Ghana election: Opposition leader Akufo-Addo declared winner

Ghana's opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo has won Wednesday's tightly contested presidential election.
President John Mahama called Mr Akufo-Addo to admit defeat, a spokesman for his party said, as the Electoral Commission announced the result.
Mr Akufo-Addo has promised free high-school education and more factories but critics have questioned the viability of his ambitions.
Celebrations have broken out in the capital, Accra.
Ghana has been a multi-party democracy since the end of military rule in 1992 and this result is seen as reinforcing its reputation for the peaceful transfer of power between administrations.
Mr Akufo-Addo, from the New Patriotic Party, won the election on his third attempt to reach the presidency, after a campaign dominated by the country's faltering economy.
"I make this solemn pledge to you tonight: I will not let you down," he told a jubilant crowd in front of his residence.
"I will do all in my power to live up to your hopes and expectations."
Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) declared Mr Akufo-Addo the winner, with 53.85% of the votes, while Mr Mahama took 44.40%. Turnout was at 68.62%.
BBC NEWS

LAGOS PLANS BIG FOR 2016 ONE LAGOS FIESTA

…Event To Hold In 5 Centres For 8 Days

…Introduces Talent Hunt Show

The Lagos State Government on Thursday said that it is putting finishing touches to make this year’s edition of its flagship Yuletide revue popularly known as the One Lagos Fiesta (OLF) bigger better and bolder.

Addressing journalists at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Ikeja, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde said in line with the vision of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the event would continue in its tradition of holding across the five zones as it held last year including Ikeja (Agege Stadium), Badagry (Badagry Stadium), Ikorodu (Ikorodu Town Hall), Lagos Island (Bar Beach) and Epe (Epe Recreation Centre).

Ayorinde said this year’s edition would stand out as instead of the five days that it held last December, this year’s will run for eight days across all the zones, commencing from Christmas Eve on December 24 till the wee hours of the New Year.

He said the reason for the expanded fiesta was to keep Lagosians, especially the youths, happy and creatively busy.

“You will recall that we have just had a successful maiden edition of The Lagos Street Party (TLSP) last weekend, in which the popular Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island was turned into a carnival and concert ground.

“While TLSP delivered on its mandate to formally usher in the Yuletide season in Lagos and create an additional platform for creative enterprise to flourish, OLF will fulfill its traditional obligation of ending the year on an entertaining note and usher in the new year with fun and fanfare, while carrying along every part of the state in line with the governor's electoral promise that no part of Lagos will be left behind,” the Commissioner said.

Ayorinde said this year’s edition of the One Lagos Fiesta would also see the introduction of a talent hunt exercise tagged ‘Lagos' Got Talent’, which according to him, seeks to discover, celebrate and reward exceptional talents among the youth or the young at heart in the areas of music, dance, comedy and other creative stunts.

Explaining how the talent hunt would run, Ayorinde said that interested participants can register online at www.onelagosfiesta.ng as well as in the five zonal offices including Multipurpose hall of Eko FM, Agidingbi Ikeja, Divisional Information Office, Lugard's House along the Badagry Marina, Divisional Information Office, Ikorodu, 1, Oriwu Street, Ita Elewa, City Hall, Lagos Island and Divisional Information Office, Epe, Chalet Road, beside Lagos High Court, Oke-Oyinbo, Epe.

He said registration for the talent hunt show would run till Wednesday, December 14, 2016, while those selected from the audition would have an opportunity to perform at the OLF stage in each location between the 24th and 30th of December with the two finalists from each zone slugging it out for the final showdown in Victoria Island on the 31st of December.

“If you are talented in any of these areas and you are looking for a platform to showcase your skills and begin a rewarding journey to stardom, then this year's OLF is the platform you need,” Ayorinde said.

Also speaking, Co-chairs of the One Lagos Fiesta Committee, Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola and Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said that winners of the talent hunt show would be handsomely rewarded by the State Government, adding that arrangements have also been made for varieties of A-list and upcoming artistes from all music genres to thrill participants.

They also assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure safety of lives and property throughout the course of the fiesta.

Supreme Court Dismisses Tambuwal bid to stop action against his nomination.... Orders Retrial in Federal High Court

The Supreme Court has dismissed the bid by Governor Amunu Waziri Tambuwal to stop a court’s action challenging the propriety of his nomination for the 2015 governorship election by the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The Apex Court held that the nomination of Tambuwal by his party should be challenged by another governorship aspirant, Senator Umaru Dahiru on the ground that he has sufficient justifiable cause.

