LAND USE CHARGE: Lagos Residents Troops To Banks To Make Payment

With the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode flagging off the payment of Land Use Charge on Monday, February 19, 2018, Lagosians have also trooped to the banks to make their payments, duly observing their civic duties as owners and occupiers of properties in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Land Use Charge (LUC) is payable annually by property and building owners in Lagos State. It is a consolidation of ground rent, tenement rate, and neighbourhood improvement levy. Following the introduction of electronic payment for all forms of revenue remittance which brings an end to the cash payment in the state, residents of Lagos can now use the e-payment, making it easier to pay anywhere and anytime.

This development will help Lagos State boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and block all financial leakages in ministries and parastatals which will in turn enable the government discharge her responsibilities.
The LUC bill, which was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Lagos State Governor on February 8, enables the correction of inefficiencies in the old law which revealed that only a small fraction of properties in Lagos State was remitting their Land Use Charges.

Renowned Nigerian comedian and Lagos State resident, Mr. Gbenga Adeyinka, who paid his Land Use Charge on Tuesday, February 27, also advised other property owners to utilize the convenient e-payment platform introduced by the state.

“I went to the bank today to pay my Land Use Charge as a responsible resident of Lagos State in order to take advantage of the 15% discount before the deadline of April 14, 2018, and I implore property owners to do the same in order to improve living conditions in the state. This will also help the state government to provide better amenities and infrastructural development for property owners and residents of Lagos. It is a civic and moral duty to support the good work of this government for our benefit and for generations to come”.

In addition, some properties are exempted from the operation of the law such as properties used for public, religious and charitable activities, properties occupied and owned by pensioners of 60 years and above, public cemeteries and burial ground and all palaces of recognized Obas and Chiefs in the State.

Another Lagos resident, Mr. Oluwole Farinu, mentioned that paying his Land Use Charge enables him to exercise his civic duty and in turn helps the government provide more infrastructure like the building of roads, hospitals and providing security. ‘The Lagos State Government has tried to improve lives through better provision of infrastructure in the state’, he said.According to Engineer Olayemi Ajala who noted that Infrastructural development is quite obvious in every corner of the state especially in areas like Epe, Surulere, Aguda and the Alapere dual carriage road, “Lagosians should support the Government more by paying their taxes in order to have improved growth and development.

Payments can now be made at any branch of the 19 accredited banks in Lagos State as well as through WebPay, Paypoint, and USSD.

China Development Bank, UBA Sign $100 million Loan Deal to Support SMEs in Africa

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a pan-African banking group and China Development Bank (CDB), the world’s largest development finance institution, on February 27, 2018 announced the signing of a $100 million seven-year loan agreement to finance the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.

The $100 million loan will enhance UBA’s capacity to provide access to finance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the 19 African countries where UBA currently operates.

“We are excited to partner with China Development Bank (CDB), the Development Financial Institution of the Chinese Government, on this historic transaction, as we strongly believe that the facility will serve as a catalyst to the sustainable development of commerce and industry in Africa through provision of critical financial interventions to SMEs across our presence countries,” says Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka.

Uzoka noted that this line of credit is timely, as it should complement the recovery of economic activities. It will also further encourage African entrepreneurship particularly as the funds will be applied to SMEs, which are important for inclusive growth on the continent.    

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu said that the fund will boost small and medium scale enterprises across Africa, noting that CDB’s interest in supporting SMEs aligns with UBA’s vision in growing business across Africa.

“In UBA, CDB would have an enduring partner in reaching out to Africans as UBA provides banking services to over 14 million people across 20 African countries, and like CDB, UBA funds critical infrastructural projects on the continent “  Elumelu said. He expressed that he would like to see an even stronger relationship grow with CDB and UBA as well as with China and Nigeria.

Also commenting, the President of CDB, Mr. Zheng Zhijie, said the agreement is the beginning of cooperation between UBA and CDB that would translate into an enduring business relationship between China and Africa and Nigeria in particular.

“UBA is a leading and dependable bank not only in Nigeria but Africa, and this partnership will help our Bank to accelerate its business objectives in Africa, more importantly as we deepen our investment in energy, road and rail constructions, infrastructure in Africa,” Zhije said

UBA, Africa’s global bank, is one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria incorporated which operates in 19 African countries whilst providing a wide range of products and services. UBA is a leading bank in infrastructure financing particularly in the Power, Telecoms and Transport sectors. UBA leads in social infrastructure such as hospital and education facilities to various countries in Africa. In Nigeria, the bank operates in each of the country’s 36 states, helping to deepen financial inclusion through its brick and mortar network as well as through its cutting edge digital platforms. Globally, UBA has over 1,000 branches and customer touch points, serving over 14 million customers. CDB, funded in 1994, is the world’s largest development finance institution and, the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation.  CDB provides medium-to-long-term financing facilities that serve China’s major long-term economic and social development strategies. By the end of 2016, its assets grew to RMB 14.34 trillion, a balance of loans of RMB 10.32 trillion. CDB currently has 37 primary branches and 3 secondary branches on the Chinese mainland, one offshore branch in Hong Kong and five representative offices in Cairo, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas and London

*Obat, Vital Allied Energy seal multi-million Naira deal -to supply 100,000mt refined product quarterly!*

 

 Obat Oil and Petroleum Ltd. has just entered into a long term agreement with Vital Allied Energy Supply & Services Ltd, (VAE) to supply 100,000mt of refined product quarterly, with a delivery of 30,000mt monthly.

The first tranche of AGO cargo, arrived at Obat terminal in Apapa, within the week and loading activities commenced immediately, upon the discharge of the product into tanks.

In view of the high demand for the use of the product in the market, plans are already in progress by VAE, to further increase the monthly volume to meet up with the market demand.

The agreement between the two companies is to further strengthen the market supply of AGO, and other petroleum products. However, in order to actualize the supply chain mechanism, Obat Oil, in conjunction with its arm of NUPENG and Petroleum Tanker Drivers, (PTD), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with VAE, to ensure the smooth delivery of the products across the country.

