Awele Elumelu appointed Gavi Champion for Immunisation in Africa

Prominent African business and healthcare sector leader Dr Awele Elumelu welcomed her appointment as a Gavi Champion for Immunisation in Africa.

"Childhood immunisation is a critical intervention and I am honoured to play a role in this important programme, targeting almost 10 million African children, who are not fully immunised,” said Dr Elumelu during the announcement at the Gavi-hosted breakfast meeting at WEF-Davos 2018.

HEALTH AND BUSINESS SECTOR EXPERTISE

Gavi CEO Dr Seth Berkley emphasised the significance of Dr Elumelu’s appointment, which comes at a critical time for the Vaccine Alliance – the 2018 Mid-Term Review of progress towards realising its 2016-2020 mission.

“We are delighted that Dr Elumelu will bring her knowledge and expertise from health and business sectors towards championing the cause of immunisation. Her engagement will be particularly important this year, as we move towards the Mid-Term Review, where the Vaccine Alliance will report on progress made in reaching its goals halfway through our five-year strategy,” he said.

LEADING VOICE IN AFRICA

We are delighted that Dr Elumelu will bring her knowledge and expertise from health and business sectors towards championing the cause of immunisation. 

Dr Seth Berkley, Gavi CEO

A general physician, Dr Elumelu is Trustee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and a leading voice in Africa’s healthcare sector. She serves as Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited and CEO of Avon Medical Practice, and leads the healthcare investments of African proprietary investment group Heirs Holdings.

With her extensive healthcare and business experience, Dr Elumelu will play a critical role in furthering the work of the Vaccine Alliance in Africa. In accepting her new immunisation role, she lauded the effectiveness of the Gavi business model and its potential for bringing greater health and opportunity to Africans.

“Gavi’s unique approach of bringing together public and private players is an example to us all, not least in Africa, where governments and the private sector need to work much more closely together, to deliver economic opportunity and social good,” said Dr Elumelu.

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS

The breakfast meeting resulted in several other significant private sector partnerships being announced that will address supply chain challenges, immunisation coverage and data analysis. The World Economic Forum also announced Gavi as the first non-profit organisation to partner with its Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

House of Reps Orders Arrest of Globacom Boss, Mike Adenuga Over N16bn Debt

The House of Representatives’ Ad-hoc Committee on Telecommunications on Thursday mandated the Inspector General of Police to arrest the chairman of Globacom Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike Adenuga.
This follows Mr. Adenuga’s failure to appear before the Committee after being invited to defend allegations against his company several times.
Additionally, there are reports stating that the company currently owes the Federal Government over sixteen billion Naira.
The Committee Chairman, Ahmed Abu, also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to carry out further investigations on the Globacom boss.
“We have extended several invitations to the Globacom boss but to no avail, no person and I repeat nobody can hold this committee to ransom,” he said.
In conclusion, he called on all telecommunications chiefs to appear before the committee on the 15th of February 2018, to defend allegations against their outfits.

Africa Promises Good Investment Opportunity, Says Elumelu

The Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and one of Africa’s top businessman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has stressed the need to change the African narrative while concentrating on the myriad of opportunities inherent in the continent, stating that its economic transformation and stimulation should be the focus of all governments and global institutions. This, he says, is paramount if the continent is to take its rightful position as a strong regional player in the international community, owing to its numerous investment opportunities.

Elumelu, who is the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said the time had come for governments on the continent to put things in place to ensure that the continent which has great potential, lives up to it; adding that already, there are signals of the greatness all around.

Speaking during Richard Quest’s programme on CNN  aired on the sideline of the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday, he said; “the time has come for us to prioritise our young ones, who are the future of this great continent. These are the men and women who are energetic in Africa and who can perform wonders if the enabling environment is there.

“We need to get it right with infrastructure in Africa and with the macro-economic policies and environment. And the good thing is that things are gradually falling in place. I think Africa promises good investment opportunities, the problem has always been creating the right environment for it, and this should be our major focus.” Elumelu stressed.

He added that in Zimbabwe, for instance, there have been recent concerted efforts by the government and the people to change the narrative, adding that “I am optimistic about what is happening in Africa right now, because our leaders are getting it right and in fact what has happened in Zimbabwe is also an indicator of great things to come. The fact that they on their own decided to sort things out the way they did, is a new kind of democracy that the world needs to learn from. “There is so much private global capital looking for the right destination, they can go to Zimbabwe as in other African nations, once the right environment is put in place.”

While pointing out that the blame game which previously obtained in the continent should be done away with, Elumelu called for increasing support from the private sector as well as key stakeholders to make Africa and African self-sufficient. 

Throwing more light on this, he said; “We can’t keep talking about missed opportunities. What I keep saying to people is to put an end to the blame game. Let’s begin to fix what needs fixing and get things right. Our government should get it right, the private sector should come forward and we need to support the young African entrepreneurs; create economic hope and opportunities for them.  “We need to think of how to engage Africa in the 21st century because it is no longer about giving grants and aid to Africa, it is more about engaging them in a way that creates self-sufficiency; independence; and reduces the perpetual syndrome of dependence.

Continuing, he said “There is promise; it is getting better because the way this year has started in Nigeria for instance, we have seen market indicators showing good promise, so we are optimistic that it will be better year. The Key is to prioritise things that are important to us to help the continent to grow.”

