Again, Financial Times of London Endorses Award-Winning Kwara Community Health Insurance

The Financial Times of London has once again endorsed the award-winning Kwara Community Health Insurance Scheme for its transformational impact on the people of the State, particularly the rural dwellers.

In an article titled, “The Innovators: devices and services to improve maternal and child health” published on its website on Thursday, the Financial Times listed Kwara Community Health Insurance among few projects with the potential to ease the burden of maternal and child mortality around the world.

The Financial Times noted that the scheme, which is operated in collaboration with Hygeia Community Health, the Netherlands government and Charity PharmAccess Foundation, was established as the first state health insurance programme in Nigeria, to provide affordable and quality healthcare for poor people.

Additionally, it stated that the scheme allows beneficiaries to access primary quality healthcare services all year round for a premium of N500. The insurance scheme is subsidized by the Kwara State government with support from the Dutch Health Insurance Fund.

While reacting, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara Community Health Insurance Scheme, Mr. Razaq Abdulsalam said the endorsement is a clear recognition of the impact of the scheme. He disclosed that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed recently approved the release of N100m for the scheme.

Among the accolades the scheme has received are the 2016 Financial Times/IFC Transformational Business Award, finalist prize at OECD Development Assistance Committee awards in 2014, the United Nations and Bill Gates Foundation recognition for its creative approach to pro-poor healthcare.

Pictures of Buhari's Visit To Ondo State For APC Gubernatorial Grand Finale

President Buhari visits Ondo State and attends APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th November 2016.

 President Buhari joined by R-L: Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki , APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife as he joins in a group photo with Ondo APC Gubernatorial Aspirants shortly after meeting with APC Stakeholders in Ondo State on 19th Nov 2016

  President Buhari with Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, Deji of Akure HRH Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Alani of Idoani His Majesty Gen. Olufemi Olutoye and Akapinsa of Ipinsa Oba Oluwafunmilayo Omoniyi as he arrives the Palace of Deji Akure HRH Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi during his visit to Ondo State for the APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th Nov 2016

President Buhari with R-L: Governor of Plateau State H.E. Simon Lalong, APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Wife of Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu and APC National Organizing Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso during the APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th Nov 2016

 President Buhari and Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu wave to an excited crowd during the APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th Nov 2016

BRILA FM’S LARRY IZAMOJE PLANS WEDDING OF THE YEAR FOR DAUGHTER

 

Right now in Lagos, there is one wedding that is literally on every one's lips - it's the talk-of-the-town nuptial between Phoebe, daughter of Dr. Larry and Mrs. Bridget Izamoje of the Brila FM fame and Damilola, son of Mr. & Mrs. Olusoji Asolo.

Billed for Saturday, December 3, 2016, at the Salem International Christian Centre, on Km. 14, Lekki/Épe Expressway, behind Total Filling Station, Lekki, Lagos, everything about this wedding embodies class, style and panache.

Most likely to end up as 'The Wedding of the Year', a grand reception follows immediately after the church service at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. However, to secure a seat here isn't easy. The reason being that an Access Card, with a special and coded number, is needed.

Hear how the Guest Information Card inside the exclusive wedding IV captured it: 'ACCESS CARD - It is extremely important that you come along with your access card (s). Each card admits one person only. The Access Card works with an electronic device and we plead you bear with the operators at the gates. They have assured they will hasten confirmation and access on presentation.'

Another vital information to note: 'OUR PLEA - not a children's event - Due to restrictions, children are not allowed at the social event (s). We plead for your understanding.'

Again: 'APPETIZER - New or old school, an afternoon and evening of music, comedy, etc is lined up for you...It's celebration time! So, come with comfortable dancing shoes...'

The highly sought-after and exclusive Access Cards, we gathered, were ordered from China. They arrived only days ago and can only be used electronically. They are also not transferable.

We scooped that Phoebe and Damilola met and fell in love in the United Kingdom where they both bagged their Bachelors and Masters degrees. Now back in the country and making significant progress professionally, the colour code for the ladies is royal blue and white gele and for the gents, white attires and navy blue caps.

