Tony Elumelu Foundation Supports Sèmè City-Benin’s Int’l Knowledge and Innovation Hub

Sèmè City, the International Knowledge and Innovation City, has partnered with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropic organization empowering African entrepreneurs to train and empower additional 50 Beninese entrepreneurs. Sèmè City will join a growing list of governments, development agencies, and private sector organizations partnering with the Tony Elumelu Foundation to explore the Foundation’s sustainable model of philanthropy geared at addressing the root cause of poverty in Africa while creating jobs and economic wealth for all.

As part of the partnership with the Foundation, Sèmè City will invest $250,000 for the sponsorship of 50 additional Beninese entrepreneurs with innovative projects across various sectors ranging from tourism to health, energy, ICT, environment, fashion, media, entertainment and agriculture. This partnership aims to provide beneficiaries with the necessary skills to develop high-impact ventures as well as encourage female entrepreneurship.

The 50 beneficiaries will be selected in addition to the 1,000 African entrepreneurs selected during the 5th edition of the Foundation’s flagship Entrepreneurship Program. The beneficiaries will benefit from the training and mentorship programme offered by the Foundation, at the end of which they will receive $ 5,000 each to develop their businesses which will, in turn, contribute to the creation of jobs and wealth in Africa.

Speaking about the partnership, the incoming CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu said: “We have always advocated for a collaboration between the public and private sector and this partnership exemplifies our conviction that working together to empower African entrepreneurs is the only way to create sustainable economic The Managing Director, Sèmè City Development Agency, Claude Borna, said: “Sèmè City supports innovative entrepreneurship so that it becomes a key growth factor to boost productivity, create jobs and help improve the quality of life in Benin. With its unique large-scale programme that promotes “Africapitalism”, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is a partner of choice to accomplish our mission of developing a vibrant knowledge-based economy in Benin”.

Other partners of the Tony Elumelu Foundation who have committed to empowering additional entrepreneurs include Indorama, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Why Ameachi Bypassed SGF, Unilaterally And dissolved NDDC Board

Emerging facts have shown that the Hon. Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi is the brain behind the dissolution of the Niger Delta Development Commission board, and the appointment of Prof. Nelson Brambaifa as the MD of the interventionist agency.

Available information reveals that Mr Amaechi bypassed the Secretary to Federal government, Mr. Boss Mustapha, in dissolving the NDDC board.

According to available information, Amaechi has for long sought for the removal of Mr. Derek .L. Mene, who is said to be an ally of Magnus Abe, who the Transport minister is having a running battle of supremacy with, in the Rivers state All Progressives Congress.
Amaechi was said to have written a memo to President Muhammadu Buhari, requesting the dissolution of the board of the interventionist agency. This was said to have been overridden by the SGF, Boss Mustapha, who made it known that the offices are tenured, thus advised against the dissolution. 

On Friday, the 25th of January, 2019, the outgone MD, Mr. Nsima Ekere, was at the presidency to submit his resignation letter, and to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve. This information, sources claimed, threw Mr. Amaechi into a desperate state, as he dashed down to the presidency with an old memo earlier assented to by Mr. President, before the attention of Mr. President was drawn to the impropriety of acceding to Amaechi’s request.

According to credible sources, it was the old memo that Mr. Amaechi handed over to President Buhari’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adeshina, prevailing on him to announce the dissolution of the NDDC board, who thought he was carrying out Mr. President’s order.

The announcement which came through some online media portals and social media sites has been generating negative responses from across the Niger Delta. Some Niger Deltans are of the opinion that since the outgone MD, Mr.Nsima Ekere’s tenure is expected to expire by 2021, his replacement in the light of his resignation should have come from Akwa Ibom where the outgone MD hails from as stipulated by the act to complete their tenure. By procedure, the executive director finance and administration should have acted as managing director till such a time a replacement is appointed and confirmed by the Senate.
In the light of this that the transport minister who sees the EDFA Mr. Derek Mene an allay to senator Abe a threat who must be removed. Seeing the difficulty in singling him out for removal, went for the dissolution of the entire board damning the consequences it would have on the government and the complete violation on the act establishing the NDDC without recourse to the law. The appointment of Prof. Nelson Brambaifa, a Bayelsan and his returning officer in the 2015 elections, by Mr. Rotimi Amaechi from the position of a state Rep, to an acting MD, is done in bad taste, and is seen in many quarters as a slight on chief Timipre Sylva who is the leader of the party in Bayelsa state. Also, the removal of Mr. Derek Mene, an Ogoni man who is being replaced by Mr. Chris Oyendah Amadi, an Ikwerre man is a slight to the Ogonis who are the largest oil producers. These appointments have created an imbalance in the spread of offices, as Mr. Chris is from the same zone with Minister Amaechi, and doubles as his personal assistant.

