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Why Ekiti Cargo Airport Is Yet To Start Operations – Commissioner

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti Cargo Airport

By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti State Government has explained that some specifications on the cargo airport project in the state are still being sorted out with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) and this has been delaying its take off.

The airport was hurriedly commissioned by immediate past governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi and has remained unused for over a year.

Some farmers, whose land were acquired for the project had protested earlier in the week over non payment of their entitlements.

According to him, efforts are being intensified to get all necessary certifications from the Federal Government agencies that will ensure full utilisation of the Ekiti State International  Cargo Airport, in Ado Ekiti.

Oyebode also assured that those whose land were taken over for the project would be fully paid as government had commenced paying them in batches.

The Commissioner spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, during a press conference commemorating the First Anniversary of the Governor Oyebanji administration in the state.

He also clarified that Governor Biodun Oyebanji chose to complete inherited projects alongside newly initiated ones in order to expand the scope of development and plug wastages in the deployment of resources.

The Commissioner, who is the Chairman, Planning Committee of the one year anniversary, said Governor Oyebanji has diligently implemented the six pillars policy- thrust of his administration to bring radical development and share prosperity despite financial snags.

Oyebode said the Governor has  been complying with the Ekiti State Transition Law, that mandated the completion of projects inherited from past administration and in line with the continuity agenda.

This, he said, was exhibited in the completion of the Ado Ekiti Bus Terminal and Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Chamber, while others are billed for completion and utilization soon.

“We have succeeded in completing some number of projects inherited from the past administration to promote  continuity of vision, continuity of planning and continuity of development.

“We must understand that those projects didn’t belong to former Governor Kayode Fayemi, but to the people of Ekiti State.

“Go to Omisanjana-Deeper Life-Ajebandele area, go the Agric Olope axis  and see the roads we have started there. The Power Projects in Gbonyin and Ekiti East Local Governments were started and completed by this administration.

“We have a lot of projects that we have started and we will complete them soon, while also not neglecting others inherited from previous administrations.

Speaking on how the palliative work done on some of Ado Ekiti roads networks had  failed within a short time, Oyebode said such scenario happened because there wasn’t much design to be able to withstand the traffic being witnessed on them on daily basis.

On the deplorable states of the federal roads in Ekiti, Oyebode appealed to the citizens to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government, stressing that the state remains hopeful that some of the Federal roads may be incorporated into the 2024 Budget.

“Even the National Assembly caucus in the two Chambers of the National Assembly are working hard to ensure that some of these roads are captured in the 2024 budgetary estimate, so let us be patient and see what will happen. There will be tremendous changes by next year.

“To let you know that we are committed to making these roads motorable, we will continue to work on the 11 kilometres Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road, which is also federal road until it is 100 percent completed for the use of our people.”

The Commissioner, noted that Ekiti remains one of the safest states to live and work, in view of the huge investment in technology and collaboration with relevant security agencies.

This, he said has reduced  kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminal activity being experienced in some parts of the country.

“To let you know how committed we are to make Ekiti safe, we bought Armed Personnel Carriers and other security gadgets for the police. Out of the 36 states in the country, Ekiti State has the least incidences of security threats and that I consider a plus to this government.”

On Oyebanji’s preparedness to put governance on a full throttle, Oyebode said: “The implementation of the six- point agenda continues on daily basis in line with the vision of the government.

Highlighting some of the activities lined up for the first anniversary, Oyebode  said the very  first event is the Governor’s engagement with Ekiti Youths. Others include flagging off and commissioning of some projects; engagement with workers and thanksgiving service.

Why Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Dumped YPP for APC

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

Very effective Anambra State Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, has broken the hearts of members of the Young Peoples Party, YPP.

Ubah, a second term Senator under the YPP, on Thursday, dumped it for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Until he dumped the Party, Ubah was the only Senator the YPP had.

Recall that Ubah literally, founded the YPP, when he failed to clinch the ticket of his former Party, APGA, either as a Governorship or Senatorial Candidate. He has remained its main financier.

Ubah, in his letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, which was read at Plenary, Thursday, said he dumped YPP over irreconcilable differences.

He, also, cited the interest of his Constituents as one of his reasons for defecting to the APC.

Ubah has, however, always had a soft spot for the APC. In 2019, he was in Lagos to mobilise the Igbo, and to campaign for the election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, then APC Candidate as the Governor.

