National Convention: Ladi Adebutu Takes Over Ogun State PDP From Kashamu Buruji

 

The event that played out at the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday May 21, 2016 has further given credibility to the Ladi Adebutu Faction of the PDP in Ogun State.

Two groups from the state; one led by Ladi Adebutu and the other led by Senator Kashamu Buruji had prepared to attend the convention with each claiming to represent the state.

However, the Ladi Adebutu group was recognised by the party's national executive and the convention's planning committee, which made it clear that Adebutu's group is the one recognised as the authentic executive of the party as Buruji's parallel group was not given recognition at the event.

Sources within the party at the convention stated this has put paid to doubts by some events watchers and party members about which group has the right to control the PDP in Ogun State.

A member of the Adebutu Group, who begged for anonymity, told us that the group would be expecting those in Kashamu's faction to sheat their swords and embrace peace for the sake of the party.

"We have to come together to move Ogun State forward. We cannot continue to fight ourselves now that our group has been given credibility by the party leaders so that we can take over the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019," he said.

It will be recalled that three factions of the party had existed in the state; one was led by Ladi Adebutu, another one by a former speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole and the third by Senator Kashamu Buruji.

But the Dimeji Bankole group later merged with Adebutu's group after the three groups had held their congresses on May 11, 2016 at different venues.

While Bankole's group reportedly held their congress at the Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta, Adebutu's group was said to have held theirs at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Libraray (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

Kashamu's group was said to have held their congress at the PDP secretariat at Kobape Road, opposite NNPC Mega Station, Kuto, Abeokuta.

It was shortly after this that Dimeji Bankole's faction decided to merge with that of Ladi Adebutu.

The deal between the faction of Bankole and Adebutu was allegedly sealed during the zonal congress of the PDP, which held in Akure, Ondo State on May 14, 2016.

"Dimeji Bankole decided to work with the faction of Ladi Adebutu to tackle Kashamu Buruji's faction in the state ahead of the 2019 election. He then insisted that his group must be given one of the key zonal positions of the party zoned to Ogun State.

"He was eventually given the post of the Organising Secretary, which went to a former Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Fasiu Bakenne, while the group of Ladi Adebutu got the position of ex-officio, which was given to a former chairman of Ado-Odo Ota Local Government, Abayomi Tella and that of the Women Leader," said a party source.

We were reliably informed that Ladi Adebutu Group is now set to re-position the party in Ogun State and start preparing the ground for its eventual take over of the state in the coming years.

LAGOS WELCOMES BUHARI ON TWO-DAY WORKING VISIT

    ...Advises Residents On Traffic Diversions  

The Lagos State Government will formally welcome President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, May 23, 2016 on a two-day working visit to the State. It will be President Buhari's first official visit to the state since he assumed office about a year ago. 

A statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that this is the first time in about 15years that a sitting President will be visiting the State on a working visit and is a testimony to the landmark achievements in the last one year of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as well as the good working relationship between Lagos State and the Federal Government.

Ayorinde added that President Buhari during the visit, would formally commission the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Rescue Unit in Cappa Oshodi built by the State Government to ensure prompt and swift response to emergency situations in the State.

He said the President would thereafter commission the newly constructed Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo after which he will pay homage to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Rilwanu Aremu Akiolu at the Iga Iduganran, Lagos Island.

The Commissioner disclosed further that the President would later in the day be hosted to a reception rally by the State Government at the Tafawa Balewa Square, (TBS) Lagos where he will also commission and hand over security equipment and vehicles contributed by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to securities agencies to beef up security in the state.

The release added that activities for the first day of the President’s visit would be rounded off with a State Banquet in his honour at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.  

The President will on Tuesday participate as the Special Guest of Honour at a breakfast session with Corporate Lagos to be hosted by Governor Ambode at the Lagos State House, Marina, after which he will have a short session with the public service at the State House, Alausa-Ikeja.