Preceding their white wedding, however, would be the traditional version. Slated for 1pm, on Thursday, December 1, 2016, the venue this time would be The Civic Centre, along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos. Again, an Access Card is needed to be part of the celebration which high society as well as friends and family members of the couple are daily and gleefully talking about.

 

Tope Alabi, St Janet, Shine At Biyi Samuel’s Adura Concert

Inspirational Singer, Biyi Samuel was full of gratitude to God as he held another successful musical concert tagged ADURA. The concert attracted the who is who in the music and entertainment world generally.

The event which was held at Bamboo hall, Omole, Ikeja in Lagos could be described as electrifying as top artistes came to perform and shower praises to God who makes all things possible. Artistes that thrilled the guests include Tope Alabi, St Janet, Mike Abdul, Aduke Gold, Bisola Testimony, Omo Jesu, alongside others.

The host, Biyi Samuel, famous for the movie soundtrack titled, Igi Aruwe, with his band, The June 20 Crew performed to the admiration of all the guests. The concert also marked the official launch of his new album titled ADURA which was released under the stable of Moyinnet Entertainment.

Made up of eight tracks, Adura is a cocktail of different genre in Biyi’s unique style. The songs include Mama’s song, Iwo Ko, Wa Miri, Worship medley, Praise Medley and others. In a chat with the artiste, he said that his sixth album titled Adura, meaning ‘prayer’ was inspired by his faith in God to answer his pleas. “Whatever it is you’ve been going through, whatever it is you’ve been asking from God, God will answer you. As regards my uniqueness, my difference is in God. I started singing before I attended higher institution and God has only been my sustenance over the years,” says Biyi.

Apart from his colleagues in the music industry, other entertainers  who were at the event were Yemi Shodimu, Dotun Taylor, Olatunji Oke; publisher of Lagos Indicator alongside other important dignitaries.

Dotun Ajala, CEO of Moyinnet Entertainment, who signed Biyi under his record label said his preference for Biyi Samuel is because his songs are inspirational and evergreen as it would last for a long time.

Ajagunmale is an epitome of praise. And praise as we all know, remains the best supplication to God- Gani Adams

BEING THE TEXT OF SPEECH DELIVERED BY OTUNBA (DR) GANI ADAMS AT THIS YEAR EDITION OF THE ANNUAL AJAGUNMALE FESTIVAL HOLDING TODAY, 16^thWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER, 2016, AT LEKKI GUEST HOUSE, LEKKI, LAGOS..

 

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the third edition of the annual Ajagunmale festival. 

It is, indeed, a great honour for me to also stand before you today to celebrate the third anniversary of this festival.

Today's event, (like every other events, sponsored by our organisation), has come to stay. 

And I am delighted that the initiatives introduced a few decades ago by our organisation have matured. 

The secret of our success stories is in our commitment to promote the Yoruba cultural heritage across the Nigeria and beyond.  

It is also pertinent to say it repeatedly, that this event is one of the various annual festivals organized and sponsored by the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF). 

But many might be wondering why we continue to sponsor festivals and celebrate our ancestors and progenitors through these annual festivals.

 Let me respond by saying that OFF under my leadership is determined to pursue its ideological beliefs vigorously without looking back.

But if I may ask: Who is Ajagunmale? And why do we celebrate the festival.? 

Ajagunmale is referred to as  the most recognised praise-singer in heaven. 

He is the Chief Priest of Ifa in heaven, saddled with the onerous responsibility of eulogizing the creator of heaven and earth. 

He is  also known and called the Oluwo Ode - Orun, meaning the Chief Priest of heaven. 

The Yoruba history and epistemology also defines the role of Ajagunmale as a praise- singer to Almighty God. 

There are more to this history, but the truth is that the two prominent religions we practice in Nigeria certainly lay claim the supremacy of God as the omnipotent and omniscience.

Ajagunmale is an epitome of praise. And praise as we all know, remains the best supplication to God. 

The Yoruba in their wisdom, believe in the act of praising God, The power of praise is awesome and it is the only key that opens all doors, particularly, the door to the heart of the highest God.

