Billionaire Businessman, Kola Karim Supports Atiku Presidential Ambition With $30Million

Ahead of the 2019 general elections; the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has received a boost, with the support of international businessman who eagerly ready to donate billions of naira to Alhaji Atiku presidential campaign and also ready to its full support for it.

Information reaching us scooped that renowned international businessman; Kola Karim has donated $30.5 million to boast Atiku campaign. 

According to the source, ‘the Ibadan-born billionaire has funded Alhaji Atiku presidential campaign with $30.5million USD and he also promises that in January 2019, he will also support with additional of N9b naira to make his (Atiku) presidential dream come true in May 2019.

Kola Karim is the elder brother of Ayo Karim; who lost out to the CBN top shot; Bayo Adelabu at the APC primaries in Oyo gubernatorial race. Kola, 49, is one of Nigeria’s most successful businessmen and current Chairman of the Board of Directors of Costain (West Africa) Plc, Nigerian Ropes plc, and serves as director in seven other companies including Shoreline Power Company Ltd, Shoreline Energy International Ltd, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Schlumberger Testing & Production Services Nigeria Ltd, Trans Amadi Facilities Ltd, grange Education Ltd and African Eagles plc. 

Kola’s principal asset, Shoreline Natural Resources, is the third largest indigenous oil producer in Nigeria behind listed Seplat Petroleum and Aiteo E & P Ltd., Nigeria’s largest independent, which is owned by tycoon Benedict Peters. Shoreline Natural Resources pumps 55,000 barrels of oil per day and holds an estimated 1 billion barrels in crude reserves.

Christmas: Osinowo felicitates with Lagosians

The senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos East, Bayo Osinowo, has urged Christians to pray for the country to overcome its security, political and socio-economic challenges. He said this in a Christmas goodwill message made available to newsmen by his media team at the weekend.

Osinowo, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged Christians to remember the indigents, the sick and the homeless across the state in prayers.

The APC chieftain reassured Lagosians of the state government’s commitment to making life better for the people of the state during and after the yuletide season. He pleaded for peaceful celebrations during the Christmas period. “During his earthly sojourn, Jesus Christ repeatedly reminded his disciples and followers of peace that comes in the midst of trials and tribulations on earth,” he said.

“Faithful adherence to the virtues of Jesus Christ, including love, unity, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence, which constitute the fundamental ingredients for development of any nation and will lead to the growth and stability of Lagos State in particular and Nigeria as a whole. Christians should use this period as one for sober reflection on the acute challenges facing us all to see how they could apply the virtues of Jesus Christ in fashioning out workable solutions,” he pleaded.

The lawmaker, who has been giving out cash and food items to indigent people across the senatorial district in the spirit of the season, said “the spirit of sharing is an African tradition that generates happiness and ensures social stability in the absence of a formal social security mechanism that caters for the less-privileged in our society. It is therefore important that we use this season to give to those in need, like Christ did.”

Bayo Osinowo's Audacity of Arrogance By Comrade Bisi Alebiosu

                                                       Reading through a piece with the above caption in This day newspaper at the weekend, one is not  left with any doubt that those who are afraid of the widespread acceptance currently being enjoyed by Hon.Bayo Osinowo, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Lagos East senatorial election, will not stop at anything to pitch him against the good people of the district and the party.

For lack of anything cogent to say  about the man many have come to know  and accept as the UNIFIER of Lagos politics, these confused characters, starred  in the face by imminent political demolition, sought to ascribe the toga of arrogance to Hon. Pepper!

But it turned out a misfire, for Hon. Osinowo, in Lagos East, Lagos state and the nation as a whole, is well known for the uncommon humility with which he has been handling both his political and private life. So, to many who read the litany of lies, it was easy to discern that it is nothing but a badly executed hatchet job. Thus, the plot to discredit Osinowo failed at the very first trial.

It is also instructive to examine the attempt by the rabble-rousers behind the faceless write up to cause confusion and bad blood within the APC by alleging that Hon. Osinowo attacked the person of distinguished Senator Gbenga Ashafa. Osinowo, the gentleman that he is, will never abuse or disrespect any of his teeming followers, talk less of a man he is desirous of succeeding. He holds Ashafa in high esteem and he has said so on many occasions. A good example was at the last reconciliation parley held at the Ikorodu town hall on Wednesday December 19, 2018. Speaking about Ashafa, Pepper said, "Senator Ashafa is a gentleman whose approach to politics is highly commendable." This he said in the full glare of guests and party members present. 