The Commissioner quoted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as being joyous over this landmark presidential visit to the State that contributed so much to his emergence as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

He added that Lagosians are looking forward with excitement to receive the President in the State, just as he urged residents to bear with law enforcement agents and traffic control authorities who will effect road diversions in some of the routes that the President motorcade will pass through during the visit.

Breaking News!!! Another Chibok school girl rescued

ANOTHER CHIBOK SCHOOL GIRL RESCUED 
At about 11.00am today, Thursday, 19th May 2016, troops of 231 Battalion, 331 Artillery Regiment (AR), Detachment of Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF) 2, Explosive Ordinance (EOD) Team and Civilian Vigilante group of Buratai, conducted clearance operations at Shettima Aboh, Hong and Biladdili general area in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operations, the troops killed 35 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered several arms and ammunitions and other items. In addition, they rescued 97 women and children held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists. We are glad to state that among those rescued is a girl believed to be one of the    Chibok Government Secondary School girls that were abducted on 14th April 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists. Her name is  Miss  Serah Luka, who is number 157 on the list of the abducted school girls. She is believed to be the daughter of Pastor Luka. During debriefing the girl revealed that she was a JSS1 student of the school  at the time they were abducted. She further added that she hails from Madagali, Adamawa State. She averred that she reported at the school barely two months and one week before her unfortunate abduction along with other girls over two years ago.     She added that there other three girls who fled from Shettima Aboh when the troops invaded the area earlier today which led  to their rescue.  She is presently receiving medical attention at the medical facility of Abogo Largema Cantonment, Biu, Borno State. 
The Army Spokesperson, Colonel Usman Sani Kukasheka confirmed the rescue of another Chibok Girl this evening.

This is coming after the rescue of Amina Ali who was flown to Abuja today where she met with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Villa. 

The Army Spokesperson  promised to provide more details later.

10 contestants secure tickets for Goldberg Fuji concert

After a rigorous and highly competitive contest, 10 contestants – out of the hundreds that turned out – have scaled the first Selection Party hurdle at the fourth edition of Nigeria’s number one Fuji music talent hunt show, Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam. The Selection Parties were held at Samkoll Garden, Ikotun, Lagos State and 3AD Bar, Idiroko Road, Ota Ota, Ogun State.

For the Selection Party held at Ikotun, the following are the five lucky contestants that made it to the next stage of the competition: Abiodun Oloto, Alhaji Wasiu, Azeez Wasiu, Oyeniyi Ismaila, and Ajani Azeez. Similarly, Saheed Ishola, Saheed Milo, Muhammed Adewale, Jabele Saheed and Ayinde Lukman have qualified from the Ota Centre.

Speaking on the contest, Ismaila, who came from Osogbo, Osun State purposely to participate in the talent hunt, disclosed that he had been singing since 15 years now. According to him, he already has a dedicated band, but the team has not waxed any record yet. His words: “I started singing Fuji music 15 years ago. I now have a band, but we perform at occasions like naming, birthday, house warming, and burial ceremonies. He also disclosed that he operates a barbing salon which keeps him busy whenever there is no ceremony to attend.

Ismaila commended Goldberg for the initiative behind the annual competition, which he said is assisting budding artists like himself to actualize their goal in life. He said his target in the contest is to be the Wura1 of Fuji so that his vision of producing the first album could be actualized.

Similarly, Azeez expressed delight at the Fuji t’o Bam talent show; whose initiative he said is unique. He therefore commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for identifying with Fuji music in Nigeria. According to him, the platform is giving upcoming Fuji artistes the opportunity to realize their goal in life.

Speaking on behalf of the top five in Ota, Adewale, said: ‘Fuji music is my life. It has been my favorite music since childhood and the only music I am really accustomed to as an individual. I hope to win this competition not just because of my passion and exposure to Fuji but because I see Fuji music as a way of life and would love to take it professionally. This is why I have fully associated myself with Goldberg as a brand for bringing my life to me.’