Ubah owns Capital Oil, and was first elected Senator in 2019. He represents Anambra South Senatorial District. His departure leaves YPP with no Senator.

President Tinubu Appoints Ola Olukayode As New EFCC Chairman

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally appointed a new Chairman for anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The President, on Thursday, appointed Ola Olukayode following the resignation of suspended former boss of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.

President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda as the Secretary to the anti-graft agency for a renewable term of five years in the first instance, pending Senate’s confirmation.

“By the powers vested in President Bola Tinubu as established in section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, that “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President,” President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of four years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

“ Ola Olukoyede is a lawyer with over twenty-two (22) years of experience as a regulatory compliance consultant and specialist in fraud management and corporate intelligence. He has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018-2023). As such, he fulfills the statutory requirement for appointment as Chairman of the EFCC.

“Mr. Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda is a public administrator with extensive experience in public finance management who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Masters in Business Administration from the same university. He began his career as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. From there, he went into banking, including successful stints at the defunct Allied Bank and Standard Trust Bank,” the statement reads.

President Tinubu therefore tasked the new leadership of the Commission to justify the confidence reposed in them.

This is the first time, since the Commission that a non -Northerner will head it. It is also the first time a non Police Officer, retired or serving, will head it.

House Of Representatives Gives Nod To NDDC Board Nominees

By
Ayodele Oni
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Niger Delta Development Commission - NDDC

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has confirmed the nominees to the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Chairperson for the House Committee on NDDC, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, stated that this followed their appearance before the House ad-hoc committee mandated to conduct the screening on Thursday.

In her remarks, Ibori-Suenu, charged the Nominees to justify the confidence reposed in them by President President Bola Tinubu.

According to her, “Now, more than ever before, the NDDC needs visionary leaders with integrity to drive the discharge of the commission’s mandate, to translate to tangible impact on the lives of the people and communities in the Niger Delta.”

The screening exercise featured presentations by Mr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Chairman and Managing Director/CEO designates respectively, who shared details of their respective career trajectories, and vision for the commission.

The Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Ali Isa, moved the motion for the designates to take a bow in deference to the fact that the Senate had similarly screened and confirmed them, and also in consideration of the fact that some of the designates are former parliamentarians.

The motion was seconded by Deputy Leader of the House, Abdullahi  Halims, and unanimously carried by the committee.

Consequent on the ad-hoc committee’s resolve to confirm all the designates, the National Assembly is expected to immediately transmit its resolution to the Presidency, haven effectively fulfilled Section 2 (2) (a) of the NDDC Act, which prescribes that the nominees must be screened and confirmed by the Senate in consultation with the House of Representatives.

Those confirmed include: Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman (Delta); Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/CEO (Bayelsa); Mr. Boma Iyaye, ED, Finance & Admin (Rivers); Mr. Victor Antai, ED, Projects (Akwa Ibom).

Others are Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, ED, Corporate Services (Ondo); Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa); Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono (Akwa Ibom); Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya (Delta); Chief Tony Okocha State (Rivers); and Hon. Patrick Aisowieren (Edo).

Representatives of states on the NDDC Board cleared are Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu State (Imo); Hon. Otitio Atikase (Ondo); Chief Dimgba Eruba (Abia); Rt. Hon Orok Otu Duke (Cross River); Hon. Nick Wende (North Central); Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak (North East); and Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gobir (North West).

The House leader, Prof. Julius Inhovbere,  charged them with the responsibility to chart a new course for the very critical interventionist agency, and be just and fair to all the communities.

He further advised the designates to be guided by the fear of God and respect for the constitution in the discharge of their duties, saying that “Nigerians expect to be proud of your achievements. You all owe the duty to Nigerians to perform. Justice for all is justice for one, and justice for one is justice for all.”

AFCON 2024: Super Eagles Adopt “Let’s Do It Again Mantra” For Trophy Quest

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Confederation of African Football, CAF,   draws for the 2024 African Cup of Nations In Abidjan, Côte d’ Ivoire, takes place,  the Super Eagles, three-time champions, have adopted the catch-phrase ‘Let’s Do It Again’ as their battle cry towards winning a title in Cote d’Ivoire early 2024.