In a unanimous decision of a five man panel of the Supreme Court Justices, the Apex Court held that to agree with Tambuwal that the primary election that produced him cannot be challenged by another governorship aspirant is to allow democracy to be murdered by the governor.

In the lead judgement by Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed and read by Justice Chima Nweza, the apex court set aside the decision of the court of appeal that the court action instituted by Senator Dahiru against Tambuwal had been overtaken by events on the strength of the election of the governor

The Supreme Court said that the Appeal Court erred in law by holding that the event had overtaken the case of the appellant simply because the governorship had been conducted after the primary election.

The Apex Court therefore ordered that a Federal High Court in Abuja should retried the case on its merit and make decision as demanded by law.

Senator Dahiru had challenged the conduct of the Primary Election that produced Tambuwal as Candidate of APC on the ground that it was fraught with fraud because the original list of the delegate for primary election was swap in favour of Tambuwal.

By this development, the Federal High Court in Abuja will now determine the matter on its merit as ordered by the Supreme Court.

PICTURES: GOV. AMBODE MEETS INVESTORS ON BOND ISSUANCE IN ABUJA

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), flanked by Commissioner for Finance/Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Adeyemi Ashade (left) and Permanent Secretary/Accountant General, Mrs. Abimbola Umar during the Governor’s meeting with investors on Bond Issuance in Abuja, on Friday, December 9, 2016.

Suspected Fraudster Docked for Allegedly Duping American $629,287

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday December 7, 2016 arraigned one Dr. Vincent Anyigor and his company, Vanyigor Concepts Limited before Justice M. A. Liman of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on a 25-count charge bordering on conspiracy, altering, forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of USD 629,287.00 (Six Hundred and Twenty Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Seven U.S Dollars).

The complainant alleged that sometime in October, 2010 he paid the sum of $629,287.00 to Dr. Vincent Anyigor for the supply of Six million barrels of Bonny Light crude oil and that till date he is yet to receive the products or get a refund of his money.

Anyigor is alleged to be the leader of a syndicate and parades himself as an international operator in the oil and gas sector

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, U. R. Ewoh, asked the court for a date for trial. However, counsel to the defendant Chief Chuks Muom (SAN) urged the court to grant his client bail as the alleged offence is bailable.

Justice Liman granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000,000.00 (One hundred million Naira), with two sureties in like sum. Each of the sureties must own a landed property worth N50, 000,000.00 within the jurisdiction of the court. The court bailiff is to verify the property. The defendant is also to deposit his international passport with the court registrar.

The defendant is to be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail.
The case has been adjourned to 18 and 19 January, 2017 for trial.

Bomb Blasts in Madagali, Adamawa State

Bomb Blasts in Madagali, Adamawa State
Twin bomb-explosions hit a crowded market in Madagali, a town in Adamawa State in North-East Nigeria.

According to a rescue worker drafted to the scene, the explosions occurred on Friday morning in a town that is close to the Sambisa Forest.

Security personnel have cordoned the scene of the explosions while official from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)and other health workers have evacuated victims to hospitals

While the level of casualty is yet to be officially confirmed, PRNigeria gathered that Nigerian troops have in recent weeks invaded various parts of dreaded Sambisa Forest used by Boko Haram terrorists as their major hideouts for their trainings and camping.

In the ongoing operation Lafiya Dole of the military many armed terrorists have been killed while captives and abductees, especially women and children have been rescued.

Madagali town was seized by Boko Haram in August 2014 but was recaptured by Nigerian troops in March 12, 2015.