Ambode’s Special Adviser, Deji Tinubu Is Dead

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Deji Tinubu is dead.
Deji Tinubu, who was chairman of Lagos state sports commission and special adviser to Governor Ambode on sports before he was recently redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry slumped and died yesterday evening, while taking part in a football match at the ongoing retreat/meeting organized by the Lagos State Government for its State Executive Council in Epe, Lagos State.
The late Deji was one of the main analysts on HiTV’s football roster, he also co-presented and co-produced SportVision’s other programmes, he previewed and reviewed major football tournaments like the World Cup, African Nations Cup etc.
A seasoned sports marketer, sponsorship and administrator, Deji Tinubu contested and was elected into the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), where he headed the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee, and was also a member of the Technical Committee.

Elumelu Seeks More International Multilateral Organisations’ Support to Boost Entrepreneurship in Africa.

The Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu, has stressed the need for global organisations and multinational institutions to support the much-needed growth in the African continent; adding that ultimately, such growth will affect the world positively.

Elumelu, who pointed this out on the side-lines of the 2018 World Economic Forum currently ongoing in Davos, Switzerland, said organisations must come together to provide solutions to key challenges negatively impacting African economies, especially with regards to power supply and infrastructural challenges which are the major issues that the economies have had to grapple with.

Speaking specifically about the challenge of power supply on the continent, he said, “Under the Obama administration the Power Plan programme was initiated, which helped in a number of ways. However, now, we have a number of investors, like the Transcorp Power Plc, that is working hard to improve power in the continent in the 21^st century.  The truth is we have a new crop of investors who know and realise that it is important to have access to power to grow the continent, and our governments have keyed into this.

“To this end, we would also continue to need support from World Bank, AFdB, and other organisations to support with the huge capital that is needed to boost that sector. We could also do with the support of America, because if we improve access to electricity in Africa, it would help the world in a variety of ways.” While noting that the private sector needs to get more involved, he cited the example of the achievements of the TEF over the past few years, which he said has begun to bear fruits, adding “We are beginning to see signs of the great things that these people are doing and they are making us proud. We have helped them realise their dreams and they are doing well.”

He seized the opportunity to commend organisations that have keyed into the TEF’s vision of empowering 10,000 African youths such as the International Red Cross Society, which according to him, has helped to create more opportunities for more Africans to benefit from the TEF’s entrepreneurship programmes.

He said, “We have seen that our interventions of 1,000 beneficiaries every year cannot be enough, in the first year, for instance, we had about 20,000 applications, we selected only 1,000; by the second year, it rose to 40,000 where another 1,000 was selected; last year, which was the third, we had 98,000 and we again selected 1000. It has become imperative to create more opportunities and to engage with our friends and partners and those who love Africa and who believe in this form of development that is truly sustainable.  “So we reached out and I am happy that Red Cross came through and they have committed $1m, so now, we would not just be talking about 1,000 entrepreneurs, but now, it would be 1,200 entrepreneurs. Thanks to Red Cross for the additional 200.”

He explained that the additional $1m fund they are bringing to the table is for the Niger-Delta region, covering the Ogoni part, and the North-Eastern region where we have the Boko Haram insurgence. “This kind of intervention, is what we need to develop Africa. We want to help to support the African youth, to support and prioritise them at a forum like this for global leaders. To let them know that Africa needs a new form of support, not necessarily hand-outs but support hat can empower. We need people to team up with us to support these youth,” he passionately added.  

The new generation S-Class, the best car in the world hits Nigeria

The Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria - Weststar Associates Limited has again confirmed the arrival of the much anticipated S-class facelift in Nigeria. With the first batch now available at Authorized Mercedes-Benz showrooms in Nigeria, buyers can now order the latest Model of the S-class which features new engines with a range of new technologies - says Mr. Mirko Plath Managing Director /CEO of the company.
In his words; the top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz sedan takes another big step towards the future of autonomous driving and elevates Intelligent Drive to the next level as the advanced design of the S-Class conveys even more status and highest technological competence”. Adding that though several new engines are offered for the new S-Class, the two new engines available for the Nigerian Market are petrol (S 450) variants of six-cylinder in-line engines and a new V8 biturbo petrol engine (S 560)”.
The enhanced design of the S-Class conveys an even greater sense of status and the highest level of technological expertise. An example of this is the MULTIBEAM LED headlamp, whose ULTRA RANGE high beam generates the legally permitted maximum luminous intensity and only falls below the reference value in more than 650 meters. In the interior, the ambient lighting impresses in 64 colors and different color worlds. The ENERGIZING comfort control system links various comfort systems in the vehicle such as THERMOTRONIC, massage or scenting functions, to increase the well-being and performance during the journey. This makes the S-Class a wellness temple on wheels.

The interior of the new S-Class is characterised by the two new high-resolution displays, each with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a wide-screen cockpit. As the instrument cluster, it contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the center console. The new S-Class has touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel. They respond to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone and enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The operation of DISTRONIC and cruise control with control elements directly on the steering wheel is another new feature.

