Arms scam: Obanikoro’s wife loses Abuja mansion to FG, appeals

A Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Jabi, Abuja, has ordered that Alhaja Moroophat Obanikoro, the wife of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, should forfeit her property pending the outcome of investigations into her husband and children.

The court also rejected a prayer asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to pay her the sum of N200m for violating her fundamental human rights.

Obanikoro’s wife has, however, headed for the Appeal Court to challenge the court judgment.

As part of investigations into the $2.1bn arms scam, involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the EFCC had traced the transfer of about N4.7bn to the Diamond Bank account of Sylvan McNamara, a company allegedly owned by Obanikoro’s two sons – Gbolahan and Babajide.

Out of the N4.7bn, Obanikoro allegedly gave N3.880bn to Ayodele Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore in July 2014, when they were the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidates in Ekiti and Osun states respectively.

Part of the money allegedly given to Fayose was said to have been converted to $5.377m and handed to him at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, in the presence of the then Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Tope Aluko, and other party stalwarts.

Obanikoro allegedly kept over N600m to himself.The EFCC subsequently seized a house in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State allegedly belonging to Obanikoro’s sons – Gbolahan and Babajide – and a property located at 44 Mamman Kotangora Crescent, Katampke Extension, Abuja, belonging to their mother.

However, Obanikoro’s wife argued that she bought the property over seven years before the alleged arms scam took place.

She said the EFCC had no right to punish her for any crime allegedly committed by herhusband and urged the court to award her N200m.

Obanikoro’s wife demanded “an order setting aside the sealing of the property; an order directing the EFCC to tender an unreserved public apology for the unlawful and unconditional invasion of the aforesaid property and the sum of N200,000,000 as general damages for the unlawful and unconstitutional invasion of the property.”

In an affidavit, deposed to by one Jackson Edet, the EFCC claimed that Obanikoro’s wife could not claim to be ignorant of her husband’s alleged crime.

The commission said Moroophat’s husband and her sons collected over N600m from the ONSA for a non-existent contract.

The EFCC argued that investigation had shown that, “the property belongs to Musiliu Obanikoro and he paid for the statutory charges for the property.”

The commission added, “That a lawyer, Tejumola Adeboye, who volunteered a statement to the commission, stated that he managed the said property and remits the rent to MON Integrated Services (a company allegedly owned by Obanikoro, which is also under probe).”

In his ruling, the Justice Y. Halilu said he could not stop the EFCC from doing its work, adding that all Nigerians must unite in the fight against corruption.

He added, “I shall refuse the application because it is most unmeritorious and specially packaged to deceive this court. God forbid.”

Weststar Presents 2017 Mercedes Benz Arrivals

OPC collaborates with military to combat militants in Lagos

“We are taking no more chances. I think our tolerance has been mistaken for cowardice and it is time to act. Now, we are ready to join hands with the relevant Nigerian forces to smoke out all militants that have constituted themselves as the tail troubling the dog of Lagosians. We have already moved into action, and they shall all be smoked out and dealt with, in no time.”
These were the words of Yinka Oguntimehin, Publicity Secretary, Gani Adams-led Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), in response to the recent invasion of parts of Lagos State recently by men suspected to be militants, which resulted in shooting at some OPC members and the eventual kidnap of an Army Lieutenant.
Sequel to the gory development, a combined team of military personnel and members of OPC, led by Otunba Gani Adams, have swooped on the sleepy town of  Soba, Festac Area and environ in Lagos to quell the recent attack believed to have been masterminded by men suspected to be militants from the Niger-Delta region.
The suspected militants had swooped on the area weekend to unleash terror on residents and in the process, kidnapped a military officer, identified as Lieutenant Gyan while the OPC Coordinator in the Zone, Akeem Lawal, was wounded with gunshots.
In a reprisal attack, a combination of military personnel from Ojo Cantonment, Naval Officers from Navy Town and a team of men of the Gani Adams led OPC, cordoned off the creeks in the area to dislodge the arsonists from their hideout.
It was gathered that the suspected militants, eventually bowed to the superior fire power of the team, resulting in several casualties on the side of the former while their hideouts were burnt by the joint team.
The gunmen have been terrorising Lagosians before introducing the new twist to their activities.Lieutenant Gyan was abducted at Ijedodo area of Abule-Ado, Lagos, resulting to military personnel under an operational code name AWATSE, being deployed to the area immediately to curb the activities of the militants.
It was gathered that the Lieutenant was kidnapped with his service rifle while on patrol along the axis about 5.30pm.
His abduction sparked up sporadic shootings that Saturday as a joint force of the Military and the Police invaded the creeks and headed for the kidnappers’ den while another team headed for the hideout where the abducted Lieutenant was suspected to have been taken to.
Others remained at the strategic points around Ijedodo, Abule-Ado, Totowu , Igando and neighbouring exit points, to ensure that the kidnappers did not escape.
A fisherman, who simply gave his name as Aidan, claimed to have witnessed when the Lieutenant was kidnapped.He said: “I was coming to inspect my fishing net when I noticed some suspicious movements. One speed boat was at the shore with a man pretending to be carrying out repairs on it. Then all of a sudden, my fears were confirmed following a deafening gun shots. As that was going on, I saw a soldier being dragged into the speed boat that I assumed was faulty and they sped off shooting “.
When contacted , the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos , said: “ I cannot immediately confirm such incident now. I will brief you when I have a clear picture.”
Spokesperson, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Major Mba Leme, could not be reached for comments as his phone rang severally without response.

My husband became President because he never gave up – Aisha Buhari

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has advised Nigerians to emulate her husband by never giving up on their dreams and aspirations.
She said her husband became Nigeria’s president in 2015 due to his doggedncompassion for masses.

