Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin remanded in prison for murder

For allegedly participating in the murder of a man, a traditional ruler in Ekiti State, Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin and five others have been remanded in prison by an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The suspects were arraigned in connection with violence which occurred shortly after Obasoyin opened his newly-built hotel located in Gbemisola area of the town on Friday, Channels Television reports.
Suspected thugs were reported to have vandalised the hotel over a statement made by Obasoyin which they believed was against the interest of a governorship aspirant who hails from the town. This resulted in a reprisal attack by Obasoyin’s loyalists which eventually led to the death of one Kolade Adefemi. Others charged with the traditional ruler on an order to remand filed by the Commissioner of Police were Ajewole Sunday, Adetowoju Bode, Kayode Michael, Olowolafe Tola and Aluko Taiwo.
According to the remand order form marked MAD/181fk/17, the accused persons were charged with conspiracy, attempted murder of Ayodele Osanyinbola and murder of Kolade Adefemi.
Defence counsel, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, therefore urged the court to grant bail to the accused persons.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Johnson Okunade, opposed the bail application and pleaded that the court granted the remand order request.
Chief Magistrate Adesoji Adegboye refused the bail application and ordered the accused persons to be remanded in prison pending the issuance of legal advice on the case.

APC Leaders in Ejigbo endorse Ambode for second term

 

The leaders cited the unprecedented infrastructural development, job creation policies and all-inclusive governance structure, among other laudable initiatives of the Governor as the reasons for the overwhelming decision to support him for re-election in 2019.
They spoke at the end of the year party of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Foundation, a political group within the APC, held at Ejigbo Playing Ground.
In his remarks, founder of the group and the State’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr Abdulateef Abdulhakeem said the movement was about celebrating the leadership qualities of National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the sterling performance of Governor Ambode.

He said: “We have repeatedly said it. Today, we are celebrating Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; today, we are celebrating the unprecedented infrastructural development by His Excellency Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.
“Today is meant for the endorsement of Governor Ambode for second term so that whoever is planning to come out to contest the gubernatorial election in 2019, Ejigbo constituents are saying it loud and clear that there is no vacancy in Alausa.”
While revealing that the group had the blessings of Tinubu, Abdulhakeem said it was obvious that the former Governor of the State was blessed by God with the qualities of identifying good leaders.
According to him, “Almighty God has chosen Asiwaju to identify leaders who can continue the legacies that he has left behind. He was able to identify Babatunde Raji Fashola and now to consolidate on the achievements in the State, God directed his mind towards a quintessential leader, Akinwunmi Ambode.”
He said with the commendable achievements of Governor Ambode, there was no need wasting resources to conduct election in the State in 2019, instead a referendum should be conducted for people to unanimously ask the Governor to continue in office.
He said: “We are all witnesses to what God has done through Akinwunmi Ambode and like I said yesterday in Isolo, instead of us wasting resources contesting elections, why don’t all political parties come together and agree that this particular Governor has not disappointed Lagosians; he has several projects that he intend to execute.
Why don’t we save the nation the resources of conducting election in all the States by identifying some States where we have cutting-edge advantages.
“Any State where people can come together and say we all agree that this particular leader is a unique leader, the Federal Government should conduct a referendum as to whether at all it is necessary to conduct election.
“In Lagos State for instance, which political party has come out? Who has indicated any interest in contesting election with Ambode? So, why must we waste resources? Why must we allow violence, thuggery and all sort of things associated with election? Why can’t Lagosians speak with one voice and say let Ambode continue,” the Commissioner queried.
He said the advantage in doing such is that the Governor would know that the social contract with the people had been redoubled, and such would spur him to perform beyond ordinary level of excellence.
Also speaking, a member of the Lagos House of Assembly represented Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II, Hon Jude Idimogu said the achievements of the Governor in all sectors and sections of the State were evident for all to see.
He said the people of the area were united and committed to the second term of Governor Ambode to continue his good works in the State.
Notable members of the party at the event included Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Shamshudeen Olaleye; Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon Tunde Oke; Vice Chairman, Isolo LCDA, Mr Bayo Olasodu; Chairman, Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Foundation, Ejigbo Chapter, Wasiu Akinsola; Alhaji Bolaji Are, among others.
There were also representatives from political wards in the area including Aigbaka, Ailegun, Ilamoshe, Fadu, Ifoshi and Oke Afa.

Breaking: George Weah Is New President-Elect Of Liberia

Former Ballon d’Or winner, George Weah, has been announced as the President-elect of Liberia, West Africa.
The 51-year-old former World Footballer of the Year won thirteen out of fifteen counties.
His 73-year-old opponent and current vice president, Joseph Boakai got only two counties.
Weah becomes the 25th President of Liberia.
The ex-Liberian international played for Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City and later returned to France with Marseille.
He is the only African to win the coveted Ballon d’Or.
Weah also won the UEFA Champions League Top Scorer award, Coupe de France, Ligue1, Coupe de la Ligue, Serie A title, English FA Cup among others.
“I am deeply grateful to my family, my friends, and my loyal supporters who contributed to our campaign during this extremely long election season,” Weah said on Twitter before the results were announced.
Weah is set to replace Africa’s first female head of state, economist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
His inauguration would be the first time power was transferred from one democratically elected government to another.

Our govt. steadily building state that works for all – Ambode

 

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Tuesday, expressed profound gratitude to residents of the State for the massive support extended to his administration in the outgoing year which made the achievements recorded in key sectors possible, assuring that more projects would be implemented to make life comfortable for the people in 2018.
Speaking at a special Christmas Party put together by the State Government and held simultaneously in all the twenty Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, Governor Ambode said the Lagos Project was on course, and that his administration was gradually and steadily building a State that works for all.
He said, “I want to use this opportunity to once again, express this administration’s profound gratitude to you all for your support which is the cornerstone of the modest achievements we have recorded in the outgoing year. I want to assure you that our Lagos project is on course and we are gradually and steadily moving towards actualizing the dream of building a State that works for all.As a government, we are moving into the New Year with more vigour and determination to move our State to the next higher level particularly in the critical sectors including transportation, sustainable and healthy environment, social and physical infrastructural development, power, housing, tourism, education, etc.
“Together we can and we will achieve more landmark successes in 2018. I look forward to your continued support in the performance of your civic obligations, obedience to rules and regulations and ensuring peace and harmony in all our communities.”
The governor said he was delighted to join in the celebration of Christmas in a special way in the State being the first time it would be held simultaneously in all the twenty LGAs, adding that the significance of the season was important as it brought to the fore the need to remind each other of the virtues of love, kindness, tolerance, piety and humility which Jesus Christ personifies.
He said the celebration of Christmas would become more meaningful only if the people imbibe such fine qualities and allow them to manifest in their lives especially in relating with one another.

