Why I Want To Be Lagos Island LG Chairman - Ojora

Apparently disturbed by the lackluster developments in the Lagos Island local government areas, Prince Wale Ojora has taken the bull by the horn to vie for the chairmanship position of the council in the forthcoming local council elections.

This is as a result of his conviction that he has got what it takes to take the council area to the next level that will be in conformity with his party’s manifestos and aspiration of change
Speaking recently with journalists, the former secretary to the local government explained that he was persuaded by various political interest groups in the area who have severally lobbied him to come out A well educated young politician has his first degree in Industrial Chemistry and two masters degrees in chemical engineering and operations research from the University of Lagos and Certification in Oracle 9i Data administrator from Oracle university in South Africa

In his view, Lagos Island needs to be brought back to its old glory where virtually all the blue-chip companies used to have their headquarters either on Marina or Broad street, saying ‘it is disheartening that almost all the companies now prefer Victoria Island, Lekki or Ikoyi, we must find a way to bring those companies back because the problems are being resolved by the present state governor’

and vie for the position and perhaps make him the only candidate to beat at the moment.

Ojora who presently oversees the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) claimed to be the appropriate candidate for the post, having been a Supervisor for works and Secretary to the local government in the past and equally well educated to take the challenge of the council leadership.

According to him, the local government urgently need to fix all the primary health centers and the primary schools to give a decent life to the residents who may not afford the luxury of private consultations.

In this regard, he said an aggressive close collaboration with the state government is needed to fast track all these massive transformation which are very achievable with a visionary leader like himself.On his confidence to clinch the ticket of his party, All Progressive Congress, Ojora opined that APC is a party of democrats that will give a level playing ground to all aspirants and because of this, he is assured that he is the man the party will put forward to contest the July election.
Reeling in comfort of his royal blood, the prince who pride himself as the home boy of Lagos Island called on his people to rally round him to achieve the dream of a new Lagos Island.
“At the moment we need to key our ideas into the state governor’s vision to take our area to the next level. We should key into the proposed regeneration program of the Marina by Governor Ambode to benefit our people in terms of jobs and empowerment” he said...

ETI announces 15% increase in PAT N18.68bn for Q1 2017

                              

As part of its re-engineering effort and coming from a loss position in 2016, Ecobank transnational incorporated (ETI) has announced 15 per cent increase in profit after tax to N18.7 billion for the first quarter (Q1) ended March 2017.
The financial institution in the first quarter of 2016 posted N16.2 billion profit after tax.
Ecobank had announced a loss before tax of $131million in 2016 financial year as against profit before tax of $205million recorded in 2015,  attributable to higher loan impairment charges taken in fourth quarter of 2016.
Ecobank in its unaudited result and accounts to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday, stated that profit before tax gained 11 per cent to N22.9 billion in Q1 2017 from N20.6 billion recorded in Q1 2016.
Gross Earnings rose by 36 per cent from N131.39 billion in Q1 2016 to N178.4 billion in Q1 2017 while operating profit before impairment losses gained 36 per cent from N33.89 billion to N46 billion in first quarter of 2017.
In a statement, the Group Chief Executive Officer, ETI, Mr.  Ade Ayeyemi, said, “Our performance in the first quarter was encouraging despite continued macroeconomic headwinds.
“All of our businesses made meaningful progress in executing our strategy by continuing to focus on cost discipline, stringent credit risk practices, and digitisation of processes to enhance the customer experience.
“Our first quarter revenues of $425 million (N130 billion), increased three per cent in constant dollars, while operating expenses were flat, year-on-year.
“Preimpairment income increased 10 per cent in constant dollars, reflecting positive operating leverage.
“The cost-to-income ratio of 64.5 per cent was an improvement on the 66.1 per cent for 2016, reflecting strong efficiency gains. However, pre-tax profits decreased 17 per cent in constant dollars, mainly because impairments remain elevated as we forecast, for which we continue to aggressively address in our ongoing overhaul of credit risk management. We delivered a return on tangible equity of 16 per cent.
“Our diversified business model and pan-African footprint is a competitive advantage for us. It allows us to meet the trade finance, cash management, and online and mobile financial needs of our clients across Middle Africa with unique financial products and services.
“Together with the more than 17,000 Ecobankers, I am proud of what Ecobank continues to do for its customers,” he said.
ETI’s total assets rose by 36 per cent from N4.6 trillion in 2016 to NN6.26 trillion as at March 2017, driven by 28 per cent increase in loans and advances to customers to N2.8 trillion as at March 2017 from N2.2 trillion recorded in 2016 financial year results.
Other key contributors to the financial institution balance sheet include 32 per cent increase in deposits from customers to N4.15 trillion as at March 2017 and 12 per cent increase in total equity from N505.5 billion in 2016 to N565.7 billion as at March 2017.
Market watchers are expecting the commencement of the proposed $400million convertible bond issue this year.

UBA Group Starts Strong in 2017, Grows Profits By 41% In First Quarter

    Its African subsidiaries wax stronger, contributing 35% of earnings

The Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has released its unaudited first quarter results, showing significant growth across major income lines.

