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Ondo Community Rallies Support For Reps Member

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bunni Tunji Ojo

By Ayodele Oni

Affa Okeagbe Community in Akoko area of Ondo State has rallied support for a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Bunni Tunji Ojo in his quest to give his area needed development and facelift.

Tunji Ojo is currently representing Akoko North West and East federal constituency in the green chamber.

The traditional ruler of Affa, Okeagbe, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana, who is leading the conmunity in garnering support for the Lawmaker, stated that he has ensured that the area is not left behind in the scheme of things and deserves to be given a second chance.

Oba Fajana, while giving the outline for activities lined up to celebrate his 30th Coronation anniversary, said that the community would use the occassion to celebrate the Lawmaker who has lived up to the expectation of the people.

Some indigenes of the community, that include Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla and Chief Efficacy Adewunmi butressed the position of the royal father that the reps member has won the  hearts of the people with developmental projects spread across the two Local Government areas.

A statement signed by Julius Alabi (chairman, Media and Publicity sub- Committee) of the ceremony, stated that the community reiterated that Mr Tunji-Ojo has performed and represented good people  of Afa Okeagbe Community well and deserves a free ticket for the second term.

Some of his life touching projects include construction of classrooms for public schools, distribution of 12 ambulances, 4 motorcycles, 52 generators to health centers, distribution of food items to Constituencies, purchase of Patrol vehicles to four  divisional police stations; Free Medical and Surgical outreach with over 20,000 beneficiaries.

To ease transportation in the area, the Lawmaker also facilitated rehabitation of link roads and empowerment for the needy.

“We should now see him as our choice for the House Representatives in our Federal Constituency. What should be our concentration now is on how to secure victory for him in the general election.

“We all know that his leadership qualities are rare even within Ondo state and we know that his choice at this time is an advantage for the entire state.

“He has also shown that he can uphold the welfarism ethos of which the community is being known for, with what we have seen.”

ASUU in Fresh 21 Days Strike Ultimatum To FG

By
Uche Mbah
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ASUU

By Uche Mbah

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said it may go back to the trenches in 21 days if by then the Federal Government still refuses to implement agreements reached by both parties.

ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, handed down the ultimatum Monday in Abuja.

Osodeke was briefing Journalists on the decisions reached during the National Executive Council meeting of the union.

The Union had met for two days to deliberate on the way forward in connection with the suspended strike.

Recall that ASUU recently suspended their threatened strike action after series of meetings with the Federal Government over welfare issues.

According to the ASUU Chairman, the union will meet again after the expiration of the twenty one days ultimatum to decide on the full strike action.

Part of the agenda discussed was the appointment of Issa Pantami as Professor by the Imo state branch of ASUU and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO; the precarious security of the country and the living conditions within the Nigerian University System.

Anambra Declares Tuesday Public Holiday for Zik

By
Uche Mbah
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Nnamdi Azikwe

By Uche Mbah

Anambra State Government has declared November 16 public holiday in honour of the first President of Nigeria, late Nnamdi Azikiwe.

A statement on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C Don Adinuba, said this is the third time the Government has honored the first President of Nigeria.

“Tuesday, November 16, 2021, has been declared a work-free day in Anambra in honour of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president who was born on November 16, 1904″, Adinuba wrote.

“This is the third consecutive year Anambra State is observing the birthday anniversary of the man who led Nigeria to independence on October 1, 1960, and is popularly known as The Great Zik of Africa because of his extraordinary Pan-African vision and commitment.

“It was the Great Zik of Africa who inspired such outstanding Pan-African leaders as Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana who led his country to freedom from colonial rule on March 6, 1957

“Zik, who was born in Zungeru in Niger State and grew up in Calabar and Lagos, studied various disciplines in the United States and remains the most urbane, cosmopolitan and intellectually engaging of all Nigerian leaders.

“He remains an unrivalled trailblazer, having established Nigeria’s first indigenous bank, African Continental Bank and Nigeria’s first indigenous university, University of Nigeria at Nsukka, among other monumental and far-sighted achievements.

“It is a huge national embarrassment that Nigeria has yet to declare November 16 a national holiday,”he concluded.

Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote, Loses Brother, Sani Dangote, In The US

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Business tycoon and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is bereaved.

He has lost his younger brother, Sani Dangote, who is the Vice President of Dangote Group and owner of Dansa Agro-Allied Limited.