So, Ajagunmale, on daily basis, often uses His praise songs to praise and applaud the almighty God. 

That is why his one of the  most love deity in heaven by  almighty God because through   praising  God in his lineage every morning in heaven  his always happy with him, which a lot of yorubas did not know because of is attachment to Yoruba religion.

We have to appreciate one of the important heritages attached to Yoruba religion and Yoruba culture and tradition in heaven that is one the reason we are celebrating him today.

 

The lesson here is for us not to despise the power of praise in all our endeavors. 

It is truly the key to all doors, and most times, It is also key to our successes as a people. 

Praise is awesome to God, as we gather here to celebrate Ajagunmale, one thing is sure: And that is, the highest God is happy with us. 

But as we celebrate Ajagunmale festival, we must acknowledge the fact that what we are doing today is no jamboree.

In the last few years, we have designed an annual programme of events and festivals that have showcased our resolve and determination to break new ground in our quest to project the Yoruba cultural heritage to the world.

On several occasions, we have continuously promoted our traditional institutions globally. 

We have also made a clarion call to all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs or associations, to support a genuine cause to promote what is truly ours- that's our cultural identity and heritage.

Today, everybody is aware of our foundation’s resolve to continually promote our ancestors, including the Yoruba cultural heritage and traditional institutions.

 So far, there is no denying the fact that OFF has made tremendous progress in all areas of human endeavours, be it socially, politically or economically. 

All glory and adoration goes to the almighty God, who has made it possible for us to champion a new cause. 

More importantly, I must admit and appreciate all the leaders of our group, for being courageous and innovative in the face of various odds.

 As a foremost organization, I know for sure that Olokun Festival Foundation  have several records of achievements. 

All these achievements easily translate to what everybody could see and be proud of wherever they are in any parts of the country.

Therefore, as I stand before you today, I' m here to encourage you, I' m here to wake you all up from your slumber, that no matter the situation, we should try as much as we could, to remain steadfast and committed to our goal. 

Our goal as I have said severally is to be committed to the ideals of a genuine socio cultural organisation. 

That is what we are known for in Nigeria and across the world, And that is our identity. 

Nothing more, nothing less, On the present state of the nation’s economy, Everybody is feeling the heat. 

It is no more news that the economic recession in the country is affecting Nigerians seriously; however, it is sad that not much has been done by the present administration to harness the tourism potentials of our great nation.

The present situation in the country demands a new approach, Besides, tourism can as well, be one of the policy options of this administration that can help us out of this economic doldrums that we have found ourselves in. Other countries have done it and it worked.

We can do it as well,  At this juncture, Let me say it once again that OFF is ready to join hands with people of like minds mainly to use these festivals as tools to boost our tourism potentials in Nigeria. 

Tourism provides a wide array of opportunities for people across the world. 

In terms of doing tourism and businesses, Nigeria remains the best place for global investors. 

Therefore, as a credible organisation that promotes the Yoruba cultural values and tradition, we will continue to lend our voices to call on the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to use tourism and festivals as tools for national development. 

Festivals like this and others that we have been sponsoring in the past decades should be used to market our rich cultural heritage to the world.

By celebrating these festivals, we are also selling our unique tradition to the world. 

Therefore, Nigeria government has a role to play in harnessing our tourism potentials to the world.

More importantly, I passionately appeal to all Yoruba indigenes both at home and in the diaspora   to support our crusade for making this possible.

On this note, I express my appreciation to all our royal fathers and the guests present here today. 

As far as I am concerned, celebrating Ajagunmale festival in Lekki is a step in the right direction, and I urge you all to keep the flag flying. 

This anniversary offers the host community the rare opportunity to learn great lessons about how best to use praise as an opportunity to move closer to God, and also remain faithful to the ideals of our foundation.

 

Thanks for listening and God bless you all. 

Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams

National Coordinator Oodua People’s Congress

Chief Promoter Olokun Festival Foundation

Chairman Gani Adams Foundation

Convener Oodua Progressive Union

Diamond Bank pictures from the World Savings Day awareness campaign.