Olugbo is the traitor not Moremi, says Ilaje paramount ruler

A prominent Oba in Ilaje land, His Royal Majesty Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, the Olu of Igbokoda  has described the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan as the traitor who out of greed,  lust for women and inability to keep secrets, betrayed the his people instead of attributing the act of treachery to Moremi.  He also described as false and misleading the claim of Oba Akinruntan that he is the legitimate Ooni of Ile-Ife
“If he is the Ooni, let him go to Ilfe ife and occupy the throne. He should go their and chase the people away”, Oba Odidiomo said. Both Oba Akinruntan and Oba Odidi occupy exalted royal seats in Ilaje. He advised traditional rulers to watch what they say adding that at the moment, the place of the Ooni in Yoruba and world history cannot be rubbished by anyone.
The intervention of Oba Odidiomo is the most profound coming from any prominent Oba in Ondo State where the Olugbo comes from. He spoke with Irohinoodua in an exclusive interview today.
Oba Odidiomo said the revelations of the prowess and sacred powers of the Ugbo people to Moremi  by the Olugbo was the height treachery against sacred culture and norms of the Ugbo people which eventually led to the defeat of the Ugbo.
“We must understand the dialectics of history. Moremi had a mission to liberate his people. The Olugbo out of his greed for women fell in love with her. He went ahead to reveal the secrets of his people which was the height of betrayal. In Yoruba culture, it is sacrilegious to reveal the secrets of the Oro to women, but that was exactly what the Olugbo did. He therefore betrayed his people. It was that betrayal by the Olugbo that led to the escape of a sophisticated spy who had conducted espionage on the enemies of his people. She left all the lucre and wealth she was offered by Ugbo to return to her fatherland and even painfully sacrificed her only son as promised’, the Oba said.
The raging controversy over the role of Moremi in Yoruba history snowballed into another storm: Who is the supreme Oba in Yorubaland?
Oba Odidiomo faulted the claim of the Olugbo as the ‘real Ooni” saying that his accounts were full of inaccuracies and incorrect claims.
He said the title of the current Olugbo is “Obamakin” which negates the primacy of “Orunmakin” adding that for the Olugbo to bear the title “Osangangan” shows that the title came after the original accolade of “kutukutu” which indicated the earliest of royal tradition. He said since the Olugbo admitted that there were 13 automous Kingdoms at Ile-Ife at the time, it was wrong for the Olugbo to lay claim to being the paramout ruler when at the time there was no supreme community at Ife.
He said the argument of the Olugbo was partly informed by his lack of understanding of the fact that there were two epochs in Ife history, being Ife Odeaye and Ife Ooye. He said Olugbo seems to be referring to a period before the title Ooni was adopted at Ile Ife.
Oba Odidi, the paramount ruler and prescribed authority of Igbokoda Ilaje Kingdom declared that it was the Olugbo, who was a traitor and not Moremi.
The Olugbo had earlier carpeted the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for honouring Moremi Ajasoro as a heroine and subsequently declared that he was the original head of the early Ife Kingdom before the arrival of Oduduwa and therefore, the rightful owner of the Ooni title.
Oba Ogunwusi recently built a tower, described as the third highest in Africa, in memory of Moremi Ajasoro, a wife of Ooni Oranyan who sacrificed herself and her only child in exchange for freedom for her people.
Oba Odidiomo argued that it was Olugbo who actually gave out his own people by revealing the age-long tradition and secrets of his own kingdom and people to a beautiful woman, out of greed and covetousness.
According to the Igbokoda monarch, the Ugbo raid on Ile-Ife which he claimed was masterminded by the Olugbo was essentially to steal goods of Ife traders on market days so as to have things to feed on.
“The Ugbo information he gave out was a sacrilege. It was Olugbo that betrayed his people through the classified information he divulged”, he said.
Oba Odidiomo who queried Olugbo’s claim to supremacy disclosed that the original title of the real Olugbo was ‘Kutukutu’ and not ‘Osangangan’, adding that the latter was junior to the former.
“If Olugbo said that there were 13 autonomous kingdoms in Ife at the time, was Olugbo playing supervisory role over them?, he queried.
The Olu of Igbokoda observed that the Olugbo could not distinguish between Ife Oodaye and Ife Ooye.
Kutukutu Orunmakin, he argued, meant “Heaven knows the brave” while Osangangan Obamakin – king knows the brave – was a latter day king adding that Olufe was the head of Ife Oodaye and not Olugbo.
Oba Odidiomo said Igbokoda came from Mahin which is led by the most respected Royal Oba Alametu of Mahin Kingdom.  He said they all came from Ora Quarters in Ile-Ife several centuries ago.

By Olatunde Adeyege

AMBODE, AJIMOBI, AREGBOSELA MAKE CASE FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT...Women Naturally Gifted To Surmount Challenges, Says Lagos Gov

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, his counterparts in Oyo and Osun States, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Wednesday made case for huge economic empowerment for women and eradication of female genital mutilation.