BIRTHDAYS: Primate Ayodele Congratulates Buhari, Saraki, Tasks Them On Focused Leadership

The founder and spiritual head of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Ejigbo, Lagos State, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, has sent his warm greeting to the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his birthday which came up two days ago. The famous prophet also greeted the senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, whose birthday falls within the same month with the president’s, emphasizing that indeed it is for a divine purpose that both leaders do not just belong in the same political party but also share birth month.

Primate Ayodele’s goodwill messages to the two leaders were sent during his ministry’s annual charity programme where he regularly gifts food items, clothes and cash to thousands of people including church members and outsiders in the spirit of the season. The prophet also called on Nigerian leaders at all levels of government to always have the interest of the masses at heart by formulating policies that are human-friendly.
 Ayodele then advises both Buhari and Saraki to work with a common purpose and ensure that poverty if not totally eradicated in their time, is brought down to the barest minimum. “Nigeria as giant of Africa needs prayer. The government should create plans for more jobs. In 2019, the electorate will decide and I see some politicians being disappointed. Any politician that is found to have performed below expectation will be voted out of office,” stated the man of God.  

LAKE Rice: Lagos Signs Agreement With Major Distributors

In its bid to ensure even and fair distribution of LAKE Rice product to the nooks and crannies of Lagos, the State Government has sought the participation of major rice distributors in Lagos and signed a partnership agreement with the distributors in the transportation, distribution and marketing of LAKE rice.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Food Security, Mr. Ganiyu Okanlawon who signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the Lagos State Government said the agreement will ensure that residents get LAKE Rice not just from designated sales centres but also from the open market at the official government price.Okanlawon explained that the agreement which is valid for one year in the first instance and may be extended by mutual agreement in writing for additional period, involves major distributors in various rice markets in the State which have the capacity to receive and distribute large tonnes of LAKE Rice during after the yuletide season.
“The distributors shall transport and market LAKE Rice, engage in equitable distribution of the product by avoiding hoard

ing and other sharp practices and ensure all year round continuous and equitable distribution of LAKE Rice”, he said.
While noting that the need to ensure availability of the product to citizens is key in the State’s drive to attain food sufficiency, the Special Adviser said that food production and self-sufficiency have been given priority attention at State’s policy and strategic level.
Okanlawon who implored the distributors not to default in the agreement assured the distributors of Lagos State Government commitment to keep its end of the bargain.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Olayiwole Onasanya explained the agreement sets out the terms upon which the parties will co-operate with each other for execution of the scheme.He added the State government will verify claims of address and warehouse or shops of the distributors, approve all business plans before implementation and conduct regular monitoring visits with respect to capacity and effectiveness of the distributor.
Responding on behalf of the distributors, the Iyaloja of Daleko Rice Market, Mrs. Ibilola Sholaja thanked the State Government for the opportunity given to distributors to be part of history in the sale of LAKE Rice.
She assured the State Government that distributors will abide by the terms of the agreement.

The enemy within: How Ibe Kachikwu allegedly caused fuel scarcity to sabotage Baru · Petroleum minister launches fresh offensive against NNPC boss leaving Nigerians on receiving end

 
If reports reaching us are true, then Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum is irredeemably drunk. But not with that drunkenness which is stupid, maudlin, wavering on its feet. Kachikwu is high on power and intoxication of public office, an unnatural state that keeps men alert, abnormally quick, vicious, perfectly steady, and lethal to the bones.

Few months after the corridors of power heaved a sigh of relief from the bitter war of will and influence between Kachikwu and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikantu Baru, fresh crisis loomed between the two as Kachikwu reportedly effected a grand plot to sabotage petroleum distribution in the country and project Baru in bad light.

The minister’s plot, according to a highly placed source, was effected courtesy the recent petroleum scarcity in the country. The source revealed that Kachikwu never forgave Baru for humiliating him before Nigerians and their principal, President Muhammadu Buhari.

For accusing Baru of gross insubordination and disrespect for due process in a recent letter to the President, Kachikwu recently stirred the hornet’s nest and risked losing his seat as the country’s junior petroleum minister. Sources close to the presidency revealed that President Buhari and his handlers were unhappy with Kachikwu over his perceived immaturity in handling the issue.

Kachikwu had been in the spotlight since his memo to Buhari over goings on in the NNPC got leaked by unidentified persons to the media. In the letter, Kachikwu had accused Baru of humiliating him and being insubordinate.

Although truce was allegedly brokered between the two in the wake of their discord, Kachikwu reportedly sheathed his beef for his underling and silently plotted to get him kicked out of office by sabotaging his work.

In his bid to actualise his plot, Kachikwu allegedly masterminded the current scarcity of premium motor spirit (petrol) in major cities of the country.

Highly placed sources revealed that Kachikwu instigated the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, to disrupt the availability of PMS just to portray Baru as an incompetent administrator.

Though the NNPC attributed the long queues being experienced to panic buying; findings revealed that IPMAN members were influenced by Kachikwu to sabotage Baru; IPMAN had reportedly approached Baru to allow their members sell fuel at N150 per litre, a proposal which Baru allegedly rejected because the difference would foist untold hardship on Nigerians.

According to IPMAN, the products were being sold to them at ex-depot price of N120 per litre, and the only way its members could break even was to sell at N150 per litre. Realising that they would not have their way with Baru, they reportedly found an accomplice in Ibe Kachikwu, who instigated them to significantly cut down their supplies as such action would cause scarcity and force Baru’s hands whom he considers “being unnecessarily defiant.”

Baru who was in London at the time the scarcity broke out, had to rush back to the country to save the situation. He reportedly held series of meetings with stakeholders, including IPMAN, and there are indications that all parties have agreed to work out the modalities to ensure that fuel is made available without any price increase.

Allegedly dissatisfied by his inability to sabotage Baru, Kachikwu recruited shady characters among Niger-Delta militants to stage protests against Baru in Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt. The paid protesters are expected to hold rallies in strategic places in the three cities on Monday or Tuesday, barring any last minute changes.

Kachikwu reportedly lost his poise and touted charm since Baru’s emergence as GMD of the NNPC, a position hitherto manned by Kachikwu in his double portfolio as Minister and GMD. Their discord attained ugly dimensions when Kachikwu’s memo to the President about Baru was leaked to the public.

