Read What Otunba Gani Adams Said @ The Launch of OPU in Nairobi Kenya..... Plus event pictures

TEXT OF SPEECH DELIVERED BY OTUNBA (DR) GANI ADAMS AT THE LAUNCHING OF OODUA PROGRESSIVE UNION KENYA CHAPTER, TODAY SATURDAY 4^TH OF JUNE, 2016.

 

My heart is indeed filled with joy as I stand before you today. 

First, I am happy that we are all gathered here today as witnesses to this historic event, the launching of Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) in Kenya.

And secondly, I am very happy today because the launch of the OPU is another giant step forward in our efforts to bring together under one umbrella all Yoruba sons and daughters resident in Kenya, and indeed all over the world.

The launch is in fulfillment of our dream to ensure that all children of Oduduwa in the Diaspora unite for a common purpose in order to forge ahead with the dream and aspirations of our forefathers and to bring honour to our land.

But before I continue with this address, I would like to give honour to whom it is due. First and foremost, my gratitude goes to Eledumare, the creator of heaven and earth, the Almighty, Oba Olowogbogboro ti n yomo re ninu ofin. Oba eleburu ike. 

His grace and mercy are sufficient for us and have indeed sustained us in our struggles through life, To Him alone be all the honour and adoration.

The formation of OPU is coming at a time in the history of our country when each of the more than 256 ethnic tribes is in search of the need for a sense of direction. 

Therefore, the Oodua Progressives Union is coming on board to create a platform for all our people in the Diaspora.

Since its creation, the OPU has successfully brought together our people, who before now have been scattered all over the world without any sense of common purpose among them. 

It has also created a platform for our people to have a sense of purpose back home in Nigeria.

Already, we have successfully launched the OPU in 68 countries across the world. As we speak, we have our chapters in the UK, US, Canada, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Holland, France, Sweden, Austria, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal to mention a few.

For instance, the OPU has successfully acquired some acres of land in Nigeria for members of the OPU to subscribe and own plots in the estate. 

As of today, many OPU members have become owners of plots of land in Nigeria, courtesy of the OPU.

The OPU Housing Estate is a very good opportunity for all members of OPU to own a very affordable land that is free from the problems associated with the issue of land grabbers.

At this juncture, it is important to speak about our rich cultural heritage, which undoubtedly is second to none in the whole world. 

The Yoruba culture places high premium on good manners, which our fathers aptly tagged as Omoluwabi.

For us, Omoluwabi captures the whole essence of humanity. 

An Omoluwabi is ever faithful and trustworthy under any circumstance. 

He is also brave, but filled with common sense, All these attributes are what you find in a true-born Yoruba man.

Having said all these, it is important that we all understand that the unity of all Yoruba people is very important. 

In that case, it is your responsibility to ensure that our unity is sustained, irrespective of your background r religion.

You must realize that there is strength in unity. Our fathers would say that: agbajowo la fi n soya. Ajoji owo kan ko gberu dori.

What this translates into is that there is more to be gained if we unite and work together as one.

Therefore, it is important for all of us to know that is very important that the leadership have a strong relationship with the Nigerian embassy in Kenya and their officers for the progress of Nigeria.

Also, as members of OPU, you must realize that it is important that you are representing the Yoruba race in Kenya. 

Therefore, I would implore you that you be good ambassadors of Nigeria and the Yoruba race in Kenya.

Again, you must always make sure that you don’t get yourselves involved in acts that will dent the image of our dear nation. 

You must all refrain from acts that will put the image of the OPU and indeed our race in bad light before the world.

I want you to seize the opportunity of your living in Kenya to learn the secrets of how it has successfully built their country’s tourism industry and turned it into a money-spinning venture that attracts tourists from all over the world.

It is no secret that Kenya is the number one tourist destination in the whole of East Africa, and is indeed the first choice for multinationals and other international organizations for the location of their headquarters.

It will surprise you to know that among the international organizations have their African headquarters in Kenya are Bank of China; Blackberry (East and Central Afrcia); China-Africa Development Fund (East Africa); Citi Bank (East Africa); General Electric (Africa); Google (Africa); IBM (Africa); IMF (Africa); Mitsubishi Motors (Africa); Nestle (East, Central and West Africa); Rockefeller Foundation (Africa) and World Bank (Africa). 

We can turn Yorubaland into a tourists’ destination point and make it attractive to international organizations to want to cite their headquarters in our land if we would rededicate ourselves to the development of our land and make its interest a priority in all our undertakings.

However, you must realize that our country is presently going a tough period in its history. 

It is therefore imperative that you all refrain from partisan issues and other issues that are capable of dividing us or causing disaffection among our people.

Let me seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to all the members and leadership of OPU in Kenya. 

Your dedication and hard work to ensure the success of OPU in Kenya has not gone unnoticed.

However, I want you realize the popular Yoruba proverb, which says: Ibere kii se onise. Eni to ba fori tii dopin la o yin.

The import of this proverb is that you must not give up until we have achieved success. 