The Governors, who spoke in Ibadan at the opening ceremony of National Women Conference of the Oyo State Officials' Wives Association with the theme: "The Ultimate Woman At A Time Like This," said there was great need for women to be supported more than ever before especially at this current time of economic recession.

While alluding to the aptness of the theme of the conference, Governor Ambode said the current economic situation had no doubt caused serious challenge on the managerial acumen of women, but that the men and the society must give them the necessary support to mitigate the impact of the economic realities of the moment.

He said: "A time like this does not know the difference between men and women but women are known to be more resilient, more spiritual, more ready to face and succeed in difficult situations.

"Women are like magicians because they always make something out of nothing. Even when there is no increase in the money for family upkeep, women are expected to "do something" notwithstanding the inflationary trend that has jerked prices above and beyond the level that we could have all imagined," he said.

Governor Ambode, who recalled a famous quote by a former American First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt who described women as tea bag which show its strong nature when in hot water, said women are known to always show resilience, inner strength and ability to rise up to challenges of difficult times, and expressed optimism that the current period would not be an exception.

He added: "Our women have always lived up to expectation and I believe this time will not be an exception. What they require from us, which I believe we are trying to do, is our support so that the water does not become too hot for convenience.

"On behalf of myself and brother Governors present, I assure all our women here that we would remain committed to this objectives and shield you from the troubles of the world," Governor Ambode said.

Besides, Governor Ambode thanked the Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi for the support and contribution towards the success of the recently concluded National Women Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

The Governor particularly commended the Oyo First Lady for having the courage to recognise the goodness in the idea of COWLSO and adapting it for the benefit of the women in Oyo State.

On his part, Governor Aregbesola emphasized the importance of the role of women in the society, saying that the future of any society depends largely on the qualities of women in such society, and as such, men must develop capacity for development of women.

He said: "I demand from all government to have huge programme for development of women. We must develop and organise programmes to make women to be economically viable and independent."

Governor Aregbesola also advocated strongly for the eradication of female genital mutilation, saying that the practice was barbaric and ungodly.

Corroborating the two Governors, Governor Ajimobi said women have always played profound roles in the home front and the nation, and as such, greater attention must be paid to empowering them socially, economically and politically.

While recognizing great women in Africa who have contributed immensely to nation building and growth of their various countries, Governor Ajimobi also advocated the need to prioritize education of the girl child.

LIRS GIVES A 16-DAY ULTIMATUM FOR PAYMENT OF TAXES

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) enjoins all taxpayers in

Lagos State to be on the right side of the law and take full advantage

of the 16-day grace period from December 1st to 16th, 2016 to remit all

overdue taxes/levies and those that would fall due in the month of

December in order to avoid prosecution.

The LIRS has in the last few months embarked on massive advocacy and

enlightenment programmes, taking Lagos residents and taxpayers through a

process of education on the laws bordering on tax administration and the

need and benefits of paying taxes as and when due.

In spite of the significant decline in the allocation from the

federation accounts, the Lagos State government is still embarking on

massive infrastructural development and renewal; these cannot be

achieved if tax payers deliberately refuse to discharge their civic

responsibility to the State.

Taxpayers are hereby advised to clear all outstanding payments ON OR

BEFORE THE 16TH OF DECEMBER 2016, failing which the Lagos State

Government will commence criminal prosecution of offenders, with full

enforcement through distrain activities in line with relevant provisions

of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (As amended).

The under listed taxes and levies are expected to be remitted to the

Lagos State Government within the grace period:

* Tax Audit Liability of back years

* Personal Income Tax (PAYE, Direct Assessment, Self-Assessment)

* Withholding Tax

* Hotel Occupancy and Restaurants Consumption Tax

* Land Use Charge and Ground Rent

According to the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair "LIRS

has put all the necessary machineries in place to ensure the enforcement

of the tax laws with effect from December 17, 2016 when the grace period

lapses. He has advised all taxpayers to comply, reiterating that the

full weight of the law will be brought to bear on any taxable persons or

corporations who fail to remit all taxes/levies due.

The LIRS appreciates and thanks the good people of Lagos State who have

continually supported the government by voluntarily paying their taxes

promptly and correctly and promises to continue to act within the ambit

of the law to prosecute tax evaders. END

BON 2016: Organizers announce ‘Made in Nigeria’ attire as dress code.

BON has built a reputation for uniqueness over the years, by unfolding creative innovations that further puts paid to the fact that it is popular as an indigenous home grown awards ceremony. 