The death of the younger Dangote came as a shock to his friends and associates.  They are yet to come to terms with his sudden demise.

Sani died on Sunday in the United States of America after a protracted illnesss.

Confirming the demise of Sani, his close relatives said  it was with sadness and grief that they announce his demise.

The late Dangote was a businessman with more than 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, agriculture and oil services.

He was an established businessman with investments in key sectors of the economy including manufacturing, agriculture, banking, and oil services, aside been the Vice Chairman of Dangote Group.

The Late Sani also sat on the Board of several other companies including Nigerian Textile Mills Plc, Nutra Sweet Limited, Gum Arabic Limited, Dangote Textile Mills Limited, Alsan Insurance Brokers, Dan-Hydro Company Limited, Dansa Food Processing Company Limited and Dangote Farms Limited.

He was also the Deputy Chairman of the African Gum Arabic Producers Association and a two-time President of Lagos Polo Club in addition to being a professional polo player.

In recognition of his sterling leadership qualities, he was appointed as the Consul-General of the Romanian Embassy in Nigeria.

The late Sani was a member of several Chambers of Commerce, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria and President of the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association (“FERSAN”).

Dangote Brother Dies From An Undisclosed Ailment

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Sani Dangote, the younger brother to Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, is dead. The deceased died, on Sunday, at a United States of America, USA hospital where he was treating for an undisclosed ailment.

Dangote Industries announced his passing, in a statement on Monday.

The statement said “it is with a heavy heart but with total submission to Almighty Allah that we announce the passing on of our Group Vice President, Alhaji Sani Dangote today, 14th November, 2021,” Dangote Industries said in a statement in the wee hours of Monday.

“May Allah SWT grant him mercy and admit him in Aljannat-al-Firdaus.”

Sani, an accomplished businessman was the chairman of Dansa Holdings Ltd and was formerly a non-executive director at NASCON Allied Industries Plc.

He sits on the board of at least 14 companies including Nigerian Textile Mills Plc, Nutra Sweet Limited, Gum Arabic Limited, and Dangote Textile Mills Limited. He is also a board member at Alsan Insurance Brokers, Dan-Hydro Company Limited, Dansa Food Processing Company Limited and Dangote Farms Limited.

He is a member of several chambers of commerce, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria and president of the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association (FERSAN).

The deceased businessman was a one-time consul-general of the Romanian Embassy in Nigeria.

Ondo: Akeredolu’s Son In Eye of the Storm

By
Bayo Bernard
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Akeredolu son

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration has denied that his son, Babajide has hijacked the government from his father. The governors’ son is being accused of undue interference in government business and highhandedness.

But in a swift reaction, the state government said nothing could be farther from the truth, adding that Governor Akredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN is till in charge.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, those peddling the rumour were only out to smear the government image and bring the governor to disrepute. The diabolical plot against the governor and his family, the statement said will fail.

The statement reads in part, “the plan, which was hatched and orchestrated by these individuals, particularly, targeted the Governor’s son, Babajide Akeredolu, on allegations of high handedness and interference with serious government decisions, especially as it relates to the economic activities at the government reserves.

Rotimi Akeredolu - Ondo Communal Clash
Akeredolu, SAN.

“Succinctly, the purveyors of this heinous plot have perfected plans to lie against the Governor and his son of attempting to take over the management of the forest reserves so as to corner the resources for personal gains.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Akeredolu handles the business of government with utmost respect and accountability. The government decision to ban all logging activities and subsequent lifting of the ban, are all in the interest of the state.

“This government is exploring all avenues and blocking loopholes to shore up its Internally Generated Revenue so as to ensure that more funds are brought into the government coffers to drive development in the state.

“We will not fold arms and allow disgruntled elements ruin the gains that have been recorded and being consolidated on, in the state.

“Under this administration, we have recorded significant progress and growth in our IGR. For a government that has shown accountability and readiness to explore all economic angles for the progress of the state in the past four year, it is not only laughable but, preposterous for any disgruntled group to suggest that Governor Akeredolu’s son was planning to man the ministry of natural resources for personal gain,” Ojogo said.

Fidelity Bank Ex-CEO Not In EFCC Custody- Exclusive

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

The former managing director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo has refuted reports that he’s in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In an exclusive interview with The Source magazine on Monday, the seasoned banker who was recently appointed GMD of First Bank Holding Company said “I cannot be in my bedroom and somebody somewhere will be saying, EFCC has arrested me and that I have be in custody’ of the anti-graft commission for days”.