I want you all to know that if we work hard and the OPU is successful in Kenya, then you all must have written your names in the sands of history as those who took the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people across the ocean and made it popular before the world.

Thank you all. 

Oodua a gbe wa o.

 

Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams

National Coordinator Oodua People’s Congress

Chief Promoter Olokun Festival Foundation,

Founder Gani Adams Foundation,

Kano Killing, IGP Speaks... 2 Key Suspects Arrested

MURDER OF MRS BRIDGET ABAHIME- IGP SOLOMON ARASE CONDEMNS THE INCIDENT, REEMPHAISES THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIVES AND ASSURES OF SPEEDY JUSTICE

Following the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State where one Bridget Abahime was mobbed and extra-judicially murdered, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, has called for calm while reassuring the family of the deceased and indeed, the general public that justice shall be done in the case.

In furtherance to this firm commitment, it is confirmed that the Kano State Police Command has succeeded in arresting two key suspects in connection with the unfortunate incident. Those arrested include Dauda Ahmed and Subeiru Abubakar.

In order to ensure a diligent and professional investigation, the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in- charge of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) to deploy the Homicide Section of the Department to immediately take over the investigation of the case and ensure a meticulous investigation and speedy prosecution of the arrested suspects.

The Inspector General of Police has also directed the Commissioner of Police of Kano State to sustain the community engagement actions which he is currently initiating with all strategic security stakeholders and community leaders in the State with a view to dousing the tension being generated by the condemnable incident. In addition, detachments of Mobile and conventional Police as well as the intelligence assets of the Force have been deployed to protect law abiding citizens, reassure the public, prevent the incident from degenerating into a major security threat and aid the  Homicide Section being deployed in the location and apprehension of other suspects who are currently at large.

The Force leadership empasises the sanctity of human lives and condemns in the strongest possible terms the violation of the right to life of citizens under any guise. The Inspector General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Family, therefore, condole the family, friends and colleagues of the late victim and stressed that the Force shall uphold its Mandate touching on criminal justice delivery in the most firm and speedy fashion in this instance and in other cases of this nature.

While the members of the public will be updated on progress of investigation into this case, they are advised to go about their normal activities and resist any temptation to capitalize on the incident to threaten national security as any such attempt will be firmly dealt with. The Inspector General also calls on Kano State residents and indeed, all citizens to imbibe the culture of tolerance, rule of law and peaceful co-existence and to trust and cooperate with the police as we strive to ensure justice in this case.

Benin DISCO attributes poor power supply to low generation

Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) has attributed the degenerating level of electricity supply to its customers in its operational areas of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti States to low power generation received from the national grid occasioned by gas shortage due to pipeline vandalism.

This was disclosed last Friday by the company’s chief head, Edo State, Engr. Fidelis Obishai at a meeting between the company’s management team and the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Obishai noted that the serious drop in power generation was affecting BEDC’s ability to distribute power to customers despite its installed capacity of 800 megawatts, stressing that what it gets as a distribution company hovers between 130 and 150 megawatts daily.

 “We take no joy in not giving power supply to the people but due to the present low power generation, we are constrained,” Obishai said.

On disconnected communities, Obishai disclosed that any communities affected were based on non-payment of electricity bills, adding that once the people comply, power supply would be restored immediately.

“We do not disconnect indiscriminately but those who owe debts. For instance, in Auchi, there was a violent protest that resulted in damage of nine operational vehicles and offices and there is a recorded threat to life which is a major challenge.” BEDC is very disposed to engaging such communities in dialogue on the best way to resolving such issues no matter the level of grievances,” he added.

According to him, BEDC has submitted a formal petition to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Federal Ministry of Power and the Edo State commissioner of police.

On high electricity bill to consumers, Obishai said that there was a tariff review with effect from February 2016 approved by the regulatory agency, NERC, pointing out that the tariff regime was essentially designed to salvage the power sector and encourage continuous investments.

“BEDC has put in place a process to avoid arbitrary billing of customers, be it industrial or residential, and we ensure that customer complaints on billing are addressed with urgency. On metering, we have a robust metering programme which is being implemented religiously. However, the metering gap is huge and could not be covered within a short time. For customers without meters they are being billed on estimation in line with NERC approved estimated billing methodology,” he concluded.

Governor Oshiomhole had complained over poor supply to Edo State, the recent disconnection of some communities in Edo north and high billing to its consumers.

About Pastor Femi Paul's EIL Series 2.0

In spite of the current downward trajectory of the Nigerian economy, it is believed that an individual can be economically buoyant by discovering, nurturing and maximising new opportunities.

This was the submission of speakers at the Excellence In Life Series (EIL) Series 2.0 held on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Standard Alliance Events Hall, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

With the theme, Breaking New Grounds, the speakers such as, Dr Femi Paul, who is also the Convener, Excellence In Life; Bukky George – Founder & CEO, HealthPlus Pharmacy; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank offered valuable insights and ideas on how to spot, seize and maximize opportunities in the current economic downturn.