Things went downhill afterwards between the two until President Buhari intervened and established a truce. That truce is allegedly busted in the wake of Kachikwu’s recent offensive against Baru.

Paris Club Refund: Court Orders Akwa Ibom Govt to Deposit N20bn in Bank Over Failure to Pay Mauritz Walton Consultancy Fee

A Federal High Court on Friday ordered Akwa Ibom State government to deposit the sum of N20bn in any of the three banks, namely First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank, respectively, in respect of a suit filed by Mauritz Walton Nig. Ltd against the government.
Mauritz had sued the Minister of Finance, Accountant General of the Federation, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Akwa State government, as the 1, 2, 3, and 4 defendants over the refusal of the government of Akwa Ibom to pay it consultancy fee over the Paris Club Refund.
Mauritz challenged the defendants on ground of their refusal to abide by the Court’s interlocutory order freezing Akwa Ibom State Paris Club Refund Account, pending the determination of suit filed against the state over refusal to pay it consultancy fee on the Paris Club Refund.
Mauritz dragged the state before the court seeking the attachment of the said amount as a result of the failure of the state government to pay the applicant 30 per cent of the state’s Paris Club refund by the Federal Government being consultancy charge for the services it rendered to the state government in pursuing the refund on behalf of the government.
JustiIn a ruling, Justice Kolawole held: “Upon the application of the plaintiff’s counsel, Ahmed Rsji, SAN, informing the court of the irregularities on the Defendants Affidavit to show cause as ordered by the court of 30/11/2017; it is hereby ordered as follows:
“That in the absence of any affidavit to show cause, and the one filed by the first defendant having been held to be irregular field, it is the interest of justice that prayer in the plaintiff motion ex parte dated 31/11/17 be granted as prayed to abide the hearing and determination of the plaintiff motion and notice interlocutory injunction which may be held at future date with fourth defendant notice of preliminary objection dated 12/12/17.
“That the said prayer granted shall enable the first, second and third defendants to pay the said sum in prayer five into an interest yielding account with any of these banks: Zenith Bank, GTB PLC, and or First Bank PLC
“That this should be ruling of this court based on the agenda which I have set for today’s proceeding on 30/11/17 when the plaintiff ex parte motion was held.”
The matter was adjourned till January 30, 2018.
Justice Kolawole had frozen seven accounts linked to Governors’ Forum, which, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, were used by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to launder the sum of N10bn said to be derived from the proceeds of the Paris Club refund.ce Gabriel Kolawole gave the order Friday in the suit marked: NO FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2017.Justice Kolawole directed that the freezing order would last for 45 days within which the EFCC must either institute charges in respect of the transactions against the relevant suspects or apply to the court for an extension of the order.
The judge also gave seven days to the account owners, if interested in seeking the setting aside of the freezing order, to file an application which must be served on the EFCC.

BUA Group Reacts to Dangote’s Allegation on its Edo State Operations

BUA Group has reacted to a new statement by Dangote Cement in which the latter made some allegations against the former in relaion to the ownership and operations of mining sites in Obu, Okpella, Edo State.
In a statement last night, BUA said: “This latest statement by Dangote Group stinks of desperation in its continued attempt to disregard the judicial process and scheme a viable competitor out of business as has been their legendary antecedent.
We thus wish to reiterate once again that whilst we do not want to join issues with anyone on this matter as it is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, we are however compelled to use the opportunity presented by Edwin Devakumar’s reckless statements to clarify the cycle of misinformation being proliferated.
“In specific response to Edwin Devakumar of Dangote Group’s claim of BUA operating on ML2541 in Okene, Kogi State, we wish to restate that BUA does not have any operations whatsoever in Okene, Kogi State where the purported ML2541 is situated.
Our Mining operations are limited to Obu-Okpella, Edo State for which licenses ML18912 & 18913 were issued and revalidate by the same ministry in a publication.
These licences have been owned, operated and fulfilled by BUA and its predecessors-in-title since 1976 as it is also a notorious fact that we have exercised total control and possession over the mining area covered by the above mining leases since 1976 when we operated under the name of Bendel Cement Company Limited.
We are thus wont to excuse Edwin’s claims to a lack of basic knowledge and understanding of the geography of Nigeria but he will be better served if he seeks professional opinion in critically understanding the geography of Nigeria or he should otherwise refer to documents from the boundary commission which clearly delineates boundaries within Nigeria.
“We also wish to ask – Why is Dangote, an international company which is also listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, so averse to letting the rule of the law and judicial process take its course? The court has maintained that Status Quo be maintained (This includes BUA’s current ownership of our mines in Edo State) but the management of Dangote Group Dangote, as has been their strategy in the past to other companies in competition with them, is still seeking to out-muscle competition through backdoor means rather than let the court decide.
If anyone is not satisfied, they should write to the courts as an independent arbiter for an interpretation of ‘maintaining status quo’ rather than spread misinformation in the court of public opinion.
“The antecedents of Dangote Plc in trying to outmuscle competition is not in doubt. Various cases abound within and outside the cement industry – one of which was their taking over of the limestone deposits of another competing entity in the south-south region of Nigeria until they ceeded him 25% of their company.
This was in turn resold to them for hundreds of millions of dollars. Or is it the case of Ibeto whose business was almost driven under but for the prompt intervention of the then late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Or is it the case of Polo House Jetty Tincan previously owned by Usman Dantata, whose License was revoked by NPA and reallocated to Dangote on the same day in order to prevent a sugar refinery to be sited there by a competitor.“The facts of the matter as far as we are concerned is that BUA’s operations are in Obu, Okpella, Edo State and not Okene Kogi. We once again ask that all parties should wait for the court to resolve the issue. We will not be cowed or intimidated and will continue to seek redress through the proper legal channels.”

Wasiu Ayinde Marshal loses 34 year old daughter to death in Canada

Shock, disbelief, anguish and unbearable pain are all the emotions juxtaposing and clamouring for attention right now in the household of the King of Fuji music, K1 the ultimate, that's King/Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Igijegede Anifowoshe Marshall as he has lost one of his kids, a daughter by name Wasilat Olaronke Anifowoshe Marshall, 34 year old, based in Canada to the cold and terrible hands of death.

Death apparently occurred earlier today after a brief illness in Mississauga Ontario Canada, one of the 6 largest municipalities in Canada by population.