The magazine had, last week, reported that the former Fidelity chief executive was not arrested by the Abdulrasheed Bawa -led EFCC, following reports by some online publications that he was indeed, taken into custody by the commission.

Premium Times, an online newspaper claimed that “details of Mr Okonkwo’s arrest remained sketchy Sunday night although some sources said he was being questioned over his role in the transfer of $153.3 million from the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission in favour of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former petroleum minister. The banker was managing director of Fidelity Bank at the time”.

But, speaking with the magazine today Okonkwo, said he has spent the last few days preparing to take up his new role as First Bank Plc Holdco GMD.

He said “I have been enjoying with my family, apart from going to the gym” to keep in form. “I have also held series of meetings with my new employer in the last few days. So, I don’t understand what Premium Times is saying. I can’t be in EFCC custody and they will allow me to speak to you”, he said.

Okonkwo was appointed, three weeks ago, as the new GMD of First Bank Nigeria Holdings Plc

According to a statement by the first generation commercial bank, Okonkwo will assume office as the GMD of FBN Holdings Plc effective January 1, 2022, following the resignation of U.K Eke from the position.

The statement further said that Okonkwo would bring to bear on the board of FBN Holdings more than 30 years of banking career spanning local and international experience.

His appointment is subject to the approval of regulatory authorities, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, a source close to EFCC, who said he’s not allowed to speak on the matter said “the banker cannot be in our custody and no statement will be issued to that effect. Our operations are guided by truth and transparency to the public. Nothing is hidden”.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren did not answer the calls made to him by the magazine.

UCTH Resident Doctor Commits Suicide after Failing Exam

By
The Source
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Dr Crystal Akpan

By Stanley Ekpenyong, Calabar

Tragedy has hit the medical profession in Calabar, Cross River state, as a Resident doctor at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Dr Crystal Akpan, has, allegedly, committed suicide.

Multiple sources in the hospital say Dr Akpam took his life by ingesting a chemical substance suspected to be an insecticide popular in the local parlance as “Sniper”.

The magazine was not told the reason for his action but it was being speculated in hushed voices at the hospital that Dr Akpan may have taken his life after failing his professional exam for residents, which he had, allegedly, written for some years without success.

The deceased who worked in the Cardiology Department of the hospital was married with three kids.

US Embassy Partners Nigeria Guild Of Editor On Capacity Building With N93 Million Grant

By
Akinwale Kasali
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US Embassy in Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

United States of America’s embassy has partnered the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, with the sum of  $226,889 (equivalent of about N93.3 million) to facilitate activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of its members to understand, appreciate and deliver on their constitutionally assigned responsibility to hold Government accountable to the people.

Disclosing the partnership and the largesse from the Embassy, NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah and the Secretary, Iyobosa

Uwugiaren in a statement issued on behalf of the Guild said the capacity building will include training programmes for Editors and other senior journalists on Press Freedom/Democracy, as well as Town Hall meetings on Media regulation framework.

‘’The project also entails printing and distribution of the Journalism Code of ethics, and strengthening of the NGE’s website – news alerts on media violations.

“These capacity building conferences, which will hold in the six geo-political zones across the country, are to provide a platform for editors to be reminded of the sacred duties they are tasked to perform by the constitution on behalf of the citizens’’, the NGE stated.

‘’Drawing copious examples from the advanced democracies around the world, like US – after which the Nigerian constitution is formed, the conferences are expected to instil in the editors the need to perform their duties with the highest form of standard and sense of responsibilities.’’

It added that the body of all Nigerian Editors hopes that a responsive and professional Media will have the spin-off effect of keeping the Government on their toes, holding Government accountable to the citizens, securing the confidence and support of the citizens and the international community and advancing the democratic growth and consolidation.

In a breakdown of other components of the project, the Guild said that it will also strengthen NGE’s website to meet up with the demands for news alerts on media violations, public feedback and complaints on allegations of malicious media reportage.

‘’This would provide an opportunity for the Guild to strengthen its online presence to promptly disseminate current information with members and the general public, including international partners and audiences.

‘’A third component is the printing and distribution of Nigeria Journalism Code of Ethics to all journalists, including editors to popularise among editors and senior journalists the professional code of ethics that guilds their profession and have these instilled in their sub-consciousness and serve as a guiding principle.