“Most people don’t listen until they are in the classroom. But the best lessons are taught along the way…in the ordinary course of daily life,” said Dr Femi Paul at the event. 

He charges the audience to aspire to break new grounds. He said, “Ordinary people look and admire; winners look, observe and aspire.”

He further noted that “aspiration fuels Pertinent Enquiries and Propels People; admiration only generates simplistic applause and awe.” 

Another speaker at the event, Bukky George, emphasised the need for an individual to explore his or her passion, noting that it is only when the individual did that he could get to the promised land. She also mentioned that it was important for people to seek to fill the gap that exists in their areas of specialisation instead of just making up numbers.

“Your promised land is where your passion lies. It is where your heart quickens, where you feel an almost supernatural hunger to intervene and improve a situation,” said Bukky George.

“Seek out a gap in a product or service delivery that you have the qualification, skill, experience, inspiration and passion to fill. Fill the gap excellently.”

 

AMBODE DENIES KIDNAP ATTEMPT ON MOTHER

...Cautions Against Sensational Journalism

The Lagos State Governor on Saturday denied media reports claiming that a kidnap attempt was made on his mother, Mrs Christianah Ambode at her residence in Gbagada area of the State on Friday evening.

The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, denied the media report, saying that it was not a true reflection of what transpired at the residence of his mother.

An online newspaper had claimed that heavily armed gunmen invaded the Governor's mother's residence and disarmed the octogenarian’s police detail in an apparent attempt to abduct her.

The newspaper had further reported that the unfortunate development took place at about 7:30pm, while a back-up team arrived at the scene at about8:10pm.

Responding, Aruna said: "Whilst it is true that a commotion occurred at the residence of the Governor's mother on the fateful day, it was however far from the truth that it was a kidnap attempt.

"What really transpired was that a man parked his vehicle in front of the  residence of the Governor's mother and the security detail attached to the building asked him not to park there so as not to block the entrance.

"The man who claimed to be a military personnel was not in uniform as at the time of the unfortunate incident but he insisted on parking in front of the building on the ground that he was a military personnel.

"He then went on to invite military personnel attached to Operation MESA to beat Mrs. Ambode’s police details after he was advised not to park his vehicle outside the building.

"The unfortunate part was that the newspaper rightly reported this aspect of the development in the body of the story but still claimed in the lead paragraph that it was an apparent kidnap attempt.

"While we would like to put on record that the disturbance was not a kidnap attempt on the Governor's mother as nothing untoward happened to her, we also like to caution against needless sensational journalism which could cause unnecessary panic.

"At the moment, officials of the State Government are taking appropriate steps to sanction the unruly military personnel who joined their colleague to disturb public peace," Aruna stated..

AFRIMA donates to Gambian school

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in Africa, The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Wednesday May 25, 2016 donated educational materials,computers and

musical equipment to Bakoteh Proper Lower Basic School in Banjul, The Islamic Republic of Gambia.

Led by the Head of Culture, African Union Commission (AUC), Ms. Angela Martins and the President/Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, the AFRIMA team also had members of its international committee, The AFRIMA Jury members, Partners and Sponsors, African superstars who were winners at AFRIMA 2015 in Lagos (Adekunle Gold (Nigeria), Stanley Enow (Cameroun), M'Vula(Angola), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Vyper (Gambia) and Ahmed Soultan (Morocco) among others) as well as journalists from the five regions of Africa.

The AFRIMA president, Dada, thanked the school for welcoming the team and said the motive of AFRIMA in visiting the school was to inspire, motivate and encourage the pupils who would be the future leaders.

He said, "One of AFRIMA's Corporate Social Responsibility goals is to inspire African youths and raise the consciousness of African identity for growth and development. We cannot waste the future; Africa is not a home of sickness and diseases but the home of culture and ideas, hardworking and hospitable people.

"As long as we have the will and mind to achieve, we will get there. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can also achieve."

The AFRIMA President also encouraged the pupils to hold on to their dreams and never give up no matter the prevailing negative circumstances.

While presenting the gifts to the headmistress, Mrs. Sainabou Jobe, Dada expressed opinion that the gifts acted as a symbol of encouragement to the school which recently emerged first place winner in a national government-organized drama and music competition held among schools in the Gambia.

Also in attendance at the event was a delegation from the Gambian National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) whose director, Sheikh Omar Jallow, was once a pupil of the school some thirty-five years ago. The National Youth Council (NYC) of the African Union (AU) was also represented.

The headmistress enumerated on the achievements of the over 35-year-old school and gave account of how it had won various awards as a result of hard work and thirst for excellence. She also encouraged her teachers and students not to rest on their oars.

She thanked AFRIMA, AU and the NYC for their recognition of the school's excellent results.

Speaking on behalf of NYC, Mr. Abdullahi Faye expressed happiness at AFRIMA's selection of  Bakoteh Proper Lower Basic School in Banjul as well as having the interest of the youth and needy at heart. He also informed the audience that the AU celebrated its 10th anniversary with the acronym, 'Banjul+10.'