The late Wasilat Olaronke was the daughter of the late M.A.B Fetuga who passed on a few years ago. The Fetugas are part of  the royal families in Ijebu-Ode, infact the Fetuga name is a shortened form of "Ifetuegashe" meaning love repairs the Palace or throne house, showing their connection to throne.

Wasilat at 34 was the only child of her late mom, reason why she had a special place in the heart of her dad, who we hear has been inconsolable since the sad news got to him.

Already many of his friends and associates are doing their best to console him, whilst also preparing for how to bury the young lady who had relocated to Canada about a decade ago.

We can only commiserate with the entire family on the sad loss and the untimely demise, may Allah grant the lady Aljanah Fidaus, while granting her family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss!

Breaking: Appeal Court orders Saraki to return to CCT for trial

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reversed the acquittal handed to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal ( CCT ) over his trial for false assets declaration.
The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment of a three-man panel, led by Justice Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson, ordered Saraki to return to the CCT for the continuation of his trial for false asset declaration.
The court held that the prosecution was able to establish a prima facie case against Saraki in three of the 18 counts brought against him.
The counts on which Saraki is to enter defence before the CCT, at the resumption of trial, are 4, 5 and 6 in relation to his alleged failure to declare some houses he acquired in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The CCT had on June 14 this year upheld Saraki’s no-case submission and discharged and acquitted him.
The Appeal Court, in its judgment, ordered that the case be remitted back to CCT for Saraki to enter his defence.

Lawmakers hail planned 3,000MW power project for Lagos

Some lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday said that the N1.046 trillion Lagos State Budget proposal Government would facilitate growth and development.
The lawmakers hailed the state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for prioritising capital expenditure.
According to them, since the 2017 budget performance was above 70 per cent, the 2018 budget will transform the state, especially through a planned power project.
Ambode presented the 2018 budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Progress and Development” before the state House of Assembly on Monday.
The budget size, which represented a 28.67 per cent increase over the 2017 budget of N812 billion, had a capital expenditure of N699 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N347 billion.
The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr Tunde Braimoh said: “The budget is apt, ambitious, lofty and well-targeted at transforming the Lagos State economy and infrastructure.’’
Braimoh noted that the budget provided for a power project aimed at boosting economic activities of the state.
According to him, epileptic power supply has caused severe damage to the nation’s economy, and if Lagos State Government can provide regular power supply, it will boost investments.
“The problem of power supply has made our country to lose its industrial base. The budget will change the topography of Lagos,’’ he said.
The lawmaker, however, said that there was the need to sustain the robust relationship between the legislative and  executive arms of the government for expedited implementation of the budget.

On whether the budget will be passed before January, the spokesman said that it might not be possible as the Assembly would do proper scrutiny of the budget before its passage.
Braimoh, however, said that the lawmakers would sacrifice their comfort to ensure quick passage of the budget without compromising standards.
Also speaking, Mr Setonji David, the Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, said : “It is a great thing that the budget of Lagos State is over N1 trillion.
“It means Lagos is moving and more infrastructure development on the way. The ratio of capital expenditure to recurrent expenditure is fantastic, and this means the governor is visionary.
“It is quite impressive that the governor budgeted massively for the embedded power project to light up the state for industrialisation,” David said.
Mr Olusegun Olulade, the Acting Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, said that the budget would galvanise result in accelerated development of the state.
The Acting Chairman of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (Local), Prince Adebisi Yusuf , who expressed satisfaction at the 2017 budget performance, said that the 2018 Budget would be better implemented.
Ambode stated during the budget proposal that his administration would have direct intervention in the power value chain toward generating 3,000MW Embedded Power Programme-  a three-year plan to achieve regular  power supply for the state in 2018.
“The challenge of inadequate power supply must be resolved for our economy to perform optimally, and we believe the provision of this essential utility can no longer be left in the hands of the Federal Government alone.
“We must complement each other for the overall development of our nation,’’ the governor said.

Ambode proposes N1.046tr budget proposal to the House of Assembly

WITH a pledge to complete all ongoing projects and initiate new ones, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday presented N1.046 trillion as next year’s Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly for consideration.
Christened: “Budget of Progress and Development”, the presentation on the floor of the Chamber was witnessed by a galaxy of Lagos dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Mrs. Idiat Adebule; former deputy governors Femi Pedro and Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; House of Representatives Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila and All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Lagos, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale.
They include: former Lagos State speakers Olorunnimbe Mamora, Jokotola Pelumi and Adeyemi Ikuforiji; party leaders Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Prince Tajudeen Olusi and Chief Lanre Razak; Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mrs Nike Akande; Lagos Police Commissioner Edgar Imohimi and service chiefs, among others.
Ambode promised to apply the budget, the state’s highest ever, in consolidating on the development recorded by his administration in the last 30 months.

According to him, the budget will give priority for mandatory capacity building for civil servants, teachers in public secondary/primary schools, health service sector officers, women and youth empowerment.
According to the governor, the 2018 Budget, which is a 28.67 per cent bigger the last year’s, has a capital to recurrent expenditure ratio of 67:33 per cent. The allocation stands at N699.082 billion and N347.039 billion for capital and recurrent expenditure respectively.
The governor said: “Lagos has always been a trailblazer and we must consolidate on the economic gains made so far by initiating people-friendly programmes and projects that will attract more economic improvement in the 2018 Budget.
“It is our resolve in 2018 to strive and complete all on-going projects in order to meet their specified completion period and embark on new strategic projects. We intend to improve on our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the face of the dwindling accruable revenue allocation from the Federal Government, sustain our vision on wealth creation and poverty alleviation.”
Some of the projects listed for implementation in the budget are: Agege Pen Cinema flyover; alternative routes through Oke-Ira in Eti-Osa to Epe-Lekki Expressway; an eight-kilometre  regional road to serve as alternative route to connect Victoria Garden City (VGC) with Freedom Road in Lekki Phase I; completion of the on-going reconstruction of Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane road and the BRT Lane from Oshodi to Abule-Egba.
Ambode promised to sustain the construction, rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of network of roads, adding that the boundary roads between Lagos and Ogun currently being upgraded will be completed.