The proposition was tabled and unanimously endorsed before the final AFCON 2023 qualification match against the Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo last month. It was the basis for players and officials donning a tee-shirt with the inscription after the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. The Eagles won that match 6-0.

Nigeria won the 1980 AFCON that she hosted, and also won the 1994 edition in Tunisia and the 2013 finals in South Africa.

Team Captain, William Ekong, says the playing body and crew have taken to the new mantra like bees to honey.

“We like the phrase because it gives us confidence and the go-go push. We have done it before so we can do it again. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is our goal and we have the team to do just that.”

Defender, Kenneth Omeruo added: “I look around and I see players who have the capacity to make it happen. We are all ambitious. The team is a blend of old and wise heads and exciting new talents. We will go for the trophy in Cote d’Ivoire.”

The song continues on Friday when the Super Eagles take on Saudi Arabia in a friendly game at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão in Portugal, with the bulk of the squad that blew away Sao Tome and Principe on ground.

It is only the second time both countries will be clashing at senior international level. The only previous encounter was also a friendly, played in the Alpenstadion, Wattens in Austria on 25th May 2010 as part of final preparations for the Eagles for the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. Nwankwo Kanu, one of only two players to have featured for Nigeria at three different editions of the FIFA World Cup, captained the Super Eagles in that scoreless encounter.

Incidentally, current Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, was Coach of Saudi Arabia that day.

The Eagles have another friendly encounter on Monday, against the Mambas of Mozambique at the same venue, before 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.

World ruling body, FIFA has appointed officials for next Monday’s senior international friendly match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Portugal.

Portuguese official Miguel Nogueira will serve as match referee while compatriots Paulo Bras, Ana Loide and Bruno Viera will work as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

The encounter at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão will be the fifth for both countries at senior level.

In a friendly match, the Super Eagles edged the Mambas by the odd goal in Maputo, before two memorable clashes in 2009, in the race to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

In Maputo, both teams settled for a scoreless draw, and in Abuja in October 2009, it was heading for the same scoreline before Obinna Nsofor headed powerfully into the net for the three points to save Nigeria’s blushes. A draw that evening would have automatically eliminated Nigeria from the race.

When both teams faced off at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010, in the group phase, the Super Eagles thrashed the Mambas 3-0 in the city of Lubango.

Monday’s encounter in Portugal will start at 4pm Portugal time (same time as in Nigeria).

The Eagles are expected to start arriving at their Penina Hotel and Resort, Portimao on Tuesday, with a first friendly against the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia coming up on Friday.

NADECO Slams BBC’s Report On Tinubu’s CSU Certificate, Says Attempt To Perpetuate Colonialism In The Offing

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, has frowned at the British Broadcasting Corporation’s report on the Chicago State University, CSU, academic records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  It described the move as an attempt to perpetuate colonialism in Nigeria.

The Pro-Democracy Group which gave hell to former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha, said the international broadcasting firm is gradually losing its ethical and journalism pedigree in its apparent “attempt to launder the image of President Tinubu”, and it was shocking the British media outfit has chosen to engage in, “this image-laundering project, despite irrefutable evidence pointing to the authenticity of the allegations.”

Lloyd Ukwu, Executive Director of the Group based in the United States of America said that the BBC Disinformation Team is just laundering the image of President Tinubu and it is unacceptable.

It stated that the BBC move shows that it is an enabler of fraud and is fast losing its pedigree.

The BBC Disinformation Team had, on Wednesday, stated that there is no evidence to back the claim that President Tinubu forged his Chicago State University certificate, and so it was wrong to have labeled him as such.

NADECO in the statement stated that, “ In a world where integrity and honesty are increasingly becoming rare commodities, it is our solemn duty to shed light on deceit and manipulation, even when it is executed by influential figures. Today, we stand resolute against the latest reckless display of disinformation by the British Broadcasting Corporation in its apparent hired attempt to launder the tattered image of President Bola Tinubu.

“In recent times, we have witnessed a relentless campaign to salvage the image of President Bola Tinubu, which has been badly tarnished by the CSU certificate forgery saga. The latest effort in this image laundering project comes from none other than the BBC’s Disinformation Team. It is disheartening to see an organisation that has long been trusted by the public engage in such biased and mischievous reporting.

“What astonishes us is not the attempt to whitewash President Tinubu’s image, as he recently hired another team of media aides for this very purpose, but BBC’s motive and consideration for this hatchet job. On one level, what baffles us is the BBC’s blatant disregard for facts that are already in the public domain.