The NTG 5.5 generation also extends the range of telephony and telematics services: in this case the smartphone is transformed into a digital car key or parking control unit. Likewise, the Generation 4.5 driver assistance systems on the Intelligent Drive go one step further on the road to accident-free and autonomous driving. Also in the S-Class is the Individual Entertainment with Blu-ray drive and high-quality displays in bonded glass, wireless telephone charging at the front and in the rear including fast pairing via NFC technology, Business Telephony in the rear with new Bluetooth handset which is visible and integrated within optimum reach with extended scope of functions such as connection of a second mobile phone and call transfer between front and rear passengers.
The S-Class is also making a technological leap with its state-of-the-art drive generation as the completely newly developed in-line 6-cylinder gasoline engine in the S 450 electrified with an integrated starter generator for the customer means driving pleasure with increased efficiency and with its know-how transfer from the AMG high-performance engines, the new V8 biturbo engine in the S 560 also develops its special fascination. The ideal complement to this is the standard 9G-TRONIC. Additional highlight is the curve inclination function in combination with MAGIC BODY CONTROL and like all the drive programs, it is set via DYNAMIC SELECT.

The new S-class also features the optional energizing comfort control which links various on-board comfort systems together, e.g. climate control, ambience lighting, massage and fragrance functions, and allows customers to configure a specific wellness set-up to suit their mood or need. This enhances physical comfort and performance on the road also Inside the S-Class is the touch-sensitive Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel. They respond to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone. They enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

On Comfort, customers will enjoy like never before an ENERGIZING comfort control as this world first provides a choice of programmes which network a wide variety of comfort functions, depending on the mood or needs of the customer. Ambient lighting in 64 colours and three individually adjustable illumination zones as well as ten differently combined colour schemes linked to the display style of the Widescreen Cockpit, also illuminates the tweeters as well as the roof speakers, among other things, in combination with the Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system.
Since inventing the world’s very first car over 130 years ago, Mercedes-Benz has consistently been redefining what a car can be and the new S-Class is no exception. With the automotive artistry, craftsmanship, and engineering seen in the improved autonomous-driving capability, opulent interior, polished powertrains with the most intelligent assistance systems in its class - designed to thrill body and mind, the S-Class truly represents Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to be the best at everything. Now available at all Authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Nigeria with the best of aftersales services known with the Mercedes-Benz Brand globally.

How First Bank Assisted Notorious Kidnapper, Don Wayne With Blood Money

Where wealth and anarchy reign supreme, compassion fails, and honour sinks where commerce resolves the character of men. Little wonder First Bank and Unity Bank executives fell over themselves to court and please notorious kidnapper and assassin, Don Wayne, until his death.
It is an open secret that staff and management of the two banks went to extreme lengths to retain the late murderer as a client. The banks’ big guys worshipped him and the girls in marketing as well as the banks’ accounts officers adored Don Wayne. While Nigeria dreaded the kidnapper and murderer, First Bank and Unity Bank coveted him as a super, esteemed customer.
At the backdrop of speculations that the banks’ accounts officers didn’t know who they were dealing with, insiders alleged that they knew the exploits and true identity of Don Wayne but their reasoning was beclouded by the intimidating savings he had with them.
The banks’ executives ignored news of the late murderer and abductor’s activities and focused on making him the happiest customer ever. They never cared that he kept blood money with them, money made from abduction, murder and disfigurement of his victims.
Rather than alert anticorruption and security agencies about his dealings, they appreciated and supported him with various banking facilities, because they were able to meet bank targets at the expense of innocent souls. While pundits considered their earnings blood money, the banks considered it smart banking.
A highly placed security boss revealed that Don Wayne’s accounts at First Bank and Unity Bank had been frozen and would be forfeited to the Federal Government at the end of the investigation.“The banks are fully cooperating with an ongoing investigation which would unravel his financial transactions from the time the accounts were opened,” the source added.
Investigations revealed that Don Wayne still has over N700 million at undisclosed top banks.
Wayne, a notorious kidnapper and killer was killed by military men some days ago in a decisive operation.
Wayne who had more than 30 active fighters and many volunteers whom he dispatched to work for top politicians was tracked to his hideout in a sting operation.
A top official of the Department of State Services (DSS) revealed how the kidnap kingpin was tracked to his hideout in Enugu and executed by Nigerian security operatives.
Late Wayne, he said, masterminded killing of 23 worshippers on New Year’s Day in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. He said the decision to swoop on him was taken after he ordered his men to kill innocent residents of Omoku.
Thus the operation that led to Wayne’s death averted further bloodshed in the State, he said.
 Source: The Capital

Obasanjo Restates Support For Olatinpo'S Charity Works

 

Former President of Nigeria   Olusegun Obasanjo,  has thrown his weight behind Olatinpo Odutola,  describing her as the ‘breathe of fresh air’.OBJ made this declaration at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, Ogun  state on Friday when Olatinpo Odutola  alongside her powerful delegation paid him a visit.

Speaking during the visit, Olatinpo said she had come to see her mentor, and also to seek the wisdom and more blessings of the former President. Responding, President obasanjo said he was quite elated when he saw the charity  activities of Olatinpo Odutola in the memory of her late mother and he encouraged her  to do more.

He said: “I was elated when I first saw your charity activities, you have volunteered yourself for the  great services to humanity , you represent the breadth of fresh air that the country deserves at this stage.“I know your Grandpa  very well and I know his unparalleled capacity for work, and he was a good man too.

I have a strong conviction that with people like you, this country would be a better place. Obasanjo thereafter hosted the delegation to a private breakfast .

With her foundation, Olubusola Akingbehin Memorial Foundation, Odutola is  reputed to have provided delivery packs for pregnant women in the state general hospital, Otunba Tunwase Hospital and in rural clinics in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Reaching out to the vulnerable in her state has earned her accolades from all and sundry.  Olatinpo has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the London Metropolitan University. She is also SAP Certified in Human Capital Management.