He said: “We will consolidate on the Lagos bus reform project with the introduction of high and medium capacity buses, construction and completion of bus depots at Oshodi, Anthony, Yaba and many more.
“In the area of job creation, we will construct an ICT Focus Incubator Centre in Yaba while the development of Imota and Igbonla Light Industrial Park as well as the provision of additional small scale industrial estate at Shala will commence. The State Employment Trust Fund will disburse more funds to Lagosians to support business and stimulate the economy.
“The process leading to the movement of Mile 12 market to Imota which commenced in last year has reached an advanced stage and we will complete the infrastructure in the new location in good time to pave way for relocation next year.” Ambode also said that within Y2018, the government will vigorously pursue its planned direct intervention in the power value chain towards generating 3,000MW Embedded Power Programme within a three-year plan to achieving 24/7 power supply for the State, stressing that the challenge of inadequate power supply must be resolved for the economy to perform optimally.
The governor said that in the next fiscal year, his administration will redouble its efforts in the area of Tourism, Sports, Arts & Culture, as well as embark on some major projects that will launch the state as a hub for tourism, sports and entertainment.
Some of the projects in the tourism and sport sectors are: completion of the five new Art Theatres; establishment of a Heritage Centre at the former Federal Presidential State House, recently handed over to the state; building of a world-class museum between the former Presidential Lodge and the State House on Marina; completion of the construction of the proposed four new stadia in Igbogbo, Epe, Badagry and Ajeromi Ifelodun (Ajegunle) and complete the on-going Epe and Badagry Marina projects.
Acknowledging the cooperation and support so far enjoyed from Lagosians, the business community, professional bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the civil servants, the governor noted that the modest achievements by his administration within a short period could not have been possible without the various groups.
Giving a sectoral analysis at a press briefing in Alausa, Finance Commissioner Akinyemi Ashade said general public services got N171, 623 billion (representing 16.41 per cent); public order and safety got N46.612 billion (representing 4.46 per cent); economic affairs was allocated N473, 866 billion (45.30 per cent); environmental protection got N54, 582 billion (representing 5.22per cent) and housing and community amenities got N59, 904 billion (representing 5.73 per cent).The commissioner said the health health sector got N92.676 billion (representing 8.86 per cent); recreation, culture and religion got N12.511 billion (representing 1.20 per cent); education got N126.302 billion (representing 12.07 per cent) and social protection got N8.042 billion (representing 0.77 per cent).

Lagos begins removal of structures on right of way for pen cinema flyover

Lagos State Government yesterday began the removal of structures on the right of way to pave way for the ongoing construction of the Pen Cinema flyover in Agege local government area as well as other major network of roads in the State.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Abiola Anifowoshe said the Government had in recent time held stakeholders’ meetings with owners of properties that had to give way for the construction of the affected areas and had given assurance of adequate compensation.
According to Anifowoshe, “Before we remove any structure in Lagos State, the State Government would first hold Stakeholders’ meeting with the affected property owners within their domain to obtain their buy-in and commitment towards the projects.
“The Government has held meetings in all these locations and during these meetings allayed Stakeholders’ fears and assured them that the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode would not remove any structure without paying due process”.
Anifowoshe said that officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development officials had marked all identified structures that fall within the proposed Right of Way in these locations and have served all affected structures with necessary notices.
“We are removing these encumbrances to pave way for the infrastructural upgrade for the socio-economic growth of the State.
The Commissioner said, “I urged all affected property owners to submit the following documents for the ease of processing the payment of compensation by the State Government. The documents include: Certified Registered Title Documents of Properties within the said Right of Way, Approved Planning Permit for the affected Buildings, and other relevant documents”.
Anifowoshe said the Government had also embarked upon removal of structures in Agric Isawo Road as well as Igbe/Igbogbo/Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Ikorodu Local Government Area.
He said the infrastructural upgrade and expansion of the major and adjoining roads was in fulfillment of the promise by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to transform the State into a safe, functional and efficient commercial hub in Africa.
He said “We use this opportunity to appeal to all affected property owners to cooperate with the Lagos State Government for the socio-economic development of their areas and Lagos State as a whole.
According to him, the road rehabilitation which is geared towards complementing Government’s efforts to ease and ameliorate traffic congestion and gridlock prevalent in these areas are in the overriding public interest of Lagosians.

Yuletide: Ambode approves sale of LAKE Rice

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the sales of LAKE Rice for the Yuletide season.
A release signed by Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, quoted the the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, as disclosing this in his office on Thursday.
He assured residents that the government would continue to ensure adequate production and fair distribution of the rice across the state.
Suarau added that the rice would be available to the public at the various accredited centres during the festive period and beyond.
He said, “Residents can buy the product from the LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja; Farm Service Centre Odogunyan-Ikorodu; Farmers Mart, Surulere; Agric Input Supply Authority, Ojo; Agricultural Development Authority, Oko Oba, Agege; Farmers’ Mart, Ajah; and Farm Service Centre, Temu-Epe.”

Mercedes-Benz Hits and Passes Two Million vehicles Sale Mark

This November, Mercedes-Benz delivered 195,698 vehicles to its customers, thus achieving the 57th record month in succession with a 7.2% increase. This adds up to a sale of 2,095,810 units since the beginning of the year 2017. This represents not only the best-ever figure for the period of January to November, but also a growth of 10.7% in unit sales. The sales achievement makes Mercedes-Benz the premium brand with the most new registrations in markets including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Taiwan, USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“Mercedes-Benz passed the two-million mark in November, already surpassing its unit sales for the entire previous year. We are going full speed ahead for our customers – not only with the best products, but also in sales and service. And this has already been rewarded with the most successful sales year in our history,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In Europe, unit sales in November rose to a new sales record of 79,942 Mercedes-Benz vehicles delivered to customers, thus representing a 1.5% increase. Since the beginning of the year, 879,878 vehicles were delivered in Europe (+7.3%) of which 281,946 units were sold in Germany (+5.2%). New sales records were set for both November and the first eleven months in Great Britain, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Austria and Portugal.

The Asia-Pacific region witnessed a sale of 74,302 vehicles, which reveals a 16.2% increase in November and a 20.6% increase totaling 802,565 units since the beginning of the year. China had the highest sales figures of 539,728 vehicles (+27.3%) this year and 50,813 (+22.2%) new purchases in November alone. Top sales were also recorded in South Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, India, Thailand and Malaysia.

In the NAFTA region, unit sales in November surpassed the high prior-year figure and 36,505 customers were delighted to receive their new Mercedes-Benz vehicles (+3.8%). A new record was set in the first eleven months of the year with 359.953 units sold in the NAFTA region (+0.5%). In the USA, 30,838 vehicles were sold to its customers. Other contributions to this development came from best ever sales in Canada (+12.7%) and Mexico (+25.3%).