We are thus happy that according to the writer of the piece, Senator Ashafa too insisted that "Bayo is my brother and I do not believe that he has said all the things you have confronted me with this afternoon. I have also not heard any such audio recording, where he might have said those things." We feel there is nothing more to add to the statements of these two political associates. In their own words, they've told trouble makers to steer clear.

The situation in Lagos East today is that Senator Gbenga Ashafa of the APC is the senator representing the district and Senator Bayo Osinowo, also of the APC, by the grace of God and the support of the good people of the area, will succeed him. Dreamers can continue to build castles in the air though.

There is no crisis within the party in the district. Under the able leadership of Governor Aminwunmi Ambode, Lagos East is set to return, not only Osinowo, but all APC candidates, as winners in the next general election. We understand how pressured by this reality our detractors are, hence their panic induced efforts to create enimity among our chieftians. 

It is important to add that the reconciliation efforts initiated by our leaders are yielding great results. Thus no effort by the opposition can renew bad blood in APC. We are uniting fast in the task ahead. The primary elections had come and gone, and calm has returned to the political circles within the APC in Lagos State. Our Governor is no longer aggrieved; he is a true party man who is prepared to lead us all to victory  once again.

Also, Senator Ashafa has been drumming up support for all the candidates of the party in the state. Himself and Hon. Osinowo, alongside other stakeholders, are working closely together in the build up to the 2019 election. The facts are there for all to check. Given the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by our leaders and contenders, it is very certain that APC is formidable enough to annihilate the rag tag opposition existing in Lagos East.

And to the questions about Osinowo's representation for Kosofe in the Lagos State House of Assembly for 16 years, space and time will not be enough here and now to reel out the very long list of his achievements. We urge those in doubt to avail themselves copies of brochures produced by his office to showcase that or call this number (08026003772) to be further educated about the legislator called Hon. Bayo Osinowo. To provide a brief of what you will find out about him, let me just say aside the numerous legislative interventions of his in the assembly, he became the symbol of effective collaboration between the executive and the legislature in the government of the state. I wish you happy reading of the brochures.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that when elected into the red chamber, Hon. Bayo Osinowo, a.k.a Pepper, will build on the  towering track record laid by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, which is now being sustained by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, in such manners that Lagos East will remain a respected and sought after in the comity of senatorial districts across the country.

One thing worked against the intentions of those behind the hatchet job though; the choice of the person to do the writing. While even the visually impaired could discern the sponsored and suborned nature of the article easily, the writer further made a lazy job of it all by making his jaundiced write up too patent and obvious, so much so that it came across exactly as what it is; a devilish script by evil minded political players.

Coming at a time when a couple of credible and proven research and media opinion polls have put Hon. Osinowo over and above his opponents, as the man to beat in the senatorial race, one can understand the worries of these characters. But what we frown at is the desperation that is now so obvious in there sinister moves. We don't need that in the politics of Lagos state.

 So, for the opposition candidate or candidates and their collaborators, eyeing an opportunity from a perceived crisis in the APC to clinch a senatorial seat in the city of excellence after a long hiatus, we say, 'it is not yet uhuru.' If truly there is an opposition candidate that enjoys popular acceptance in the most populous zones in the district (Ikorodu and Epe with and Ibeju Lekki) as claimed in the piece, let the gladiators patiently wait till election day to reap from their real or imagined popularity. Hon. Osinowo is willing to wait, others should too.

Alebiosu writes from Maryland

Akpabio's Wife Never Caused Any Security Breach During Aisha Buhari's Visit to Akwa Ibom, Says Aide

The attention of the Senator Representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio and his wife has been drawn to a story making the rounds in the media purporting that his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio caused a security breach at the airport during the visit of the wife of the President and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari to Akwa Ibom State on Friday, December 14, 2018.

The story obviously syndicated by the Akwa Ibom State Government House is a serious indictment to the practice of Journalism in Akwa Ibom State. Even though they carry different bylines, it is obvious from the same source, using the same language and quotations, evidently a hatchet job.

However, we want to state categorically that the story sold to different newspapers is a piece of fake news clearly marketed to malign the integrity of the former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio and surprisingly, even otherwise respected media houses fell for it.

Interestingly, the video of the airport scene to receive the visiting First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari is available and has been widely circulated online. Nowhere is Senator Akpabio or the wife, Unoma at the scene even from the doctored video circulated by Akwa Ibom State Government House, complete with an interview by Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel. The truth is no one stopped the wife of the Governor from receiving the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mrs. Akpabio having been the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State for eight years (2007 to 2015) clearly understands the protocol that goes with such an event. She strongly believes in government and giving due respect to constituted authorities.