Access Bank Approves Paternity Leave For Male Staff

Access Bank Plc has urged male employees of the bank to take advantage of its parental leave policy that extends paid benefits to all mothers and fathers.

The bank made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

It said the policy, which started in January, would foster an inclusive workplace.

It also said that the policy offered paid leave to all new parents at the bank, including mothers and fathers, as well as adoptive and surrogate parents.

The bank added that the new policy, first by a Nigerian bank, offered one week fully paid paternity leave to male employees and allows them to care for their offspring.

According to the bank, it also affords them in spending some quality time with the new addition to their family, while supporting the new mother who needs the break.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also included in the policy is a surrogacy or adoptive leave with full pay for three months for female employees of the bank.

The bank said that those benefits supplemented the 12 weeks of paid leave that the bank currently provided to birth mothers.

It added that the policy also complemented the bank’s existing health and flexible workplace benefits, which supported work-life balance.

The statement reported Mrs Bolaji Agbede, Head, Group Human Resources, to have said that paid parental leave allowed parents to truly bond with their new child, balance their work schedule and help reduce conflict with parental obligations.

“Studies have shown that fathers who take paternity leave are more likely to take an active role in child care tasks and will continue to play this role long after the period of leave has ended.

“It is important for the new father to take time off as it helps all parents, regardless of family structure.

“This new policy is an evidence of the bank’s support to employees during this wonderful but challenging time in their lives,” she added.

Besides, Agbede said a pregnant employee who had been in the bank’s employment for 12 consecutive months also had the option of six months maternity leave.

She, however, said that the option allowed such staff to be entitled to two-thirds of full month pay, while the surrogacy or adoptive leave period would be three calendar months with full pay or six calendar months leave with two-thirds of full month pay. (NAN)

How Fraudsters Attempted To Defraud LASG,Impersonates Ambode By Witnesses

Lagos State Government on Tuesday commenced trial of two suspects arraigned for attempting to defraud the State Government to the tune of N50million by cloning the official line of the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

The suspects - Rilwanu Jamiu and Balogun Oyewole were arraigned before Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya of the Lagos High Court in Igbosere on three-count charge bordering on the alleged crime.pecifically, they are standing trial for possession of fraudulent document, impersonation and attempt to commit felony.

While testifying before the court, the State’s Accountant General, Mrs Abimbola Shukurat Umar revealed how she received a text message from the suspects on February 10, 2016, purportedly from Governor Ambode, directing her to transfer the sum of N50million to a designated Keystone Bank account.

Umar, who was led in evidence by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adenijii Kazeem, said she found the message suspicious and highly irregular of the official accounting protocol.

This, prompted her to bring the message to the attention of the Governor, who, after distancing himself from the message, ordered the immediate investigation of the matter.

The investigation, which was conducted by the Department of State Security (DSS), led to the eventual arrest of the defendants, who were subsequently charged before the court.

The prosecution also called Mr Wale Odu, Director of DSS, Lagos State Command, to give evidence in the matter.

In his testimony, Odu confirmed that the investigation leading to the arrest of the defendants was conducted by his team.

According to him, investigation revealed that the second defendant (Oyewole) is one of the directors and shareholders of a firm, Clayder Limited to whose Keystone Bank account, the N50million fraud money would have been paid.

The matter was later adjourned to February 14, 2018 for continuation of the trial, while the defendants were to continue to be remanded at the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison.

Yinka Best Shoots New Video

It is quite tricky to put character across in a song while infusing your voice with soul and passion by harmonizing the soulful blues in Juju music.

For ace juju Maestro, Yinka Best blending both the old and the modern version of traditional African sounds has been his topmost priority since he started music. And this has been shaping the kind of songs he churns out to his fans.

In few weeks time, he will be dropping another mind-blowing singles titled, ‘Temi Ni Olorire’ and ‘Temi-Tope’. Both the audio and visual will be drop on all musical platforms before the month runs out.ccording to the dynamic singer who has been waxing stronger since he dropped his last single, ‘Ori Mi Sore’ the video is shot by an award winning music video director, Big Doo while the songs was produced by Olu Mix.

Access Bank upgrades ombudsman to boost dispute resolution

 

Access Bank Plc says it has upgraded its customer service function, called Ombudsman, to resolve service issues between the bank and its customers.

The bank said in a statement on Monday in Lagos that the Ombudsman was an Alternate Dispute Resolution platform that allows an aggrieved customer of the bank lodge complaints or grievances.

It said customers could lodge complaints over the telephone to the Ombudsman and get an amicable and final resolution within the shortest possible time.

The bank said it established the Ombudsman desk in order to boost its dispute resolution mechanism.

It also said it had reviewed the function of the Ombudsman to include immediate resolution of customer’s complaints alongside the primary function, which are Arbitration and other ADR mechanisms such as Conciliation and Mediation.

According to the bank, the aim and objective of the Ombudsman initiative is to resolve all customer complaints and issues on the same day irrespective of where it is issued or the officer responsible for resolution.

It said: “The primary function of the bank’s Ombudsman will be to investigate and resolve customer complaints relating to credit issues and broader service issues.

“The additional focus will be on immediate resolution of customers’ complaints with the Ombudsman being empowered to directly engage customers and ensure complaints are attended to immediately.