Diamond Bank on World Savings Day.

L-R: From left to right; Staff of Diamond Bank ,Grace Arua, (In the Middle) a Teacher at Owerri City Secondary School , Branch Manager of Diamond Bank Owerri branch,Ifeoma Nwuke, a student of the School and staff of Diamond Bank,Kingsley Eke.

 

 

 

Diamond Bank on World Savings Day.

L- R: Joseph Odufala , Ibironke Bello Kuburat , Business Manager, Abeokuta branch, Abdulhameed Mukhtarall of Diamond Bank Plc and a Student of the Nigerian Customs Secondary School, Idiroko,  Ekpe Jim Mfonobong

 

 

Diamond Bank Plc on World Savings Day.

L-R: A Staff of Diamond Bank ,Samuel Kor, (In the Middle) Vice Principal of Ibeku High School, Umuahia, Mr. Ukanwoko and Business Manager,Diamond Bank, Umuahia Area, Uzoma Enyinnaya

 

Diamond Bank Plc on World Savings Day.

Students of Mercyland International School in Ogun State and Staff of Diamond Bank at the just concluded World Savings Day which held on the 31stof October 2016

Manu Dibango Receives First Ever African Award At AFRIMA 2016 ....Sunny Ade, Papa Wemba Get Recognition Awards

Cameroon-born saxophonist, Manu Dibango, has revealed that the Legendary Award, conferred on him at AFRIMA 2016, was the first award of any kind in music, to him, from Africa.
The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, held its third edition on November 6, 2016 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, in Lagos, which is the official host city of the prestigious awards ceremony.

For Dibango, who has won nearly all global music laurels, honouring him for the first time in Africa, was indeed historic. In his acceptance speech, he said, "I thank AFRIMA for this award because it means so much to me. This is the first award I have ever gotten in Africa."

Manu Dibango stormed the world with an Afro rock hit tune, Soul Makossa, in the mid 1970s and with his characteristics saxophone tones, went on to hold the music world spellbound with the Makossa Rhythm and Dance, in the years following the release of that hit tune.

The 83-year-old was completely in his elements on the AFRIMA stage, as he reenacted the fire of yesteryears.

In the same vein, Sunday Adegeye, aka King Sunny Ade (Nigeria) is also counting AFRIMA Special Recognition Award as one of his career's blessings.
The musician who clocked 70 years in September 2016 bagged the AFRIMA Special Recognition Award for his influence on world music.

KSA witnessed at AFRIMA 2016, a Tribute Session which was headlined by African music acts, Brymo and Seyi Shay, who churned out a remix of one of his hit tunes.  Alongside the duo's performance, KSA did a dance medley to the tune. Dancing with him on stage was Africa's Waka Queen, Salawa Abeni. The sheer dexterity of Sunny Ade's shuffle to the song, left guests in awe.

KSA arguably, would go down in history as one of African musicians who deliberately embarked early in life, on the commercial repackaging of Africa's music for the western market.
His collaboration with Chris Blackwell's Island Records, after the death of Bob Marley, is indeed the first concerted effort by a foreign music investor to deliberately want to tinker with creativity of home-grown African native music, for western dancehall tastes.
This opened another vista in the West's interest in African native music, beyond FELA.

 Sunny Ade, who was full of praises for AFRIMA and the Lagos State Government for the special recognition accorded him, remains an enigma, and has been nominated twice for the World Music Category of the Grammy. He is still a master of the stage and a dance star.
However, the tempo of the evening wore a somber look when Africa's Jules Shungu Wemabadio Pene Kikumba, aka Papa Wemba, was mentioned for a post-humous Special Recognition award.  He was honoured for his influence on world music. His wife, Mama-Marie Loxolo and daughter, Orphèe, received the award on behalf of the family.
Papa Wemba, who was called the King of Rumba Rock, long before boxing all time legend, Mohammed Ali, made the name popular in his historic fight "Rumble in the Jungle".