OBAT Oil & Petroleum Ltd. is a major marketer in the oil and gas business in Nigeria.  Its resources and strengths have established it as a major provider in the global energy market, while further enhancing its status as a global player in oil trading and related  allied businesses. The management team is headed by the scion of its founder, Prince ‘Femi Akinruntan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, who has, since mounting the saddle of the MD/CEO, has been taking the company to greater heights, without cutting corners, especially in the volatile business of independent marketing of oil and gas products.

This new venture is one of the lofty heights the crown prince and his team has been striving to inch  in the industry.

Open Letter To President Mohammodu Buhari By Dr Lawrence Majekodunmi Ayodele

OPEN  LETTER TO PRESIDENT MOHAMMODU  BUHARI COALITION OF PROFESSIONALS AND INDIGENES OF EKITI STATE AND
CONCERNED STAFFS OF THE FEDERAL
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
 The Presidency
Federal
 Republic of Nigeria,  FCT.,
Abuja.
 VICTIMIZED  FOR BEING AN APOSTLE OF CHANGE IN  HIS INSTITUTION - A CRY
FOR HELP FOR DR. LAWRENCE
 MAJEKODUNMI AYODELE
We are a coalition of professionals and  indigenes of Ekiti State and concerned staffers of  the Federal Ministry of  Health that have been watching with keen interest  all the events that have been taking place  in Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti  since inception. We are therefore making this submission in view of injustice  and maltreatment melted to Dr. Lawrence  Majekodunmi Ayodele, a- 52- year- old administrator per excellence from  Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State, who was  the Chief Medical Directorof the hospital  between June 2012 and May 2016.  Dr. Ayodele has been ill-treated  with a high level of  injustice in his  bid to make his fatherland better  (in line with the  ‘change’ crusade of the  present Federal Government) by the Hon. Minister of Health,Prof. Isaac  Folorunso Adewole and Governor Ayodele Fayose,  his  adviser. It is our belief that many other civil groups must be wondering  what kind of game the Hon. Minister of Health must have been playing in Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti in the last twenty (20) months. Firstly, all thanks to Mr. President and theFederal Republicof Nigeria for appointing Dr. L.M. Ayodele as the Medical Director of FederalMedical Centre, Ido-Ekiti in September, 2012 after serving  as acting Medical  Director of the same institution  between June and August 2012. To the glory of God, at the end of four years, the young man did not disappoint Mr. President and the nation at large going by  the way he transformed the  hospital to an enviable state in areas of Status, Service Deliveries, Training and  Infrastructural Development. Within 2 years of his appointment as Medical  Director, he transformed the institution to a Federal Teaching Hospital, the  first of its kind in our dear country. Prior to his appointment as the Medical Director, Dr. Ayodele had served as the Head of Clinical Services (2010-2012) and  Founder/Head of Psychiatry Department of the same hospital (2004-2010). Though, the hospital  had no Mental Health facility  prior to his appointment as Consultant Psychiatrist, he started one  following his appointment into the hospital in  April 2004. The establishment of  Mental Health Department brought a new dawn to  the hospital. In less than 5 years of starting the department, it became the best in the areas of clinical services, service delivery to patients, manpower development and research. The department was therefore, the first to secure  full accreditation from both the  National and West African  Postgraduate Medical  Colleges, for postgraduate training of doctors (Resident Training) in the  entire Ekiti and Ondo States.  Consequently, the department produced the first set of indigenous consultants  (specialists) in the hospital. Before joining the Federal Medical Centre,Ido-Ekiti,  Dr. L.M Ayodele had served as a Consultant  Psychiatrist at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kware, Sokoto, where he was made the Head of Clinical Services till he relocated to Ekiti State in April, 2014 on a lateral transfer. Before then, he had earlier served at Federal  Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabarand Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos ACHIEVEMENTS ASTHE MD/CMD OF FEDERALMEDICAL CENTRE/FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI Following his  appointment as the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti in the year 2012, his vision and  mission centered on bringing POSITIVE CHANGE to the  hospital in  the areas of staff’s attitude to work, discipline, transparency and accountability, service delivery, training  and research,  infrastructural development and  restoration of peace between  the hospital and  the host community. With God on his side, all of the aforementioned were  evidently achieved within three years in spite of incessant strikes and distractions by the different groups of health workers  union. Some of his  landmark achievements can be enumerated as follows:1.     TRANSFORMATION  FROM MEDICAL CENTRE TO TEACHING HOSPITAL: Top on the list of landmark  achievements recorded by Dr.  Ayodele and his team  is the transformation of the hospital from   Federal Medical Centre (FMC)  Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI) through the unique partnership with Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)  through a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) that was signed by the ABUAD management and Federal Government of Nigeria, and witnessed by crème-de-la-crème of the society including the clergy, academics, royalty, the judiciary and members of the Legislature and the then  Minister of State for  Health, Dr. Khaliru Al-Hassan, on  November 15, 2014. That  was the first time in the country that a Federal Medical  Centre would be transformed to a Federal Teaching Hospital and For this to  have been possible, the hospital satisfied all the requirements stipulated by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in areas of service delivery, training and research and adequate  equipment and
 infrastructure.   2.     ABOLITION OF CORRUPT PRACTICES: Immediately he assumed office as the Medical Director of the hospital in 2012 he arranged with a  commercial bank on  the daily collection of treatment  tariffs from patients. This was to put an end  to the inherited practice of accounts staff that were collecting money directly from patients, thereby pocketing the bulk of their collections through  illegal/fake self-printed receipts. 3.     ESTABLISHED A PROCUREMENT TEAM: He stopped thepractice of  indiscriminate procurements by various head of  departments/units and channeled  all procurements through the  Hospital Procurement Committee in compliance with the due process stipulated in the National Procurement Act. Prior to his  ascension to office most procurement done by the head of departments were without LPOs or payment vouchers (PV) and at ridiculously inflated rate 4.     He introduced attendance registers to the departments He introduced attendance registers to the departments up and work, making  referral an uncommon practice in the hospital, 8. INFRASTRUCTURE: The hospital’s  Internally Generated Revenue  (IGR) was not spent on consumable  and trainings only but utilized to construct  some much needed facilities in the hospital through direct labour and  supervised by the hospital engineers. This was to support  the capital projects funded by the Federal Government. Example of such facility  is the 3-floor NHIS building that was constructed with a paltry N30M. The building has 25 clinical rooms/offices and a 100-seater library on the top floor. The library had a Wifi installed. It was the first purpose-built library in the hospital since it was established in 1956. Anothe  example of such facility put inplace through the IGR is the 300-seater mini conference hall. 9.   