By model, the E-Class Saloon and Estate were top sellers by popular demand. The strong sales of the prior-year month were surpassed by 8.2% and a new record was set for this November (29,110 units). Since the beginning of the year, unit sales were 46.0% higher than the first eleven months of 2016. Particularly strong demand for the long-wheelbase version of the E-Class Saloon meant that twice as many units of that model were sold as in the first eleven months of the previous year.

The new S-Class Saloon, which has been on the market in the United States and China since September, posted growth of 18.5% last month. Growth in unit sales of that model in Germany and the United States was even higher. In South Korea, where saloon cars are especially popular, more S-Class cars were sold last month than ever before in a November.

Mercedes-Benz SUVs set new records for the month of November (73,418 units) as well as for the first eleven months (731,626) – not only worldwide, but also in each of the three core regions of Europe, Asia-Pacific and NAFTA. Sales growth of 19.8% in November was primarily driven by the GLC, GLA, GLC Coupé and GLS, each of which posted new best-ever figures.

 “We are pleased to celebrate this global accomplishment. Mercedes-Benz is forging into the new year with bigger expectations as we have more in store for our customers especially in Nigeria,” – Mirko Plath, MD/CEO, Weststar Associates Limited, Authorized General Distributors for Mercedes-Benz in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Imo’s commissioner for happiness defends her appointment

 

In spite of widespread criticism against her appointment as the Commissioner for Happiness and Couples Fulfilment in Imo State, Mrs Ogechi Ololo has said her appointment was made in order to make the people of the state happy.
Ololo, also a biological sister of the state governor Rochas Okorocha, said her ministry has a lot to offer and that her appointment should not be trivialised.“There are also many people out there that need our service,” Ololo told BBC Africa.
“This is Imo life and I believe Imolites are very, very happy about it. This is a new ministry and people don’t understand, so they have the right to ask these questions.”
The commissioner said she believed the reason for the creation of the ministry will be justified with time.
Before her appointment as commissioner, she served as the deputy chief of staff, domestic and internal affairs, in the government.
But Ololo argued that her brother should not be accused of nepotism.
She said, “he (Okorocha) did not create the ministry just because I’m his sister.”
She insisted that the state already has in place policies in place to ensure people are happy“Here, in Imo State, we have free education. This policy makes people happy. By paying for the children’s school fees simply means parents do not need to worry.
“That is a policy of happiness. That is the part of the Ministry of Happiness,” Ololo said.
Source-The Guardian

Stop panic buying, NNPC tells Nigerians as queues persist

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has urged fuel consumers across the country to desist from panic buying, assuring that it has enough stock to meet the needs of consumerGroup

General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, who confirmed this in a statement yesterday, said the ex-depot price of N133.38 per litre and the pump price of N143/N145 per litre of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) have not changed, hence there was no need for panic buying.
 The Guardian’s investigations yesterday revealed that a significant number of filling stations in Lagos metropolis have no stock, while others were rationing the product.
The situation led to long queues and unethical bargaining with dealers by consumers leading to obstructing traffic thereby causing gridlock for road users and attendant pains and disappointments.
Stations monitored include Mobil at Isolo, Al-Mourof, Total (Agege), Pinnacle, Petroleum Manager, Wheel Oil among others.
Some commercial bus operators are already taking advantage of the situation to indiscriminately hike fares by as mush as 50 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Kacalla Baru, made an emergency return from London yesterday in a bid to salvage the fuel supply and distribution challenges.

Baru, who was billed to receive the Forbes Oil & Gas Man of the Year Award 2017 in the British Capital on Tuesday, flew back home to attend to what he described as a “matter of urgent national importance.”
Before leaving for London, Baru had directed that more truckload of petroleum products be dispatched to various parts of the country to cushion the effects of excessive demand caused by panic buying.
Also, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has expressed dissatisfaction with the situation as it plans to embark on picketing of erring filling stations today.
The Public Affairs Officer, Mrs. Olaide Shonola, who confirmed the inspection, said there was no reason whatsoever for the scarcity that seems to be spreading gradually, and the department would leave no stone unturned to restore sanity into the system.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream yesterday summoned Baru, to appear before it on Thursday, Dec. 7, having failed to appear before it yesterday. It also announced plans to commence nationwide inspection of filling stations over fuel scarcity in the country.
The Chairman of the committee, Kabiru Marafa, made this known while briefing newsmen shortly after an investigative hearing on the matter in Abuja.
Marafa said the senate would not watch some unpatriotic persons put Nigerians through any form of hardship, particularly given the yuletide.

$321m Abacha loot coming from Switzerland

Nigeria is set to receive $321m Abacha loot from  Switzerland.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Nigeria, Switzerland and the World Bank, which will pave the way for the release of the cash, was signed on Monday.
The money is part of the estimated $5billion allegedly looted by Nigeria’s former military leader, the late  Gen. Sani Abacha, who was head of state between 1993 and 1998.
Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN) signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria, according to his media aide Salihu Othman Isah   in a statement yesterday.

“The modalities for the return of the stolen funds are set out in the MoU that was signed by the three parties at the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) currently ongoing in the United States,” he said.
Isah added that Director of the Directorate of International Law, Ambassador Roberto Balzaretti, who led the Swiss delegation to the GFAR, signed for Switzerland. The Country Director of the World Bank office in Abuja, Rachid Benmessaoud, signed for the World Bank.
“The MoU stipulates that the restitution of funds will take place within the framework of a project known as the National Social Investment Programme that will strengthen social security for the poor in Nigeria.
“The MOU also regulates the disbursement of restituted funds in tranches and sets out concrete measures to be taken in the event of misuse or corruption.
“The chosen solution for restitution is being undertaken by the three contracting parties as a partnership,” he said.
Isah added that the arrangement was “in line with the objectives of Switzerland’s strategy to freeze, confiscate and return the illicitly acquired assets of politically exposed persons (asset recovery) which is based on the principles of transparency and accountability.