‘’It will also help to promote good governance, transparency and deepening of democracy through objective media practices that effectively demands accountability from those in authorities towards advancing the socio-economic well-being and rights of the people, and enrich their cultural practices, and human rights, in line with the values expected of a modern democratic state’’, the statement explained.

The NGE said that at this critical point in Nigeria, especially as it moves towards the 2023 General election, the country needs a Media that can help set social and political agenda in support of a better society, helping to build visions of hope, nudge Nigerians and Nigeria on the path of development, social reengineering and renaissance.

On the Town Hall meetings component of the project, the statement explained that it will provide a huge opportunity for stakeholders to assess media performance in consolidating Nigerian’s democracy and outline an agenda for the future.

The NGE said that it has also planned strategy meetings with Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other media focused NGOs on framework for self-regulatory for Nigerian media.

‘’This will provide a platform for media stakeholders to undertake self-introspection and develop a framework for media regulation, which will not only have their buy-in but also improve the standard for media practice in Nigeria thereby reducing, if not eliminate, incidents of sub-standard and unprofessional reportage in the Nigerian media.

‘’Such conversations and hopefully eventual adoption of self-regulatory framework could also have a regional spin-off whereby countries within the region, and indeed Africa, could be encouraged to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian example, as was the case with the adoption of a Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria subsequently having a positive spin-off in Ghana’’, the NGE added.

On the expected impact of the project, the body said that a pool of Nigerian editors and media managers will be galvanised and will be committed to the highest ethical standard and taking robust actions to ensure same. And committed to the promotion and protection of the right to independent press, freedom of expression and the deepening of democratic space.

The NGE also hoped that at the end of the project, mobilised pool of editors will be constantly projecting issue-based governance in defence of the mass of the Nigerian people in line with Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the statement, the programme looks to galvanise the key stakeholders to act responsibly and deny the authorities the moral authority to take punitive actions against the media for performing their constitutionally assigned role to hold the government to account, and to the general citizens the right to hold and voice their opinions on the conduct of public officers.

From the timelines of the project, the South-west conference and the Town Hall meeting will hold in Lagos between December 2 and 4, 2021.

2023: Saraki Says PDP Has Capability, Leadership Quality To Rescue Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki is optimistic that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, at the 2023 Presidential Election.

The former Kwara State Governor appreciated the opposition Party’s members for coming together despite their challenges for the success of the Party’s recent Convention.

Saraki said that the PDP has demonstrated the capacity and leadership qualities to deliver the country from its various challenges with the way its leaders reconciled to hold the party’s National Convention.

He made this statement during the 9th memorial prayer for his late father, Dr Olusola Saraki, himself, a former Senate Leader, held at the family’s Ilofa GRA, residence, in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

He stressed that it was expedient to note that the party that cannot manage itself cannot rule the country.

Reacting to the controversy generated by the passage of Direct Primary for political parties by the National Assembly, the former Senate President said although Nigerians are not fully prepared for the system, yet it must not be allowed to scuttle the electoral bill.

Saraki added that effort should rather be directed at ensuring that President Muhammadu Buhari assents to the electoral bill for Nigerians to benefit from its other parts, especially at the present state in the annals of Nation. The country must come first before personal ambition.

“Direct Primaries is best for political parties if properly done. But I am sure Nigerians are not prepared for it becuas their is still a lot of work to be done.

“But now the the National Assembly has passed it, we should make the best out of the situation rather than allowing the controversy one item to throw away the other good parts of the bill.

“What is important, is for the President to assent to it and enable Nigerians benefit from the other parts”.

He  applauded the PDP on its performance at the recent election in Anambra where the party came second, Saraki noting that the exercise was a success for Nigeria and democracy.

“The Anambra election was a success story for Nigeria becuase many of us were sceptical that it would hold.

“But it not only held, it was peaceful and credible and we commend INEC for bringing in technology which we have advocated to improve our electoral process.

“Yes, there were still some works that needed to be done, no doubt, but we can improve on that for the next election to be better. People can now say we are having elections that is closer to best practices. That election was a good day for democracy and Nigeria and we thank the security agencies also”, he added.

He further noted that what is important now is Nigeria and not personal ambition of anybody.

He said “The party that cannot manage itself cannot rule the country”.

Dignitaries  that graced the event were his sister, the Minister for Transportation, State, Senato Gbemisola Saraki, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, former Minister of Transportation, Bio Ibrahim, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad and the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) among others.

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