LIRS Introduces E-Payment For Remitance of Consumption Tax

 

 ...urges consumers to demand ERA system receipts

In its effort to leverage on e-payment and multi-modal payment portals, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has unveiled an automated invoicing system and technology device, Electronic Revenue Assurance system (ERA), at a stakeholders' meeting held with hotel and business owners in the hospitality and Tourism sector of Lagos state at the Banquet Hall, State House, Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

With the theme "Fiscalization of hotel occupancy and restaurant consumption tax law'' The stakeholders' meeting highlighted the benefit of improving profit, sustenance of cash flow and reduction in revenue leakage for hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, bars and event centers owners in Lagos state through the ERA device.

In his eloquent speech at the official unveiling of Electronic Revenue Assurance system (ERA, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State ably represented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule reiterated his commitment to make Lagos state one of the largest economy and smartest cities in the world.

He enjoined the residents and business owners in Lagos state to key into the new ERA by promptly paying their consumption taxes through the newly introduced technology

''Funds are required to enable government to actualize its objective of the provision of adequate infrastructure and services for the residents of expected of a mega city. Prompt payment of taxes is the way in which government is able to finance its activities."

According to the Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair, "The hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, fast food outlets, bars, event centers among others serve as agents of the government for the purpose of remittance of 5% consumption tax collected from customers through the LIRS new technology, Electronic Revenue Assurance System (ERA). The chairman also stated that the commencement of the new system takes effect immediately as LIRS officers will be visiting hospitality places to install the software and train their staff on the use of the new device.

The Electronic Revenue Assurance System (ERA) is a software application/device that issues invoices and receipts to consumers bearing a unique QR code. The receipt will also contain detailing of the items and/or services ordered and an embedded automation of Consumption Tax remittance in real time.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade stated that "The hotel occupancy and restaurant consumption tax Law is not a new law but an existing law.  The device is to ensure efficiency and compliance of remittance of consumption tax from the owners of Hotel, Restaurants, Nightclub and Events centres in the state.

He assured that the protection of consumers and collecting agents' details are confidential and will be used only for tax purposes.

Reacting to the newly introduced device, the President of Lagos hoteliers association, Mr. Adekunle Akilo noted that sensitization and training process for effective utilization of the device should be continuous to help business owners and consumers in the hospitality industry fully embrace the technology.

President of Association of fast food confectioners of Nigeria, Mrs. Kehinde Kamson stated "We will support Lagos state government on compliance and 100% remittance. However, the government through its agency, LIRS should create a level playing ground for all levels of business in the hospitality industry by initiating this device across the board especially the informal sector or unstructured businesses.

Incentive for consumption taxpayers, the LIRS is determined to give back to loyal consumption taxpayers who request for their receipts generated from the ERA System for an opportunity to participate in a draw and win attractive prizes.The LIRS urges consumers and customers of hospitality places in Lagos State to always demand for the ERA system receipts in the overall interest and benefits of all.

Tinubu to Oyegun: stop frustrating peace moves

All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has accused National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun of frustrating reconciliation efforts in the ruling party.
He said the chairman had compounded the challenge of reconciliation by taking “improper unilateral decisions” on issues affecting national and state chapters.
Tinubu added that Odigie- Oyegun had refused to cooperate by delaying the release of information critical to the resolution of crises in state chapters.
The former Lagos State Governor made the observations in a February 21 letter to Odigie-Oyegun, .titled: “Actions and conduct weakening the party from within”, copies of which were sent to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Tinubu was appointed by President Buhari on February 6 to reconcile party leaders and political office holders where there are crises.
On February 14, Tinubu visited Odigie-Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the National Secretariat to seek support for the assignment.
He has since been meeting with party leaders. He visited Sokoto State where he was received by Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
Tinubu said while the chairman had allowed the crises in the chapters to fester by his refusal to take appropriate actions, his decision to take some “inappropriate unilateral decisions” in recent times in the affected chapters had created fresh difficulties for the reconciliation process.
Citing Kogi and Kaduna states, Tinubu said Oyegun’s hasty decision to inaugurate a parallel state executive committee for Kogi State and his indifference to the leadership tussle in the Kaduna chapter led to “demolition of property and threat of violence”.
The former Lagos State governor accused the chairman of “lack of openness and fairness, which have led to internal crisis in some states’, stressing that the principles of internal democracy and the “institutions of the party” have been undermined.

Urging Oyegun to ponder on the imperative of laying a good legacy, Tinubu advised him to change tactics and work within the confines of the party constitution.
He said: “To lessen animosity and return the party to the path of internal democracy and openness, I beg that you refrain from taking any more improper unilateral decisions with regard to the national and state chapters of the party.  As the chairman of the party you must work within the confines of the duties and responsibilities enumerated under the party constitution.”
“If you continue to do so, I fear you may undermine the party in no small degree. You may well cause internal fractures and dissension difficult to repair yet visible to all.  I fear this can undermine our goodwill with the electorate and make the approaching challenges to the party materially more difficult than they need to be.”
Acknowledging the rift between him and Oyegun, the former Lagos State governor said the overriding interest of the party should take precedence over and above personality clashes.
Tinubu said: “Drawing from your behaviour in Kogi, Kaduna and with regard to the state chapter assessment requested, I am led to the inference that you have no intention of actually supporting my assignment.
“Instead, you apparently seek to undermine my mandate by engaging in dilatory tactics for the most part. When forced to act, you do so in an arbitrary and capricious manner, without the counsel of other NWC members and without regard to our internal procedures.
“You may have personal qualms with me. That is your right as a human being. However, you have no such right as the chairman of this party. This party belongs to all of its members. You have no greater claim on it than any of the rest of us.
“Whatever personal qualms you may have with me are secondary at this point.  You have a moral and professional obligation as the party chairman to act in the party’s best interests. Your hurried and unilateral actions belie the important agency you hold for the party.
“Thus, in furtherance of the assignment given to me by President Buhari, I request that you make available to me the status reports and all other pertinent information regarding the state chapters without further delay.”