Papa Wemba was one of the most popular musicians of his time in Africa. A fashion icon who  popularised the "La Sape" look and style through his musical group, "Viva La Musica," he died at age 66, while on stage at the FEMUA URBAN Music Festival, on Sunday April 24, 2016 in Abidjan, Cote Di'Voire.                 END.

 

OPERATION DELTA SAFE GETS NEW COMMANDER

A new commander for Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta has been appointed.  He is Rear Admiral Apochi Ogabu Suleiman.  He relieved Rear Admiral Joseph Osa Okojie who has now been reassigned.  

Until his appointment, Rear Admiral Suleiman was the Director Development at the Defence Headquarters.  Before that, he was the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command.  This change becomes necessary in order to inject new capability to contain the prevailing security threats and provide adequate much needed stability in the region. 

His appointment is with immediate effect.

NMS AFRICA WELCOMES 16 SUPERCHARGED HOUSEMATES

16 Finalists have now emerged and have been welcomed to the Supercharged House of The Next Movie Star 2016, after a Welcome Party, Sunday Night at Sidewalk Lounge, Ikeja, Lagos and this is authoritative. 

Speaking to Journalists at the Party, Prince Olaiya Tolufashe (Content & New Media Manager of The Next Movie Star, NMS) said: “Our Welcome Parties are symbolic. Once you make it into the NMS House, it’s almost certain you will make it to stardom and celebrity. So tonight, we welcome these great talents into The Next Movie Star House, and, predictively, into enduring Stardom”

As it is now an NMS custom, after auditions, 19 hopefuls were selected from Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia to be part of a week-long Training & Grooming exercise. 

Veterans and industry experts were at this year’s T&G to impart applied knowledge on the Housemates. Bakare Adeoye of Genesis Studios; Femi Davies of Metro News, Samuel Olatunji of Big Sam Media, Tunji Adeoye 2thpick Art, Ayo Soyinka, Aderemi Ogunpitan of IBST Media, and Pastor Gboyega, a life coach were all facilitators at this year’s T&G.  

They taught topics ranging from Production Management to Art directing; Social Media Management to Public Relations; and from Screen writing to Stage Acting and dancing. The life coach spoke to the housemates on the Attitude of a Star Actor.  

At the end of the exercise, talents of the 19 were evaluated and 3 of them had to go back home while 16 head into the House to begin a 30-Day of Lifestyle, Fun, suspense and emotional Reality TV Show. 

Of the 16 Finalists, 10 are smart Daughters, while 6 are gifted Sons. Sorting by County, 12 are Nigerians, 2 are Ghanaians, and 2, Liberians. 

Annabell Orumbie, Chinonso Ukah, Davies Ikpoyi, Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Onome Amrebomare, and Maria Attah, who recently lost her father to the Boko Haram Insurgence, are Nigerians in the House. 

Susan Echa, Tomiwa Saad, Tonia Roberts, Moses Samuel, Victory Bamigbade, Sophia Okorie, a 400 Level, Environmental Education Student of the University of Benin, complete the list of Nigerians. 

Christina Attiope is a Ghanaian in the NMS, and she is joined by her Black Star brother – Kobby Acheamopong. Representatives of George Weah’s Liberia are Dell Kollie and Pamela Pewu

“With 16 Final Housemates,” Prince Olaiya remarks, “the NMS House is now supercharged for some engaging activities. And permit me to say, this means we have now entered the 3rd and most thrilling phase of the Reality TV Show that has become Africa’s most consistent.”

GANI ADAMS SPEAKS ON LATE GBADAMOSI

 

ADIEU, CHIEF RASHEED GBADAMOSI

We received with rude shock, the passing of Chief Rasheed Gbadamsi, erudite industrialist, distinguished politician, intelligent arts collector and Patron/member of the Board of Trustee, Olokun Festival Foundation, Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF)

On behalf of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), we commiserate with the family, friends, associates and staff of Chief Gbadamosi, who slept in the Lord on Wednesday evening in his Ikorodu residence at age 73.

We remember, with pain in our hearts, the enormous support and contributions he imparted to the growth and stability of Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), as a vehicle formed to drive the re-oxygenation of the dying Yoruba culture and tradition. His advice towards the realisation of the noble course had been of immense value to the Foundation to date.