He said, "I thank people from all the countries here today and urge them to always remember the school and render it any help possible because the school had a population of 3, 550 pupils with 132 teachers. This makes it a big task which the government cannot manage alone."

In the same vein, the pupils showed appreciation to AFRIMA, the AU and other stakeholders present when they presented two brilliant drama sketches on cultural marriage and the transatlantic slave trade. These were followed up with an emotional poetry rendition and some goodbye songs that brought many to tears.

The visit ended with a photo session of the visitors with the staff and pupils of the school.

Bombings By Niger Delta Militants: Buhari Losing Grip On Governance -Ogun State PDP

With the daily bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta by the militants in the area, especially by a group known as the Niger Delta Avengers, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government is losing grip on governance.

The party said in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr. Malik Olamilekan Ibitoye that the whole incident confirms the saying that Nero sleeps while Rome burns, which it said comes from a story about the Roman emperor Nero, who played violin, while Rome burns.

"Our belief is that the Federal Government now occupies itself with unimportant matters and neglect priorities during this emergency period.

"To say that Nigeria is going through her worst moment is to say the least, and the lack lustre approach of President Muhammadu Buhari to issues is condemnable.

"The bombings of the facilities of Chevron Oil, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mobil Oil and the latest bombings in Bayelsa State amongst others are appalling, disgusting, unprecedented and should be condemned by all right thinking members of the public," the statement read.

Malik added in the statement, which was made available to the media, that a government that claimed to have defeated the hydra-headed monster called the Boko Haram in the northern part of the country should not find it difficult to crush the Niger Delta Avengers to prevent anarchy and break down of law and order in that part of the country.

According to him, the bombings are capable of further plunging the nation into serious economic crisis at this time that the price of crude oil has fallen to all time low in the international market, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is trivialising serious issues that are confronting the nation.

"It is now clear that the Nigerian government should go back to the report of the National Constitutional Conference organised by former president Goodluck Jonathan as this addresses various issues affecting the country.

"We cannot fold our arms when issues that are threatening the very existence of Nigeria is playing out daily and we wonder why Buhari has failed to make hays, while the sun shines.

"Some of the happenings in the country are rubbishing what the PDP achieved for Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 and we must all join hands to put a stop to this mess if we are serious about nation building," he said.

The party added in the statement that the military must rise to the occasion and battle the Niger Delta militants headlong, while urging President Buhari to call an emergency security meetings amongst stakeholders in the sector so that normacly can return to the country.

He said further in the statement that security should be given all the attention it deserves and that the Nigerian populace did not bargain for what they are experiencing in the hands of Buhari and his co-travellers in the corridor of power.

"We are not deceived by the antics of this government. They are using delay tactics everyday and blaming the past government for their shortcomings and inadequacies after spending one year in office.

"What Buhari should do now is to seek advice as we cannot afford another one year of wastage, when we should rise to the occasion to move the nation forward," the party said.

SPDC confirms signs of leak on Forcados export line

 

Port Harcourt, Nigeria. June 03/ -- The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, operator of the SPDC JV, has confirmed signs of a leak on the 48inch Forcados export pipeline at a location between shoreline and the Forcados terminal in the western Niger Delta, coming on the heels of a reported attack on the pipeline in the early hours of Friday, June 3.

 

We are yet to fully evaluate the potential impact and damage to the pipeline resulting from this latest incident. We have however mobilised appropriate oil spill response measures and will be conducting a joint investigation visit to the leak site with relevant stakeholders.

 

We are currently focused on securing the pipeline to protect the environment. Given this latest incident and the wider security situation in the Niger Delta, we are unable to determine probable timing of resumption of exports from the Forcados terminal.

 

SPDC is the operator of the export line on behalf of the joint venture partners comprising NNPC (55%), SPDC (30%), Total E&P Nigeria Ltd (10%) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (5%)

FG DIRECTS BANKS TO SUSPEND RETRENCHMENT.

 

Following the high spate of petitions and complaints from stakeholders in the Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions, I hereby direct the suspension of the on-going retrenchment in the sector pending the outcome of the conciliatory meetings in the industry.

 

This is as a result of the apprehension by my office of the various disputes in the sector in accordance and in compliance with the provisions of the labour laws of Nigeria.

 

This decision is further predicated on the fact that the continued retrenchment and redundancy by the banks and other financial institutions are jeopardizing the outcome of the conciliatory and mediatory processes being undertaking by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

 

 In this wise, all the retrenchments and redundancies done in the last four months and all proposed ones should be put on hold, pending the outcome of the proposed stakeholders’ summit for the Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions’ employers and employees,  slated for the first week of July, 2016.

 

All parties are therefore advised in the interest of industrial peace and harmony to maintain the status-quo ante-belum.