“It is noteworthy that Access Bank was the first Nigerian bank that independently and voluntarily implemented a robust customer complaints resolution mechanism designed specifically to mediate fair settlement between the bank and its customers.

“This strategy emphasised the customer-centric culture of Access Bank and promote one of its focus on treating customers fairly.

“This pioneering initiative by Access Bank represents another contribution by the bank towards the elevation of practices within the Nigerian financial services industry.”

Sugar Daddy Battered Magodo Big Girl Over Adulterous Lifestyle

This is one of the freshest gist flying around Magodo, an outskirts of Lagos suburb. It is the juicy story of how one of the so-called Lagos big girls, Funmi Ochonogor  got the beating of her life from one of her sugar daddies simply identified as Alhaji Ibrahim.
But for the timely intervention of the officers of Magodo Police Station who quickly jumped into action and honoured neighbours’ SoS calls, maybe the woman would have joined the Saints Triumphant as the Alhaji was said to have stood his ground and vowed to sniff life off her by all means.
According to how the gist goes, the Magodo big girl whose name was given as Funmi Ochonogor who runs Stephkidz inside Magodo is the subject of the story. Enquirermag gathered reliably that, the one-time happily married mother of 3 adorable kids was living with her husband, a top echelon of a multinational oil firm, Mr. Ochonogor before she suddenly packed out of the house for reasons best known to her.
People in the know confided in Enquirermag that, the Kabba, Kogi State born lady and her husband used to live in Magodo before fortune smiled on them and relocated to Lekki where they all live with the kids. Those who know the lady, Funmi Anike swear to high heavens that her libido is second to none as she was allegedly forced to leave her husband when he (Mr. Ochonogor) could not satisfy her in bed any longer owing to busy schedules and all that.
Though unconfirmed, this office was told that, there was a time madam Funmi had to use ‘man power’ drugs a.k.a viagra on her husband in order to get satisfied and we gathered that, the innocent man almost passed out.
Bubble burst however when madam Funmi decided to pack out of her husband’s house in Lekki and relocated back to Magodo just to enjoy her independence with series of younger lovers. She’s said to be known for living fake life, ”she’s all those flash in the pan ladies who have nothing but live a larger than life image”, a source who knows her well told Enquirermag.
”There’s nothing to show for her fake life, even the Hyundai car she’s using was got on hired purchase from the bank and its already a rickety car, all we hear everytime is, she’s travelling to China to import goods and nothing is transforming to money and who knows if she’s actually spending the money on younger lovers”, the source told Enquirermag further.
So on this fateful day, the man who we gathered has been lavishing money and other worldly accomplishments on her had lied that he will be travelling out of the country unknown to madam Funmi that, it’s all a decoy to catch her pants down.
This office gathered further that, the Alhaji decided to get a hotel nearby her house in Magodo and got some guys to be on parade to check out whoever visited his mistress-Funmi Ochonogor and alas, in the evening of the second day, the Alhaji got the lid and headed for the ”kill”.
Since the gateman knew him as his madam’s major sugar daddy, the youngman couldn’t prevent Alhaji from breaking into the house when he stormed the compound on the fateful evening and as expected, madam Funmi refused to open the gate even as Alhaji was ready to pull down the doors of the house.
At long last, the stubborn Alhaji was able to pull down the door and made his way into the living room where he caught his dear mistress with a younger lover. Irked by this development, the Alhaji was said to have pounced on her, beating her as if she was caught stealing at the market square, even the younger lover was so afraid that he had to run for his dear life.
It was when neighbours could not sleep from the hues and cry of the excruciating pains emanating from the serious beating that they resolved to inviting the police to save the day.
The rich man, Alhaji was undaunted as he continued pounding her, battering and gave her swollen face until the police team arrived. Both were later taken to the station for further interrogation and by the time the police heard from the duo, they had no choice than to treat the matter as merely civil, they advised the sugar daddy to take her to the hospital for urgent medical attention where we learnt she spent days.n our facts finding mission, we visited the Magodo Police station where a policeman we met preferred to talk to us on anonymity and according to him, ”it is true we got a call from neighbours but the man for kill the woman o if no be say our people quick reach there, abeg na civil matter, go see the DPO if you want hear the matter”, the Policeman told us in pidgin.
We also tried to talk to madam Funmi who refused to pick her call severally until we sent her a message for her response, and when she saw our message, this is her reply, ”it’s a no go zone, you can’t do the story, it’s not true,”, her reply to our message.
Source-Enquirer Mag

The Mercedes-Benz Citan Debuts in Nigeria - Joins the Weststar product portolio

The Citan Tourer is designed for individuals that want to get more out of life, business, and leisure time. Due to its versatility and adaptability, the Mercedes-Benz Citan fulfils a broad range of commercial applications. Set to hit the Nigerian roads of the Citan variants is the Tourer 112; a five-seater crew vehicle with folding rear seat bench and sliding doors on each side, with a long wheelbase.

As is the case with every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, safety plays a big role in the new Citan. It comes with the Electronic Stability Program, ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard, which takes the vehicle load into consideration. This innovative dynamic handling control system in the new Citan combines the functions of the anti-locking braking system ABS®, VDC® (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which counters over- and understeer, and TCS® (Traction Control System). It also includes ASR® (acceleration skid control) and drive and braking torque control.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan is a true transport professional in every detail and depending on customer needs, can be tailored with ease to a specific deployment scenario. In addition to safety and comfort options, there are also numerous functional extras and accessories to choose from and as an alternative to individual options, Citan buyers have access to various specially created packages.