She said this in Abeokuta on Tuesday in Abeokuta during the launch of a book titled, “Buhari vs Yar’Adua: Facing the future,” written by a Special Assistant on Media to the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Opeyemi Soyombo.
The First Lady was represented by the wife of the Ogun State governor, Dr Olufunso Amosun.
She commended the efforts of the author, who documented the legal struggles of her husband in the 2007 election petition challenging the victory of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Despite Buhari’s legal struggles which saw him moving to Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court trying to prove that he won the 2007 presidential election, he lost the case. But he never gave up his presidential ambition.
Mrs Buhari noted that the importance of record keeping or documentation could not be over-emphasised because without it historyy would be distorted. She said there were lots of lessons to learn from the life of President Buhari who contested the presidential election consecutively four times before he eventually won in 2015.
She said, “There are lots of lessons to learn from the life of President Muhammadu Buhari, most especially his doggedness and compassion for the masses. President Buhari contested presidential election consecutively four times before he eventually won in 2015.
“His victory has paid off considering his passion for helping the masses and most importantly the successes recorded in the anti-corruption war of his government.
“I commend the efforts of the writer for documenting the Presidential Election suit between the candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and President Umaru Yar’Adua of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2007.
“This shows that the author has been following with keen interest elections held in the country and the petitions arising from them. In most recent shared views and writings on human and societal development, the investment made on other people gives tremendous yields; thus the facts and authenticity of the book are invaluable.”
The chairman of the occasion, who’s a retired judge of the Ogun State High Court, Justice Ademola Bakre, said Nigerians must all work for a better future of Nigeria.
While he lamented the rot in the country’s judiciary, he warned against interference and undue pressure in the affairs of judges. He said, “I want to appeal that Nigerians should allow the judges to do their job, people should stop putting unnecessary pressure on them.”
Speaking with journalists after the launch, the author said he was motivated to write the 179-page book, which was divided into seven chapters, to forestall election rigging in the future in Nigeria.
Soyombo noted that Buhari was short-changed in the 2007 presidential election, adding that the book would “ensure that we have credible, free and fair elections and to ensure that the judiciary on no account, either by design or default, would endorse electoral robbery.”
The book was reviewed by Mr Kayode Oyede of the Department of Public Private Law, Faculty of Law, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

Opadokun hails Ambode’s plans to Phase out yellow buses

Chief Ayo Opadokun, Convener, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) on Tuesday, commended Lagos State Government’s plan to ban yellow commercial buses popularly called Danfo from plying roads in the state.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s plan, Opadokun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that reckless driving by ’Danfo’ drivers called for concern and government action, adding that they had made life unbearable for everybody on Lagos roads.
”They drive without adhering to traffic rules and regulations and they do it so ungodly. The one-chance issue is mainly perpetrated by Danfo drivers. Government has every right to check their excesses, therefore, Ambode should go ahead and ban them on Lagos roads,” he said.
NAN reports that on February 6, 2017, Ambode revealed plans to ban yellow commercial buses from Lagos roads this year.
He said this while speaking at the 14th Annual Lecture of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) at Muson Centre, Onikan with the theme: “Living Well, The Challenge of Africa’s Future Cities.”
Ambode said the present connectivity mode in Lagos was not acceptable and befitting for a mega city and called for well-structured transportation mode to address the challenge.
“When I wake up in the morning and see all these yellow buses and Okada (commercial motorcyclists) and all kinds of tricycles, the claim that we are a mega city is not true. We must first acknowledge that, that is a faulty connectivity that we are running,” he said.
Opadokun also commended Ambode’s development initiatives and urged him to sustain them to better the lot of the people.
”I must confess that I have attraction for that young man for all he has been doing in the state. The way he has been turning the state around positively is marvelous and he should be commended. I pray that God will grant him greater wisdom to make more and better strides,” he said.

Five dead as plane crashes into Melbourne shopping centre

A light aircraft exploded Tuesday in a "massive fireball" with police saying none of the five people aboard survived as it smashed into a shopping centre near the Australian city of Melbourne.
The Beechcraft plane veered just after take-off into the shopping centre, that was still closed, next to Essendon Fields airport.
"Five on the aircraft and looks like no-one has survived the crash," said Victoria police assistant commissioner Stephen Leane.ictoria premier Daniel Andrews described it as the state's worst air accident in three decades. The private charter from Essendon, north of Melbourne, to King Island, 55 minutes to the south, came down just short of a major motorway packed with the heavy traffic of early morning commuters.
Live television footage showed burned out wreckage, flames and major damage at the shopping centre and adjacent buildings.
A column of thick black smoke rose into the air as witnesses spoke of an explosion.
"It appears a light plane, which is a charter flight, has impacted the DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) at Essendon Fields," police minister Lisa Neville said.
The centre was not due to open for another hour and the authorities confirmed no one inside was hurt.
"There's also debris that's been left on the freeway," she added.
A taxi driver called ABC radio and told of the "massive fireball".
"I saw this plane ... when it hit the building there was a massive fireball," said the man called Jason.
"I could feel the heat through the window of the taxi, and then a wheel -- it looked like a plane wheel -- bounced on the road and hit the front of the taxi as we were driving along."
Victoria police superintendent Mick Frewen said investigations centred on a "catastrophic engine failure".
The flight made a May-Day call before crashing, he added.
A DFO shopworker identified as Ash told Sky News he saw "the fireball go up into the air", adding it "felt like a bomb had gone off".
"The fire was just so hot we could not get anywhere near it," he said. "We could see the wreckage, or what was left of it.
Plumber Michael Howard, 29, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation he saw a "blue flash".
"I was ... just looking out the window ... and then all of a sudden I just saw a blue flash come down and then all of a sudden there was a massive fireball."
"It was like something from a movie," Howard said.
Melbourne fire brigade chief Paul Stacchino tweeted that "more than 60 firefighters have worked hard to bring the fire ... under control. Crews to remain on scene for some time".
The Australian Safety Transport Bureau said it had sent investigators to the sceneEssendon Fields had been closed and all traffic diverted to Melbourne's two larger airports Tullamarine and Avalon.
One side of a major freeway which runs alongside the local airport remained shut to allow wreckage to be cleared.
-Source- The Guardian