Jonathan, IBB, Shagari absent at Council of State meeting

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former military President, Ibrahim Babangida and ex-President Shehu Shagari were conspicuously absent at the time the Council of State meeting started at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The former leaders present when the meeting started at few minutes past 11:00 a.m. were Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd).
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived after the national anthem and the opening prayers were said.
The meeting was the third Council of State meeting held under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Also at the meeting are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Chief Justices of Nigeria and Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Governors of Adamawa, Benue, Kebbi, Jigawa, Delta, Lagos, Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Imo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Plateau, Ogun, Rivers, Zamfara, Ebonyi and Kaduna States are also attending the meeting.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was absent when the meeting started.
The meeting started when President Buhari arrived the Council Chamber and went round the place to shake hands with those present.
The first meeting under Buhari was held on October 21, 2015, while the second was held in September 2016.
The National Council of State is chaired by President Buhari, with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Deputy Chairman.

The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

AMAMN's Stand on the COSON Situation

 

Since December 7, 2017, when it became apparent for all to see that there is fire on the COSON Mountain, we as an association have made concerted efforts to gather the facts and not pay attention to any mud being slung.

Despite the fact that Mr. Efe Omorogbe is not only a bonifide member, but a founding member of our association, we decided to adhere to the principles of “Audi Alterem Partem” (let the other side be heard as well) and give both sides a chance to present the facts as they see it. 

We had a meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 with Chief Tony Okoroji and his team comprising of Director at COSON, Azeezat Allen, Mr.  Tony Allen, the MD of COSON,  Mr.  Chinedu Chukwuji, the COSON consultant from Edo state, COSON Head of New Media, Mr. Tolu Balogun, while Association of Music Artiste Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN) was represented by the President,  Sijuade Adedokun,   PRO Godwin Raphani Omadibi,  Ayodeji Alawemo (member, AMAMN), Mr. Lanre Lawal (member, AMAMN), Benjamin Omesiete (member, AMAMN) and Mr. Oladehinde Fajana (member, AMAMN). 

However, of particular interest, was the role and seemingly silence of the regulatory body, Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) in this matter. The regulator has finally spoken and we are grateful.  We implore ALL parties to please adhere to the ruling of the NCC and allow the proposed probe and forensic audit that the NCC has asked to be carried out.

As a body, we have resolved to follow this situation to a legal and logical conclusion and ask all artiste managers, to join in this agitation. We don’t get paid if our clients don’t get paid, let us therefore secure the rights and livelihood of our clients. WE ARE ALL AFFECTED,  big or small,  known or unknown,  international or local,  our rights MUST be protected. We MUST all be involved and make COSON work.

God bless AMAMN, God bless COSON, God bless the NCC and God bless Nigeria.

CSR: UBA Foundation brings comfort to students of Usman Danfodiyo University, commissions link bridge

 UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility Arm of Pan- African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has completed the construction of a pedestrian bridge primarily for students of the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State, thus bringing comfort to students of the institution.

The construction of the bridge,  valued at about N13m was commissioned on Monday, by the Governor of Sokoto State, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal,

For over four decades, the students of UDUS, especially those living off-campus had found it tedious to connect the campus as the area was impassable, especially during rainy season. They couldn’t get in and out of their dormitories and to the mosque easily and were going through an uncomfortably long route to get to lectures.

In August 2017,  at the  National Dialogue Series organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the school , the Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu acceded to the request of the students who had informed him of their plight and promised to assist them.  UBA Foundation came to their aid.

At the opening ceremony of the newly constructed bridge, the UBA GMD, Kennedy Uzoka expressed delight at the prompt completion of the project and reminded the students that UBA  remained committed to easing the day-to-day challenges of  the citizens, and especially students living within and beyond its areas of operations, adding that the core values of the bank - excellence, enterprise and execution – is aimed at putting the customers and society first. This, he noted prompted the bank’s intervention, adding that ensuring customers’ satisfaction and giving back to the people were a focal point for the bank and the UBA Foundation.

He said, “As an institution, we are passionate about giving back to society through UBA’s Foundations’ components: Empowerment, Education and Environment. This construction falls under the area of education and environment. We want to be a role model with uniqueness not by coincidence but by physical commitment ‎and strengthening of our good will in advancing the course of humanity through our foundation. We have been doing this over the years by sponsoring essay competitions and indigent students to institutions across African countries where we operate.

We believe in meritocracy, industry, entrepreneurship and mentorship of young students to become good ambassadors of the country in their endeavours.” Added Uzoka

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was represented at the ceremony by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Bashir Garba commended Elumelu, the bank  and the UBA Foundation for the gesture that adds value to the institution. Whilst calling for other stakeholders to emulate the actions of Elumelu, he noted that education in itself is capital intensive that requires the participation and support of corporate stakeholders to succeed.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abdullahi Zuru also noted with pleasure the philanthropic gesture of Elumelu in building hope and strengthening value-adding relationship to the institution and especially to the youths.  He explained that the edifice commissioned was vital to the day-to-day movement of students for their daily academic and other extracurricular activities.

According to him, for the past four decades, the students had not been finding it easy especially during the rainy season which affected their movement through the passage due to the mushy nature of the spot. “We reached out to a number of organisations but thank God UBA heeded our call and came through for us in a big way. It is now the shortest way for our students particularly now. We deeply appreciate Elumelu and the UBA family. The edifice which has side lights will serve us in no small way,” he stated.

In the recent past, UBA Foundation has intervened in the infrastructure development of universities across Africa with donation of ICT centres, hostels, recreational parks among many others.  Beneficiaries of such interventions include Universities of Ilorin, Benin, Lagos, Ekpoma and many others.

 

Oyo PDP crisis worsens as Ladoja moves to pull out

The crisis in the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a worse turn.
The new harmonised list of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the party, which was released by the national leadership on Tuesday, was said to have jolted the Senator Rashidi Ladoja faction.
The faction reportedly conceded some slots to the faction headed by Seyi Makinde against the former’s expectation.
While the list ceded 14 slots to Ladoja’s faction, 12 went to Makinde’s faction. The positions of the State Chairman, Women Leader, Publicity Secretary, Legal Adviser, Vice Chairmen I and II went to Ladoja; the position of State Secretary and many other assistantship positions went to Makinde.

The two factions had organised parallel congresses late last year when they could not agree on a sharing formula.
It was gathered that the national leadership of the party took the decision to ensure that party members have a sense of belonging.
But the decision reportedly jolted the Ladoja faction so much.
The Nation learnt that their leaders have decided to pull out and join a neutral party ahead of next year’s election.
Ladoja pulled out of the PDP early 2011 to re-contest the governorship election under Accord (A) party.
He returned with his supporters last year during the reconciliation of the Ahmed Makarfi-led Transition Committee.

It was gathered that the party leaders will meet today in Ibadan under the leadership of Ladoja.
The former governor is expected to announce his faction’s defection at the meeting.
With Ladoja are: Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Sharafadeen Alli and Senator Ayoade Adeseun, among others.
Former House of Representatives Leader Mulikat Adeola-Akande and Hazeem Gbolarumi are among those with Makinde.
A source said Ladoja and his supporters are of the view that PDP’s national leadership cannot be trusted because of the singular decision to adjust the result of his faction’s congress without his approval.
Efforts to get Ladoja’s comments last night were unsuccessful.

Dana Air plane skids off runway in Port Harcourt

 Dana Air plane last night skidded off the runway while landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Rivers State.
Passengers were evacuated by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) emergency officials. There was no casualty.
The FAAN attributed the incident to a downpour accompanied by a strong wind and storm.
Flight number 9J0363 took off from Abuja.

A statement by FAAN General Manager (Corporate Affairs) Mrs Henrietta Yakubu said : “A Dana aircraft numbered 9J0363 flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport has overshot the Port Harcourt runway.
“The incident was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt.
“No casualty was recorded, as all passengers on board were safely evacuated.”
Dana Air, in a statement, attributed bad weather occasioned by torrential rain.
Corporate Communications Manager Kingsley Ezenwa Okwudili said:” On Tuesday , 20 February 2018, one our aircraft (9j0363) operating the Abuja- Ph flight  skidded off  the runway  at the Port Harcourt International Airport,  as a result of the  bad weather situation and torrential rain at the time of landing.
“No casualty was recorded and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

“We commend the Pilot-in -command who was able to control the aircraft to a complete stop, before passengers and crew disembarked. We also wish to applaud the Captain for exhibiting the highest safety standards and handling the situation professionally. ”
There were 49 passengers on board.
Dana Airlines Limited operating as Dana Air is a fully private sector-owned carrier. The airline commenced flight operations on November 10, 2008.
From its hub at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Dana Air operates on the Lagos – Abuja; Lagos – Port Harcourt, Lagos – Uyo as well as the Port Harcourt – Abuja and Uyo – Abuja routes using its fleet of Boeing McDonnell 83 and Boeing B737-500 aircraft.
It runs a daily Lagos-Accra international route
Dana also undertakes scheduled flight operations in addition to offering executive charter services, using a brand new Bombardier Learjet 45XR.
On June 3, 2012, Dana Air Flight 992 travelling from Port Harcourt to Lagos, operating on McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft, crashed into a furniture works and printing press building in the Iju-Ishaga neighbourhood of Lagos.
All 153 people on board and 10 more on the ground died.

UBA Contactless Cards Hit Industry High of Three Million

 ………Over 10m Debit Card  Issued

Pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has again demonstrated its superiority in the Nigerian e-Banking space with the  issuance of over three million Near Field Communication (NFC) technology enabled  contactless cards to its teeming customers.

UBA has revolutionised the payments landscape in Nigeria in 2015, with the introduction of contactless payment cards which enable customers pay with ease by leveraging the NFC technology.

The NFC technology allows wireless communication between devices that are a few centimetres apart. The NFC payment Card uses microchips/antenna to transmit data via shortwave radio frequencies. Usually, when one NFC-enabled device is close enough to another NFC device, a connection can be established and data shared between them. The card communicates data to the reader to initiate and complete the transaction using NFC technology.

Being a forward thinking institution that puts the needs of its customers as its priority, UBA with operations in 19 African countries, developed this solution to ease transactions and to make life simpler for its customers in all parts of the world. This has been done in response to the increasing need for digitally-driven processes as well as to develop products to meet up with the current fast-paced needs of consumers.

In addition to the contactless cards,  the bank has issued well over 10 million debit and prepaid cards, serving both customers and non-bank customers in its countries of operation.

With the contactless card, users continue to experience limitless convenient payment services  as the contactless payments are fast, easy and secure with the added advantage of the NFC technology which works by simply touching the card against the reader without slotting it into the terminal. Customers are also able to use the cards to pay on regular POS terminals.

UBA’s Group Head, Cards, Dr. Yinka Adedeji, said “We are delighted to reaching this milestone. Our customers have found out that with our contactless cards, they make payments for everyday essentials and other things that money can buy the contactless way, and these cards can be used across all the channels where you use your regular card – ATM, POS and Web”.

He also explained that all UBA contactless cards use the Combined Data Authentication EMV Chip “which is currently the highest standard for chip technology used in payment cards to ensure that UBA contactless cards are absolutely safe.”

These cards, which work anywhere in world, have over the years, made it easy for customers to have access to basic banking transactions quickly, safely, and conveniently without having to visit bank branches, via ATMs, POS and on the internet.

UBA’s Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka, said the bank remains a leader in the e-banking innovation space, adding that UBA cards are protected with the best in class security tools.

He said, “We have driven other initiatives such as the acceptance of international cards on our POS terminals and that UBA PoSs are now NFC enabled. Our POS terminals are also enabled for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which means customers and non-customers using foreign payment cards on our POS can see their transaction value in the currency of their card or home country; this aids transaction tracking and personal account reconciliation.”

These cards, which work anywhere in world, have over the years, made it easy for customers to have access to basic banking transactions quickly, safely, and conveniently without having to visit bank branches, via ATMs, POS and on the internet.

UBA’s Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka, said the bank remains a leader in the e-banking innovation space, adding that UBA cards are protected with the best in class security tools.

With a customer base in excess of seven million, UBA has invested heavily in building a robust and secure digital banking platform that supports its operations globally through strategic partnerships with various local and international organisations.

The UBA Group is a highly diversified financial services provider, with business offices in New York, Paris and a subsidiary in London. A leading player on the African continent, UBA has significant market share and operations in 19 different African countries.

Governor Ambode Flags Off Land Use Charge Payment in Lagos

                             

The Lagos State Government, on Monday, February 19, 2018, flagged off the electronic payment of Land Use Charge in the state, thereby ushering in the phase-out of cash payment in revenue collection, effective from March 1, 2018.

During the formal introduction of the e-payment platform of Land Use Charge held on Monday, Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode became the first homeowner in the state to pay his tax into the newly-opened Land Use Charge Account at the Guaranty Trust Bank, Opebi Branch, Ikeja.

While delivering his remarks at the event, Governor Ambode said “I have just invested my quota by paying my Land Use Charge and I ask all residents/citizens to join me by courageously making a decision for prosperity and pay all their due taxes”.

He described the rationale behind the new development as important since the government should not preach and promise prosperity without leading by example. The Governor further urged residents and all taxable adults to be faithful to their civic obligations.

“Lagosians, with your full support, there is evidence that every kobo paid in taxes has been productively utilised in infrastructural renewal and development of the State in the last two and a half (2½) years. It is my hope that we have gained your trust and confidence to move this State forward.  For every one kobo you pay as taxes, we will give greater value and comfort to all citizens without anyone being left behind”, Mr. Ambode stated.

Starting from March 1, the transaction process in revenue collection has now been made easier for residents and citizens of Lagos State who can now pay every day, any time and online on all payment channels at their own time and convenience. No payments or taxes would be made by cash across the state in order to ensure that the government improves on the quality of service delivery to the people.

“We should be able to pay our taxes from any bank, WebPay, Paypoint and mobile money platforms without any contact with government officials. The Lagos State Government is in partnership with Interswitch Ltd and all multi-layered payment platforms are to be deployed and used by all Government Ministries, Agencies, Parastatals and associated Companies/Units.  Local Governments must quickly adjust their collection machinery to eliminate all leakages also. Do not pay into wrong hands anymore”, he advised.

Concluding, the Governor made an appeal to all taxable adults to be patriotic in this crusade. “That flyover or health centre you see is built from taxpayer’s contributions.  The facility provided is for everybody irrespective of tribe, religion or creed. Let us show the rest of Nigeria what it is to be a proud Lagosian.  Perform your civic duties.  It is the right thing to do”.

Weststar breaks into the light-duty truck segment with the Mercedes-Benz Accelo

 Sheds light on possible applications.
Following its successful launch in 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Accelo has carved its niche in the light-duty commercial vehicle truck segment in Nigeria. Weststar Associates Limited - 

Authorized General Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in the Federal Republic of Nigeria is proud to announce that customers can now order the Accelo truck in various applications depending on specific needs. 

This is in line with the ever increasing pressure on businesses to increase efficiency, reduce operating costs and grow revenues.

 
“Mercedes-Benz introduced the ‘light-duty truck’ range to deliver unmatched versatility, reliability and efficiency for business owners and fleet managers in a variety of industries. 

Based on a solid design, the Mercedes-Benz Accelo allows the fitment of several superstructures made to act on the large array of urban transport applications, such as: aluminum standard box body, water tanker, tippers, refrigerated truck body, dry cargo, rescue truck and more” - Mr. Umoh Ekanem (Sales Manager, Commercial Vehicles, Weststar Associates Limited) said.

Designed to deliver maximum productivity, exceptional driving comfort and the highest standards of safety, the Accelo offers exceptional power and agility.

 Providing the proven and unmatched Mercedes-Benz quality standards, the robust truck is the perfect partner for transportation needs of all businesses. 

Its ruggedness, drive comfort, payload and maneuverability are unique features setting the Accelo apart from other commercial vehicles in its segment, thus making it a perfect cost-effective tool for demanding fleets in the private and public sector.                                                                                                                                    
The Accelo is fitted with a strong powertrain that ensures premium performance with strength, durability and Mercedes-Benz recognized reliability – comes equipped with a Mercedes-Benz 150 hp four-cylinder engine and boasts a payload of more than five tonnes. 

The Accelo cab has a modern design and ensures the highest level of occupant safety, excellent visibility and an ergonomic interior with the capacity to accommodate a driver and two passengers making the drive more comfortable while increasing driver productivity and alertness - disc brakes in the front and rear also enable fast, accurate response in everyday urban traffic.


Mr. Mirko Plath, Managing Director & CEO of Weststar Associates Limited, who also commented on the successful introduction of the Accelo in Nigeria stated that the various requests from customers seeking light-duty trucks under the Mercedes-Benz umbrella stimulated discussions with the manufacturer to explore options within this commercial vehicle segment. “We are happy to deliver trucks in this category”.

 
In his words, “whether long-haul, construction site, or distribution transportation, the Mercedes-Benz brand offers the right solution for the light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty truck segments. 

The Mercedes-Benz brand is indeed a synonym for top-class product and service quality, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and sustainability, as summed up by the slogan ‘Trucks you can trust’”. 

The Accelo, he added is available for immediate delivery through Weststar with quality aftersales support synonymous worldwide with the Mercedes-Benz brand”.

A Night in Wakanda: UBA Celebrates Africa’s Excellence And Diversity

Pan-African financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Friday, 16th of February, treated its esteemed clients to an evening of fun glamour and glitz at the screening of the most anticipated movie of the year ‘ Black Panther’.

The movie premier, powered by UBA, which celebrates black excellence and diversity witnessed a gathering of distinguished personalities, including, business magnates, captains of industry, opinion leaders, entertainers and distinguished media personalities who turned out in their numbers to see the epic film.

It was a night when all let go and got immersed in the excitement of one special evening at the Imax Filmhouse Cinemas, Lekki as customers, celebrities and friends of Africa’s global bank walked onto a well-laid black carpet, ushering them into what turned out to be an unforgettable and exciting evening. The premier which was themed ‘A night in Wakanda with Leo’ was one that lived up to billing, following the posers put on all UBA platforms requesting that guests turn out like royalty, with special African attire at an event where Africa is being celebrated. Many came dressed in traditional Nigerian robes and gowns, in keeping with the film’s futuristic take on African garments.

Beyond the black carpet, the ambience of IMAX emerged into an exciting mix of lights and music. The stage was set and the evening did not fail to deliver non-stop entertainment till the early hours of Saturday. It was like being on Broad Way, as ace compere, Ebuka Uchendu, led the guests through a night of fun and laughter and of course, lots to eat and drink.

Speaking on the reason why UBA put got involved in the premier, the Chairman of UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu said, the movie focuses on Africa and aptly captures the great potential inherent in the continent. “We need to expose our kids to African excellence everywhere we find it, especially on TV, which has a huge influence on them”.

“That is why more than anything, UBA decided to support the premiere of an African story that says it all, with the deftness it deserves. Knowledge has no currency or value, it is priceless, he further said, Africans must come up with up with innovative home grown solutions, for challenges encountered. UBA is passionate about innovation in serving Africa and wants to be a part of its success story, he said”.

The Group MD Kennedy Uzoka, further explained that the story of Black Panther which focuses on Africa’s rich culture, celebrates excellence and the embodiment of greatness which Africa personifies.  “It is equally a powerful piece that mimicks real life to a certain extent. UBA(United Bank for Africa) has a wide footprint across Africa and we are very well known for being first in innovation, that tells you to a great extent, why we connect with the  story”.

He further said, “It is also worthy to note that UBA and our new Ai, Leo, the chat banker personifies excellence and the can do spirit captured in the film, which is why we are aligned with iconic  movie and decided to make it a night for clients”.

Some of the dignitaries present  at the event include The Group Chairman of UBA Mr. Tony Elumelu and his wife Dr Awele; UBA’s Group Managing Director, Mr Kennedy Uzoka and wife Lotanna; Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Nwankwo; Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo;  Media personalities were also present including Mo Abudu, Noble Igwe; Betty Irabor, Ruth Osime; There were so many celebrities present that every corner you turned you saw a throng of celebs like. It was a star studded black carpet with Koye Kekere Ekun, IllRymes,  Omoni Oboli, Arese Ugwu, Lala Akindoju, Toolz, Banky W, Akah, Bolanle Olukanmi, Folu Storms, Naeto C, Lynx, Ajebutter, Toju Foye and many more.

Bolorunpelu Landlords Take Land Grabber, Owoye, To Court Over land Dispute

 

A Declaration that the unlawful invasion of the claimants’ properties with dangerous firearms, offensive weapons, malicious destruction/ demolition of the claimants’ houses, churches, factories and industries without lawful and valid court orders/ judgment by the 1st to 4th defendants through the 5th to 8th defendants, with the purpose of chasing the claimants out of their respective parcels of land and annexed and fenced the annexed land, is unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful.

2. A DECLARATION that the defendants’ use of force, violence, self help, armed hoodlums to secure entry into the claimants’ landed properties, and took over the claimants’ landed property is unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful.

3. A DECLARATION that the continued occupation of the claimants’ landed properties by the defendants’ of which the defendants secured entry and fenced it, through use of force, offensive weapons and firearms, violence, self help, armed hoodlums and took over the claimants’ landed property is unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful.

4. AN ORDER OF THE HONOURABLE COURT directing the defendants to immediately vacate the claimants parcels of land as described in their respective survey plans and restore all the properties the defendants destroyed.

5. N100,000,000.00 damages in favour of the claimants and against the Defendants, jointly and severally for the malicious destruction/ demolition of the claimant’s houses, churches, factories and industries causing the Claimants to suffer untold hardship, loss of their business, homes and psychological trauma.

Yemi Idowu Debunks Lagos State Mega Bus Deal Story

Real estate investor and entrepreneur, Mr. Yemi Idowu has refuted a news article in one of the national dailies that he is the beneficiary of a Lagos State contract to supply buses.
In a statement by Tayo Adesokan, a media aide to Idowu and made available to our correspondent, the news article has been described as “untrue and unsubstantiated.”

The full statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a recent news article that enjoyed wide coverage in the media alleging that my principal, Mr. Yemi Idowu, a real estate investor and entrepreneur is the beneficiary of a Lagos State contract to supply buses.

“We would like to use this medium to deny this news article including the information it has presented as untrue and unsubstantiated. Mr. Idowu is in no way involved in the Lagos State bus reform and he has not been invited to participate in the reform.

“It is unfortunate that many media sources have drawn resources from this unfounded allegation by which the public is being fed unverified information. A simple confirmation from the correct sources would have confirmed the truth or otherwise of this information.

“During this period of unbridled fabrication of fake news, we will appeal and advise any media organisation which has news leads about Mr. Idowu to kindly confirm the facts with us before going to press with the information. Please accept assurances of my highest regards.
Idowu is the scion of the late well respected industrialist, sports philanthropist, and the Okanlomo & Mayeloye of Ibadan, Chief Nathaniel O. Idowu.

The very quiet entrepreneur is a former non-executive director at Sterling Bank Plc and he was also the former Chairman of Sterling Capital Markets and also Vice Chairman of NBM Bank.