 

 

Sen. Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige (OON)

Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment

NIGERIAN POLICE RELEASES LIST OF SUCCESSFULLY SCREENED LAGOS INDIGENES FOR EMPLOYMENT

The Nigerian Police Force has released a list of successfully screened indigenes of Lagos State that applied for recruitment into the Police Force.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello on Friday, all indigenes-candidates who applied for employment should go to the 13 Zonal Police Area Commands across the State from Saturday 4th of June, 2016 to pick their letters.

The statement adds that all categories of candidates from Cadets, Recruits, Constables and Specialists that are affected should proceed to the Police College, Ikeja from Monday 6th of June, 2016 for the interview session, which will commence as from 9.00am.

NIMASA : EFCC Arraigns Army General, Others for N8.5bn Fraud

A former Commander of Guards Brigade and erstwhile Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, OPERATION PULO SHIELD, Major General Emmanuel Atewe was today arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering. The officer who is currently serving with the army’s Training and Doctrine Command in Minna, Niger state was charged alongside a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NMASA, Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi; Kime Engozu  and Josphine Otuaga.

The accused persons allegedly conspired among themselves to divert over N8billion paid into the account of the Joint Military Task Force by NIMASA during the tenure of Akpobolokemi. The money was converted into foreign exchange and the proceeds shared by the defendants. Specifically, payments to the tune of N8, 537,586,798.58 were allegedly made to the JTF’s account with a new generation bank by NIMASA. A substantial part of the money, about N6, 038,350,741 was converted into United States Dollars by Atewe and Akpobolokemi, through various Bureau De Change operators, and handed over to  Enzogu and  Otuaga who were business partners to Akpobokelemi and thereafter shared by the defendants

Part of the money was allegedly used in the acquisition of choice properties in Port Harcourt and Abuja, as well as shares in blue chip companies.

One of the charges read, “That you Mr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, Kime Engozu and Josphine Otuaga, sometime in 2014, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court with intent to defraud conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit; Conversion of the sum of N8,537,586,798.58 (Eight billion, five hundred and thirty seven million, five hundred and eighty six thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight Naira, fifty eight kobo), property of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition)(Amendment)Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act’’ .

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that he was ready for trial with his witnesses and pleaded for accelerated hearing.

Counsel to the first accused, Mathew Bukar however prayed the court to grant his client (Akpobolokemi) bail, as he had earlier been granted bail by judges in the other cases where he is currently standing trial. Counsel to the third and fourth accused, U.B.E Innaji also urged the court to exercise its discretion to grant bail in the favour of his clients.

 

However, the court rejected Mike Ozekhome SAN, counsel to General Atewe’s prayer to grant his client bail based on self recognition.

Justice Saidu after considering the bail applications granted bail to the first accused (Akpobokelemi) on the terms earlier given by courts where he is currently standing trial on corruption charges.

 

The second, third and fourth accused were also granted bail in the sum of One hundred million naira each, two sureties and one of whom must be a senior civil servant of the rank of Deputy Director. The other must be a relative who must have a property in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, or Lekki areas of Lagos.

The accused are remanded in prison custody pending when they perfect the terms of their bail.

Justice Saidu adjourned the case to June 24, 2016for commencement of trial.

AJAH FLYOVER BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION: LAGOS ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION

The Lagos State Government on Friday announced the commencement of the construction of Ajah Reinforced Concrete Flyover, just as it said that vehicular movement in and Around Ajah roundabout would henceforth be disallowed from Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

The State’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson, in a statement he signed said the Bridge which would be constructed by Messrs. Hitech Construction Company Ltd, on completion, would alleviate the traffic gridlocks been experienced by motorists in Ajah and its environs.

He said as part of the traffic management strategies to minimise the effects of the closure on motorists during the construction period, several diversion/alternative roads have been made available for use by motorists.

He listed the diversions to include: “Main Diversion/By-pass: The newly constructed 2-lane dual carriageway running between the existing carriageway of the Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway and the fence of Royal Garden Estate shall serve as the main diversion in both directions.

”Alternative Routes Outward Lekki Scheme 1 Inward Ajah Roundabout: Turn off Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway at Ilaje bus-stop, onto Mobil Road to connect the road network within Lekki Scheme II to Ogombo Road and return to the Expressway at Abraham Adesanya roundabout.

“Turn off at Ikota 1st Gate Bus Stop onto Gbola Gas Road after Mega Chicken to link Mobil Road, connect the road network within Lekki Scheme II to Ogombo Road and return to the Expressway at Abraham Adesanya roundabout.

“Alternative Routes Outward Abraham Adesanya Estate Inward Ajah Roundabout: Turn off Thomas Estate Road to Kemfat Road after Ajiwe Police Station onto Modupe Young Street to connect Ado-Badore Road.

“Turn off St. Gregory Road beside PHCN Substation onto Modupe Young Street to link Ado-Badore Road.

“Alternative Routes Outward Ado-Badore Road Inward Ajah Roundabout: Turn off Ado-Badore Road to link Market/Ayetoro Road and connect Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway at Berger Bus Stop/Ikota junction.