Following a sterling performance in 2016 financial year, UBA Group delivered another impressive 41% percent year-on-year growth in profit-before-tax in the first three months of 2017. Leveraging on strong growth in both interest and non-interest income as well as increased efficiency, UBA recorded N25.5 billion in profit before tax in the first quarter, ending March 31st 2017, compared to N18.1 billion achieved in the first quarter of 2016. The Group also recorded a profit after tax of N22.4 billion in the first quarter, an impressive 32 percent year-on-year growth compared to N17.0 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2016. The group sustained its strong profitability recording an annualized 19.4% Return on Average equity(RoAE).

Driven by an unprecedented 43% year-on-year growth in interest income, UBA Group recorded a 38% percent year-on-year growth in gross earnings to close at N101.2 billion for the three months period ending March 2017, compared to N73.7 billion recorded in the first three months of the year 2016.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of the United Bank for Africa Group (UBA), Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, expressed satisfaction with the Bank’s impressive performance in the first quarter of 2017, despite intensifying competition and a very challenging business environment.

"Our performance in the first quarter of the year strengthens our optimism on economic and business recovery in Nigeria and many of our markets across Africa. More importantly, this result is evidence of efficiency gains in our pricing, balance sheet management and operations,”  Uzoka said. ing Loan ratio stood at 3.95%, with a 136% provisions coverage, inclusive of regulatory risk reserve.  We remain well capitalized and liquid to fulfill our growth strategy; 19.4% BASEL II capital adequacy ratio and 41% liquidity ratio, which present opportunity to explore the headroom in our low LTD of 61%,” Nwaghodoh said.

“Driven by our balance sheet liquidity, we grew interest income by 43% to an unprecedented quarterly run-rate of N77 billion. Buoyed by improving foreign currency supply in Nigeria, remittance and trade services fees almost doubled and foreign currency trading income grew by 148% year-on-year, as we leveraged our Customer First initiatives to gain market share in these offerings. More so, it is my pleasure to report that we made further progress in our consistent retail penetration, as reflected in the 12% year-to-date growth in retail savings and current account deposits. Notwithstanding the tight interest rate environment, we recorded a 30bps reduction in cost of funds to 3.4%, a positive result of our customer service-led approach to low cost deposit mobilization. As at Q1, low cost savings and current accounts (CASA) represent 80% of our deposit funding,” Uzoka explained. 

While emphasizing the increasing relevance of its African operations to its bottom line, Uzoka said, “Our businesses outside Nigeria continued to wax stronger, contributing 35% of our earnings. We remained prudent in risk asset creation growing net loans by 2% year-to-date, as we have continued to monitor development in key sectors of the economy to take advantage of emerging bankable opportunities in due time. Albeit the structural challenges that exist in Africa, the opportunities and returns are immense and compelling. We will deepen our penetration across our chosen markets, as we diligently execute our strategies for consistent market share gain.”

Also speaking on UBA’s financial performance and position, the Group CFO, Ugo Nwaghodoh, said the Bank’s performance in the first quarter further proves its resilience and very strong prospect of the business across its chosen markets.  He said that beyond the sterling growth in top and bottom lines, he remained particularly impressed with the quality of the earnings, which reflects the bank’s focus on the core business of financial intermediation and transaction banking.

“We remain steadfast on our prudent and proactive risk management, which helps to minimize the impact of the macroeconomic pressures on our portfolio. Our non-perform

RUNWAY JAZZ 2017: UBA POWERS MUSIC AND BUSINESS MASTERCLASS FACILITATED BY THE BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

The countdown has begun to the most anticipated and insightful learning experience at the Runway Jazz 2017 Music and Business Masterclass, taking place on April 29, 2017 in the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.  The Masterclass is a prelude to the Runway Jazz Concert, a special celebration of the International Jazz Day. 

Powered by UBA, the Music and Business Masterclass is being facilitated by George W. Russell Jr, Professor and Chair of the Harmony Department at Berklee College of Music, California (the most prestigious music institution in the world), which has produced Grammy award winners Quincy Jones, Lalah Hathaway, Nick Baxter, as well as Nigerian talent like Tiwa Savage and Kaline Akinkugbe to mention but a few. 

The Runway Jazz 2017 Music and Business Masterclass is open to individuals, groups, record labels, established and emerging musicians as well as students of music. It will seminar and open up dialogue that will encourage talented musicians and lovers of music to enhance their abilities and turn their gifts into profitable ventures. 

This Masterclass is a result of a strategic partnership with Berklee College of Music and Runway Jazz, partnered by the United Bank for Africa. It will allow participants get a better understanding of the access to scholarship opportunities at Berklee College as they learn how to turn their talent and passion into business opportunites. It promises to be interactive, fun, instructive and inspiring. 

 

"The education is key as it enables the fulfilment of UNESCO's mandate to encourage peaceful relations and foster the education, participation and creation of unity through the celebration of Jazz Music", says the convener, Afolabi Oke. 

Professor George Russell holds many accolades and is the recipient of the highest award that Berklee gives to faculty, the Most Distinguished Faculty Award. Russell served as a Professor of Harmony and Piano, prior to becoming Chair.  He holds the Ted Pease Award for Excellence in Teaching, along with the Curriculum Development Award for the Writing Division at the Berklee College of Music. 