Auditions continued in Oyo and Ilesha the same day; followed by Akure and Ado-Ekiti, as well as Ibadan and Sagamu.

The lucky contestants from each audition location would qualify for the quarter final of the contest which would hold in Oyo. The concert proper will begin at the quarter final and the selected contestants from each audition location would join to battle for the ticket to proceed to the semifinal in Ilesha.

MY ADMINISTRATION’LL UTILISE TAX PAYERS’ MONEY JUDICIOUSLY- AMBODE

…Targets 300, 000 Artisans For Job Creation Initiative
…Commissions Classrooms, Health Centres, Roads, Others

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned several local and state government projects in Epe, Ibeju Lekki, Eti-Osa and Shomolu Local Government Areas of the State, saying that his administration would continue to utilise tax payers’ money judiciously to the benefit of all residents.

Governor Ambode, who was represented at the different locations by members of the State Executive Council, said that the ongoing projects in the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas were in fulfillment of his campaign promise to make life more comfortable for the people.

He urged residents to take ownership of the projects being executed by the Government in their domain, saying that it was their civic responsibility to ensure that the projects serve the interest of the people for which they were built for.

In Epe, the Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Community and Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, said he would not renege on his promise to run a government of inclusion that would make all and sundry enjoy the dividends of democracy, however urging them to continue to pay their taxes and rates promptly.

The Governor said, "In my inaugural speech, I told you I was going to run an open government of inclusion, where everyone would be involved in day to day administration without minding your age, race, creed or religion".

"Ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the projects commissioned. Be law abiding and take ownership of the projects. On our part, we would continue to ensure that tax payers’ money is put to good use. It would never go to waste", Governor Ambode said.

Among the projects commissioned include blocks of classroom at St. Theresa's College, Oke-Oyingbo, Town Hall at Ita-Opo, Epe and Regional Water Scheme, Otta-Ikosi.

In Eti-Osa Local Government, Governor Ambode who was represented by State's Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, commissioned the 1.9km Unity/1st Avenue Osapa London Road in Eti-Osa Local Government and block of 16 classrooms with modern facilities at Kuramo Primary School in Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The Unity/1st Avenue Osapa London Road was designed with standard walkways, drainage system and street light.

The Governor also inaugurated the Job Registration and Labour Exchange Centre for the Lagos Division in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the State as part of the employment creation and wealth generation initiative of his administration.

He said the project was another step forward in providing dividends of democracy to the citizenry.

In his address, the State's Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti said the Job Registration Centre was part of Governor Ambode's initiative to create five of such in each of the 57 Councils.

Durosinmi-Etti, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Ahmed Olorunfemi Mustapha explained that the essence of the centre was to register, train and provide job opportunities for artisans and unemployed graduates.

Speaking further, Durosinmi-Etti said under the initiative, between 500 and 600 artisans would be trained at each centres, while the project is expected to capture about 20, 000 to 30, 000 from the informal sector at the initial stage, and then about 200 to 300, 000 subsequently.

In Shomolu Local Government, Governor Ambode commissioned a Primary Health Centre and Diagnosis Centre named after him and a 400metres road in Bariga Local Council Development Area.

Speaking while inaugurating the Primary Health Care Centre (PHC), Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Art and Culture, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, said that the Centre would cater for the health needs of residents and reduce the incidences of maternal mortality.

He said the 400metres of Baptist Church Street would link several communities in the area, even as he warned against destruction of the roads by plumbers and other artisans.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of Shomolu Local Government, Abiodun Orekoya said the council embarked on the Primary Health Centre Project to enable resident have access to quality medical care, just as he expressed optimism that the proposed 114-rooms female hostel in Akoka would alleviate the pains of students of the higher institutions around the council suffering for accommodation.

In Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Governor Ambode who was represented by the Special Adviser, Food Security, Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni, commissioned the Origanrigan and Awoyaya PHC, saying it was in line with his administration’s zero tolerance for maternal mortality

GTBank’s Masters Cup Season 5 Enters Semi Final Stage

The semi-finals of the GTBank Master’s Cup, Season 5, kicks off Thursday, May 19, 2016 at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos with 8 first generation and missionary secondary schools in Lagos state competing for the highly coveted cup in both the male and female categories. 

 

The prestigious secondary school football tournament is an annual football competition geared towards the development of grassroots football, the discovery of young football talents and fostering camaraderie amongst secondary school students. It also provides a platform for identifying, nurturing, grooming young and talented players as well as helping students actualize their dream of becoming professional footballers. 

 

This season has already produced an exciting display of football skill and talent, and the semi-finals promises to raise that excitement with eye catching match ups in the male and female categories. 

The semi-finals will take place on Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20, with defending champions and three-time winners, Queens College, Yaba who breezed through the group stage of the competition without losing any match, squaring up against now face perennial rivals Ansar-Ud-Deen Girls High School, Itire who will be hoping to avenge their loss in the 2015 GTBank Masters Cup Final. On the same day, the defending champions of the male category, St. Gregory’s College, will go up against high-flying debutants Chrisland Schools who will be looking to take their fairytale run all the way to the final. 

 

The day two of the competition will feature what has been tagged the Yaba Derby with Federal Science & Technical College, Yaba making their first appearance in the semi-finals against a Methodist Girls High School hoping to be third time lucky in this stage of the competition. Both teams recorded emphatic wins in the quarter finals to set-up what promises to be an exciting encounter. In the male category, two-time finalist, King’s College, Lagos have a date with destiny as they take on Greensprings School the highest scoring team this season with 15 goals. Greensprings School are making their first appearance in this competition and have taken everyone by surprise with their ruthlessness in front of goal coupled with their disciplined and highly technical organized playing style which has been a marvel to watch. 

 

Commenting on the tournament, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, stated that “over the years this tournament has helped participating students work towards actualizing their dream of becoming professional footballers and some of them are already making a career out of football. It has also helped them grow in personal confidence and become better team players”. “GTBank will continue to invest massively in youth development through education and sports”, he added. 

Guaranty Trust Bank plc is one of the few Nigerian financial institutions that have maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy since its inception in 1990. The Bank actively supports in-classroom and out-of-classroom. 

 

For more information on the football competition, visit www.gtbank.com/football

Pastor Femi Paul Set For Excellence In Life

The current state of our nation leaves much to  desired. From the plunging Economy to insecurity. The masses are wailing and the rich also cry. From the constant decline of the value of the Naira to the hike in fuel prices which has catapulted inflation and taken it to an all time high, the common Nigerians have had to bear the brunt! 

It is quite convenient to heap the bulk of blame on the government as usual but truth be told the citizens are equally accountable.

One major syndrome that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society is MEDIOCRITY and it is responsible for most of the pains we suffer today. We did not get to where we are in one day. It was a gradual process of letting mediocrity get the better of us and today it has become gangrenous thus becoming an uphill task to mitigate against. 

“I will mange it”, “It’s not so bad”, “It’s fair enough” “What more can I do” “I have tried, jare” “I can’t kill myself joorrr”… are very familiar expressions, aren’t they? We either encounter or even pronounce them ourselves regularly. What belies these otherwise insouciant and unperturbed proclamations is the syndrome called MEDIOCRITY!

Mediocrity is clearly a negative trait we should avoid like a plague. If you do not actively REJECT mediocrity, you are unwittingly choosing it over EXCELLENCE and will be running life’s relay littered with broken dreams and failed expectations and at the end of the finishing line you will be crowned with frustrations and unhappiness. 

Everywhere you go to today, across our beloved country Nigeria, mediocrity and impunity stare you in the face.  This sad development which pervades most facets of our national and private lives has now become a Sub-Culture. This also explains why most Nigerians prefer foreign products to Made-In-Nigeria ones, irrespective of price.  The reason for this is that the production of most foreign goods are driven by a Culture of Excellence.