In 73 very eventful years, Chief Gbadamosi was able to stamp his feet solidly on the sands of time by distinguishing himself notably in nearly every relevant facets of human endeavours.

Chief Gbadamosi will be remembered as a true Yoruba leader, politician, leading industrialist, writer and arts aficionado.

As his remains would be interred today, we remember his golden touch that has left indelible and positive impacts on the entire human race. Among his strides in the business arena, Chief Gbadamosi was Chairman, Ragolis Water Ltd, AIICO Pension Managers and Lucky Fibres Nig. Ltd. He was also a former Chairman, Bank of Industry.

On the political front, he was a former Chairman, Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency, a former minister and Commisioner for Establishment and Economic Development in Lagos State.

As a playwright, he authored Trees Grow in the Desert, just as he was deeply involved in creative development

His death is a huge shock to us because this is happening when we have not fully recovered from the demise of Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, another Yoruba leader. It is so painful that we are losing our leaders who have soft spot for the development of the Yorubaland

Chief Gbadamosi, a founding member of the MUSON Centre, will be deeply missed. 

On behalf of the Olokun Festival Foundation  (OFF), I pray for the repose of the soul of Chief Gbadamosi, who as they say: came, saw and conquered so resoundingly, in the race of life.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace

 

DID FG LIE? Dasuki’s Lawyer Tackles FG on Purported Offer to Attend Dad’s Burial

…. Matter Adjourned till December 7, 2016

 

A senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Raji and counsel to the detained former National Security Adviser, retired Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki has taken the Federal Government to task on the purported offer granted Dasuki to allow him travel to Sokoto to attend the burial of his late father and 18^th Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki who was buried on Tuesday.

 

The counsel who spoke with the judiciary journalist at the FCT High Court Abuja said that the purported offer was doubtful because none of his lawyers was contacted on the issue.

 

He said: “As his counsel, we are not aware of that offer. Our client has not told us anything of that nature. We would have expected that if such a gesture was going to be made to him we as his counsel should have been involved so that we can advise him properly. As I am speaking to you, I am hearing of this for the first time.”

 

Raji said there was no basis for the continued detention of Dasuki by government having being granted bail by three different high courts in Abuja in the charges against him as well as the order of the ECOWAS court for his unconditional release in the case for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to freedom of liberty.

 

He said “Dasuki has been granted three bails and one outright judgement for his release by the ECOWAS court which is binding in honour on Nigeria

 

The lawyer appeal to the Federal Government to set a good example by according respect to the rule of law and the principle of fairness and natural justice by ensuring the immediate release of the EX-NSA in compliance with various court orders.

 

Meanwhile, the trial of former National Security Adviser on the alleged arms deals filed against him by the Federal Government at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has been adjourned to December 7, 2016.

 

The trial was put off at the instance of lawyers from the prosecution and defence sides who jointly agreed that the mood was not proper for the trial of the Ex-NSA whose father and the 18 Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki was just buried on Tuesday in Sokoto.

 

Dasuki was not brought before the court for undisclosed reasons but his counsel Mr. Ahmed Raji told the judiciary journalists that the former NSA was still mourning the sudden passage of his father.

 

The counsel hinted that although the matter was not officially mentioned before Justice Baba Yusuf who was billed to conduct the trial, all lawyers involved in the matter felt that the period was not good for the trial and hence their joint agreement for an adjournment till December 7, 2016.

 

Apart from Dasuki all other defendants in the matter comprising former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, former Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, Director Finance and Supply in the Office of the National Security Adviser Salisu Shuaibu  and Alhaji Aminu Baba Kusa were present in court.

 

By PRNigeria

BREAKING NEWS! POLICE FOIL PLANNED KIDNAPPING OF NIGERIAN OIL MAGNATE FEMI OTEDOLA

      IGP Restates Commitment of NPF to Clamp down on all Criminal Activities

An attempt to kidnap a Nigerian oil magnate, Femi Otedola, has been foiled by the Nigeria Police Force. 

The IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) accomplished this task when it arrested a three man notorious kidnap gang on the 23rd June, 2016.

The arrest was achieved through coordinated intelligence gathering and deployment of technical investigative tools that spanned several weeks.

The Principal suspect, one Ikechukwu Daniel, a 28 year old indigene of Imo State, who is the mastermind of the gang, was rusticated from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria due to his cult related activities on campus in 2009/2010. He also doubles as the IT guru of the kidnap gang with mastery of Computer applications. He made damning revelations of their criminal exploits in the South West of the Country.

Another member of the gang, 29 year old Adeyemi Kayode, a serving officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence corps and a native of Ojoo in Ibadan, Oyo State serves as a Personal Assistant to the Commandant, NSCDC Oyo State Command. The suspect took undue advantage of his office to obtain the GSM number and location of their would be victim. He hatched the plan on how to kidnap the business magnate to make a demand of one billion naira ransom.

The third suspect, Ayodele Temitayo, a native of Oyo in Ibadan, Oyo State who is the marksman and armourer of the gang, claimed to have been dismissed from 213 Battalion Maiduguri of Nigeria Army as a Private in 2015.

All the suspects made confessional statements revealing that they had successfully carried out several high profile kidnappings and two AK47 rifles loaded with live ammunition were recovered from them.

While efforts are currently being intensified to apprehend other members of the gang and extend investigation to their other criminal enterprise, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni, wishes to restate the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to clamp down on all criminal activities across the country and reassures law abiding citizens that criminal elements would be eventually apprehended and charged to court. 

The IGP urges Nigerians to avail the Police with relevant information that will help in the crusade against crime; as such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

MTN, Airtel, Others May Face Sanctions Over Unsolicited Telemarketing

 For failing to comply with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directive on the Do Not Disturb (DND) directives, issued to them on April 20,2016, 13 network operators risk severe Sanctions by the

Commission.

They are however given another one-week

ultimatum being from Monday, November 14, 2016 to remedy the situation or face the Sanctions enshrined in the directive.

Worried by the non-compliance by the operators

occasioned by a deluge of complaints by

subscribers across Nigeria, the NCC inaugurated an eight - member committee to look into the matter.

After several meetings, including those it held

with the network providers, it became necessary to

issue the latest ultimatum to redress the menace of incessant unsolicited text messages and phone calls for telemarketing via the various

networks, a statement by the NCC Director, Public

Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo said.

The network operators, include Airtel Network

Limited, MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Smile

Communication, Visafone Communications, Ntel, Etisalat, Multi links, Starcomms, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel Limited and Gicell wireless.

The NCC has written to all 13 networks providers

on whose networks it has received series of

complaints from subscribers regarding the efficacy of the Do Not Disturb(DND) service.

The statement said that the Commission had

engaged mobile network operators on this subject and further directs that: the phrase Network generated SMS' referred to part(d) of the duration issued on April 20, 2016 to network providers shall be taken to mean:

messages and calls with respect to only:

. information on emergencies for example,

national security, fire;.Notifications on network

maintenance programmes down times and.

Notification regarding subscribers bundle usage and service renewals.

Other text messages and voice calls informing

subscribers of new products and service offerings are not regarded as network generated and therefore regarded as "unsolicited marketing messages".

The NCC has therefore asked these network

providers to ensure that information on the Do Not

Disturb service should be disseminated after every revenue generating activity via the End of Call Notification (EOCN) for the period not less than 45 days within the hours of 8am to 8 pm daily from the receipt of the latest letter on the subject.

The operators are also admonished to deploy this

information through all their channels of

communications,

including websites, social media platforms, bill

boards, flash messages, text messages, Interactive Voice Response platform, radio jingles, newspapers advertisements and television commercials.

The statement said that this notice serves as a

pre-enforcement notice and "Failure to comply with the directives, in furtherance of the Direction of April 20, 2016, within seven days from November 14, 2016 shall result in the imposition of appropriate sanctions".The menace of unsolicited text messages has been a nightmare to several millions of subscribers and the Commission can no longer accept any excuses whatsoever from the network providers, Ojobo said in the statement.