The Citan focuses on functionality as it is all about meeting the challenges faced in day-to-day operations. Functional features include a large glove compartment, a stowage compartment between the front seats and a useful overhead stowage compartment across the entire width of the windscreen to accommodate all those items that drivers keep on hand on a daily basis. The practical, standard equipment for the new Citan includes a height-adjustable steering wheel, central locking with remote control and exterior mirrors which can be adjusted from inside. The Citan also sets a good example when it comes to fuel consumption and performance as the engine line-up has the right solution for every requirement profile. It is available only with front-wheel drive, and a high-torque petrol engine as standard for the Nigerian market.

Handling as expected of the Citan, is safe and smooth as the developers have paid particular attention to ensuring the handling is as expected of the brand, delivering a combination of driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort. The Direct-Steer system is accurate and sensitive, while the suspension, damping and stabiliser bars have been carefully attuned to each other - offering precision, driving safety and the smooth handling that drivers are accustomed to from other Mercedes-Benz Vans

"The Citan is indeed an absolute all-rounder when it comes to day-to-day business, an ideal partner for city logistics and transportation, a corporate shuttle vehicle or simply a vehicle for family leisure activities and is exclusively available for immediate delivery with up-to-the-minute aftersales service through Weststar. Our resolve to providing transportation solutions in Nigeria is to ensure we keep our service promise: to deliver only "Vans. Born to run". -  Mr. Umoh Ekanem, Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, Weststar Associates Limited, Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.

UBA Revolutionises eBanking, Introduces Leo, Chat Banking Personality on Social Media Platforms

Pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA), has today, changed the face of e-banking with the introduction of Leo, the UBA Chat Banker who enables customers make use of their social media accounts to carry out key banking transactions.

At the official launch of Leo, UBA’s Chat Banker, which took place in Lagos on Thursday, customers of the bank were given a step by step demonstration on the novel way of delivering lifestyle and quality  banking through the Facebook Messenger chat platform.

This is the first time that a financial institution in Africa has come up with this manner of solution to simplify the way customers transact. Something that has become necessary in today’s fast-paced world with demands for  quick-time transactions and response.

With the launch of the Chat Banking, customers will be able to open new accounts, receive instant transaction notifications, check their balances on the go, transfer funds and airtime top up. They will also be able to confirm cheques, pay bills apply for loans, freeze accounts, request for mini statements, amongst other things.

At the occasion, the Group Managing Director, UBA, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, said that the launch of Leo is part of initiatives aimed at putting the bank’s customers first with UBA continuously developing strategies aimed at easing transactions for the bank’s numerous users, while ensuring utmost safety of their transactions.

Mr. Uzoka said, “The formulation of this product, is consistent with the bank’s customer 1st philosophy, where we are doing things not the way we like, but focusing on what the customers want, where they want it, and in the exact platform they want it.’

“At UBA, we have been working with technology giants that have the global capacity to ensure not only seamless but also effortless banking for millions of our customers across Africa. We at UBA, have collaborated with Facebook to come up with this innovation that is capable of revolutionising the way banking is done in Africa,” he said. Uzoka noted that Leo will  in the nearest future, show up on other social platforms and added that all it takes to enjoy the services is simply to have a Facebook account.

As he unveiled the character of Leo, Uzoka stated:  “Leo being an intelligent personality will give you feedback instantaneously as you transact your business on the platform. A solution that is from the customer’s standpoint and is easy to use by anyone’ 

Also speaking at the launch of Leo, the Group Head of Online Banking at UBA, Mr. Austine Abolusoro, who conducted a step by step demonstration on the working of  Leo, reitirated that Leo  is  not just a chat machine, but an artificial intelligence personality meant to address any type of banking concerns raised by customers.  

“Leo is ready and waiting to help with most transactions and to deliver any form of banking services. Leo is operating a lifestyle banking platform on facebook messenger to assist with your transactions while chatting with your friends and business partners. The security with this platform is that for every transaction, an OTP (One Time Password) is generated to the phone number that is registered on your account.”

He explained that with Leo your banking needs become easy and simple.  As simple as chatting.

UBA was incorporated in Nigeria as a limited liability company after taking over the assets of the British and French Bank Limited who had been operating in Nigeria since 1949. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc merged with Standard Trust Bank in 2005 and from a single country operation founded in 1949 in Nigeria - Africa's largest economy - UBA has become one of the leading providers of banking and other financial services on the African continent. The Bank provides services to over 14 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in sub-Saharan Africa, with over

UBA was the first Nigerian bank to make an Initial Public Offering, following its listing on the NSE in1970. It was also the first Nigerian bank to issue Global Depository Receipts. The shares of UBA are publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Bank has a well-diversified shareholder base, which includes foreign and local institutional investors, as well as individual shareholders.

 

1,000 branches and customer touch points and robust online and mobile banking platforms.