A boost for Nollywood with ‘The Wedding Party’ success

Nollywood film “The Wedding Party” has shown Nigerian cinema at the top of its game, with its success at the box office taking it to new audiences across Africa and the world.
The country may well be in recession but Nollywood, which churns out some 2,000 films a year and is the world’s second-biggest film industry outside India, has never been healthier.
“The Wedding Party” is a madcap, glamorous comedy telling the story of the marriage of Dunny and Dozie, despite the misgivings of their families’ rivalries.One family is Igbo and the other Yoruba — two of the main ethnic groups in Nigeria. The film’s director, Kemi Adetiba, admitted that she hadn’t expected it to be so successful.
In the two months since its release, the film, which is still showing in cinemas, has already generated 400 million naira ($1.3 million, 1.2 million euros), shattering the west African nation’s previous record.
Until then, the record was the 178.5 million naira made by “A Trip to Jamaica”, which also came out last year, showing that homegrown films can be more popular than Hollywood blockbusters. Coming together –
At a cinema in Lagos, the audience cried out in delight at the sight of hundreds of guests of the bride and groom trying to outdo one another in frenzied traditional dances.
Betty, a 27-year-old Lagos entrepreneur, had seen the film three times already but was still laughing throughout. She said the dance contest was her favourite scene.
“That’s exactly the way we are in terms of weddings. Our weddings are very colourful, our weddings are a lot of laugh time, a lot of dancing, a lot of drama, that’s who we are,” she said, smiling.
Another cinema-goer, Joy, said the film sends out a message by mocking the intolerance and mistrust that often characterise relationships between Nigeria’s different ethnic groups.
“The movie is like two sides of Nigerians: the Igbos and Yorubas, the toughest part in Nigeria,” she said.
“It is like harmonising the two parts together and making us understanding why we need to be together, no matter the tribe.”
– Improving standards –
Critics, the public and the vocal band of Nigerian cinema bloggers have called the film “superb” and “perfectly cast”. They also agree 2016 was an “exceptional” year for Nollywood.
About a dozen Nigerian films including “The Wedding Party” have been shown at international film festivals, including in Toronto last September.
“The CEO” for example, which came out in June last year, had a budget of more than $1 million and couldn’t be further removed from the shoestring productions that typify Nollywood.
“We are in a crucial time in the history of Nigerian film-making,” said Abiola Adenuga, the head of the PEFTI Film Institute in Lagos.
“Professionalism is climbing to new hights with new production companies, advertising agencies, cinema houses…
“Nigerian people are a very selective audience… internationally travelled, we know what to obtain everywhere and we expect nothing less on the home front.”
Since Nollywood took off in the 1980s, movies were often made in just a few weeks with a budget of less than $20,000.
Most went straight to DVD and were pirated, to be sold at traffic lights, junctions and market stalls.
– ‘Nigerian touch’ –
But the improving quality of local productions, the explosion of pan-African satellite television channels and the opening of more modern cinemas, has helped the industry take off.
In 2014, Nollywood generated $7.2 billion or 1.4 percent of Nigeria’s economy, according to the Oxford Business Group.
But beyond the modernisation of the sector, it’s the “Nigerian touch” of the film, the exuberance of its characters and the gags that’s made “The Wedding Party” a success, its director said.
“The first thing that was important to us was making a Nigerian story,” Adetiba added.
“The story of love and romance is very universal but we didn’t try to play like a Hollywood movie or that sort of thing.
“We wanted people to be able to turn around and go, ‘That’s my mum, that’s my auntie.’ And that’s what happened.”
-Source- The Guardian

Mugabe turns 93, vowing to rule on in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the world’s oldest national ruler, turns 93 on Tuesday, defiantly vowing to remain in power despite growing signs of frailty and failing health.
He will celebrate with his staff in a private ceremony in Harare while supporters use state media to send their annual gushing messages of goodwill and congratulations.
The main celebrations will be held Saturday at Matobo National Park outside Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, and are expected to attract thousands of officialarge game animals are often slaughtered for the occasion. In previous years Mugabe has reportedly been offered elephants, buffalo and impala for the feast. Mugabe has ruled out any prospect of retiring soon, saying that ZANU-PF officials believe there is no “acceptable” alternative.
“The call to step down must come from my party… In such circumstances I will step down,” the state-owned Sunday Mail newspaper quoted Mugabe as saying in an interview aired late Monday.
“They want me to stand for elections… If I feel that I can’t do it any more, I will say so to my party so that they relieve me. But for now, I think I can’t say so,” he said.
“The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, a successor who to them is acceptable,” Mugabe added.
The veteran leader came to power when Zimbabwe won independence in 1980 and his rule has been criticised for ruthless repression of dissent, election rigging, and for causing the country’s economic collapse.
s and ZANU-PF party faithful. Advanced age –
Several incidents in recent years have highlighted his advanced age — including a fall in February 2015 at Harare airport. In September of the same year he read a speech to parliament apparently unaware that he had delivered exactly the same address a month earlier.
Despite growing calls to step aside, his party has endorsed him as its candidate for general elections next year, and he remains widely respected as a liberation hero by other African leaders.
On Friday, his wife, Grace, claimed that Mugabe would be the voters’ choice even after he dies.
She has also vowed to use a wheelchair to transport him to election rallies if needed.
Mugabe has avoided naming a successor, and his party is divided between factions hoping to succeed him.
Grace, 51, was appointed head of the ruling party’s women’s wing in a surprise move that could make her a possible successor to Mugabe.
Another leading candidate is Mugabe’s vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Last year, security forces brutally quelled a series of street protests in Harare, a rare public expression of opposition to Mugabe’s regime.
According to Bloomberg News, Zimbabwe’s economic output has halved since 2000 when many white-owned farms were seized by ZANU-PF supporters, leaving the key agricultural sector in ruins.