Najee, a Grammy Award winner and American saxophonist, who will be headlining the Runway Jazz Concert on April 30, will join the Professor to facilitate this unique and inspiring Masterclass.

Speaking about the event, Professor Russell says, "Many people understand, or think they understand music, some understand business, but there is a Business of Music that when you get the formula right, will open doors that you never even knew were there in the first place". 

 

Female lawyer petitions Owoseni over assault, threat to life

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Blessing Titty Ahmed, has petitioned the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, over alleged assault and threat to her life.

In the petition written on her behalf by Simeon Atunbi of Blue Diamond Law Firm, Ahmed accused a woman, Mrs. Jerry Okoh, of assaulting her on April 19 while performing her duty at 9 /11, Dayo Kuye Close, New Oko-Oba, Lagos.

The petition reads in part: “It is our brief that our client, who is a legal practitioner and property consultant, manages the property situated at No 9 /11, Dayo Kuye Close, New Oko-Oba, Lagos, under the lawful authority of the landlord. The said property is occupied by tenants, among who is Mrs. Jerry Okoh (hereinafter referred to as the ‘tenant’) and her family. The said tenant has become notorious for the violent conduct which extends to the neighbours, the landlord and her agents.

“Based on instruction of the landlord, on 19^th April 2017, our client visited the said property in the company of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Sergeant Fakule Taiwo, with the intention of serving a ‘Notice of Power Disconnection’ on the defaulting tenants.

“However, when our client requested to see the tenant, her children informed our client that the tenant was not at home. Consequently, ‘The Notice’ was pasted and a picture was taken as proof of service.

“Our client then proceeded to serve the notice on the occupiers of the other apartments on the premises.

“While the notice was being served on the other occupiers, the tenant came and attacked our client by slapping her, hitting her, tearing her clothes and under wears. She was mobbed by the tenant and her children. During the assault our client lost her gold neck chain (necklace) and wristwatch both worth ₦1,270,000.”

According to the petition, Sergeant Taiwo’s attempt to quell the attack, which had degenerated to a threat to Ahmed’s life, was suppressed by the violence of the tenant and her children.

“Our client was only able to escape this life-threatening incident by the grace of God and the help of the police officer.

“When she eventually managed to step into her car, the tenant was hitting the car glasses, she took a big stone threatening to smash the car glasses but the police officer prevented her. Our client sustained several bruises, dislocation of bones and shock and she is still traumatised by the incident. The dastardly act of the tenant landed our client in the hospital where she is currently recuperating…

“Our client has incurred heavy medical bills and has lost several businesses due to the injury sustained from the ugly incident which has resulted in her absence from her office to attend to client’s matters worth several millions,” the petition added.

Ahmed said the incident was reported at the New Oko-Oba Police Station.

“We humbly petition your good self to intervene in this matter by investigating, arresting and persecuting the said Mrs. Jerry Okoh as it relates to upholding rule of law and sanctity of human lives in the country,” the petitioner urged Owoseni.

But in another development, while the case was being awaited to be arraigned in court on Friday by the Oko-Oba Police Station, an order came from the Area G Command that the case file be transferred immediately to the area command, which the DPO in charge of Oko-Oba Police Station complied with instantly.

“Inspector Bola (Criminal Record Department) came to collect the case file that Area G Command is interested in the matter and that Mrs. Jerry Okoh is the daughter of the former area commander.

“However, the matter took a dramatic turn at Area G, as the Oko-Oba case file was discarded and a new case file was brought out accusing the lawyer of assaulting Mrs. Jerry Okoh.

“The said inspector Bola insisted that the lawyer should write a statement and afterwards sign a bail bond on self-recognition while Mrs. Jerry Okoh was not interrogated further on the assault case,” the petitioner added.

In the interest of justice and equity, the lawyer is asking the commissioner of police to remove the matter from Area G Command. 