Crisis Looms At Chrisland Schools; 47yr Old Teacher Defiles 2yr Old Pupil

A video of a two-year-old pupil of Chrisland School, Lekki, Lagos, portraying her alleged serial defilement by the school’s supervisor was played on Monday at the Ikeja sexual offences and domestic violence court.
The video was played during the testimony of Olive Ogedengbe at the trial of Adegboyega Adenekan, 47, a supervisor at Chrisland School over the defilement of a child.
The proceedings lasted from 11am to 3.03 pm.

Ogedengbe, a clinical psychologist, is an expert in sexual and reproductive health behaviour in children and adolescents.
She has over 10 years work experience with children and adolescents, the court heard.
The video recording (Exhibit A1), depicted the child, named Child X, in the clinical psychologist’s office on November 28, 2016, answering questions about the alleged defilement from Ogedengbe and her colleague.
                 

In the recording, child X was given a sheet of paper and asked to draw the private part of Adenekan, which she did as well as another image with the ensuing questions.
Child X, referring to the other image said: “That is the hand he used to put in my wee wee.”
“Ogedengbe: Where is Mr Adenekan’s wee wee?” Child X in response, pointed to her private area.
Ogedengbe: “Does he put his wee wee in your wee wee?” Child X: “Yes.”
Child X in the recording, using a teddy bear as a puppet, also showed how the supervisor allegedly sexually abused her friend (name withheld).
Kissing the private region of the teddy bear, the child can be heard saying in the video recording “Your bum bum is delicious, your bum bum is sweet, I will eat your bum bum.”
Ogedengbe, before the video recording was played in the courtroom, in her testimony while being led by Jide Boye, chief state counsel, narrated to the court what had previously transpired during her interaction with the child.
She said: “The mother came into my office with a referral letter from the Lagos State Dom
“She (the mother) said she did not know the reason why this was happening to her. She said she was usually overprotective of her children and follows them everywhere except school.
“She said somebody in her church handed her a book on sexual education for children which she read and decided to practice it on her child. That was when the child disclosed that she has been defiled. She told her mother that Mr Adenekan comes to take her out of the class and shows her some videos that are sexually stimulating.
“She pleaded with us to help to correct the psyche of her child. I carried out an independent psychological evaluation on the child. I asked the mother to sit at the corner of the room and myself and my colleague interacted with the child. We did not directly start interrogating the child as that was against the ethics of our profession.
estic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) and narrated the story and she started crying.
“We started an initial interaction with the child to make her relax and gain her trust. When our trust was gained by the child and she was in a happy frame of mind, I asked the child: “Who touched your wee wee?” and the child repeated on several times “Mr Adenekan.”
“I was shocked because I did not expect it from a child her age. I brought out my assessment sheet and I told the child to draw any person that comes to her mind.
“She restlessly started jumping around “Mr Adenekan is on my mind” we got her back to being settled but she continued talking without yet drawing.
“She (Child X) said “Mr Adenekan said it is good for a child to put her wee wee in Mr Adenekan’s wee wee” at that point in time we decided to do a recording to ensure her story remains consistent.
“We asked her how does Mr Adenekan’s wee wee look like and she demonstrated playfully by pointing her finger upwards stating “sharpener”.
“We asked sharpener or pencil? She stated `sharpener.’ We told her to draw told her to draw Mr Adenekan’s wee wee.
“To my greatest shock and surprise, for a two-year-old child, she drew a picture which symbolises a reproductive organ of a man in the form of a penis.
“I then asked her, show me your wee wee, she pointed at her private part. I asked her to show me where Mr Adenekan’s wee wee is and she pointed at the lower region of her private part.“By then the child was again getting very restless and she ran to her mother who was at the corner of the room.
“We still wanted to hear more but she was playfully running around and her mother started probing her: “Is it only you he comes around to take out of the class” and she replied “no.”
“The child said it was herself and her friend (name withheld) so her mother asked her to show us what he normally does with her friend.”
The child said he kisses her bum bum and he licks her bum bum, the child demonstrated by using a puppy in the room.
“That was the end of the first interview with the child.”
Ogedengbe during her lengthy testimony said from her evaluation, the mother and Child X needed psychological help.
She said: “Afterwards, I decided to confirm from the mother if the child was exhibiting any symptom of psychological abuse.
“I asked the mother if she observed any strange behaviour in the child and the mother said yes.
“I had asked because I noticed in the course of interacting with the child that the child was occasionally aggressive.
“The mother confirmed this and also stated that the child had sleep problems and had been having nightmares. She also complained of sexual inappropriate behaviour from the child and that after the incident the child became curious to see naked bodies of people.
“From my findings, I found the child exhibited aggressive behaviour, inappropriate sexual behaviour, sleeping problems and fear.
“After the interaction, I and my colleague realised that the child and mother needed help. The mother also exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.
“We decided to do an intervention and we held two more sessions of psycho-social intervention for the mother and the mother was counselled on how to help and assist the child.”
While being cross-examined by Olatunde Adejuyigbe, a senior advocate of Nigeria(SAN), Ogedengbe said Child X was not tutored on what to say during the interview by either her or Child X’s mother.
“We used projective techniques in which a client projects their subconscious minds on paper,” Ogendegbe said.
The clinical psychologist revealed to Adejuyigbe that she visited the mother of Child X’s friend who was also allegedly sexually assaulted by Adenekan.
“We saw the mother of the child’s friend but she was not willing to get involved in the case because of stigma,” she said.
Ogedengbe also added that she did not interview the staff of Chrisland School, Child X’s father and her older sister.
The clinical psychologist also insisted that the child was of above average intelligence.
“Children 0-5 years, are usually not able to form full sentences, the child could string meaningful sentences.
“In drawing a picture, most children her age do not draw meaningful drawings but she did.
“I have worked with children her age from diverse sections of society and she is of above average intelligence,” she said.
On re-examination by Boye, the prosecutor, Ogedengbe insisted that the child was not tutored.
“If a child is being brainwashed or tutored, the child won’t be consistent in answering several questions.
“You will see it in her non-verbal behaviour that she was tutored, there would be no flow of conversation, this child was not tutored,” the clinical psychologist said.
Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2011 prescribes a life sentence for the offence of defilement of a child.
Sybil Nwaka, the judge handling the case, adjourned the case till March 21 for continuation of trial.