Russian Ambassador To UN Dies After Passing Out At Embassy

Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations died Monday morning after suffering heart problems at the embassy in Manhattan, sources told The Post.
Vitaly Churkin was at the Russian embassy on East 67th Street when he became sick with a “cardiac condition” around 9:30 a.m., sources said.
His death was announced at a UN meeting.
Churkin was unconscious and needed CPR when he was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital.
The 64-year-old diplomat served as Russia’s permanent representative to the UN since 2006.

BREAKING: I need longer period of rest, says Buhari

                            

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said results of the series of medical checkups he carried out in the cause of his medical vacation had shown that he needed longer period of rest.

He said this necessitated his staying back in London, United Kingdom longer than initially planned.

The President said this in a four-paragraph made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

Adesina did not disclose how long the President’s “longer period of rest” will take.

He however thanked Nigerians for their prayers and good wishes while assuring them that there is no cause for worry.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari thanks millions of Nigerians who have been sending good wishes and praying for his health and well-being in mosques and churches throughout the country.

“The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern.

 

“President Buhari wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry.

 

‘”During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned.”

Ambode moves to renovate National Stadium Lagos

Lagos State government has expressed its willingness to renovate the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode made the state’s intent known when he paid a condolence and courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, at his residence in Abuja at the weekend.
“I will like to bring the National Stadium to life. The last time a game was played there was in 2005. There is also the employment aspect of football and hosting of matches at the stadium. That includes the jerseys, branding, mama put, the sign writers, the supporters, merchandising, and so on. We want to bring back the football culture of Lagos State to the National Stadium after its renovation,” Ambode said.
Dalung thanked the governor for his visit and praised Lagos for its successful hosting of the second Lagos City Marathon. He called on the state government to add more entertainment and culture to the event in subsequent editions to get more youths involved and to ensure that Nigerians benefit more from the whooping prize money.On the renovation of the National Stadium, the minister said he would go through their proposal and work on it. “It is only fair that we hand over the stadium to Lagos State for renovation since we’ve given to Enugu, Bauchi and Kaduna states. ‘’
-Source- The Guardian

Collapsed building: Lagos sues Lekki Gardens boss, others

         
                                    
The Lagos State Government has filed criminal charges against the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens Estate Ltd, Richard Nyong, and others over the collapse of a five-storey building under construction on Kushenla Road in Ikate Elegushi area of the State which killed no fewer than 35 persons.
Apart from Lekki Gardens Estate Ltd, GT Rich Ltd, HC Insight Solutions Ltd, others charged alongside Nyong are Taiwo Odofin, Omolabake Mortune, Maruis Agwu, Sola Olumofe and Omotilewa Joseph.
The defendants are facing a six-count of failure to obtain building approval for the collapsed building and unlawful manslaughter contrary to Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of Lagos.
The criminal charge, which was filed on February 17, 2017, is yet to assigned a date for the arraignment of the defendants.
The State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who visited the scene of the incident, had vowed to ensure justice for the victims of the collapsed building.
He also assured residents of the State that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that cases of criminal negligence and other forms of criminal activities are prosecuted.

REDTV Extends Presence to Francophone Africa, Premiers Boutique Hotel

 

REDTV, a dynamic online lifestyle channel that puts the spotlight on Africa with a distinct global appeal,launched its Francophone version on Thursday.

The fun-filled event, supported by  the United Bank for Africa (Plc), was held at the Azalaï Hotel in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire.  It was witnessed by distinguished players in finance, public and entertainment industries in Franco-Phone Africa’s largest economy and other neighbouring countries. The impressive gathering also featured the screening and premier of REDTV’s first francophone TV series, Boutique Hotel.

Notable guests who graced the colourful ceremony which was a grand display of excellence include, the Ivorian Minister of Culture, M. Maurice Bandama and Ally Coulibaly, the Ivorian Minister of African Integration.

With the launch of French language content of REDTV, the lifestyle station has now extended beyond Anglophone Africa into 10 French-speaking countries in which the UBA group operates.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of UBA Cote d’Ivoire, Mrs Sarata Kone, noted that the launch is an acknowledgment of the Bank’s recognition of its diversity as a pan-African financial institution with presence in 19 African countries in major financial capitals of London, New York and Paris. This according to her is in tandem with the Africapitalism philosophy of the Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu’s call on all Africans to take full responsibility in developing the continent. “Africans should present Africa in a new light, it is up to Africans to change the vision the world has concerning it,” Kone said quoting Elumelu.

Also speaking, Mr. Bandama Maurice, Minister of Culture, commended UBA’s unique vision, saying “a development where an organisation like REDTV takes it upon itself to reset the Africa narratives by projecting it as a continent that offers opportunities to its ambitious and talented youth, is not only welcome, but is indeed laudable.”.

Boutique Hotel was produced in collaboration with Alexandra AMON, a young producer and actress from Ivory Coast who won the best prize in the television series of FESPACO Awards with Chroniques Africaines in 2015.