Thankfully many Nigerians have taken the bull by the horn and have gone all out on the fight against mediocrity. One of such Nigerian is Pastor Olufemi Paul. 

Pastor Femi Paul, a Lawyer by profession, is the Senior Pastor of Grace Assembly Churches, Lagos. He attended the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law. He later went on to the University of London for two Masters Degrees in Shipping Law and Intellectual Property. He is also a certified graduate of the Oxford Princeton School of Petroleum Studies.  He practiced law in Lagos for many years, before moving into the Shipping & Maritime Industry.  His last foray in secular business was into the Oil & Gas Industry, after which he settled into full time ministry in 2001.

Dr. Femi Paul has delivered various papers, keynotes and workshops on Excellence In Life at several organizations, institutions and conferences around the world.  In 2015, he was honored with a Doctorate Degree by Northwestern Christian University for his excellent contribution towards Christian Education. He is also a pastor and the founder of Grace Assembly Church, a ministry committed to inspiring people and transforming lives.  

Pastor Femi Paul is mostly known for his exceptional “Spirit and Lifestyle of Excellence”. This has earned him many accolades and also inspired him to birth the vision “Life Class with Femi Paul”, and also the Excellence-In-Life Series where he shares Life Transforming Principles that shaped his life. 

Dr. Femi Paul is the Convener of the EXCELLENCE-IN-LIFE SERIES, a National Transformation Initiative aimed at eradicating the prevalent culture of mediocrity in our society. According to Pastor Femi Paul, "It is in my patriotic quest to salvage our country, build a culture of excellence and leave a lasting legacy for future generations that I present to you, THE EXCELLENCE IN LIFE SERIES!"

The EXCELLENCE IN LIFE SERIES, a bi-monthly meeting is the tool by which the visionary, Dr. Femi Paul hopes to eradicate the prevalent Culture of Mediocrity and propagate in its place, the much needed Culture of Excellence.  This initiative promises to transform mindsets and inevitably optimize the potential of individuals, institutions and the nation alike.

Excellence-In-Life, is not another Certification Course, because when it comes to Excellence, you don’t tender certificates.  Excellence is simply about doing things well, and it is WAR AGAINST MEDIOCRITY!


Due to his passion for eradicating mediocrity and extolling the spirit of Excellence, Pastor Femi Paul has made The Excellence in Life Series a Bi- Monthly event featuring world class speakers. The next one holds this Saturday the 21st of May 2016and speakers like Ibukun Awosika, the Chairman of First Bank PLC and Mrs Bukky George of the Health Plus Pharmacy chains will be some of those imparting the wealth of knowledge and experience in many Nigerian who will be attending.

We want to commend Pastor Femi Paul for this worthy and noble cause and we implore other thought leaders to help the up coming generation imbibe values as this that would help lead this nation out of the dungeon. 

Join in the WAR AGAINST MEDIOCRITY!

Abike Dabiri Erewa Speaks At House Of Commons

Abike Dabiri Erewa Speaks At House Of Commons

Ssa to the President on Foreign affairs and Diaspora Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa was at the UK parliament on the invitation of MP Kate Osamor, Nigerian born British Parliamentarian ,representing Edmonton and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary group, shadow minister on Women and Equalities

The highly interactive event was well attended by MPs, policy makers, business leaders and Nigerian professionals from all works of life, during which Hon Dabiri articulated the Buhari administration's plans to tackle security, corruption and the economy, among others 

Hon Dabiri appealed to the British parliament to strengthen their anti money laundering and banking laws to prevent Britain from being a safe haven for looters

She urged Britain to adopt the " unexplainable wealth policy" which has been adopted by seven countries including France, Canada, NewZealand Australia, which forfeits assets of foreigners and firms with questionable wealth 

" The person who receives stolen goods is just as guilty as the person who steals", she added

Here are some pictures from the event

The pics are courtesy of Jermaine Sanwoolu C EO Diaspora PR

African Union to unveil AFRIMA 2016 calendar in The Gambia …Holds AUC-AFRIMA Conference

The African Union Commission (AUC) will unveil this year’s programs and calendar of the annual continental awards, All Africa Music Awards tagged “AFRIMA 3.0” at an AUC-AFRIMA music/cultural and media conference scheduled to hold on May 21-25during the commemoration of the 10th African Union Youth Charter in Banjul, Gambia.