“The CSU’s registrar, under oath, unequivocally stated that the certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC was not issued by the University and that it was not legitimate, strongly suggesting forgery. Yet, the BBC has chosen to spin its version of the story to deceive the discerning Nigerian public.

“Again, it is not surprising that Tinubu, recognising the damage to his reputation due to the Chicago State University certificate forgery saga, has recently employed a fresh team of media aides to rehabilitate his public image. On another level, what is truly shocking, however, is the extent to which the BBC has chosen to engage in this image-laundering project, despite irrefutable evidence pointing to the authenticity of the allegations.

“Could it be that what Tinubu’s money cannot buy does not exist or that the old colonial mouthpiece is at work?

“If the CSU’s registrar, under oath, unequivocally affirmed that the certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC is not from their institution, signifying the unequivocal act of forgery, so what would the BBC call that? Astonishingly, the BBC chose to disseminate its version of the story specifically designed to deceive the enlightened Nigerian public.

“Documents obtained from CSU further reveal a litany of irregularities and paint a clear picture of deception:

“Mr Bola Tinubu did not meet the required admission criteria and was asked to retake exams.

“His admission document listed his gender as female.

“He used another individual’s female social security number.

“The document he submitted claims to be from a school established in 1970, whereas the school was founded in 1974.

“What is truly confounding and perplexes NADECO USA is the BBC’s apparent failure to fact-check these glaring discrepancies before presenting its report to the Nigerian people, thus knowingly and maliciously doing a disservice to journalism and to the very people they are meant to inform.

“Furthermore, the BBC has shown a marked reluctance to investigate whether Tinubu was involved in a drug case in the United States or whether he manipulated the general elections in Nigeria with his cohorts. While the world expects impartial, investigative journalism from the BBC, it appears that they are more inclined to twist what is already known. The BBC’s selective reporting further tarnishes its already fading credibility and the trust of the Nigerian people who already know the truth.

“The British Broadcasting Corporation is gradually losing relevance and trust among the Nigerian people and the world at large who seek truth and integrity in reporting. The suffering Nigerian masses cannot tolerate the nuisances of a British colonial mouthpiece or the colonial arrogance displayed in the form of such unverified and misleading stories.

“NADECO USA strongly condemns the BBC’s media report, which can only be characterised as a reckless disregard for the truth and a disservice to the Nigerian masses. We call on the BBC to cease such practices henceforth”.

Tinubu was a very strong member of NADECO during the Abacha repressive regime.

“Obi’s Outburst On President Tinubu’s Identity Shameless” – Onochie

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lauretta Onochie and Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, (LP), Peter Obi, has come under attack over his outburst on President Bola Tinubu’s certificate and identity. A couple of his kinsmen and women have accused him of embarking on a senseless mission.

Obi had on Wednesday, called on President Tinubu to come clean by “telling Nigerians who he is.”

According to him, in a statement, “Nigerians deserve to know the true identity of their president. Obi made the remarks at press conference in Abuja.

Obi pointed out that the recent controversy generated by the Chicago State University, (CSU) was unnecessary, stressing “only president Tinubu can put to rest the controversy surrounding his identity.”

But in reaction to Obi’s statement, a former presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, in an open letter, pointed out that  “This is like a drowning man grasping at grass. It’s time to stop taking instructions from people who are bitter, angry, envious and who have lost their minds, years ago.

“You have shamelessly just gone on national TV to call on the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reveal his identity to Nigerians and the world.

“This is the most idiotic request, Nigerians have had the misfortune of hearing from one whose advisers are people with mental health issues.

“Nigeria parades some of the most intelligent people on earth and you disrespect our intelligence in this way? Manipulation is a skill and you are unskilled when it comes to manipulation.

“If you do not know who President Tinubu is, you have been probably locked up as a prisoner in your warped mind, or you have been living in cuckcoo land.

“How can you allow yourself  to be used to question the identity of a man, who has been in the limelight since his youth?

“How can you come low to the level of your gullible followers to begin this late in the day, to question the identity of a man who was checked by our security operatives and cleared twice to  govern the most successful and cosmopolitan State in Nigeria, Lagos?