“This notice serves as awareness information on the closure of Ajah Intersection. Motorists and other Road Users are therefore advised to use any of the diversion roads.

“The State Government appeals for caution and co-operation from all road users by obeying all traffic regulations and ensuring free flow of traffic during the construction period. Finally, the State Government, while regretting any inconvenience, has directed all relevant Agencies to ensure free flow of traffic”, Johnson said.

An Appeal to Ondo State Workers: Strike, Solidarity, Understanding and Way forward for States. - Kayode Ajulo

As a Comrade, I wish to solidarize with the mass of workers in Ondo state who have not been able to get paid their salaries in the past five months. 

Although in private practice, My family and I are not immune to the harsh economic realities this has brought as we have bread winners who are junior and senior workers in the service of the State.

When it is time therefore to number those who are suffering the backlash of inability to pay workers, be sure that I am one of you. 

I am with you and fully appreciate the nightmares and It is therefore worthy to salute workers in the State for their perseverance and understanding these past months.

However, it is important to tell ourselves the truth in order to shame face the political gladiators who feel it is time to strike politically, when in essence, it is time to reason. 

It is the legitimate right of workers to embark on industrial action to make known their grievance, not being paid, is an anti-climax and as such workers are in order to exercise their right to strike.

I am presently at National Industrial Court to represent the Trade Union Congress against the Federal Government on the issue of legality of strike as a tool to unsure collective interest as such, anyone trying to score political points and misinform the masses is only exercising a show of mediocrity. 

The same elite who recently disdained workers for protesting fuel hike in the overall interest of Nigerians are the ones claiming to be the saviours now. How idiotic and hypocritic? 

They are still in town talking about bail out that the state govt disbursed to offset three months salaries immediately it was received. Funny enough, workers who have gotten this money are no longer talking about bailout, but only those who choose to be deliberately ignorant.

What baffles intelligence is how they are suddenly more concerned about the welfare of workers they didn't care about when fuel subsidy was removed and untold hardship is now biting harder on both workers and citizens.

To the good people of Ondo state and the dynamic workers of our state, it is out of equal pain shared by all, and the passionate concern agitating the minds of all and sundry that I write to say that we should all channel our agitations in the right direction by calling on the federal government to do the needful by entrenching true federalism which will help our States to fulfill their obligations. 

We should call on them to give way to true federalism to allow States exploit resources in their domains to enable them fulfill their obligations. 

States should no longer be treated as babies who have to be breastfed by the mother called Federal Government. Or in the short term, review the unfair revenue sharing formula. 

For instance, the allocation for the month of April totalled 281.5 billion naira. Federal Government took 101.5 b (52.68%), 36 States and FCT took 51.34 b naira (26.72%), 774 LGAs took 39.58b naira (20.6%) while roughly 15b naira was for 13% oil derivation. 

This is starkly unfair. The first reality in the above is that states should no longer be made to depend on the F.G for funding, a more reason for true federalism and resource allocation. 

Secondly, if the F.G is not ready for true federalism, let them allocate more resources to the States to enable them fulfill their obligations, hence the unfair sharing formula must be urgently reviewed to favour States in order to allow them fulfill their obligations.

The strike action in Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara e.t.c, is traceable to the fact that the meager  allocation received monthly by states cannot sustain the states. 

This position was in line with the position of  Niger state governor as contained in yesterday's punch newspaper. Let us therefore understand that for Ondo state, Gov. Mimiko is not a wicked governor to deliberately owe his beloved workers who are the power house of the state, without whose strength and dedication the state cannot be run. 

This is a governor who has paid 13th month salary before the economic crisis and even pays #22,000 minimum wage. Perhaps, this fact may be  one of the reasons the workers have shown more understanding till now. 

NLC and TUC at States and national levels, governors and other concerned stakeholders are called upon to join forces together to push for desired and timely reforms in our nation's fiscal federalism. 

The following realities may soon dawn on us: First of all, Let many state governors continue to borrow to augment salary payments, it cannot be sustainable, many states will soon get to the breaking point and states' economies will crash and public debts will further soar. Bailout failed to address this problem, it cannot be a solution again. 

Many states may become failed States when governors can no longer fulfill their obligations. 

Crime and other social vices including insecurity will increase. Again, unrest may become the order of the day, etc. 

We can't declare the above as fake prophecies and wait for them to happen. The only way we can help ourselves is to tell ourselves the truth by calling for the above reforms. 

The case of Ondo State like 32 other states is a pathetic situation where governors with good hearts find themselves unable to perform their duties and execute laudable programmes aimed at bringing the dividends of democracy to the people. 

For governors who are now receiving less than one-quarter of what they used to receive in the era of oil boom, will find it difficult to pay salaries when the money cannot meet just the required funds for running essential government activities. 

This is a difficult situation going on in the country and we all need to brace up for these realities. 

Let's all voice out this silent and peaceful economic revolution, otherwise, we are just writing the scripts for the other type of resolution.