 

Ambode reshuffles cabinet, sacks three commissioners

 

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday reshuffled his cabinet, dropping three commissioners and appointing five new ones.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, in a statement on Thursday, said the three dropped commissioners are Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, Mr. Femi Odubiyi, and Mr. Anifowoshe Abiola, while Messrs Hakeem Fahm, Ladi Lawanson, Segun Banjo, Olayinka Oladunjoye and Hakeem Sulaiman were appointed to head Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and  Ministry of Communities and Communications respectively.The governor also moved Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye from Commerce and Industry to Physical Planning and Urban Development; Mr. Steve Ayorinde from Ministry of Information and Strategy to Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan from Communities and Communication to Ministry of Information and Strategy; Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi Etti from Ministry of Wealth Creation to Ministry of the Environment; Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf from Ministry of Youth and Social Development to Ministry of Wealth Creation; Mr. Agboola Dabiri from Central Business District to Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Others include Dr. Samuel Adejare from Ministry of the Environment to Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development; Engr. Ade Akinsanya from Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development to Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
The statement added that Mr. Benjamin Olabinjo has been moved from Special Adviser Commerce and Industry to become Special Adviser Civic Engagement, while Mr. Kehinde Joseph moved from Special Adviser Civic Engagement to become Special Adviser Housing.
Mr. Deji Tinubu, Special Adviser Sports has been redeployed as Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry and Mr. Anofiu Elegushi moves from Special Adviser Transport to become Special Adviser, Central Business District.
The new Commissioners are expected to be cleared by the State House of Assembly while the other redeployment and postings take immediate effect.
According to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Bello, the new appointments and redeployments are intended to create a new vigour and vitality for service delivery which has been the hallmark of the Governor Ambode administration.

Aminu Atiku DisappearsWith 7yr Old Son After Losing Custody To Ex-Wife

 It was a total drama at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday afternoon following the disappearance of Aamir Atiku, the seven-year-old son of Aminu Atiku and his ex-wife, Unmi Fatima Bolori.
But at the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, neither Aminu nor his legal team was present to announce appearance.
According to The Nation, the boy’s mother claimed that Aminu, son of former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, snatched Aamir and drove off with him.
Chief Magistrate Ayeye granted Bolori full custody of the children after Aminu failed to file a response to her application for child custody.
But when Aminu and his legal team eventually arrived at the courtroom at around 1pm, the proceedings were practically over.
The Nation observed him laughing and playing with both kids in the courtroom. At about 1:45pm, he consulted with his lawyers and walked out of the courtroom

Total Outage As Fire Trips Off Nigeria’s Power Grid

 

There was a sudden loss of power generation on Tuesday night, leading to a total blackout across the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry Of Power, Works and Housing, the power outage occurred following a reported fire incident on a gas pipeline in Edo State.
“Regrettably, after a sustained period of increasing production and distribution of power since September 2017 to date, the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Ltd (NGPTC) has reported a fire incident on its Escravos Lagos Pipeline System near Okada, Edo State on Tuesday, January 2, 2018,” the ministry said.
The incident consequently led to the shutdown of the pipeline supplying gas to Egbin 1,320MW; Olorunsogo NIPP 676MW, Olorunsogo 338MW, Omotosho NIPP 450MW, Omotosho 338 MW and Paras 60MW power stations.
The ministry further explained that the sudden loss of generation as a result of the interruption in gas supply from these stations caused the national transmission grid to “trip off around 20:20 on January 2, 2018.”
“The national transmission grid is owned and operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Most of Nigeria’s power generation is from thermal power stations that require gas for fuel.
“The gas is produced by oil and gas companies overseen by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The gas is delivered to the power stations through pipelines owned and operated by Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Ltd (NGPTC), a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC),” the statement added.
The ministry apologised to Nigerians for any difficulty they might have been through, saying TCN and the generation companies are working to restore operation of the national grid.
“We urge members of the public to bear with us as we work to overcome this set back which should be temporary.”
Once the national grid is restored, the ministry promised that output from the hydroelectric power stations and all other unaffected gas fired thermal power stations would be increased to the extent possible to minimise the impact of the loss of generation from the affected power stations while NNPC takes necessary steps to restore gas supply.
– Channels News

BUA Group Condemn Edo Government Arrest Of Staff

The arrest recently carried it out by the Edo State Government and security agencies at the disputed Obu mine site of one of his staff has been condemned by BUA International Limited. 

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and security agencies comprising men of the Nigerian
Army, the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS) were said to have stormed the mine site and arrested two employees of BUA International Limited over violation of a Stop Work order issued by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel.

Governor Obaseki was said to have ordered the arrest of the two employees of BUA International Limited when he visited the site and discovered that work was ongoing despite relaying directives from the Federal Government on a stop-work order pending the determination of a court suit over the ownership of the mine site.

But in a statement yesterday, the management of BUA International Limited said the State Government went to the site to effect a Gestapo-style forceful shutdown of the mine despite a subsisting court pronouncement that the Mine be allowed to operate.

“Upon reaching that mining site and not meeting any personnel or equipment, two BUA Cement employees were invited to the mining site to receive the Governor.

We later learnt that these employees were arrested upon arrival on the orders of the Governor and taken away for no just reason.

“As it stands, we do not know why they were arrested but have requested our lawyers to secure their unconditional release immediately as these employees are innocent and have no knowledge of why they were being arrested.

Now that one of our mining sites has been forcefully closed down by the Governor without regard to the court’s pronouncement on maintaining status quo at that particular site (and without any formal communication from the Edo State Government), BUA as a responsible corporate entity has instructed its lawyers to report back to the courts on this latest developments and pursue all legal channels to enforce its rights,” the statement read in part.