The Boutique Hotel features a young woman, Lola Durant, played by Alexandra Amon, who takes over the reins of a hotel residence once run by her widowed mother. Without experience, Durant faced an uncommon staff and a rather unusual clientele.  This series, where love and low-blows intermingle, is the first francophone programme on REDTV channel. "I am truly happy and proud to contribute in my own way to the Ivorian cinema and even happier that nations like Nigeria chose to trust us in developing our art,” said Amon

Side attractions at the event featured stunning performances with Kiff no Beat and TNT, the most famous band in Cote d Ivoire, thrilling guests who evidently could not resist the enthralling vibes. The dance-floor was filled to capacity as the crowd danced the night away.

UBA with its vast network and capabilities continues to serve customers bearing in mind their importance and exceeding their expectations. As Africa’s Global Bank, UBA will continue not only to serve them, but also to partner with them in order to provide excellent financial services to them.

BREAKING: Saraki, Dogara visit Buhari in UK

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and some principal officers of the National Assembly are currently in the United Kingdom to visit President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on medical leave.
The National Assembly leaders left Nigeria for London today, it was learnt.

UBA Wins Most Innovative Bank Of The Year

Pan African banking and financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has added yet another award to its growing list of laurels as it emerged Most Innovative Bank of the Year at the Independent Newspapers Awards

The award which is a recognition of innovative products and services introduced by the bank in the past years towards meeting customer needs, comes on the heels of recent awards hauled by  the Bank , including Finnacle Client Innovation Awards, and Best Bank Awards won by its 5 subsidiaries  across Africa by The Bankers Magazine.

The event played host to dignitaries and business leaders, from different industries across Nigeria  including: the deputy Governor of Rivers State; Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard, Mr. Eric Osagie, Managing Director, Sun Newspapers Mr. Sam Cookey, CEO, Space Concepts

Receiving the award at the weekend in Lagos, Group Head, Consumer and  Digital Banking, United Bank for Africa, Dr. Yinka Adedeji, thanked the organisers for the recognition noting that he is delighted that UBA’s dedication to hard work and particular emphasis on quality to customer needs  are been recognised.  According to him, the award affirms the Bank’s strong management and commitment to service excellence.

“Our drive for quality, conforms with our desire to continuously deliver innovative and convenient payment options to our customers. Our innovations in the digital banking space have been possible because of our huge investments in building efficient, trustworthy platforms. We assure our customers that we are committed to continually bring the best in the financial technology space to ensure they always have the best and most convenient banking experience with all our service channels” Adedeji further said.  He said that the bank would not relent on its oars but continue to leverage technology to increase the depth and understanding of customer preferences and changing needs

While rationalising the choice of UBA as the most innovative bank in the country,  Mr. Ted Iwere, Managing Director, Independent Newspapers, organisers of the awards, said that UBA’s relentless pursuit of a global vision has seen it invest in the most secured IT platforms in Nigeria and by extension, African banking industry, which  has guaranteed customer experiences on its banking platform. Iwere noted that UBA’s internet banking application and data centre operations passed the ISO 27001 Certification, thereby confirming the adequacy of the banks security platform for online transactions. 

He further said, UBA has proven its leadership position in e-banking with the introduction of mobile Point of Sales (Mpos) terminals doing this in partnership with relevant stakeholders across Africa.

Meddy Spa boss task Nigerians on healthy lifestyle

The Chief Executive Officer of Meddy Spa, Raji Summayah Medinah, has advised Nigerians to adopt the habit of visiting a spa shop every once in a while because of the huge benefits it does to the body.

She said the human body is designed to function effectively when adequately taken care off. This, according to her can only happen if all the factors responsible in putting the body in good shape are observed.

She list the factors to include; good food, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle, part of which is to give the body a good massage every once in a while.

“In this part of the world, we have come to discover that people hardly understand the yearnings of their body that is why Nigerians are fond of taking pain killers when they feel ache in their body when ordinarily what they need is a good massage by a professional,” she said.     

“Massage does a lot of good to the body and the sooner we embrace it, the better our lives will become.”

Medinah averred that people who visit spa shop age gracefully as they enjoy improve blood circulation because a good massage delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells; Stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products. “Therapy can also help with pain management in chronic conditions such as arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.

“By indulging in body contouring services at a spa, you can keep the extra pounds off and keep your body in shape and beautiful. Body polishes gently exfoliate your skin, promoting cellular renovation, refining pores and gives your skin uniform relief.

“Body wraps are exceptionally beneficial as a quick way to remineralise the body, replenish it with nutrients and elements lost on a daily basis, thus boosting moisture in your skin, helping to rejuvenate and relax you,” she posited.

The Edo state born entrepreneur said, she set up Meddy Spa, a spa shop, two years ago after undergoing training in a French beauty school in Dubai, in 2012.

“Meddy Spa is everything spa and our concern basically is to ensure that our customers leave our shop feeling happy with themselves.

“At Meddy Spa our services include; facials, massage, body scrup/polish waxing and hand & foot therapy. We also distribute a complete skin care product called Farah-Oma,” she added.

Meddy Spa is located at 19b, Olatunde Onimole St., Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Welcomes You to the Future

Weststar Associates Limited, sole general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria is proud to introduce a cutting-edge luxury sports sedan, the new E-class. This is proof that Mercedes-Benz is committed to transforming not just automobiles, but the very idea of mobility itself. The E-class is one of the most technologically sophisticated automobiles in the world today with major steps taken towards an accident free and autonomous driving future. The exterior exudes an elegant aura with its sweeping new front and rear design. Such noticeable elements include the new radiator grille, the sliding tinted glass sunroof, striking new LED headlamps, optional 17-19 inch 5-spoke wheels, muscular rear shoulders and glistening LED taillamps which offer a remarkable sporty stance in the E300. The E-class is also 1.7 inches longer with a longer wheel base of 2.6 inches and more boot space of 34.8 liters when compared to its predecessor. All variants of the E-class are equipped with the eco start-stop function. The new E200 comes with a 2litre 4-cylinder petrol engine at 135kW (184hp) with a torque of 300 newton meters while the E-300 is powered by a 4-cylinder petrol engine rated at 180 kW (245 hp) with a torque of 370 newton meters and the E 400 4MATIC, has a six-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 245 kW (333 hp) with a torque of 480 newton meters. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels on standard models, while 4Matic models feature all-wheel drive.