South African Tourism hosts RMD, Seyi Shay, others

South African Tourism West Africa recently organized an eight-day tour to South Africa for top celebrities to explore the beautiful sceneries and culture of the country. The fun-filled, eight-day experience focused on the Western Cape Province.
From helicopter rides to elephant rides, the trip was indeed activity filled and memorable. The guests that were taken on the trip, this time around, included Richard Mofe Damijo, John Dumelo, Francis Doku, Seyi Shay, Arese Ugwu, Bolanle Olukanni and Idia Aisien.
The journey began with the South African Airways flight which the Nigerian and Ghanaian group boarded from Lagos and Accra respectively. The flight which lasted only 6 hours was smooth and comfortable so that by the time the guests landed in from O.R. Tambo International airport, they were ready to board their connecting 1hr45mins flight to Georgesituated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Upon arrival, their adventure began. They headed to the Bergsig Game farm where the guests boarded helicopters and went on private helicopter rides where they got to see a panoramic view of the beautiful city. From an altitude of over 8000ft over sea level, the guests were able to view the greenery, mountains and animals.
Next up, the guests got to visit the Nyaru game lodge situated in the heart of garden route a mere, 30 minute drive from the George airport. The Nyaru game lodge provides a traditional restaurant that comes complete with a fireplace. The crew got the opportunity of enjoying the authentic African bush breakfast on the outdoor deck against nature’s very own picturesque backdrop.
The next day, the group went on a visit to a small town called Knysna located along South Africa’s famed garden route.  The town is most famous for its oyster festival, warm people and the most magnificent views from Leisure Isle to the Knysna Heads. The guests’ first activity on arrival involved a power boat ride through the Knysna heads and down the Knsyna estuary! The Knysna waters are cool and clean making it a safe spot for speed boating.
On their last day in the beautiful city of George, the guests visited the Elephant Sanctuary located at Crags, Plettenberg Bay!  The guests enjoyed a very intimate experience with the elephants as they got to ride the elephants taking in the view once again at an extended height. This time around, at the height of over 3,3m which is the height of an African elephant. Some of the guests also went on walks with the elephants leading them by their trunks.
On their last night in George, the guests got treated to dinner on a boat cruise where they set sail on the calm Knysna Lagoon. Champagne, cocktails mixed with seafood and yummy cuisine was the order of the day as they looked forward to what would be a new adventure in the city of Capetown the next day.
The anticipation for what was to come was built on the 50mins flight to Capetown from George and the guests looked on in anticipation to what Cape Town had to offer. The first activity the guests embarked upon was to explore Robben Island! Guests got the opportunity to intimately experience a segment in the life of one of Africa’s biggest legends and Nobel Peace prize Laureate, Nelson Mandela. They got the privilege of being inside what was his prison cell for 18 of his 21year sentence. They got to see the tally marks he made inside the cell as that was his way of keeping record of his time in prison. He counted the days stroke by stroke for all his 18 years of imprisonment in the cell.
Outside the cell, they were introduced to the limestone quarry where Mandela and the other cell mates had to break cement manually with sledge hammers every day for the duration of his imprisonment. It was a bitter sweet moment as the guests gained increased respect and admiration for the African Icon.
Vroom vroom! It was adventure time once more for the crew. In grand style, they rode on Harley Davidson bikes from Signal Hillto the wine lands located in Groot constantia Landgoed estate. Here, they were introduced to the process of Wine making.Founded in 1685, It Groot Constantia is one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms and a part of Cape Town’s big 7 top attractions! Here, the guests enjoyed the offerings of history, culture and of course, the unique blend of centuries old, ultra-premium cool climate wines.
No visit to Capetown is complete without a visit to the iconic landmark which also serves as one of the World’s seven wonders. If you guessed Table Mountain, you certainly guessed right. Sitting at a height of over 3,653ft, the guests were treated to cable rides to the top of mountain as they watched on in amazement at the breath taking view of the entire city of Capetown! From the infinitely laid green landscape to the vineyards and surrounding mountains and hill tops the guests were held spell-bound.

The 2-day Cape Town Jazz Festival was in session while the guests were in the mother city of Cape Town so they got the privilege of attending the festival. This festival plays host to thousands of Jazz lovers across the globe every year with world class acts performing on stage. The smooth rhythm and blues from renowned acts such as Nomfundo Xaluva, Mango groove, Digable planets, Andra day, Camillo Lombard and a host of many more ended their last night in the Western Cape Province.It was a bitter-sweet exit as the guests ended their tour knowing that this was only the beginning of more adventures to come. From family visits to bringing friends and spouses, they all vowed to return with their loved ones as there are so many more activities available in the beautiful country. The accessibility and affordability that South Africa presents also helped seal the deal!

Julia Roberts crowned World Most Beautiful Woman

American screen “godess”, Julia Roberts, 49, was named “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” for a record-setting fifth time by the People’s Magazine, U.S., on Wednesday.
Jess Cagle, the People’s Editorial Director, announced the magazine’s decision on “Good Morning America” Show, ABC Television.
He said the magazine’s annual “Most Beautiful” issue would hit newsstands nationwide on Friday.
Cagle applauded the “Pretty Woman” actress for her healthy living, adding that “many fans watched Roberts grow into the woman she is today.
“She is been famous a very, very long time, and she’s very, very popular.
“She’s also a person who just keeps getting better as she matures.”
The director added that “she is better looking now than she ever has been.
“She looks great, but she also just gets better in life and has carved out this really simple, perfect private life away forherself and the spotlight. “That’s difficult to do when you’re Julia Roberts.”
This is the fifth time the stunning “Pretty Woman” actress is being given the coveted title after clinching for the first time in 1991.
Julia is ahead of her BFF George Clooney in the Most Beautiful department, as he’s only been “Sexiest Man Alive’ twice.

Exclusion of minority leadership in Lagos is tryanny in democracy says, Hon Mosadoluwa

The founder of Ibile peaceful assembly, Hon. Saheed  Mosadoluwa (Mr-Ibile) has described the exclusion of the minority leadership in the Lagos state House of Assembly as tyranny and  undemocratic .

He however made this assertions while reacting to the recent  Lagos State House of Assembly on the exclusion of the offices of Minority Leader and Minority Whip in the House, saying the two positions are no longer necessary.

“I considered the assertion of  the Chairman, House Committee on

Information, Strategy, Publicity and Security, Mr Tunde Braimoh of

Lagos State Assembly  as a troubling conundrum”.

“We are not saying majority rule is not necessary for expressing the

popular will and the basis for establishing their deceptive  and progressive’s campaign but minority is bound to disagree on any anti

people ideal of the majority”

However, the Lagos State House Assembly  should understand that the consensus cannot be the basis for making political or legislative decisions

because minority rule is antithetical to democracy.

His words, “is this Lagos State House of assembly? or  fascist organization, I have not heard of any state assembly without minority leaders will surely pave way for executive arm reckless and rascality, APC members should not  abuse its powers to oppress the minority voters that send some of these traitors to that chamber to represent their communities”.

Mosadoluwa noted that  PDP members in their constituents were  not consulted before the six members proceeded to decamped to APC, as these members were fascinated with what  those in the APC camp are benefiting  which  compel  them to decamped from PDP  to APC.

 “I would advise that someone should stand as a minority leader to represent the will of the minorities’ votes. We should stop being economical with truth, Hon. The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday said the offices of

Minority Leader and Minority Whip in the House are no longer necessary Obasa, his loyalists and APC leaders should understand the dangers of   tyranny in legislature which should also be condemned by Lagosian”.

Further more, it is of great importance in a LSHA not only to guard

Lagosian against oppression and deceptive progressives campaigners,

there is need for minority leader in that assembly to guard the rules

of the assembly against the injustice of those who decide to tell us

the rules is now superfluous and whims.

It is time to compel  Buraimoh to resign as the chairman Lagos

Assembly house committee on information and strategies since his

appointment as the chairman is not constitution guarantees but the

creation of the assembly and that means the office that gave him the

privilege to send deceptive information to the public is also based

on the whims and the rules he just describes as fascist.

The minority's rights must be protected no matter how alienated a

minority is from the majority members of Lagos state assembly;

otherwise, the majority's rights may  lose its meaning.

Mosadoluwa, on his final note, urged that Ibile peaceful Assembly will surely protest the heinous decision of the majority of the house of Lagos Assembly members to prevent Lagos State government from becoming a vehicle for the “tyranny of the APC government. “ we will resist imposed regimentation of thought and values as the voice of the minority must be heard”, he added.

 

UBA’s REDTV Sponsors Runway Jazz to Commemorate Lagos @50

REDTV a dynamic online lifestyle channel, supported by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, that puts the spotlight on Africa with a distinct global appeal, has announced its sponsorship of the Runway Jazz Festival as part of events lined up for the commemoration of Lagos @ 50.

The Runway Jazz Festival scheduled to commence on April 29 and close on the April 30^th, is organised by Sweet Sound Production in conjunction with Lagos State Government. The event, a fusion of world class Jazz performances and fashion, coincides with the international Jazz Day themed “Promoting Peace, Unity and Dialogue through Art”.

Speaking at the press conference held in Lagos at the weekend, Obinna Okerekeocha, Creative Director, Red TV, said the partnership will afford REDTV’s teeming viewers and lovers of contemporary Jazz the opportunity to experience a world class Jazz concert in Lagos. Headlining Runway Jazz 2017, according to Okerekeocha are two Grammy awards winners; American Saxophonist, Najee and UK Singer-songwriter, Joss Stone. Others billed to perform at the event to be held in Eko Hotel Convention Centre are some of Nigeria’s finest entertainers including Waje, Yinka Davies, Dede, Heavywind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound.

The two day event will kick-off with the Music & Business Masterclass on Saturday April 29 and the Runway Jazz Concert on Sunday April 30, 2017

“With haute couture from Jewel by Lisa, and a runway show that captures the evolution of Lagos over the last 5 decades, Runway Jazz is the biggest and most unique music and fashion event to hit the Naija entertainment scene,” Okerekeocha said

Also speaking at the press conference held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, the Executive Producer, Mr Afolabi Oke, said “the Runway Jazz activities this year have been heightened and elevated by two strategic partnerships. The first is with the Berklee College of Music, Boston, USA, which will present a music and Business Masterclass, facilitated by Professor George W. Russell Jr, Chairman of the Harmony Department.  The second is the Lagos State Government; as we team up to celebrate the remarkable anniversary of Lagos State, Lagos@ 50.”

On the theme for the event “Promoting Peace, Unity and Dialogue through Art”, he noted that “At a time when there is so much turmoil, with socio-cultural imbalances, and political unrest across nations, there is no better way to unite the people than through a medium that pushes forward an agenda that promotes peace, unity, acceptance of diversity and intercultural dialogue- Music.”

Ace Musician, Dede Mabiaku and one of the star performers from Nigeria added that the Runway Jazz was birthed to engage music and art enthusiast and Jazz aficionados, giving stylish expression to art and culture through music and fashion. According to him, the focus on Jazz music really broadens its appeal, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa, and introduces an innovative franchise into the Nigerian entertainment scene. He further assured that this year’s event will be the biggest in its history as he promised to perform great songs from Afrobeat King, Late Fela Kuti.

Also present at the press conference were Heavywind, Tosin Alao, Xerona Duke and host band, Sweet Sound.

REDTV Launches New Crimes Series, Inspector K

The online lifestyle network powered by the United Bank for Africa, REDTV, held an exclusive screening for the soon-to-be launched web series – Inspector K , at 355 lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event was well attended by the GMD of UBA, Kennedy Uzoka, as well as the Group Director for Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA, Bola Atta.  Also at the launch were some of the very best entertainers in the industry: Actress Joke Silva, Inspector K Producer, Shayo Oke, Kaline Akinkugbe, Denola Grey, Taje Prest, Seyitan, Amiola, Ajifa, Chef Tolu Erogbogbo and several media influencers.

Inspector K is a crime comedy about a wacky inspector who through unconventional ways solves crimes in the city of Lagos. He is supported by two clueless but surprisingly sometimes intelligent police officers

Inspector K has put his division on the map through the immense success he has in solving unsolvable cases. A new murder case is been handled in his division and Inspector K will be taking the lead

The series, which is set to launch on REDTV on April 14, stars Koye “K 10” Kekere-Ekun, Demilade Olubanwo, Ani Iyoho, Ade Laoye, A’rese , Makida Moka, Bollylomo, Maurice Effiong, Martin Ayeni, Sonia Irabor, Patrick Oke, Ijeoma Aniebo, Joseph Momodu, Odunlami Ayodeji and more.

EEDC restates commitment to serve

The Management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has restated its commitment to serve its customers in the South eastern states despite the vote of no confidence passed on it by the Enugu State House of Assembly.

 

EEDC who described the action by the lawmakers as unfair said its commitment to its numerous customers is unwavering.

 

It therefore urged Enugu residents to discountenance the lawmakers, assuring of its total commitment to serve the people better, despite several challenges.

 

The company said at a news conference addressed recently by its Head of Operations, Vincent Ekwekwu, his Communications counterpart, Emeka Eze‎, and the Company’s Chairman, Chief Emeka Offor in Nnewi, Anambra State, that the law makers no confidence vote resulted from EEDC’s effort to get the state to pay its N2.6b debt.

“We have been facing several challenges in the area of energy theft, metre bypass, vandalism, among others.‎

“Then very recently, the Enugu State House of Assembly passed a vote of no confidence on us and this is a state that is owing the EEDC the sum of N2.6b; we feel that this is unfair”, the EEDC said.

Emeka Offor, Chairman of EEDC recounted that the genesis of the problem stated few weeks back when the electricity company attempted to get its N2.6b debt owed by the State.

“The problem started few weeks back, when we demanded that Enugu should pay its debt; the government promised to pay N100m pending when the act is reconciled, we agreed but after three weeks; they never paid‎. We had no option than to cut their power supply.

“Last Friday, we met with the Governor; he promised to pay N100m and subsequently pay N200m before the end of April‎.

 

“While the meeting was going on, we never knew that the lawmakers were at the same time sitting somewhere passing vote of no confidence against us.

“It’s very unfortunate that they took such step. Enugu government is our biggest debtor among the five South-east States. Imo has been paying their bills; Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi have been paying their bills; only Enugu, we now cut them off and they started blackmailing us.”

Offor stated that, the allegations that the pre-paid metres were configured with intent to dupe residents, were unfounded, maintaining that the “metres are pre-certified by appropriate government agencies; nobody can change any parametre in that metre.

“The public should not listen to the lawmakers; it is pure blackmail, which arose because the company took step to recover its money,” he noted.

NCAA declares Abuja airport ready for operations

 

The Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Usman Muktar, says the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, runway is ready for operation and can be opened on Wednesday.
Muktar stated this while speaking with journalists during an inspection of the airport’s runway on Monday in Abuja.
The Abuja airport was closed on March 8 for six weeks to enable rehabilitation of its 3.6 kilometres runway to be carried out. Flight activities were consequently diverted to Kaduna International Airport during the period.
The Federal Government had announced that the airport would be reopened for normal operations on April 19.
Muktar disclosed that NCAA had concluded the second phase of inspection as follow-up to the recommendations made to the contractors to correct some areas of concern earlier identified by a team of experts.
According to him, they inspected yesterday, made some observations but the findings that were found were not safety critical and today it is found that they have been rectified.
“We have carried out the inspection and we have confirmed that the job has been done quite satisfactorily in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation standard and recommended practices.
“So, the airport, the runway is very ready to accept flight operations safely.
“By this, we are declaring that the airport and its runway are quite operational at the time that has been determined as the official opening of this airport,” he declared.

Alicia Keys wins Amnesty `ambassador of conscience’ award

Amnesty International gave its annual Ambassador of Conscience award to U.S. singer-songwriter Alicia Keys on Thursday, praising her long-term campaigning on criminal justice reform, HIV and AIDS, gun violence and the global refugee crisis.
Amnesty International’s Secretary-General, Salil Shetty said in a statement on Thursday that Keys, 36, was chosen because she has “inspired and campaigned for change on critical issues throughout her illustrious career.’’
Amnesty also honoured the Indigenous rights movement of Canada with the same award, which celebrates individuals and groups who have shown exceptional courage standing up to injustice [and] used their talents to inspire others.
Reacting, Keys said the award was “one of the most proud moments of my life.’’
She said she was “driven to recognise the injustice in the world and recognise the unfairness the inequality, the things that have to change, the ways that we as everyday people, all of us, have a part to play in that.’’
“It encourages me to continue to speak out against injustice and use my platform to draw attention to the issues that matter to me.”hetty said: “both Alicia Keys and the Indigenous rights movement of Canada have in their own ways made inspirational and meaningful contributions to advancing human rights and towards ensuring brighter possibilities for future generations.
“Crucially, they remind us never to underestimate how far passion and creativity can take us in fighting injustice”.

Comedian Charlie Murphy dies at 57

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Eddie Murphy, family mourn

Charlie Murphy, elder brother to popular actor, Eddie Murphy has died. He was 57.

According to Charlie’s manager, he died from leukemia Wednesday morning in a NYC hospital.

The manager revealed that Charlie, a very successful and popular stand-up comedian in his own right, had been undergoing chemotherapy.

Family members say that they’re absolutely shocked because they thought he was getting better.

According to information, the family would call him frequently, and he’d even joke they were calling too much.

Charlie famously co-starred on Chappelle’s Show in some of Dave’s most memorable skits including the nights Charlie partied with Rick James and Prince.

Charlie also co-wrote some of Eddie Murphy’s movies, like Norbit and Vampire in Brooklyn. He co-starred in Are We There Yet, The Boondocks and Black Jesus.

He recently toured with Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, George Lopez and D.L. Hughley on The Comedy Get Down.

Charlie’s wife, Tisha Taylor Murphy, died in 2009 from cervical cancer. They had 2 children, and he had another from a previous relationship.

Meanwhile Eddie Murphy and his family have addressed the loss of their loved one.

“Our hearts are heavy with the loss today of our son, brother, father, uncle, and friend Charlie,” the Murphy family said in a statement. “Charlie filled our family with love and laughter, and there won’t be a day that goes by that his presence will not be missed. Thank you for the outpouring of condolences and prayers. We respectfully ask for privacy during this time of great loss for all of us.”

As every ‘Chappelle’ fan knows, Charlie was really tight with Prince and his death last year hit him hard.

Murphy’s death was also mourned by fellow comedians, actors, and friends on social media.

Kumuyi to Nigerians: don’t commit suicide

                        


Deeper Life Christian Ministry General Superintendent Pastor William Kumuyi on Sunday
urged Nigerians not to commit suicide due to hardship.
The cleric said they should persevere and believe things would turn around for good.
The cleric  said just as light follows darkness, God will make a way out of the country’s economic challenges.
Briefing reporters after a sermon at the end of the church’s Easter Retreat at Deeper Life conference centre, the renowned preacher said anyone who takes his life would miss the opportunity to witness God’s intervention.
He urged Nigerians to keep their hope alive in God because there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Kumuyi called for peaceful co-existence, adding that development can be a reality if people of all ethnic groups lived in peace.
The cleric said: “The message I have for the country is: we should live in peace together. Every section of the society should embrace peace so that we can move forward. With faith in God, things will turn around.
“My message of hope is that we should not give up. Some people are taking their lives. They don’t need to do that, because there’s light after darkness.
“When somebody has taken his life, how will he enjoy what the Lord is going to do? I want to encourage everyone: we should hope in the Lord. Things are going to turn positively around.”
On the theme of his sermon, he said: “The Almighty God, the Heavenly father, sent Jesus Christ to die for us on the cross of Calvary.
“He didn’t only die, he was buried and then he rose again on a Sunday, and we’re celebrating that resurrection. That’s why we titled our message: The dominion we have from the risen reigning Christ.”
Kumuyi said despite his advancing years, a desire to touch lives keep him going.

“When you’re excited about something, and you have a goal and a purpose, you will want to be a blessing to people. It’s not the physical strength. It comes from the desire to be a blessing to people,” he said.
Reading from Luke 22:28, Romans 8:14 and 2Timothy during the sermon, Kumuyi told the congregation that something great was coming their way.
However, he said Christians must abide by God’s word to witness His blessings.
“If you’re going to have dominion, you must abide by his word. You’re going to have power, and when temptation comes, you will be able to say ‘No!’,” he said. Kumuyi said those who deny Christ would also be denied, adding that those who eschew wickedness will experience divine miracles.
“Once sin goes out of you, evil spirit will not have a place in your life. But once sin is there, Satan will rush in and take advantage of you.
“If you’re living in sin and a life of lie and deception, Satan will laugh at you,” he said.
Reading from Psalm 51:4, the preacher urged the worshippers to beseech God to deliver them from bloodguilt. He said when they’re free, “power would come out of your life”.
Kumuyi prayed for deliverance from bondage, saying those who have been delivered should abstain from iniquities.
“After you have been delivered, you will not be found in a corrupt place, in a beer parlour or a gambling parlour,” he said.
Explaining Romans 6:12, Kumuyi said sin cannot have dominion over those who believe.
“If you have dominion over sin, everything evil will vanish in your life. Satan will bow before you and you will trample upon serpents. As you go out, the devil will be subject under you.
“Sin, temptation, the flesh, weakness and darkness will not have dominion over you. As you go out, look straight ahead. You’re moving on to victory in Jesus name.”
A loud chorus of ‘amen’ shook the expansive auditorium as Kumuyi prayed.
He added: “Let the poor say: ‘I am rich!’ Let the weak say ‘I’m strong!’ Failure is cancelled. Recession is cancelled. Every affliction is cancelled.
“Dominion, dominion, dominion – possess it in Jesus name! Until you get to heaven you will not fall. You will not stop your journey halfway.”
Loud shouts of ‘Amen’ rang out.