According to the statement, while the Governor based the legitimacy of his actions on a purported Stop-Work order from the Ministry of Mines, BUA “wishes to reiterate that there is a pronouncement of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin on December 5, 2017 that declared the Stop-Work order issued by the ministry as a contravention of the court’s directives to maintain status quo and thus deemed it illegal.

The same court also threatened to arrest the Minister who is the first defendant in the case if the stop word order continues to be pursued.

Mine Dispute: Police absolves BUA MD, Yusuf Binji, in Gov. Obaseki’s alleged convoy attack… as Force PRO denies issuing arrest warrant

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied issuing an arrest warrant for Managing Director (MD) of BUA’s Obu Cement Company, Engineer Yusuf Binji. Force Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Jimoh Moshood, denied the report stating unequivocally that there had been no such directive from the police at the State or Federal command.

This calls to question, the earlier statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Edo State Government, Crusoe Osagie, who alleged that the police had issued an arrest warrant for the BUA Cement MD.

This statement by the police also contradicts other claims by the Edo State government; soon after an alleged attacked on the convoy of Governor Godwin Obaseki on Thursday, the government issued a press statement claiming that the police has ordered the arrest of Engr. Binji for complicity in the attack.
Police rebuttal of the government’s claims however, absolves Binji of complicity in the alleged attack.

Lagos Seals Off Fuel Station, Hotel, Events Centre Of Suspected Badoo Cult Leader, Alaka

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday sealed off a Petrol Filling Station, an Hotel and Event Centre belonging to a suspected Badoo cult kingpin, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal.

 

The structures, situated along Ijebu-Ode-Itoikin Road in Sabo area of Ikorodu were sealed for violating the State’s Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.

The Police, had on December 22, 2017, declared Alaka wanted in connection with series of well-orchestrated killings and nefarious activities of the Badoo cult group in Ikorodu and Epe area of the State. Alaka is believed to be the ring leader of the Badoo menace.

The State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said the order sealing off the structures was in pursuant to Section 60 of the said Law.

It would be recalled that the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal, on Tuesday, paraded a Badoo kingpin arrested in Ikorodu axis who confessed to the killings and took Police to their shrine in Imosan, a suburb of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State where the group’s chief herbalist, Fatai Adebayo was arrested. debayo, who is popularly known as Alese, was said to specialize in administering oath on Badoo members before they go for any operation.

According to Ayorinde, “The Lagos State Government is joining the Nigerian Police in asking the said Alaka to come out of hiding and submit himself to the law in his own interest.

“The State Government has also enjoined the Police to offer the public a reward for any useful information on the owner of the Alaka Filling Station, Hotel and Event Centre in Ikorodu.
“The government is once again asking its citizens to go about their businesses without fear. We will leave no stone unturned in keeping the State safe in 2018,” Ayorinde assured.

Pen Cinema Bridge: Lagos To Enforce Partial Restriction Of Movement Jan 4

Announces Traffic Diversion Routes

The Lagos State Government on Monday announced plans to enforce partial restriction of movement for motorists in Agege axis to accelerate the ongoing construction of Pen Cinema Flyover starting from January 4, 2018.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr Olujimi Hotonu, the State Government said there would be a complete closure of the roads in the axis at some point during the construction but that it would start with partial restriction of movement.

While assuring that adequate arrangements have been firmed up to mitigate the impact of the closure of the roads on motorists and residents, Hotonu said traffic diversion routes have been created to ensure ease of movement along the corridor.

He said the construction of the flyover across the Pen Cinema intersection at Agege embarked upon by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was part of the continuous drive to ease traffic within the metropolis and improve on the State economy.

According to him, “To ease the construction of the Pen Cinema flyover, the State Government will be diverting traffic at the Pen Cinema intersection starting from Thursday, January 4, 2018.

Hotonu further said that the restriction of movement is expected to last for an estimated period of three and six months to enable the contractor take full advantage of the weather and space to deliver seamlessly the critical aspect of the flyover construction that falls within the Pen Cinema roundabout and railway crossing at Old Abeokuta Road junction.

“The routes for the diversion for the flyover are as follow; Vehicles coming from Ogba/Oba Ogunji except Articulated vehicles are expected to come in through Ijaiye Low Cost Housing Estate to link Iju Road, while Articulated Vehicles and other vehicles plying this axis have the option of either turning right towards Iju Road at the Pen Cinema intersection or left towards Moshalashi Alhaja.

“Similarly, vehicles coming from Iju Road should go towards Moshalashi Alhaja or turn towards Oba Ogunji/ Ogba as the turning towards the right to the Railway crossing will remain closed.

Continuing, Hotonu said there would be a complete closure of the road for vehicles coming from Moshalashi Alhaja towards the Railway crossing, while vehicles coming from Moshalashi Alhaja axis would be expected to either move towards Iju Road or turn right towards Oba Ogunji/Ogba Road.

“All vehicles coming from Old Abeokuta Motor Road are enjoined to go straight towards Agege Motor Road or turn right towards Afa Nla/Oke Koto roads, while vehicles coming from Agege Motor Road are enjoined to go straight towards Old Abeokuta Motor Road or turn into Afa Nla/Oke Koto roads. No vehicle from these axes will be allowed to pass through the Pen Cinema intersection,” Hotonu said.

While regretting the inconveniences the partial restriction would cause motorists and residents, the State Government appealed for caution and cooperation with traffic and security personnel deployed to ease their movement, noting that the ultimate goal of the plan is to make life easy and improve traffic along the corridor.