-Kayode Ajulo a Constitutional lawyer was National Secretary Labour Party

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT TO SOUTH-SOUTH REGION IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION PULO SHIELD

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional aircraft to the Niger Delta in support of the military operations code named “OPERATION PULO SHIELD” against militancy, economic sabotage and all forms of criminalities in the South-South region of the Country.  The deployment was necessitated by the recent spate of attacks on the Nation’s oil and gas installations by the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The additional platforms, comprising fighter aircraft, helicopter gunship and surveillance aircraft, are intended to enhance the capability of the NAF to undertake offensive air operations and intelligence gathering in support of the surfaces forces. Since the recent deployment the NAF has increased air operations around critical infrastructure in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. These include but not limited to Escravos, Forcados in Delta State; Bonga oil field, Agbami offshore and Brass in Bayelsa; Bony in Rivers; Qua Iboe Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, and Opuekeba in Ondo State.

Meanwhile, the NAF wishes to urge members of the public not to panic at the sight of low level flying aircraft but to go about their legitimate businesses. The NAF also enjoins any member of the public to avail it or other Security Agencies with useful information about the where about or activities of the militant group. 

You are please requested to disseminate the information through your mass medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.

TROOPS CLEAR BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS OUT OF CHUKUNGUDU AND KILL AN “AMEER”

Following credible information on the presence of Boko Haram terrorists,  their camp and other facilities  at Chukungudu, a carefully planned and deliberate attack comprising troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, and 153 Task Force Battalion of  7 Division and 8 Task Force  Division as well as Nigeria Air Force Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)  and some Civilian JTF, was carried out on Boko Haram terrorists stronghold  and camp at Chukungudu on Friday 3rd May 2016. 

While advancing to the location, the troops  encountered  Boko Haram terrorists  ambush positions at Muskari, Gilam and Hausasi before descending on their main objective at Chukungudu. 
During the encounter at the camp, the troops  killed 19  Boko Haram Terrorists including their notorious leader in the area called Ameer Abubakar Gana.

They also discovered and destroyed the terrorists  Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) making factory, discovered and successfully detonated 4 primed IEDs. The troops also  recovered 2  Anti-Aircraft Guns, 1  AK-47 Rifle, a Pistol, 1 Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) Bomb, 1 AK-47 Magazine, 267 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) metal links ammunition and 23 rounds of 12.7mm belt ammunition. Other recovered items include a Canter truck, 1 Gun truck, 1  Land Rover  vehicle and a Toyota Hilux vehicle.

Unfortunately, 2 soldiers  suffered gun shot wounds  as a result of enemy action. However, it is gratifying to state that both of them are very stable and responding to treatment at the Field  Ambulance.

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Dies @ 74

Boxing legend and 3 time world Heavy weight boxing champion is dead. He died at the age of 74 a family source confirms.

His funeral is expected to take place at his hometown of Louisville,Kentucky.

IVF:Any Woman Can Have Her Baby Irrespective of Age-Dr Kate Omonlei-Onoja

..... speaks on why she is offering IVFtreatment at 50% discount

 

Can you tell us a little about the fertility center?

Grabbo fertility center is a clinic located on number 2, 3rd avenue Gwarimpa in Abuja 

 

For how long have you been running this fertility clinic?

We’ve been doing fertility treatments for quite some time now for over two years, even though this center came to be two years ago, I’ve been into fertility treatments in various places where I’ve worked before this center opened, and for over five years now, I have been into gynecological practices and management of fertility 

What specific services do you offer here?

In Grabbo Fertility Clinic, we render wide range of services, we do treatment of any form of fertility generally and other aspects of gynecology, and any form of infertility which is both male and female infertility, we do detailed investigations of infertility and its causes and manage every form of infertility. We render services like In Vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer which is our major cause here. We also render other advanced fertility management like intracytoplasmic sperm injection for men that have problems with their semen like low sperm count or low motility or low morphology, we need advanced form of Invitro fertilization to help select the best semen for their wives so they can have their own biological children. We also do other forms like embryo donation, like women we notice don’t have eggs in their ovaries as a result of disease like endometriosis or as a result of age because we discovered that some people who have age on their side and they can’t produce eggs any longer, their ovaries are exhausted, so what we do for such women is that we look for donors that match their characteristics and we also get semen from their husbands and use to treat the egg and transfer into them instead of adoption, they get to carry these babies by themselves so they have the bond right from the uterus and are able to have their own children. For men, there are men who actually don’t have spermatozoa at all, we call it complete exospermia, and we’ve check their testis and they actually do not have. We also have services like sperm banking where people can actually have the semen to use to treat their wives so they can get pregnant and have kids. We also help with in Eggpreservation which is a very key aspect of fertility management because some people by virtue of not being married or something, they want to preserve their eggs so it doesn’t get wasted or something so we do oocyte cryopreservation and for such we stimulate them and harvest the eggs and help them to preserve it until such a time they are ready to use the eggs. For some women their husbands are not in town and yet they want to get treated, their husbands are abroad so what we do is that we get their husbands to come down and produces the semen and then we freeze it and use it for treatment anytime they are ready. Those are just some of the services we render here at Grabbofertility clinic.