On the inside, the E-class can be likened to a haven of luxury and craftsmanship as it adopts a similar interior design as the flagship S-Class with a bold horizontal layout stretching from door to door. From the amazing 64-color range of ambience lighting, new steering-wheel touch control buttons, console scroll button and touch pad, standard ash wood trim that spans across the dashboard to the door panels, 12.3 inch screens that house the COMAND® online platform as well as the instrumental cluster and a wide variety of seating packages. These include fully electric seats with memory function, climatized seats for the driver/passenger for reversed ventilation, active multi-contour seats with massage function, seat comfort package with electro-pneumatic 4-way lumbar support.

Standard safety features for all 2017 Mercedes E-Class models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, a driver drowsiness monitor, front-seat side airbags, front pelvic airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, and the Pre-Safe system that locks down seat belts, adjusts the front passenger seat and closes windows when a collision is imminent. Also included is Mbrace telematics system, offering smartphone integration and web-based apps that include remote controls, driver monitoring and emergency services. The convertible additionally features automatically deploying rollover hoops.

A Pre-Safe Sound system is also included and reduces hearing damage by emitting a specific noise before a collision that triggers a muscle reflex in the inner ear to reduce hearing damage. An optional Pre-Safe Impulse Side system detects impending side impacts and inflates a chamber in the front outboard seat bolsters to move the occupant farther from the door. The Pre-Safe Plus option protects passengers in a similar fashion as the standard Pre-Safe system but is activated by impeding rear collisions. It also applies the brakes to prevent secondary collisions. Other safety options include a rearview or surround-view camera, rear-seat side airbags, forward collision warning and mitigation, active or passive blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automated parking systems.

With the E-class, the future arrives before your very eyes. Its intelligent drive technology and advanced safety features makes it one of the most distinguished midsize luxury sedans for the year. The bigger engines homologated for the Nigerian market, such as the E300 and E400 will be available in autumn. For further inquiries about the Mercedes-Benz E200, please contact our authorized dealerships: Barbedos Cars (11, Baltic Crescent, Off Danube Crescent, Maitama, Abuja and 13A, Ali Akilu Road, By Lugard Roundabout, Kaduna), MB-Automobile Services (3rd Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway Ikate-Lekki Lagos), Skymit Motors Limited (Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, Ikeja) and Sunny Motors Limited (Plot 5, Block A12, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos).

BREAKING: Trump speaks with Buhari on phone, to help Nigeria combat terrorism

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday spoke with his United States of America’s counterpart, Donald Trump, on phone, with the two leaders discussing ways to improve collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
The Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement said Trump also invited Buhari to Washington “at a mutually convenient date”.He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon from London spoke to President Donald Trump on telephone at the request of the American President.
“The conversation was cordial and President Buhari congratulated Trump on his election as President of the United States, and on his cabinet.
“The two leaders discussed ways to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism through provision of necessary equipment.
“President Trump encouraged President Buhari to keep up the good work he is doing, and also commended him for the efforts made in rescuing 24 of the Chibok Girls and the strides being taken by the Nigerian military.
“President Trump assured the Nigerian President of US readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria in terms of military weapons to combat terrorism.
“President Trump also invited President Buhari to Washington at a mutually convenient date.”

Goje Charged To Organise North East Summit to Address Marginalisation

A call has gone out to the former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, to help put together a summit to address the political marginalisation of North East zone of the country.
A non governmental group, Youth against Marginalisation of North East, made this call in Abuja over the weekend.
The group, in an SOS message to Senator Goje, said there was an urgent need to organise a summit to tackle the issue that has plagued the zone over time.
The group noted that the North Eastern part of Nigeria has been denied the opportunity to produce a President of the country.
“If you will recall the North West has dominated the entire slot of the North in general. This include but not limited to the fact that the North West has produced nearly all the leaders from the entire North.
“From late Gen Murtala Muhammad, President Sheu Shagari, Gen Muhamadu Buhari, Gen Sani Abacha, to President Umoru Yardua and the current President Muhammadu Buhari,
“In view of the aforementioned scenario, it is crystal clear that North East has been sidelined in the affair of our great country.
‘We therefor appeal to former Governor Danjuma Goje, being the most consistent and political leader of people of North East to organise all North East politicians’ summit in order to address this issue. North East deserves to produce the next President or Vice President of this country,” the group added.
Share this:                                                                                           

My Story: How Shina Peters Accused Me Of Armed Robbery-Yomi Peters

Celebrated juju musician, Yomi Peters, whose latest album, Igbeyawo, is ruling the airwaves, has come out to explain what really happened the night his elder brother afrojuju musician, Sir Shina Peters, alleged him to be an armed robber.

The allegation was back in 1998, and now, 18 years after the incident, which has caused a long on/off feud between the brothers, Yomi has spoken about it again so as to clear his name once and for all as armed robbery allegations continue to trail him.

According to him, on the said night, he had gone to see Shina at his Iju Station, Lagos home to resolve some family matters because the wife of his immediate elder brother, Gbenga, had come to see him during a show at Heritage Garden, Isolo, Lagos, to complain that “my brother, Shina, had driven her out of the house she was staying with four children because her husband stayed back in America and didn’t follow her back to Nigeria. And the accommodation in question was Brother Gbenga’s share of our father’s properties.”