“If you can come on national TV, to question the identity of a man who was cleared by all our security operatives to become a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that’s enough justification and validation for your resounding rejection at the polls in 2023.

“We watched carefully, to see if a gun was pointed at you as you demand for the identity of a man who was scrutinized and cleared by the Security operatives in Nigeria to run for the highest office of the land. But there was none. You did it on your own.

“Your temperament and disposition are not the attributes needed to lead a diverse nation such as Nigeria. You failed Anambra. You can’t even lead the South East!

“Under your nose, South East became a war zone. A once vibrant economy built on hardwork, destroyed. Lives and properties, ruined. Shelf your desperation. Your ambition is beyond what you deserve. It will never come to pass.

Also,  one Michael Chibuzo stated that Obi is a man, who has found it extremely difficult to accept the reality that he lost the 2023 Presidential election and simply wants to continue dancing even when the sound of music has ceased.

“Mr. Peter Obi, obviously taking a cue from his ‘elder brother’ and PDP candidate Alhaji Atiku (or Siddiq/Sadiq) Abubakar assembled local journalists to continue the certificate fishing expedition that has so far yielded nothing other than frustration and anguish for the expeditioners.

“Mr. Peter Obi regurgitated the now boring refrain of alleged certificate forgery, bizzare identity theft, citizenship, academic trail, family history and other mundane topics.

“He then asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to reintroduce himself to Nigerians and to the international community. This is obviously the dying kick of a drowning horse.”

According to him, President Tinubu does not need any reintroduction to Nigerians or any political party as his foray into politics has distinguished him and his identity.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no longer campaigning to be President neither is he an unknown figure who needs to reintroduce himself to those who have already elected him to govern.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also not jobless like Mr. Peter Obi and the serial election loser, Siddiq Abubakar, therefore, he does not have the luxury of time to indulge in a nursery school game of ‘composition about myself’.

Recall that this is not the first time Onochie, sacked recently by President Tinubu as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has used very strong derogatory words against Obi. A few weeks back, she called for Obi’s arrest.

As a former Presidential Aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, she was notorious for her very acidic tongue. One of such attacks on the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, earned her a suit filed by Atiku against her. The suit is still very active.

President Tinubu is yer to reappoint her to any office after the NDDC Board which she led for a few months was sacked.

BOOK REVIEW: ‘Politics, Pussy & Power’ By AIT’s Adaora

By
James Orji
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Popular broadcast journalist, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, has released a new book, with an intriguing title, ‘Politics Pussy & Power: The demystification of social aberrations that have hindered the greatness of the human mind’.
Adaora, a co-anchor of Kakaki, a daily talk show on the African Independent Television (AIT), who is also a fervent gender advocate and founder of WEWE Network Afrique, said she chose the provocative title for her latest book, in order to unpretentiously unravel the transformative power of authentic connections and the destructive potential of exploitative pursuits.
According to the review of the book on Amazon books, Adaora in Politics, Pussy & Power, “Challenges conventions, providing fresh insights into politics and power. Her book empowers women and men alike by redefining the roles of power and femininity. Adaora’s words resonate worldwide, making her a global literary sensation.”
In this book, the author invites her readers to
join her on this “unforgettable expedition into the heart of human existence, where we discover the interplay of politics, pussy, and power, the forces that shape our world and beckon us to embrace the transformative potential within ourselves.”
 ‘Politics, Pussy, and Power,’ talks about the exhilarating journey and the dark underbelly of politics, where cunning manipulations and power plays reign supreme, and the rise of charismatic leaders alongside the shadows of deceit they cast, which often blurs the lines between genuine intent and Machiavellian tactics, are also revealed.
With thought-provoking insights and storytelling techniques, this book extends the conventional realm of politics, power and self preservation. It also offers a variety of experiences which resonate with all aspects of life.
Putting together real-life examples, fictional narratives and historical accounts, this book explores the complexities of power dynamics, human relationships and the pursuit of transformational change.
This book considers the inexplicable state of the word pussy, which represents a symbol of vulnerability and subjectivity relatively, the essence of demystifying the context and weakening it as a tool of feminine subjugation.
It unravels the transformative power of authentic connections and the destructive potential of exploitative pursuits.
Amidst the shadows and struggles, this book also presents a glimmer of hope for women in different fields of life, igniting transformative prototypes that has altered the course of history for good.
Additionally, it offers a beacon of empowerment, reminding readers that they also hold power within themselves to transform their immediate environment, and the globe, at large.
From the everyday actions that create ripples of change to the collective force of collaboration, this book instills the belief that each individual possesses the power to shape the world.
“Politics, Pussy, and Power” is a captivating exploration of the human experience – raw, enthralling, and enlightening. It challenges conventional notions, transcends boundaries, and beckons readers to contemplate their own agency in life’s theater.
In a world where power is both a potent force for transformation and a seductive tool for manipulation, this book inspires readers to wield their influence thoughtfully and compassionately.
It reminds us that as we navigate the complexities of human existence, our power lies not only in the pursuit of control but in our ability to connect, understand, and uplift one another.
Adaora, who is also a motivational speaker and poet, has published a number of  motivational books, such as,
Poetry for Life,
Black Girl With A White Heart and  Women In The World.
She also has an 8-track spoken word compilation.