The unnecessary fracas at the airport was caused by the overzealousness of securitymen attached to Akwa Ibom State Government House who engaged in loud arguments with the Protocol and Security Officers from the State House, Abuja.

They had come with a premeditated notion that the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who were also at the airport to receive Mrs. Buhari, we're going to prevent the wife of the Governor from getting close to the President’s wife. But it turned out to be a melodrama as no one prevented Mrs. Emmanuel from receiving the First Lady.

However, with the benefit of hindsight we understand that the frustration of the Akwa Ibom State Government may have stemmed from the stout refusal of the State House Protocol Officers to include a trip to the Government House, Uyo in Mrs. Buhari’s itinerary after an elaborate preparation had been made for her reception, including laying of red carpets.

Having failed in hijacking the First Lady, they found a comfortable scapegoat in Mrs. Akpabio. It bears repeating that Senator Akpabio’s wife never caused any security breach at the airport. Purveyors of the fabricated story should desist from further dragging the name of an innocent woman in the mud, just to score cheap political points.

Anietie Ekong
Special Assistant (Media) to
Senator Godswill Akpabio.
December 15, 2018.

Tony Elumelu Foundation Appoints Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu As Chief Executive Officer

Elevates the Retiring CEO Parminder Vir to the Advisory Board of the Foundation

The Board of Trustees of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s leading philanthropic organization empowering African entrepreneurs, announced the appointment of Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu as Chief Executive Officer at the end of its Board Meeting on December 12. This appointment takes effect from April 1, 2019.

Ifeyinwa will lead the team in scaling the impact of the Foundation which is globally recognized for pioneering a new approach to philanthropy with its USD$100 million commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the key enabler of economic and social wealth creation in Africa.

Ifeyinwa served as Director of Partnerships of the Tony Elumelu Foundation since November 2017 and succeeds Parminder Vir, OBE, who has been elevated to the Advisory Board of the Foundation. In her new role as CEO, Ifeyinwa will leverage her expertise, experience, and network to provide strategic leadership in realizing the Foundation’s goal of transforming Africa through entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the appointments, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, Founder, the Tony Elumelu Foundation stated: “As Director of Partnerships, Ifeyinwa demonstrated strong leadership and strategic thinking in delivering the Foundation’s mission to transform Africa, securing major partnerships that scale the impact of the Foundation beyond its targeted 10,000 entrepreneurs. She is the perfect candidate to build on Parminder’s immense contribution.”

“On behalf of the Board, I also commend Parminder, fondly known as the mother of African entrepreneurs, for her notable achievements, significant sacrifice and commitment to building and empowering the next generation of African business leaders. I warmly welcome her to the Board,” Mr. Elumelu concluded.

In response, Parminder said: “In the last five years, we have empowered a generation of young Africans with the training, tools, and opportunities to launch the continent into prosperity. As CEO, it has been my profound joy to support thousands of young people whose ideas are transforming Africa. I am therefore honored to join the Tony Elumelu Foundation Advisory Board to contribute to the many more success stories that will emerge out of Africa.”

Accepting her appointment, Ifeyinwa said: “In my former role within the Foundation, I witnessed first-hand the potential of entrepreneurship in tackling Africa’s key challenges – unemployment and poverty. Our recently launched TEFConnect, the digital networking platform connecting African entrepreneurs, investors and mentors for business success will further achieve our Founder’s goal of democratising luck across the continent and fostering business beyond physical borders.” “I am honoured by the opportunity to build on Parminder’s legacy and launch the Tony Elumelu Foundation into its next phase of growth.”

Prior to joining the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa served as a management consultant for the Enterprise Development Centre at the Pan-Atlantic University. She sat on the Board of Women Empowerment and Children Relief in Africa, a Cape Town-based non-profit focused on enhancing the economic welfare of women. Ifeyinwa holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Wales, and a Post Graduate Degree in Business and Executive Coaching from the Integral Africa Institute, Cape Town. She is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria.

We Didn’t Arrest Tunde Ayeni, He Was Only Invited For Questioning’ EFCC Clarifies

Following recent reports published by a national daily, that the anti-graft body, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has detained a former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc., (now Polaris Bank) Mr. Tunde Ayeni, for alleged fraud, it has been reliably discovered that Tunde Ayeni was only invited for questioning at the Abuja office of the commission on Tuesday. Confirming the development, the acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Tony Orilade, said Ayeni was only being grilled by detectives over some issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by Ayeni when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago. ”I can confirm that he is in our custody on an invitation, for questioning and interrogation. More information will be released tomorrow,” he said.

It would be recalled that the anti-graft agency had entered into an agreement with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to check out some banks and its officials, who facilitated the huge non-performing loans in AMCON’s portfolio.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NDIC and AMCON had revoked the operating license of Skye Bank following its financial instability, thus necessitating the regulators to rename it Polaris Bank and a capital injection of about $2billion.

The Absurd Jibe of Akwa Ibom’s “Private Jet” Governor

What will we not hear from our effusively childish modern politicians?

Last week, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State was so proud of his achievement as the first Akwa Ibom son to fly a private jet to his state from Lagos before he became their Number One citizen.

He said, “those who came back to Akwa Ibom State through night bus and the ones who came back through the chartered flight, are they the same?”

If Nigeria is a country where people reward achievements, I think Mr. Udom Emmanuel deserves one.

Or is it not an achievement to fly a private jet to see one’s parents in a mud house? Is it not an achievement to fly a private jet to where you have no single building before you became governor?
This is one of the hazards of promoting individuals beyond their intellectual capacity.
Most renowned politicians started their lives as nobodies.
I am sure Chief Awolowo did not fly a private jet to Ibadan when he became Premier of the Western State, neither did the Sardauna of Sokoto nor Chief Azikwe.
It is so disheartening that our politicians have brought governance to this level.

Mr. Udom does not know the difference between the politics of elites and that of the masses. In his own opinion, he has no business with the masses as long as he continues to fly his private jet.

My mother taught me a popular Yoruba adage that says “ọmọ ti a ko tọ́ ni yo gbe ile ti a kọ́ ta”, meaning that a child that we do not bring up well, will eventually sell the house we build at a giveaway price.

That is the irony of what they are passing through in Akwa Ibom State. Their Governor sees himself as an elite Governor, he turned governance to that of the elites by the elites for the elites. Whenever he wakes up in the Government House and remembers that he flew a private jet to Akwa Ibom, he is pleased and his ego is satisfied. That to him is an achievement.
He sees himself as someone who is more fortunate than the man who came to Akwa Ibom in a night bus. He doesn’t have any contact with the masses of his state . He is running his goverment on the air . His achievements are also in the air. What an irony of an empty headed leader!
The road to his village was constructed by a man who came in a night bus.The bridge that leads to his father’s house was constructed by a night bus man. The airport where he landed his rented private jet was comissioned by a night bus man. The person he calls a night bus man is a friend of the masses, a grass root politician who eats and dines with the masses because he belongs to them.
He is not like a private jet passanger who doesn’t have feelings for the poor because he doesn’t belong to them.

The gods are not to blame, this is where we have found ourselves in this country where we always elect people who have no connection with the masses. They don’t feel the pains we are going through. They don’t know the prices of yam, garri and plantain in the market. They import their food through their private jets.

Besides, if Emmanuel Udom is upset at his gold medal award as “Governor do Nothing”, he should not take out his frustrations on Godswill Akpabio. He should face the umpire who gave him the award, The Ex-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah.

Akpabio who rode to Akwa Ibom State in a night bus is however unique. He is such a different man. He has little but gives so much to his people.
He is not in the state because of the elite and private jet passangers but on a mission to transform his people into private jet owners and not passangers.

Akpabio’s life reminds me of that of Che Guevara the young Argentinian doctor who fought all over Latin America for the liberation of his people without much consideration for his personal gain or safety.

He is such a committed man that he will never think of working against his people. His life is all about the welfare of people of Akwa Ibom. His mantra is always “I am an Akwa Ibom man first and then a Nigerian citizen”.

Like the scripture says, ”many are the tribulations of the righteous but the Lord delivers him from them all”.
The good Lord will surely deliver Akpabio from the unwarranted insults from people who denied being beneficiaries of his goodness and indeed joined detractors and political opponents to malign, castigate, denigrate, and condemn him.

Wole Arisekola

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UBA Academy Gets CIBN Accreditation for Excellence in Training, Capacity Building

In recognition of its high standard, quality of human resources development, training and capacity building, The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria(CIBN) has certified and awarded UBA Academy the certificate of accreditation in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Competency Framework for the banking industry.

UBA Academy, the dedicated learning and development center of the Pan African financial institution,  United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was accorded the new recognition of excellence at a ceremony presided over by the President/Chairman of Council of the institute, Dr. Uche Olowu in Lagos on Thursday.

According to the president of the institute, UBA Academy was conferred with the new status having met the rigorous standards set for the delivery of their suites of programmes by the Institute.

The certification follows rigorous assessment exercise carried out by the institute’s Capacity Building Committee, the accreditation agency under the competency framework for the country’s banking and finance industry instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“This Accreditation is an affirmation that UBA Academy has adopted and complied with the minimum assessment standards for programmes run by the organisation, which have gained a label of recognition and distinction,” Olowu said.

According to him the accreditation of UBA Academy would enable its graduates to be eligible for exemptions from various subjects in the banking professional examinations thereby facilitating their completion of the Chartered Banker examination.  “This will not only enable them to comply with the provisions of the Competency Framework for the banking industry, but it will also go a long way in the strengthening of the intellectual resources and capabilities available in their institutions,” he concluded.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Bank’s Group Head Human Resources, Mrs. Patricia Aderibigbe, while appreciating the recognition conferred on the UBA Academy, said the academy has already embarked on training for the future with the digitization of its training programmes and modules.“With Ignite, UBA has taken training into the future as we believe that the only way to get the best results and continually stay ahead of the curve is to continually sharpen our most important asset – our people, using mobile technology,” Aderibigbe said.

Aderibigbe promised that UBA Academy will continuously seek improvement in ensuring that it serves the needs of industry in a changing banking industry.

PHOTO NEWS: Tony Elumelu Hosts Young Hires To Attain Success

Chairman UBA, Tony Elumelu recently had a chat intended to inspire and motivate young hires to attain full success in their endeavors’. He did this by taking them through his own personal journey.

Mercedes-Benz Grows Worldwide Sales in November

• 

  Last month, Mercedes-Benz achieved sales growth with sales of 198,545 vehicles (+1.5%).

• Mercedes-Benz sold 2,103,653 units in the first eleven months of the year, which is slightly above the high prior-year level (+0.4%).

• With its Mercedes-Benz Cars division, Daimler AG is the first premium carmaker to pass the milestone of 600,000 units sold in China within one year.

• A new high for the Europe sales region: more than 82,000 vehicles sold in November (+2.6%).

• Double-digit growth once again in highly competitive German domestic market (+12.5%).

• E-Class Saloon and Estate achieve a new sales record of over 31,000 units in November with an increase of 6.2%.

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz has once again set a new sales record towards the end of this year despite a volatile market environment: 198,545 vehicles with the three-pointed star were delivered to customers all over the world last month. Under ongoing challenging conditions, Mercedes-Benz sold more units than ever before in a November (+1.5%). Further progress with vehicle availability, particularly in some international markets, had a positive impact on sales development in the three core regions. In the first eleven months of the year, 2,103,653 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were handed over to customers, which is slightly above the high level of the prior-year period (+0.4%). Last month, the brand with the star maintained its market leadership in the premium segment in markets including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the USA.

“With more than 198,000 vehicles delivered worldwide, Mercedes-Benz has achieved its best-ever November sales. In a challenging market environment, we’ve been able to increase unit sales slightly also since the beginning of the year,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “In China, we have delivered more than 600,000 Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles since the beginning of this year. We are particularly pleased to be the first premium carmaker to achieve this sales milestone in China within one year.”

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 82,007 vehicles in November, an increase of 2.6% and a new record. In the first eleven months of the year, 850,957 units were sold (-3.3%). The development in Germany was particularly pleasing. Mercedes-Benz sold 29,188 passenger cars with the three-pointed star in its domestic market last month, another double-digit increase of +12.5%. Once again, the new A-Class was very popular in Germany: sales of the compact car doubled compared to last year’s November. In France, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Portugal and Hungary, more cars with the three-pointed star were sold last month than in any November before.

Mercedes-Benz set new records in the Asia-Pacific region: 75,392 vehicles were hand over to customers in November (+1.5%) and 862,419 in the first eleven months (+7.5%). In China, the biggest sales market, 52,151 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were sold last month (+2.6%). In the period of January to November, Mercedes-Benz achieved growth of +11.7% and sold 603,089 units. This November, together with the models delivered by the smart brand, the car division of Daimler AG became the first premium automobile manufacturer to pass the milestone of 600,000 vehicles delivered in China within one year. Mercedes-Benz achieved further sales records in November in the markets of South Korea, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

In the NAFTA region, Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 35,842 vehicles in November (-1.8%). In the first eleven months of this year, 340,564 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were handed over to customers in that region (-5.4%). In the United States, a total of 31,022 customers were delighted to receive their new model with the star last month, an increase of 0.6%. This means that a total of 283,943 vehicles were delivered in the United States in November
(-6.0%). In Mexico, Mercedes-Benz set a new sales record in the first eleven months of the year.

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by model

Demand for the E-Class Saloon and Estate was higher last month than ever before in November. More than 31,000 units of these two models were sold worldwide, an increase of about 6.2%. The long-wheelbase version of the E-Class Saloon was particularly popular in the Chinese market, posting double-digit growth in November and thus achieving a new sales record.

                                 

  

 The SUVs from Mercedes-Benz continue to sell in record numbers, with about 750,000 units of the models GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS and G-Class sold in the period of January to November (+2.4%). The sales growth was primarily driven by the GLC, which also set a new record for unit sales last month. And thanks to double-digit growth, the new G-Class posted a new sales record for a November.

Customers’ interest in the Dreamcars from Mercedes-Benz was strong once again in November: Worldwide unit sales increased by 19.8% to the new high of 15,073 units. In all three core regions – Europe, Asia-Pacific and NAFTA – the dream cars achieved growth in unit sales last month. The E-Class Cabriolet was particularly popular, as well as the CLS, which set a new record in November.

smart

In the first eleven months of the year, 118,512 vehicles of the smart brand were sold worldwide (-3.8%). In November, a total of 10,926 customers were pleased to receive their new two- or four-door urban microcar (-6.2%). The smart models were especially popular in Spain, with double-digit sales growth in that market. Worldwide sales of the electric smart models reached a new record level in November and in the first eleven months.

Overview of Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales

	November 2018	Change in %	Jan. – Nov. 2018	Change in %
Mercedes-Benz	198,545	+1.5	2,103,653	+0.4
smart	10,926	-6.2	118,512	-3.8
Mercedes-Benz Cars	209,471	+1.0	2,222,165	+0.1
Mercedes-Benz unit sales in the regions/markets
Europe	82,007	+2.6	850,957	-3.3
- thereof Germany	29,188	+12.5	276,334	-2.0
Asia-Pacific	75,392	+1.5	862,419	+7.5
- thereof China	52,151	+2.6	603,089	+11.7
NAFTA	35,842	-1.8	340,564	-5.4
- thereof USA	31,022	+0.6	283,943	-6.0

AGBAJE BEGINS CAMPAIGN, PROMISES TO RESTORE FREEDOM, DIGNITY TO LAGOS

It was a rainbow coalition of various social, political and cultural groups as Olujimi Agbaje, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Lagos State governorship candidate for the 2019 election kicked off his campaign.

The crowd came from different localities in the state including Ajegunle, Mushin, Ikorodu, Agege, Badagry, Ikeja and several other areas to witness the grand event in Lekki Lagos.

At the interactive ceremony, the PDP candidate promised to restore the dignity of Lagos and give the residents the much-desired freedom to determine their fate rather than being muzzled by a Godfather as it has been the case in the last 20 years.

Amidst applause from representatives of various ethnic, social, political groups and civil society from all parts of Lagos, Agbaje assured that the thrust of his administration will be anchored on believability, power and healthcare.

According to him, 1000 megawatts of power would be targeted in four years to muscle up and boost the economic fortune of the people. He said the plank of his health care programme would be built around health insurance schemes.

The PDP candidate also promised to restore the glory and standard of education in the state by providing more access to quality education as opposed to the current ineffective system.

“I am running a believable administration and I am in the race for service not for self. They are in politics for selves. They have said that I am their ‘customer’. But I want to tell them that the customer is the king and he is always right. By March 2019, the rest will be history because this election will be decided by the people of Lagos who yearn for freedom, and not by political parties,” he told the enthusiastic supporters.

He also used the opportunity to introduce his deputy, Mrs. Haleemat Oluyemisi Busari and promised that they would “carry the load together” instead of the culture of making the deputy a “spare tire”.

The duo promised to hold more town hall meetings in the days ahead to engage supporters and voters on the programmes for the state.

“We need a governor that the buck stops on his table. I promise to be that governor. The buck will stop on my table and Lagos will go back to his glory as the future is bright,” he said amidst thunderous applause.

Applications for TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2019 Opens on TEFConnect by Jan 2019

On the 1st of January 2019, at 12am, WAT, the Tony Elumelu Foundation will begin accepting applications for the fifth cycle of its Entrepreneurship Programme. 1,000 selected applicants will join the current 4,470 beneficiaries of the Programme.

Since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme – the only African-funded entrepreneurial catalyst of its kind – has empowered 4,470 African entrepreneurs, with seed capital of $5,000 each; twelve weeks of accelerated online business training; access to experienced mentors; and membership of Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Beneficiaries of the Programme have been profiled in global media, including the Forbes [Africa] 30 Under 30 list. They have attracted the attention of investors, as well as have been recipients of awards, including the Google Impact Challenge and the Chivas’ “The Venture” Award for Social Entrepreneurs.

The Entrepreneurship Programme has facilitated exchanges between African entrepreneurs and local and global public sector leaders, investors and development partners, raising their business profiles, scaling their opportunities, showcasing their innovation and identifying ways to further strengthen the business environment in Africa. In June 2018, the Foundation convened a forum with President Emmanuel Macron of France and young African entrepreneurs. In October 2018, the Foundation was proud to have President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya address the gathering of young African entrepreneurs at the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum.

The Foundation’s investment, impact, and commitment to advancing entrepreneurship is predicated on the belief that Africa’s entrepreneurs hold the key to unlocking the potential of the continent and facilitating the transformation of Africa.  With this objective, the Tony Elumelu Foundation launched the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, its US$100 million flagship programme to identify over a period of 10 years, 10,000 African startups and entrepreneurs, with ideas that have the potential to transform the African continent. Its goal is to invest in businesses that together can generate at least 1,000,000 new jobs and contribute at least $10 billion in new annual revenues across Africa.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to citizens and legal residents of all African countries, who run businesses based in Africa that are less than three years old. Business ideas that are yet to launch are also encouraged.

The 2019 Applications will be hosted on the largest digital networking platform for African entrepreneurs – TEFConnect on www.tefconnect.com.

Bigwigs Honour NDDC Legal Director, Moljengo Kaltungo’s Daughter, Genesis, Call To Bar Dinner In Abuja

Journalist Nabbed Over Malicious Content In Uyo

Obong Ndutim, the publisher of an online news portal, FactsReporter.com, a local content publishing website, based in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force.

It was learned that men of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested him around the early hours of Monday, 3 December 2018.

The spokesperson for the Police Command in Uyo, DSP Odiko MacDon confirmed the arrest.

Odiko said Obong Ndutim was arrested in connection with an alleged publishing of fake and damaging stories-cum-blackmailing of a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio.

It was gathered that the arrest followed a petition written by Senator Akpabio, alleging that Obong Ndutim’s website published an offensive and libelous story alleging that the senator was involved in money laundering with some Nigerian banks: titled ‘CBN probes Akpabio’s N865b unrecorded despites in three banks.’

The police said the senator had earlier filed a complaint against the accused at the Uyo Police Command weeks back. _‘Based on the statement and published story by the accused, we have thus arrested him at his residence on Monday,”_ a senior police officer said.

An insider also added that Obong Ndutim’s platform, (FactsReporters.com) has been using as tools to fuel negative information to the public to propagate false allegations on Senator Akpabio and his political associates.

_‘This is not the first story; there are several other news mentions published on the platform ditto: Akpabio, Ekere plot to sponsor an attack on Gov’s billboards, instigate insecurity uncovered published on October 25, 2018, by Michael Asanga. Mr. Emmanuel: Senator Akpabio is set to destroy Oro Nation; published on October 8, 2018, by Ulap Kingsley Offiong. Essien Udim chaos, Akpabio abducts AKHA aspirant for opposing cult group; published on October 3, 2018, by Editor; Senator Godswill Akpabio: The Demystification of a Political Godfather; published on August 13, 2018, by Ikennna Ekezie, from Port Harcourt.’_ Source disclosed.

Obong is now accordingly remanded in police custody, awaiting prosecution in a court of normal jurisdiction, and if found guilty, will be sentenced in line with Nigeria’s Constitution.

Akwa Ibom's Overrated Young Politicians and The Burden of Governance

But understand this that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, and disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy. 2 Timothy 3:1-2.

The Holy Bible is an encyclopedia of knowledge and true reference to our past, present, and future.  

When you look at the above verse, you will agree with me that the ugly events that enveloped Akwa Ibom State in the last two weeks can be attributed to the youthful exuberance of the state governor and his lieutenants. 

That is the catastrophic result of promoting an individual above his competence. When something goes wrong, you do not rush to blame others.  

Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. 

When Governor Udom Emmanuel threw decorum to the gutters by referring to his former boss, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as a man of no second address, one needs to ask him how come Senator Akpabio has no second address after holding a commissionership position for six years and being Governor for eight years? 

Interestingly, the man he described as a man of no second address has been Senator for three and a half years, solicitor and advocate for 31 years.  

Haba! One begins to wonder if it is only a former staff of Mr. Jim Ovia of the Zenith Bank fame that has second addresses in Nigeria. 

In Yorubaland, we believe that the boss is not always right, but he is always the boss. Have you ever seen Governor Ambode of Lagos abusing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu publicly like Udom did to Senator Akpabio last week?  

Our orientation and training in Yorubaland will not allow us to descend that debasing low. 

This clearly shows Udom Emmanuel's naivety, as well as his being unworthy of the executive office he presently occupies. 

You can only see people's true colors when they think you are no longer beneficial to their lives. Isn't it pathetic how we waste so much time on certain people and in the end they prove that they weren't even worth a second of it? 

How fast people misbehave towards their mentors when they assume they have grown in importance! Power indeed intoxicates. 

This is how a man can descend so low to bite the fingers that fed him, and as they say, fire burns and most disastrously too, and it will surely do same for Udom Emmanuel at the fullness of time. Udom Emmanuel is a sinking ship.

The New A-Class debuts in Nigeria.

 

The new A-Class is the benchmark of the compact car class. It remains youthful and dynamic as ever and is grown-up and comfortable like never before. 

Courtesy of the authorized general distributors of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, Weststar Associates Limited; the new A-Class is now available in the Nigerian market. 

Since its world premiere in March 2018, the new A-Class has solidified its position as the top choice for compact and comfort-oriented vehicles with more revolutionizing technology and an increased appeal to comfort and connectivity.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class completely redefines modern luxury in the compact class and revolutionizes interior design. 

All models of the new A-Class are also powered by new, efficient petrol engines. And although Mercedes-Benz has retained the sporty appearance, the utility value has increased. Technologically the A-Class stands out among its competitors with MBOX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience, 

it offers a number of functions that were previously the preserve of the luxury class. Here are some key facts and features of the new A-Class.

The completely new multimedia system MBOX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) in the A-Class creates an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver, and passengers. 

It is enhanced with an inbuilt learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence and can also be personalized to the taste and needs of the driver. 

The MBOX multimedia system comes with a comprehensive touch operation by touchscreen, touchpad (optional) on the center console and touches control buttons in the steering wheel, there is also an optional Intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension and activation using the keyword "Hey Mercedes". 

Other key features of the MBOX include a navigation display with MBUX augmented reality technology and new “Mercedes me” services.

The A-Class is highly distinguished in its segment with the intelligent drive system, for the first time, the A-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain driving situations. 

It has also been able to achieve the highest safety standard in this segment thanks to extended driving assistance systems with S‑Class functions as optional equipment. 

Other features like the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now support the driver even more conveniently in keeping a safe distance and steering, the vehicle speed is now also automatically adjusted on bends, at road junctions and on roundabouts. PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognize an imminent rear-end collision.

 If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the brakes of the vehicle when stationary, thus minimizing the risk of injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear. T

here are also other additional features like the Active Emergency Stop Assist and the intuitively understandable Active Lane Change Assist.

Drivers are in for a treat as the A-Class is enhanced to give more driving pleasure and ride comfort compared to its predecessor. 

There is further improved suspension with MacPherson front suspension with aluminum transverse control arms and multi-link rear suspension. 

This is also further enhanced with 4MATIC and more powerful engine variants: four-link rear suspension. 

The active damping adjustment comes as an optional equipment with electronic control: in conjunction with the standard DYNAMIC SELECT (four driving modes), there is a choice of comfortable or sporty damping characteristics.

Modern luxury is redefined in the A-Class. 

The Avant-garde styling of the dashboard and a cockpit with no cowl create a unique architecture, the two displays measuring up to 10.25 inches (26 cm) each blend together under a shared glass cover (except with the basic variant with two 7‑inch displays) to form a completely free-standing Widescreen cockpit. 

There is also ambient lighting with 64 colors and illuminated air vents in a turbine look, this comes as an optional extra. There is more shoulder room (+9/+22 mm front/rear), elbow room (+35/+36 mm) and headroom (+7/+8 mm), as well as easier entry to the rear.

Speaking on the arrival of the new A-Class, MD/CEO Weststar Associates Limited, Mr. Mirko Plath declared; “

The new A-Class takes personalization and social interaction to a whole new dynamic, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) gives drivers a whole new experience with the voice control feature and an inbuilt learning capability personalized to the taste and needs of the driver. 

The safety systems in the new A-Class are also best in its class with even more technological advancements and there is increased spaciousness in the front and the rear in comparison to its predecessor”.

With the fourth generation of the A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is redefining modern luxury in the compact class opting for a combination of uncompromisingly dynamic design and an intuitive operating concept. 

By focusing on people and making their lives easier, the A-Class becomes an emotively appealing and intelligent companion.