So he promised her to go and see Shina to resolve the issue.n the day he went to Shina’s house, it was around 7pm and he met the gateman, who knew him and greeted him. He asked and was told his brother was at home. However, the gateman did not open the gate for him but requested he get clearance Shina. After about 30 minutes without any response, Yomi, who got someone to drive him down, said he knocked the gate again.

“I wanted to ask the security that whether my brother said he should not open the gate for us,” said Yomi. “The guy that drove me there was telling me, ‘Let’s go. I don’t think this is your brother’s house.’ I said, ‘don’t worry. Maybe he is sleeping and they’re trying to tell him.’”

Both men were waiting when they started hearing shouts of thief, thief. “We heard ole, ole (thief, thief) from the house . And the person that took me to the place is telling me, let’s go. E bi like say they are shouting armed robber on you. I said no, no, no. I was scared maybe, there is armed robber there (in Shina Peters’ house), maybe something is happening. My brother’s house, since he built the house has electric fence. So you cannot climb it. How are you going to climb light wire? So definitely, climbing the fence is a lie. I just climbed the flower (bed) to open the security house to see what is going on inside because I didn’t think it was me they were calling an armed robber. So when I tried to open it, I saw my brother with short knicker with (his) wife. And before I know it, he has called police.

“So, I said, ‘ah, my brother, is it me that you are calling armed robber?’ And police came from Oko-Oba Police Station. They said, ‘everybody stand up.’ And they saw me, they saw the second guy, they looked at us, no gun, no anything and my brother now opened the gate. When he opened the gate, it was that time I know what is going on. And Sammy, his wife, said they are 20 in number, that the rest armed robber have run away.”

Upon discovering that he and Shina were blood brothers, the police said, “This is family matter.”

He added that “the situation on the day was chaotic and if not that I was also well-known in the area, they could have killed us.”

Following the initial episode, Yomi said he entered the house and confronted Shina over the allegation of armed robbery.

“I was so mad,” he said. “I started fighting with him but some people said I should leave him.”

Yomi said that, while he and his brother were slugging it out, his brother’s wife locked the gate and unknown to him, went to call another set of police. This time, the police called Yomi an armed robber and said he should follow him to the police station in their vehicle. But Yomi said he resisted following them in their vehicle, telling the police, “the person that said I’m armed robber is supposed to follow us. He’s the one that’s supposed to write statement. He’s the one that called police.”

Yomi said it was later agreed that he and the driver that brought him should drive behind the police as well as Shina. However, he claimed Shina diverted and never reached the station.

“When we got to the junction, police station is by the right. The police took right, I followed them. My brother followed left and ran away but we didn’t know. When we got to police station, the complainant, we didn’t see him. At the end of the day, the police say ‘they will lock me.’ I said it’s better because I don’t know what to write because I don’t know what is happening. Unless I see the complainant, I can’t write anything. So, they said I should go. I said ‘I can’t go because if I go, I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. At the end of the day, they (police) said they are going to lock me up. So they locked me and that guy (driver). They seized the car of that guy.

“So, when they locked us, early in the morning, the first paper (newspaper), the DPO or somebody in the station brought the paper. It (headline) said ‘Yomi Peters with armed robbery gang invade Shina Peters’ house.’ Front page. All the papers, not inside, but front page. Within that night and morning.”

Yomi said Shina wanted to settle the matter the next day.

“He sent one of his fans, Tunde Adaba, on the second day, that he should come and tell them (police) that I am not (an) armed robber.”

But the police were adamant and said nothing could be done until Shina came himself.

“So they (police) locked Tunde Adaba.”

Yomi said Adaba’s wife now went to cause a scene at Shina’s house over the detention of her husband. It was not until the third day that Yomi said the police asked him to go.

“And I told them I can’t go.”

He said that on the third day, Shina peters came to the police station with an ex-police commissioner who pleaded with him.

“The man called me and used Bible to preach to me. He used Koran too. And I asked him one question. If the man is still alive, he would still remember. I asked him: ‘Am I an armed robber?’ He said, ‘Let’s forget it.’

He added that Shina asked the police to make him sign an undertaking that he, Yomi, “would never enter his house again.”

Yomi recalled signing the undertaking after saying “if that is what you want.”

Though Yomi said a lot of people prevailed on him to settle the rift and his brother called him after the incident and said it was over. And after a first visit, decided not to go again, especially after he was reminded that he had signed an undertaking not to go there again.

“So that day, I just wanted to please people but I saw that pleasing people can get me into trouble.So since that time, I’ve never entered his house.”omi sojourned to the United States shortly after the armed robbery allegation incident but has since returned to Nigeria to resume his music in the country said he is not ‘fighting’ with his brother, Sir Shina Peters.

Rather, he’s just trying to clear his name as the allegation still trails him.

Mercedes Benz Presents the New Mercedes-Benz Atego 1718 Refuse Collector Compactor.

Weststar Associates, Authorized General Distributors of Mercedes-Benz in the Federal Republic of Nigeria are proud to officially announce the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz Atego 1718 Chassis with Usimeca Refuse Collector-Compactor. Produced in the same high-tech factories in South America, this truck comes at a competitive price without any compromises on Mercedes-Benz renowned values of Durability, Quality, Reliability and Safety.

The Refuse Collector-Compactor body has a capacity of 12 cubic meters and the chassis has a wheel base of 4760mm. It possesses a Euro 3 engine version with 6-speed manual transmission and an output of 180Hp. Special safety features present are the front and rear axle drum brakes with Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) and auto brake adjustment which yield a longer brake service life.

Best suited for the Nigerian operating terrain, the Mercedes-Benz Refuse Collector Compactor is equipped with reinforced parabolic steel spring Suspension System, an adjustable steering column and maintenance free batteries for easy operation. On the inside, the 17.1-ton Variant Chassis with Daycab provides a seating capacity of 2 passengers with exterior seating for up to four runners to climb in and out to load bins. Other features include fabric seating, air-conditioning (for maximum driver comfort), radio pre-wiring, rotating safety beacons and exterior LED work lights. This 4 x 2 truck rides on 22.5 inch tires and possesses steel bumpers to help protect the headlights from hazardous objects.