Ethiopian/Tigray War: How We Ended Conflict The African Way- Obasanjo

By
James Orji
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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the problem facing the continent can be resolved by its people without external influence.

The former Nigerian leader made the admonition when students from Ethiopia and Tigray paid him a courtesy visit, at his Abeokuta, Ogun state home to thank him for the role he played in ending the war in their country.

Over 600, 000 people were killed from both sides after the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front, TPLF, took up arms against the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed-led government in the two year bloody war.

The war has been described as one of the deadliest in the 21st century by pundits.

The students under the aegis of All-African Students Union, AASU, led by Osisiogu Osikenyi said they came to thank Obasanjo for the role he played in ending the bloody war.

Speaking, Obasanjo said the Ethiopian/ Tigray war was an example of how Africans can resolve their problems in their own way.

According to him, what was achieved in Ethiopia “is what you and I will regard as finding African solution to African problem.”

He explained that no conflict in the continent is too big for its leaders to resolve, adding that this is the desire of Africans founding fathers from independence.

Obasanjo said, “It is a great lesson for us to know that yes, whatever may be our problem – political, economic, social in Africa, we can solve them if we go about seeking solutions rightly.

“What is very important and which I want you to take very very seriously is that what we were able to achieve in Tigray, the peace that we were able to achieve in Tigray between TPLF and the Federal government of Ethiopia is what you and I will regard as finding African solution to African problem. And this is what our leaders have been clamouring for even from independence in the early 1960s.

“No problem in Africa is too great for us to solve where there may be problem of peace, problem of insecurity, problem of youths unemployment, youths lack empowerment, youths lack acquisition of skills, youths frustration and of course general bad governance.

FBN Holdings: Court Begins Hearing Today; Lender To Raise N139bn Capital

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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First Bank Holdings Plc, the parent company of First Bank Nigeria, FBN Ltd has notified the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX, of its plan to raise N139 billion fresh capital through a Right issue.

The development comes as a federal high court in Lagos is set to commence hearing of proceedings to determine the status of the 11th Annual General Meeting of First Bank Holdings Plc.

On July 15, 2022, the Court granted an order restricting FBN Holding Plc from implementing all the decisions taken at its 10th Annual General Meeting held on June 20, 2022, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The suit filed by a shareholder of the bank, Olusegun Onagoruwa will be heard today (Thursday).

Instructively, the shareholders of the bank had in June this year, during its 11 Annual General Meeting, AGM passed a resolution for the capital to be raised.

The resolution was backed by over 98 percent of the shareholders with voting rights, granting the management powers to increase the company’s issued share capital from N17.95 billion of 35, 895,292,792 ordinary shares to N22.43 billion.

The resolution said, “There shall be a capital raise. The capital raise transaction shall be by way rights issue, on such terms and conditions and on such dates as may be determined by the Directors, subject to obtaining the approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.”

In the notice filed with the NGX earlier in the week, FBN Holdings said its Stockbrokers, FBNQuest Securities, has been mandated to seek approval on behalf of the Holder.

Part of the notice said, “its stockbrokers, FBNQuest Securities Limited, submitted an application to Nigerian Exchange Limited for the approval and listing of a Rights Issue of Eight Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Eight (8,973,823,198) ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N15.50 per Share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Monday, 9 October 2023.”

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the sector insist that the outcome of the court proceeding will determine what happens next in Nigeria’s premier commercial bank.

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