“It also allows the involvement of civil society in the monitoring of the restitution process. Furthermore, the return of these funds makes a concrete contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and can set a good example internationally for future restitution cases.
“These assets, which were initially frozen in Luxembourg, were repatriated and confiscated by Switzerland as part of criminal proceedings brought by the public prosecutor’s office of Geneva against Abba Abacha in December, 2014.
“The signing of this MOU gives Nigeria visibility and will set precedence on the need for transparent management of returned assets internationally.
“The GFAR brought together experts from the field of asset recovery to strengthen international cooperation in this area.
“Nigeria will also use the opportunity of the GFAR meeting at the headquarters of the International Finance Corporation in Washington DC to negotiate the return of other assets and also engage in bilateral meetings with several other countries.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation to this meeting, are the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reform and Coordinator, Open Government Partnership (OGP), Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Nigeria/GFAR Focal Person and Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Ladidi Abdulkadir and A representative of  civil society organisations David Ugolor of the  African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).
The money was frozen in 2014 by a Swiss court after a legal procedure against Abacha’s son, Abba.
President Muhammadu Buhari made the recovery of stolen assets a major part of his 2015 election campaign and this will be the largest yet.
Switzerland did not say precisely when the money will be released.
“The fight against corruption is one of Switzerland’s priorities” Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter said, adding that the move should “strengthen social security for the poorest Nigerians”.
Transparency International, a corruption watchdog, has accused Abacha of stealing up to five billion dollars of public money during the five years he ran the oil-rich country
In 2014, Nigeria and the Abacha family reached an agreement for the West African country to get back the funds, which had been frozen, in return for dropping a complaint against the former military ruler’s son, Abba Abacha.
The son was charged by a Swiss court with money-laundering, fraud and forgery in April 2005, after being extradited from Germany, and later spent 561 days in custody.
In 2006, Luxembourg ordered that funds held by the younger Abacha be frozen.
The Swiss government said that Switzerland, Nigeria and the World Bank had agreed the funds will be repatriated via a project supported and overseen by the World Bank.

Man to appear in court over plot to kill British PM

 

 A man is due to appear in court later over an alleged plot to kill the British Prime Minister, Theresa May.

The BBC understands that Naa’imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, from north London, is accused of planning to bomb Downing Street security gates and then attack the Mrs. May with a knife.
A second man, Mohammed Aqib Imran, 21, of Birmingham, is accused of the preparation of terrorist acts for allegedly planning to travel overseas.

They were both arrested on  November 28.
The pair are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, in central London.
It comes a day after a security review said it was “conceivable” that the Manchester Arena bombing in May, in which 22 people were killed, could have been prevented.
But MI5 Chief, Andrew Parker, told Mrs. May and the Cabinet on Tuesday that about nine alleged Islamist terror plots have been foiled since March.

Access Bank Launches New Growth Strategy Aimed At Emerging No 1 By 2022

 
In its bid to become the number one retail bank in the country and Africa’s gateway to the world by 2022, Access Bank Plc on Monday launched a new five-year strategy.
Hebert Wigwe, the bank’s Group Managing Director, said at the launching in Lagos that the new strategy would place the bank as the number one Nigerian bank by 2022.
According to Wigwe, it will also create a “Universal Payments Gateway” to dominate international trade and inter-African payments.
He said: “Our strategy will mean that by 2022, millions of people will have access to banking services for the first time.
“Customers will make payments and transfers when they need to.”
The bank managing director said businesses would be able to trade in new markets and invest in new technology.
Wigwe said the new strategy would centre on six strategic levers namely digitally led, retail banking growth and consolidation in wholesale markets customer focused, among others.
He said the bank would adopt a new organisational structure to deliver the transformation strategy.
The managing director said the retail bank would have a customer segment focus, driven by digital and payments, while the corporate bank would build deep sector expertise and deploy global relationship managers.
He said: “Access Bank’s subsidiaries will be organised around strategic clusters, with strong collaboration among them to secure trade finance and correspondent banking.
“The bank’s transformation programme will be underpinned by robust risk
management together with high levels of automation to enhance the compliance and risk functions and drive customer insights.
Wigwe explained that the bank, from 2013 to November 2017, increased its total assets at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 18 per cent and delivered shareholders’ returns of 90 per cent.
The bank chief added that the bank had grown its customers’ base from 90,000 in 2002 to over eight million in 2017 and in the same period opened 351 new branches.

Lagos To Begin Bursary, Scholarship Disbursement December

 

The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to commence disbursement of bursaries and scholarships before the end of the month of December.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had given approval for the disbursement, adding that it was in line with the continued commitment of his administration to ensure that Lagos State students continue to thrive and excel in the academic field.
“Our commitment to education across the sphere is unparalleled, but specifically, with regard to tertiary education, this administration over the past two and a half years has been deliberate about increasing the capacity of our institutions,” Bank-Olemoh said.
The Special Adviser said that despite the challenging economic situation across the country, Governor Ambode has continued to invest in a range of initiatives to upgrade the status of institutions in the State.
He recalled that in 2016, there was an increase in subvention for all the State’s tertiary institutions, while innovative programs such as Ready.Set.Work were launched to equip final year students with entrepreneurship and employability skills for the world of work.
Bank-Olemoh disclosed that to date, a total of 2,500 final year students have trained and exited into the workforce; and up 10,000 students in their penultimate year have participated in the Ready.Set.Work online program (www.readysetwork.com.ng), which qualifies them for the full-fledged program in their final year.
Besides, Bank-Olemoh added that the CodeLagos, a program aimed at teaching coding skills to one million Lagos residents, has entered its next phase, with centers opened across the State to train interested learners at no cost to them.
“These initiatives demonstrate this administration’s unalloyed commitment to the welfare of our students. In view of this administration’s investment towards their success, we urge our students to make the most of these opportunities and continue to be good ambassadors of Lagos State,” the Special Adviser said.

Hyundai Motor Launches "Be There With Hyundai" Fan Competition for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker and a proud FIFA Partner, is pleased to announce the launch of the “Be There With Hyundai” slogan competition for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

Football fans will be invited to submit potential team slogans on FIFA.com for each of the 32 national teams competing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The submission window runs from December 4, 2017 to February 28, 2018. In April, three finalists for each team slogan will be revealed and a fresh round of online voting will kick off to determine the 32 individual winners. 

The winning slogans will be prominently featured on each of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ national team buses used to travel to and from World Cup matches. The fans responsible for creation of the winning slogan of each team will be rewarded with an exclusive Team Bus Convoy vehicle experience. Each winner and guest will travel to Russia, where they will ride in an official Hyundai convoy vehicle accompanying the team bus convoy and watch them compete in a selected 2018 FIFA World Cup™ match.  

“We are thrilled to invite 32 true football fans as our guests at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ with this special slogan competition, ’Be There With Hyundai,” Scott Noh, head of Hyundai Motor’s Brand Strategy Group said. “As the FIFA World Cup’s official automotive sponsor, we are committed to providing fans with unique and memorable experiences like this, just as we are committed to caring for our customers by ensuring special and rewarding Hyundai ownership experiences the world over.” 