“As promised earlier on in the year, this is in line with the commercial strategy for the proposed launch of new products better suited for the Nigerian market. The Atego 1718 Chassis with Usimeca Refuse Collector-Compactor body offers an impressive Total Cost of Ownership, ease of operation and excellent value for money. It is designed for easy integration into the Nigerian operating environment and backed up by our well-established Mercedes-Benz Aftersales and Parts Network.” stated Mirko Plath, MD/CEO of Weststar Associates.

This diesel truck is readily available for immediate delivery at Weststar Associates Limited. All inquiries should be forwarded to our office at Gottlieb Daimler road, 3rd roundabout (Ikate), Lekki, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos on 0809 999 8375 / 0809 999 8376 or mailed to: u.ekanem@weststar.com.ng

I speak with Buhari daily, says sister Hajiya Rakiya

 

Hajiya Rakiya, the only surviving elder sister of President Muhammad Buhari, has appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for the well being of the President, instead of spreading rumours about his health.
In an interview with a correspondent of the News agency of Nigeria in Daura, Katsina state, the 84-year-old said the president needed the prayers of every Nigerian for him to succeed in the task of addressing the problems facing the nation.
She said President Buhari being a mortal is bound to fall ill or even die “at any time his Creator wishes’’.
She said she speaks with the president everyday since his departure to London on his annual leave and he is in high spirit.
“I just returned from the lesser Hajj and even while in Saudi Arabia I was communicating with him everyday,” Rakiya popularly called Amadodo told NAN. She said while in Saudi Arabia, she communicated with him every ten hours”
“We were 28 from our mother late Hajiya Zulaihatu who died in 1992,but Buhari was her last born” she said.

Volkswagen overtakes Toyota as the world's biggest carmaker

Japan's Toyota, which had topped sales for the past four years, sold 10.175 million vehicles globally in 2016. That fell short of the 10.31 million sales which VW reported last week.

The milestone comes despite VW's scandal over emissions tests cheating, which sparked a global backlash and multiple lawsuits. A spokesman for VW said: "2016 was a very challenging year for us."

The company "made strides in resolving and overcoming the diesel crisis" and initiated fundamental change in the company's long-term strategy, he said. "Nonetheless, we managed to stabilise operating business in difficult conditions: the fact that we handed over more than 10 million vehicles to customers last year bolsters the group and its brands as we head for the future," he added.

Volkswagen, which makes the Audi, Porsche and Skoda brands, saw a 3.8% increase in sales buoyed by demand in China. And it has been making inroads in other markets too. In Sweden for example, the Volkswagen Golf was the most popular new car in 2016.

Toyota's sales grew by 0.2% - though it appears to have suffered from a slowdown in the US car industry. General Motors reports its figures next week, but it is expected to lag both the Japanese and the German firms.

FG, UBA Restate Commitment to Developing Creative Industry

REDTV, a dynamic online lifestyle channel that puts the spotlight on Africa with a distinct global appeal, in conjunction with The Naked Convos has premiered a new web-series titled, ‘Our Best Friend’s wedding’.  REDTV is supported by the United Bank for Africa’s (UBA Plc)

The impressive gathering which held this past weekend, attracted a good number of A-list dignitaries and business leaders, from different industries across Nigeria  including: the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture,  Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Group Managing Director, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and players in the entertainment and film industries

Speaking at the premiere, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was visibly impressed with the quality of the movie spoke glowingly about the unrelenting support of UBA towards the growth of the creative industry in Nigeria, noting that UBA is no doubt one of the very few organisations that truly understands the far reaching impact the creative industry can add to Nigeria’s economy.

The minister applauded the high quality of the television series, attesting that Nigeria’s television production and creative industries have come of age with capabilities to contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic development. This, according to the minister is part of the objectives the recently signed pact between the Federal Ministry of Information and The Tony Elumelu Foundation hopes to achieve. The Tony Elumelu Foundation is founded by the Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu.

“I recall that before the MOU we signed with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we identified a plethora of problems in the Creative Industry ranging from  systemic failure, lack of monitoring of intellectual property and lack of capacity. Having said that, I am particularly delighted to tell you that after organisations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the British Council came to the rescue of the creative industries, the story has now changed for good”, the minister said.

Reiterating why the MoU is important for Nigeria’s creative industries, he explained that the film industry, best known as Nollywood, is the most energetic in the world and has a total estimated value of over $500 million per annum. It also provides jobs for thousands of people but sadly, an estimated $200milion is lost to piracy annually because of the absence of formal, legal distribution systems.

 

Also speaking at the premiere, the Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA Plc and executive producer of the television series, Mrs. Bola Atta appreciated the critical interventions by the government in creating an enabling environment for the creative industry to thrive, whilst noting that the series, made by Nigerians in Nigeria is of world class standard. According to her, in just a few days of its release, the series garnered   over 130,000 views on the YouTube channel.  .

 

The movie, Our Best Friend’s Wedding is a romantic dramedy of a young man who panics and buys an engagement ring on a whim. He recruits his two female best friends to help go through a list of potential candidates and sets off a series of events that lead to a wedding.

 

The series stars Adebola ‘Illrymz’ Olowu, Oreka Godis, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Chris Attoh, Timi Charles-Fadipe, Unamka Marycolette, Yewande Lawal, Sarah Boulos and Theo Lawson.

  
REDTV is a digital online television network that features the very best of entertainment, news, design, travel, fashion, music, sports, comedy and much more. The channel is available on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms.