized as a dynamic financial services organization.

 

 

 

Reply

Forward

Nigerian tax officers shut down Glo offices over alleged N23 Billion Tax fraud

                         
The Federal Inland Revenue Service on Wednesday came hard on a major telecommunications company, Globacom Limited by shutting its offices in Lagos for failure to remit N24.3bn in Value Added Tax.

Globacom is one of the companies owned by Otunba Mike Adenuga,one of Africa’s richest people, according to Forbes.Some years ago,the head office of Con Oil, another major business concern of Adenuga was also shut down by Federal tax officers from Federal Inland Revenue over alleged tax invasion.
FIRS also did not spare Erin Petroleum Nigeria Limited, formerly known as Camac Petroleum Li
This comes after FIRS served the companies a six-week notice earlier given to them to pay up.

The embarrassing drama was led by FIRS, Director of Enforcement, Mr. Emeka Obiagwu who stormed the work stations to seal the offices.
The affected offices are Globacom Towers, located on Mike Adenuga Close; GloWorld, on Adeola Odeku Street; and another service station at 17, Saka Tinubu Street; all on Victoria Island, Lagos.
At Erin Petroleum, the FIRS team ordered the workers to vacate the server room, administrative room and other offices.mited, as its offices was also closed for not remitting N107.3m and $10.6m.
SOURCE-Gistmaster

Marriage To These 8 Types Of People Will Surely End In Divorce

                                     
Love, they say is blind but trust us, should you get married to any of these people, it is an eye opener and many at times, it is likely to end in divorce.1. Gold Digger Being married to such a person will only last as long as you’re able to provide for his or her insatiable needs but if the niceties stop flowing, he or she is gone, leaving you to lick your wounds. 2. Drunkard Many people can contain this for a while but if there is no solution to the problem, the likelihood it will end in divorce is very high. 3. Batterer Any man or woman who abuse their partner is obviously getting them out as quick as possible 4. Drug Addict Drug addiction is a very serious issue and marriages in this kind of situation can only last if both are addicted to drugs but if it’s just one party and the other is clean, the possibility of it ending in divorce is very high. 5. Narcissistic -Any person who does not care about others and is only concerned about themselves will only end up alone because marriage is about sharing and so if everything is centered on you, the likelihood of the other person leaving is very high. Usually, marriages to such persons do not work.6. Overly Jealous It is normal for every person to be jealous, from now and then but if you’re the kind of person who is overly jealous to the extent it clouds your judgment and you end up hurting others or fighting every now and then, then you should be prepared to end up alone. 7. Promiscuous In marriage, if one is promiscuous, obviously the marriage is bound to fail because most people abhor it. 8. Controlling Usually, the onus falls on women. One thing about men is that they all have an ego, that is how they were created and so in marriage, you have a woman who wants to always control the man, it doesn’t last. Disrespectful Respecting each other in a relationship is one of the foundations of a good marriage, but when disrespect is rife in a marriage, it is obviously going to end up in divorce
-Source-The Scoop.ng

Maikashuwa bows out as N’Assembly clerk today

                     The Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikashuwa, will proceed on his terminal leave, preparatory to his retirement from service on Friday (today).
The dust over the choice of his successor, has also settled as he had asked Mr. Mohammed Sani-Omolori, to take over from him as Acting CNA.
The National Assembly Service Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Adamu Fika, had appointed Sani-Omolori as the Acting Clerk, but the Chairman of the National Assembly/Senate President Bukola Saraki asked Fika to appoint the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Bennedict Efeturi, as the new CNA.
But Maikasuwa, on Thursday, less than 24 hours to the commencement of his terminal leave, formally named Sani-Omolori as the Acting CNA.
Maikashuwa, in a circular obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, said, “Sani-Omolori will step into the office as Acting Clerk to the National Assembly from May 14, 2016.”
The outgoing CNA, according to the circular, marked NASS/CNA/46/VoI.1/97, dated May 12, 2016, indicated that he would be proceeding on his terminal leave from May 14, 2016, to August 14, 2016.”
The circular partly read, “During my absence, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed A. Sani-Omolori, will perform my duties.”
The development has, therefore, ended weeks of disagreement between Saraki and NASC Executive Chairman over the appointment of an Acting Clerk of the National Assembly.
Fika had appointed Sani-Omolori as the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly.
The Senate President, in a letter, written by his Chief of Staff, however, directed Fika to withdraw Sani-Omolori’s appointment, pointing that the decision was unilateral and without consultation with other commissioners of the National Assembly Service Commission.
The National Assembly Service Commission had, in its letter dated April 20, 2016, appointed Sani-Omolori as the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly.
Saraki had yet to issue any  counter directive as of the time of filing this report.
Source-The Punch