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Wins Double 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards

Nigeria’s Landmark hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, has emerged the winner of two 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards in the Best Luxury Contemporary Hotel (Nigeria) and Best Luxury City Hotel (West & Central Africa) categories. The multiple award-winning five-star hotel was honored

with the prestigious award at a spectacular Gala Ceremony hosted by the historical Kulm Hotel St. Moritz in Switzerland on Saturday 2 December 2017. Awards on the night were bestowed on luxury properties that excelled within their service delivery areas on a country, regional, continent or global level.

 World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of recognition achievable by a luxury hotel, for service excellence and earning the respect of guests, industry players, and awarding hotels, as voted for by the public, across 99 different categories

Valentine Ozigbo, MD/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, who received the awards on behalf of the hotel said, “These awards crown a year of global recognition for all we do to deliver a world class hospitality experience to our Guests. It is gratifying that our commitment to the upgrade of our guests’ experiences is appreciated and recognised by the travelling public. Thanks to the amazing Team that makes it all possible”.

Also commenting on the awards, Etienne Gailliez, General Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja said, “It’s a great honour to receive another international recognition for what we do. It’s a befitting reward for the commitment of our company to service excellence and all the hard work our Team Members put in to delivering unforgettable experiences to our Guests”.

The recognition from World Luxury Hotel Awards is coming on the heels of the hotel winning World Travel Awards 2017 in 5 categories including Africa’s Leading Business Hotel for the third consecutive year and the 2017 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards. The 5-star hotel’s Asian specialty restaurant, The Oriental, was also recently honoured with the World Luxury Restaurant Award 2017 prize in the Asian cuisine category for African continent. In addition, the iconic hotel has recently been nominated for the global award of World’s Leading Business Hotel at 2017 World Travel Awards Grand Final which will take place on 10 December in Vietnam.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja is currently undergoing a $100million renovation project with all 670 rooms and common areas redesigned for refurbishment. This project – the first of its kind in the Hotel’s history – is a testament to its unrivalled status; not only in Abuja as the city’s iconic hub but also as a globally acclaimed brand.

Folarin Coker in trouble as workers shut down NTDC office, call for his sack

 

Workers of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, last Wednesday, November 29 shut down the headquarters of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, in Abuja, calling for the sack of the Director-General, Foluronsho Folarin Coker, for incompetence. The workers who were piqued by what they called high-handedness and poor welfare of the workers by the Coker-led NTDC, expressed disappointment over the development of the Corporation. They noted that Coker set up a project unit which is not part of the NTDC nomenclature, but a conduit pipe to syphon money out of the NTDC. The workers, who were carrying various placards with different inscriptions, lamented that the DG has not been able to achieve anything since taking over NTDC barely eight months ago. They expressed disappointment over what they called his poor leadership style and lack of respect for the workers. Some of the placards carried by the workers read, ‘DG Mr Folunrusho Coker, we are tired of your insults, we are not your slaves,’ ‘Coker, give us our job, we want to work,’ ‘Coker needs management training,’ ‘Coker, stop all impunity and financial recklessness in NTDC,’ ‘NTDC staff say no to oppressors,’ ‘NTDC staff are not animals, treat us like human beings,’ ‘Special assistant is not a full time employment,’ ‘Let the staff work, what kind of a leader is Coker,’ ‘Seven months after assumption of duty, no meeting with staff,’ ‘Coker said Buhari has not been able to achieve anything in two years and so NTDC staff should not expect him to do magic,’ ‘Folunrunsho Coker lacks human relations, he is a bully,’ ‘PMB, as a matter of urgency, should sack Foluronsho Coker,’ ‘Only Coker attends foreign exhibition,’ among others. Meanwhile, the management of NTDC has promised to respond appropriately to all the issues raised by the workers. In recent years, NTDC has been dogged by controversies, staff protests and low workers’ morale, occasioned by poor leadership style, which started with Sally Mbanefo, the immediate past DG. Stakeholders in the industry had a high expectation that Coker will re-position NTDC by taking the corporation to a higher height, but with the recent protest by the workers, all that may now seem to be a mirage. Coker was appointed about seven months ago to help revive the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian tourism industry, having served briefly in the same capacity as a Commissioner for Tourism and culture in Lagos state, where he was removed unceremoniously.

UBA Clinches PEARL, New Telegraph Awards for Impressive Performance

Pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has continued to make waves and positive impact in the local and global financial industry earning more laurels and accolades.

Last weekend, UBA carted away two key industry awards emerging the Winner of the 2017 Sectoral Leadership Awards – Financial Services (Banking) organised by the PEARL Awards; as well as the Bank CEO of the Year 2017 which was organised by New Telegraph newspapers.

UBA triumphed over Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (first runner-up) and Zenith Bank Plc (second-run) to win the PEARL sectoral leadership award as a result of the bank’s outstanding operational and stock market performance in the 2016 year of assessment. The bank emerged winner based on verifiable facts and figures.

It has indeed been a fruitful year for UBA as the 2016 financial year end result showed that the bank emerged largest in both profitability and assets size in Nigeria, controlling an estimated 10% market share in deposits. Also, its subsidiaries in the rest of Africa accounted for a notable 31% of the total earnings of the Group over the same period. Earlier in the year, the bank had successfully raised $500 million through a debut Eurobond, which was 240 per cent oversubscribed.

All these contributed to a scramble for UBA's share, which in turn increased the bank’s share price currently standing at about N9.90, representing a rise of over 165 per cent or N6.16 per share compared to N3.74 per share recorded in 2016. According to the organisers of the Pearl awards, it is this performance as well as other indicators that led to the bank’s selection for the coveted awards.

The PEARL Awards Nigeria, endorsed by the Securities and Exchange Commission  is one of Nigeria's foremost award recognition bodies, focused on rewarding corporate excellence in local institutions and promoting healthy competitiveness amongst quoted companies through growth, diversification and innovation; ultimately leading to improved performance on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

In the same vein, the Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who was recognised for his various achievements since he took on the leadership role at UBA was selected as the Bank CEO of the Year 2017, by New Telegraph Newspapers.

In his remarks on the award, Uzoka, while expressing his delight at the nomination, added that it remained a humbling experience for him to be selected for the honourable award. He also stated that the award is a call for him to do even more to ensure that UBA’s customers are prioritised in the bank’s activities.

He said, “I want to express my delight with this recognition. It goes to show that the effort that myself and my team have put in throughout the year has been totally worth it. I also congratulate all my colleagues because this recognition is not just for Kennedy but for the entire staff of UBA'.