 Organizers have announced that the dress code for the 2016 edition of the awards shall see guests parading the red carpets in strictly made in Nigerian fabrics and designs.  

In a statement made available by the CEO of BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, “it is expedient that we promote our home grown products, this is especially apt for a period as this when the country’s economy is dampened in recession. When we grow our local industries and encourage our people to patronize these products. It improves our economy.

“Furthermore, our host governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, will also want to avail the occasion to promote ‘Made in Aba’ products, which is one of the numerous identities of the state.”

BON Awards hold Saturday, December 10, at the International Conference centre, Umuahia, Abia State. 

Lady of Africa Foundation set to host Adire Street Culture Carnival

 

Africa’s most talked about event, the Adire Street Culture Carnival, finally gets a date for 25th, 26th and 27th of December in Lagos.

 

According to a press release from the Management of The Lady of Africa Foundation, the organizers of the annual event, this year’s Adire Street Culture Carnival will be taking place at the National Arts Theatre, the Lagos home of arts and culture. And as usual the 3 Day all family event, will start as early as 9amon all of the 3 festive days in December.

 

Princess Olubukola Adubi Fasuyi the National Co-ordinator of The Lady of Africa Foundation proudly declared that, when it comes to fashion and textile industry in Africa, Nigeria occupies a pride of place. 

 

“As a country globally recognized for her rich culture and diverse tradition, our country Nigeria boasts of an incredible array of fashion choices and fabrics. Notable amongst these fabrics is the adire, which has found favour amongst people all over the continent of Africa and as far as Europe, America, Canada and Asia.

 

“The fashion industry has also continued to grow by the day, with more and more people coming into adire production, and bringing in various innovations. As a way of promoting this very thriving fashion and garment industry, which by the way will also be doubling as promotion for Nigeria’s culture and tradition, Lady of Africa Foundation, has embarked on a mission to take the highly appreciated fabric to an entirely different level through exhibitions and carnivals.

 

She added that invitation is open to all to experience the beauty and richness of the African culture, which will be abundantly on display on these special days, including traditional cuisine, emu fun fun (African palm wine), eran igbe and so on.

 

“The foundation will also in the coming year, be taking this adire promotion to South Africa, Europe and America, to satisfy the craving of lovers of the adire fabric in those parts of the world. The Lady of Africa Foundation hopes to empower up to 50million Nigerian women and youth through its various activities. Already, lots of people in the country - privileged and the less-privileged have been empowered through direct and indirect job opportunities creation by the foundation through its various promotion and marketing of the fabric.

 

The foundation she said is also seizing the opportunity to call for support from culture-loving people, corporate organisations, federal and state governments and parastatals to ensure that this years’ event becomes a big success.

 

The dress code for the carnival remains the popular Nigerian indigo attire (adire), which can be ordered at Adunbisworld.com, OLX Nigeria andKonga.com

Popular Pastor Baba Olomi Now Now Prophet Felix Oluyemi Is Dead

Lagos based popular Prophet/ Pastor and the  founder of The  Kingdom of Love Church  of Christ known as "baba olomi now now" is dead. He died early this morning after a brief illness at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Church members confirmd this to Metronews this morning.
Prophet Felix Oluyemi was born on March 13, 1960 at Bomodeoku camp in Ondo State, South West, Nigeria to the family of late Pa. and Madam Gabriel Oluyemi.


Pa Oluyemi was a great cocoa farmer while Madam Oluyemi was a merchant. They were both Catholics and brought their children as Catholics.


Prophet Felix popularly called “Baba Olomi” came to Lagos after doing the basic free education under the Chief Obafemi Awolowo, at the old Western Region in the search of the proverbial Golden Fleece.



When he arrived Lagos he took up several menial jobs until he was brought to Aguda in Ogba, Lagos by the late Chief Fayoyin who he worked for, for some years before he took up employment with NIGALEX at Apapa in Lagos.


He resigned from NIGALEX and began his work as a pastor for several years healing and delivering people from oppression.


He is happily married to Rev (Mrs) Omolola Oluyemi and they are blessed with children.


His foundation, FELIX OLUYEMI FOUNDATIONS takes care of widows, orphans, and displaced families.
May his soul rest in peace.


 

His ministry has a very large followership, particularly around Ogba-Ikeja area of Lagos State. He also has a TV ministry showing on MITV, ACBN.