What is the essence of dissolving an entire board only to handpick loyal individuals in acting capacity?

Nsima Ekere Leaves NDDC To Concentrate On His Governorship Campaign

                         

Twenty-six months after he assumed office as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, resigned today, 25th January 2019, to focus his energies on his electioneering campaign. In September 2018, he has nominated the Governorship Candidate and flagbearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

The Presidency has already announced Professor Nelson Briambriafa as the Acting Managing Director. Until his appointment, Professor Briambriafa was the Bayelsa State Representative on the NDDC Board which has been dissolved with the resignation of Mr. Ekere.
The President also appointed Mr. Chris Amadi as the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Engr. Dr. Sam Adjogbe as the Acting Executive Director, Projects, the position he held in the now dissolved Board.


Mr Ekere held a valedictory management meeting earlier today where he thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve the region and thanked the management and staff of the Commission for the support and cooperation extended to him during his tenure.
“There is a time for everything and today is the time for my departure. I urge you to continue with the single-minded commitment to transforming the Niger Delta Region and bringing development to the people and communities across the nine states.”“I am moving on the serve my state and if elected, I will continue to push ahead with the change and transformation agenda of President Muhammed Buhari’s administration.”

Mr Ekere’s tenure began with the launch of his strategic roadmap, the 4R Strategy for the Commission. Under the programme, his administration focused 70 per cent of its budget on completing ongoing projects and initiated several strategic interventions in infrastructure and human development initiatives.
He leaves the Commission to fly the flag of the APC in the March 2, 2019 Governorship election. His resignation comes more than 30 days to that election as stipulated by law.

INEC allegedly plotting chaos in Akwa Ibom State – Group

A group, Credible Elections Watch, has expressed concerns over what it called the unprofessional activities of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini. 

The group through its leader, Moses Etim, in a statement, said that for the forthcoming elections to be credible in the state, the umpire, which is the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) must be neutral.

In a statement issued in Uyo yesterday, Etim maintained that people of the state, including the opposition parties, do not have confidence in Mr Igini and do not think that with his activities, he could preside over free and fair polls.

He alleged that Mr Igini’s recent activities are indicative that he may be supporting a particular party to the detriment of others in the state.

“Only recently, Mr Igini made some changes which were not only unnecessary but capable of derailing the process in the state. We want the changes overturned and the matter investigated. Aside that Mr Igini has consistently made things difficult for the opposition in the state. As stakeholders in the electoral process, we are worried of this development and of the view that the matter be addressed immediately.

“The government at the centre has promised free and fair elections, but with what is happening in the state, we doubt if that will be possible if things are not changed. The credibility of the forthcoming elections is very important and nothing must be left to chance. We also want INEC to sound a note of warning to all its personnel to ensure that they remain neutral all through the electoral process,” he said.

The group emphasised the need for a level playing field for all parties in the election, saying that is the only way the forthcoming exercise can be termed credible.

“We want a situation where the votes of Akwa ibomites will count. It will be really sad if the people of the state come out en masse, cast their votes and yet are denied their wishes.

“We therefore call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to beam its searchlight on 

Akwa Ibom State, to ensure that its personnel are not violating the code of conduct and when it observes any infractions, we urge the commission to take urgent action”, he said.Etim alleged that feelers in the state suggest that the main opposition party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to use the INEC to rig the elections.

“Some persons in the state have been boasting that they have nothing to worry about and that once it is time for the elections, they would use INEC officials to rig it in their favour. Now, whether this is true or not, we cannot take chances.

“We are raising the alarm now so that desperate persons do not engage in actions that would cause havoc in the state. We implore INEC to take complaints such as this seriously and it is a good thing it is coming now so that necessary actions/ changes can be made before the elections. Akwa Ibom State is a peaceful place and we would like it to remain that way”, he added.

NBC Boss,Modibo Kawu In Trouble Over N2.5 Billion Fraud

The federal government has charged Modibbo Kawu, director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to an Abuja federal high court over an alleged N2.5 billion fraud.

Pinnacle Communications Limited; its founder, Lucky Omonuwa, and Dipo Onifade, its managing director, were also included in the suit.

The charges were filed following an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Acco12 charges were preferred against the accused persons by Henry Emore and Adenekan Shogunle, on behalf of the attorney-general of the federation.

The federal government had in 2016, released N10 billion to the ministry of information and culture for the digital switchover programme, aimed at the migration of telephone lines from analog to digital platforms.

A White Paper was issued directing that the process is explicitly handled by government-affiliated companies.

The amount of N1.7 billion was subsequently as a seed grant for the commencement of the switchover.

During its investigation, the ICPC said it discovered that the process was fraught with corrupt practices.

It alleged that Kawu fraudulently recommended Pinnacle Communications Limited, a private company, to the ministry for the release of N2.5 billion against the guidelines contained in the White Paper.

According to the charges filed before the court, Kawu’s action contravenes Section 26(1)(c) and is punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.rding to those who should knowKawu was accused of “recommending to the Minister of Information to approve payment of the sum of N2.5bn to Pinnacle Communications Ltd, a private company owned by Sir Lucky Omonuwa as a ‘seed grant’ under the DigitalSwitch-Over programme of the Federal Government when you knew that the company was not entitled to receive such a grant and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 26(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

Omonuwa was accused of transferring N167m out of the N2.5bn to one Daura Mamman, a bureau de change operator, and thereafter taking the dollar equivalent of the sum in cash to his residence in Kaduna.

Kawu and Pinnacle Communications have both denied the allegations.

Kawu had said there was nothing fraudulent in the transaction between the commission and Pinnacles Communications, adding that the firm was paid for services rendered just the way the 1st signal distributor (ITS), an affiliate of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was paid.

My Sterling Performance In Office Will Ensure My Re-election Bid-.Hon Olayiwola [Omititi]

    

Recently one of the most popular Politician in the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Abdul-Sobur Olawale Olayiwola fondly called Omititi spoke to us on his several achievements representing Mushin Constituency 11 at the State Assembly ahead of his re-election bid coming up March 2nd according to INEC timetable across the country. 

Q Why did you think you deserved to be re-elected by your constituents?

ANS We give glory to Allah because when I looked back  I know have served my constituents very well. Some of the things we did were Kick Malaria Out of Mushin Project, lots of people were able to benefit from this, I achieved this in collaboration with Rotary International. On education, we were able to cloth over 60 pupils from about 5 different schools in the constituency. We did this to reduce the burden on their parents which they really appreciated. Not only that I have been assisting my constituents in buying GCE forms for the past 4years now, every year I buy close to 200 forms and distribute to prospective students. We equally give them training, that is coaching classes to prepare them for the exam. Another high point is the computer training programme for my people, it has been running for years, we have over 2,500 graduands from that programme. We also did the Make-up/Headgear tieing programme to assist those that want to take that as their profession after looking for jobs for years. We trained them as well as empower them with the kits they will use. On my primary assignment which is legislative duties, I have done well, moving lots of Motions. Hopefully, my Bill will be passed at the 9th Assembly, its about how Bureau de Change operators in the state will be well registered and regulated by the state so that the state can benefits from there operation to increase the internally generated revenue of the state.. For representation, I have really fought for my people on several occasion, when Alamutu market was closed down i intervened and consulted with the Governor to make sure it was reopened. When over 213 members of my constituency were arrested in Akala, I also intervened to make sure all of them were released.

Q Do you see some of this achievement as a big edge ahead of other contestant?

ANS There is what we called Unique selling Point USP, my accessability has always be my USP my people have free access to me and apart from that the experience have garnered over the years is a huge plus for me, none of my co-contestant possesses it, I already know in and out of legislative duties.

Q What are some of the things you still has in plans for the people if you are able to win the re-election?

ANS   I hope to achieve that Bill on regulations of Bureau De Change so that we can increase our IGR in Lagos, I also hope to start free bus transport for my constituents, it will also be taking students to school, infact it wont be limited to my Constituency because it will run from Oshodi to Lagos Island.

Q How do you plan to achieve some of this things considering the short of funds available?

ANS Like I said initially, we collaborated with some agencies to achieve some of the programmes, this time around we will do the same apart the ones we will fund on our own. For instance, the Make-up programme we did was funded by one of member of my constituency just like a support, we are expecting more of that.

Q How much time do you have for you family, constituency and primary assignment now?

ANS He who want to serve must be ready to make sacrifices, in the family they know the job we do. My constituency office is also open everyday apart from Sunday's, that is why people believe we are the most accessible in the history , we thank God for that.

Q The smooth relationship that exist between members of Lagos State Assembly has continue to improve much unlike before, what is the magic?

ANS There is no magic there, its all about good leadership, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Obasa has proved to be a good administrator, that is why the result has been good. This is a man that will go extra mile to satisfy his colleagues regardless of any issue. He has been around for long so he understand how to carry everybody along without rancour, he has mastered the job

Q How would you rate the performance of the 8th Assembly?

ANS I will boldly say its excellent, especially in terms of legislative bills that we passed, they have been very impactful in the state. Before now, Lagos State University used to have succession problems but since we passed a bill to give the Vice Chancellor single term there has not been such issue again. When we talk of kidnapping, we came up with a bill and passed it which has helped to nip kidnapping in the bud in the state. We have also re-engineer the financial income of Lagos State through various bills we passed. Lots of such achievement has been recorded by the 8th Assembly.

Q How would you rate your popularity at the moment sonsidering while you are not in office and now?

ANS I used to be a timid person, very shy individual but the political name Omititi that people gave me has really brought me out of my shell. When I go out to the event, people will be asking, are you the one called Omititi, I think its because the names connotes a strong person who can shake the ground. Many even taught my surname is Omititi, we give glory to Almighty Allah. Not that people have not known be before but because of my sterling performance in the House, it has really soared my popularity.

Q What is the relationship between you and leaders of your Party in your Constituency

ANS Very cordial and I thank God for that.

Q What kind of future do you see for yourself in Politics?

Fake Group Stages Protest At EFCC Office Against Akpabio

Following the sponsored protest staged last Monday by a civil right group at the zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Wuse 2, Abuja, against former Akwa-Ibom governor, Godswill Akpabio and demeaning allegations leveled against him were mere sabotage and sponsored a campaign of calumny.

It has been discovered that the mounting support from different quarters for Akpabio and his adopted APC candidate, Nisma Ekere is a strong defeatist approach by the sitting governor, Emmanuel Udom of PDP. This is coming on the hills of Akpabio changing camp from the PDP to APC with a strong and still growing numbers of supporters in his trail.    

The protest and the allegation leveled against Senator Godswill Akpabio was described as blatant lies and a campaign of calumny orchestrated by the group to pull down the senator, so as to stop him from winning the state to the opposition party in the forthcoming general election.

Little wonder, Gov. Udom feeling jittery about an intending loss at the poll in a few months. Therefore, he has been using every strategy and orchestrated plans to truncate and demobilized Akpabio and party’s moving train. But the Senator remains undaunted and unshaken by the false and fallacious allegations by Gov. Udom and his cohorts under the aegis of these baseless and unfounded by this civil right group.

With information at our disposal, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet to take any plausible decision against Senate Akpabio purportedly believing that it shouldn’t be now that the election is fast approaching that they would now come up with these false allegations.

Even at the live broadcast interview with President Buhari, he declared that he had never interfered in the activities of the anti-graft agencies, EFCC or ICPC on probing anybody including Akpabio. With the civil right group listed properties in the petition as belonging to Akpabio, there are no concrete evidences to support their claim and allegation; even previous petitions had been withdrawn by their originators because of lack of evidence.

This is not the first time Senator Akpabio has been going to EFCC to respond to petitions against him since he left office as governor four years ago. The protest by the group and the petitioners were pursuing a ‘political vendetta’.According the senator in a recent interview stated that ‘I went to the EFCC personally to ensure that I answered to the petition and I answered them. I am the most investigated former governor in Nigeria. Go to anywhere in the world; I don’t have a single house that I could sell, whether in the United Kingdom or Dubai. I m one of the few Nigerians who doesn't operate any foreign account. And I challenge anyone from anywhere in Nigeria to prove me wrong. So, forget about the contrived negative story that you heard about Godswill Akpabio.’

It was gathered that at the end of the protest which was allegedly ignored by the anti-graft agency, was said to have ended with disagreement as protesters were spotted at the front of Wuse Central Mosque, fighting over money as the leader of the faceless group as he was said to have shortchanged other members of the group as against the agree sharing formula.

Even it was said the sponsored protest was hurriedly put together by a top member of federal executive council in person of minister of transportation Mr. Rotimi Amaechi who is believed to be scary of Akpabio growing popularity in the South-South and this might have an effect on Amaechi’s established leadership role and authority in the entire south-south region; such that this leadership role will not be consumed by Akpabio in the final analysis.