 

If I should take you back, you mentioned women who have reached menopause or for some reason or another, are not able to menstruate anymore, so that means that any woman at that stage can still carry a baby

 

Yes, a lot of people don’t know this but it’s very possible. Menopause means a woman’s ovaries have stopped producing eggs but the uterus is still there. All we need to work on the uterus and give them drugs to help their endometrine which is the essential part of the uterus that carries the baby, we give them drugs that will make the endometrine grow and then get donors, young girls that have very viable follicles in their ovaries, we stimulate them and get their eggs. Get their husbands semen, fertilize the eggs and then we put into this women and their able to get pregnant. The bond is there and the blood is here and they deliver and have their children

 

Is there an Age limit to IVF?

With IVF there is no age limit except the person doesn’t have interest. So for that we offer another service which is surrogacy, not that some people don’t have uterus but from problems in the past, their uterus is damaged from either dilation in the past and uterus is damaged and she cannot carry babies any more. What we do for such women is surrogacy, we get people who can help them carry their baby they have the eggs and the eggs are viable and then we harvest the eggs, we then get their husbands semen and get the eggs fertilized, get a surrogate mother who will carry the baby for them

 

Can you explain to us what IVF means?

IVF means Invitro fertilization, in full it is IVF and ET that is Invitro fertilization and Embryo transfer. IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology that helps to overcome the problem of infertility in couples. We notice that in our environment, the leading cause of infertility is infections. Where most women’s have blocked tubes and we need the sperm to swim from the vagina where it is deposited to the uterus through the tube and the egg produced from the ovaries swimming into the tube were fertilization will take place before the embryo will swim into the uterus for further growth but by virtue of infection or some other causes, this is not naturally possible for some couples and IVF helps to overcome this, what it does is it stimulates the women and we harvest the eggs and bring them out and get their husbands semen, mix it together and give it some time for fertilization to take place and growth , development will occur and this growth and development goes on in special machines called incubators. We put them in an incubator and give them time to develop and in 3-5days, we bring them out and see the ones that really growing and are actually viable, and by 5 days they would have produced the blastocyst and this blastocyst is really the baby, that’s the embryo. It’s now transferred into the woman’s uterus and in twoweeks we expect a positive pregnancy test.

 

What has been your success rate so far?

Success rate in Grabbo fertility clinic has been wonderful. Worldwide success rate is about 40%, this because there are some batches you do that could be 80% and some are not up to 80%. In Grabbo fertility clinic it has been very wonderful because of the sophisticated equipment we use here, we have recorded as high as 60% which even beats the worldwidesuccess rate. So our clients and customers are very happy 

We know you’re giving out a promo right now, we would like to know what informed that decision 

Overtime in the management of infertility in Nigeria, we discover that infertility is there among our people, It has eaten deep into our people and so many marriages have crashed because of infertility. We noticed that this problem is not because the people don’t want to use the IVF for management of their infertility, we discover that their major problem has always been cost, because the drugs, media, consumables, IVF settings in the lab and bringing in these equipment is very expensive and we noticed that so many Nigerians are not able to use this facilities. We need to help the people out there that have these problems and don’t have money to run the cycle. For example each cycle costs 1-1.500, 000. That’s how much a couple will spend to treat infertility so in order to help the masses, we have to find a way to bring down the cost and we had to collaborate with companies that produce the consumable which is the drugs and they offered to give materials to us at a ridiculously low price that would help us to help us to bring down the price of IVF and make it accessible to couples that need it.

 

When does the promo start?

The Promo starts on the 1st of June and is supposed to last for 3 months and by the 31st of August we expect the promo to have expired. This is because the materials they are sending are limited. Within this period of time we expect women to comeuse up these materials and take advantage of the promo. Currently we are giving it at 500,000 naira. This is something that ordinarily costs 1-1.500, 000. But we are giving it at 500,000 which we think will help our women overcome their problems 

 

What’s the response so far?

It has been wild, we weren’t expecting this much. That also helps to confirm that the reason people haven’t been using it is because of funds. So many people have been calling and sending in money, people we haven’t even met, because they know the space is limited. We expect people that are hearing this now to quickly come use it because after the promo it will go back to its original price

 

 

 

So what is the process of IVF?

The process of IVF practically for every woman should take up to 4-5 weeks because the woman has to come and we run some tests and all. The good thing about this promo is that both the drugs and the lab test the woman is doing are included. All you need to do is make the 500,000 payment and your treatment is done. If the woman comes for a visit, we access the woman which is called the initial assessment, within the time that the treatment will start. The treatment is a long protocol and usually we start on day 21 of the woman’s cycle and we down regulate for about 2-3 weeks depending on the woman’s respond to the drugs given after which we add another drug to stimulate for another 10-14 days then thereafter we do our harvest, wait for fertilization and we transfer after 5 days and the rest is history.