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Five Osborne Towers VIP tenants under EFCC probe

More facts emerged at the weekend on the cash haul at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was on the trail of some high-profile tenants when it found the $43.4 million, £27,000 and N23 million at House 6, Apartment 7B, it was learnt.
Four of the tenants have been quizzed; a petition is pending against the fifth.
The building, it was learnt, had been under surveillance because of the tenants.
Sources said a whistle-blower alerted the EFCC about the apartment in which the huge cash was recovered.
When the EFCC moved in, a source said, it was unaware that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had a Safe Apartment there.
The high-profile tenants live in the building.
The anti-graft agency, according to the sources, had been trying to identify the tenants’ assets, including choice apartments in the towers.
The whistle-blower, it was learnt, might have had knowledge of the EFCC’s discreet investigation and decided to help.
But, as it turned out, the apartment does not belong to any of the tenants.
One of them was said to have sold his stake in the towers.
A source said: “As at the time of the EFCC’s operation on Wednesday, about five high-profile tenants, who are either being investigated or on the radar of the commission, were suspected to be living or having apartments there.

“Some of the tenants have been quizzed and others are undergoing investigation. Only one of them has an outstanding petition still being probed by EFCC detectives.”
“Among them are two former governors, a director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and two prominent lawyers.
A government official, who pleaded not to be named because of “the sensitivity” of the matter, spoke last night in what transpired between EFCC and NIA.
He said the EFCC did not set out to ridicule or embarrass the NIA. “It is unfortunate that this is the second time this type of incident is happening between the two agencies,” he said, adding:
“There was a case of some cash released for contingency assignment by presidential fiat through the NIA account. The release was based on the directive of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
“When the EFCC began the investigation of some Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), it traced the movement of the cash to NIA account. Instead of seeking explanation from the Director-General of NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke, the EFCC wrote directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria( CBN) to demand the details of the transactions on the said account.
“In fact, the documents obtained from CBN included other sensitive operations and overhead. The NIA took exception to it. When President Muhammadu Buhari intervened, he saw all the records that neither NIA DG nor any staff benefited from the said funds.NIA actually transferred the whole money as directed by the ex-President to another dedicated account. Subsequent EFCC investigation did not indict NIA. As for Wednesday’s operation, it was true that DG of NIA rushed to the Acting chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, who promised to intervene. The NIA boss only asked EFCC to retrieve the cash without making a public show of it in the media.
“At the time the NIA got in touch with EFCC, the operation was already midway and strategy wise, the EFCC chairman felt it would convey a different impression because a crowd had already gathered in and around the towers.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “The operation was based on the clues from the whistle-blower. The commission acted on intelligence. No one gave EFCC a list of safe houses of NIA. And the cash was also considered huge for NIA’s covert operations.”
According to the source, the EFCC secured clearance from a senior intelligence officer before continuing its operation after entreaties from the NIA.
”I think there was communication gap somewhere and lack of synergy between the security and intelligence agencies,” he said, adding:
“This incident will serve as a lesson for all the agencies to cooperate and share intelligence.”
Nigerians have continued to raise questions about the ownership of the mystery cash, which the NIA has claimed.
Among the questions is that if the money was meant for operations, why has it not been spent in two years? Was there any need for it, considering how long it has stayed unspent?
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said the money belongs to the state. If it is not returned in seven days, said the governor, the state will launch a legal battle to recover it.
He said it was the proceed of the state’s gas turbine sold by the Rotimi Amaechi administration.
Amaechi denied the claim, saying he had nothing to do with the money. He challenged Wike to prove the allegation.
About N16billion has been recovered by the EFCC in the last few days in Lagos.
About N12,360,814,000 and N4billion were traced to private accounts.
On December 22, last year, the Federal Government launched the whistle blowing policy to expose fraud and other related crimes in public and private sectors.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said: “If there is a voluntary return of stolen or concealed public funds or assets on the account of the information provided, the whistle blower may be entitled to anywhere between 2.5 per cent (minimum) and 5.0 per cent (maximu m) of the total amount recovered.”“So, when the whistle-blower raised the red flag, the EFCC was quick to move in without knowing that the 7B apartment is a safe house of the NIA.
“There was excitement in the Lagos Zonal office of the EFCC about a breakthrough. This was why the operation started between 10am and 11am,” the source said.
He said EFCC was hesitant to cooperate with the NIA.