At the event, the AUC and the international Committee will reveal the dates and timelines for submission of entry and Guidelines, adjudication process, public voting and nominees’ announcement for the 2016 edition of the awards as well as dates for this year’s main AFRIMA Award ceremonies.

In a letter of invitation addressed to AFRIMA delegates from the African Union Commission (AUC) signed by Dr Marie-Goretii Harakeye, the Acting Director of Social Affairs, it states that the conference will bring together award winning music stars, creative/entertainment industry stakeholders, cultural enthusiasts government officials, corporate sponsors, and media practitioners among others.

There will also be a robust and intellectual session on the theme: “Using Music, Culture and Entertainment as Tools for a New Africa”. It will be a forum for discussion on how to engage the values and spirit of Pan-Africanism for greater collaborations in culture and music for sustainable development, in line with the African Union cultural agenda for peace, integration, democracy, economic advancement and social development.




The 10th African Union Youth Charter Conference featuring a high level roundtable and intergenerational dialogue and cultural presentations will witness a convergence of participants including President, Islamic Republic of Gambia, His Excellency, Sheikh (Dr.) Yahya Jammeh Babili Mansa; Vice President Dr. Isatou NjieSaidy; Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Alieu K. Jammeh; Commissioner for Social Affairs, Africa Union Commission, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko; and President, Pan African Youth Union, Ms. Francine Muyumba.

Others include Director, Culture Division, Africa Union Commission, Ms Angela Martins, Chief Brand Strategist, PRM Africa and President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; members of the International Committee of AFRIMA; Africa Union Commission executives, AFRIMA 2015 award winners representatives that include Award Winner in the Best Collaboration category in 2015, AKA (South Africa); Revelation of the African Continent, Adekunle Gold (Nigeria); Best African Rock, M'vula (Angola); Best Artiste in African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall, Stoneboy (Ghana); Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, Tsedenia (Ethiopia); Best Artiste in North Africa, Ahmed Sultan (Morocco), and Best Artiste in Central Africa, Stanley Enow (Cameroon) among others.

Speaking on the event, Mike Dada said: “The cultural and media conference organized by the African Union Commission and AFRIMA holding during the 10th African Youth Charter in Banjul is to provide a platform for music practitioners, recording artistes, cultural experts, policy makers, corporate sponsors and media practitioners working in the creative and culture sectors to interface within Africa’s rapidly evolving music scene and contribute to its transformation narratives."

He said further: “Creative economy is still at its infancy in Africa, as the continent's economies remain heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resources. However, the creative industries are providing Africa with real economic traction, a hub of cultural heritage with the opportunity to diversify while at the same time stimulating social, cultural and political development.”
The event will be wrapped up with a meeting and courtesy visit to the president of The Gambia, president Yahyah Jammeh and AFRIMA ‘Turn Up’ Party that will take place at the prestigious Senegambia Resort in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.

Dimeji Bankole Joins Forces With Ladi Adebutu To Tackle Buruji Kasham In Ogun State PDP Dimeji Bankole Joins Forces With Ladi Adebutu To Tackle Buruji Kasham In Ogun State PDP

New things are beginning to happen in the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the crisis that bedevilled the party in recent times.

What is presently playing out in the state chapter of the party, according to events watchers, would further increase their fortune in the state ahead of the 2019 elections.

Reliable sources revealed to us that the faction of a former speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole has merged forces with that of a son of pools and betting magnate, Chief Kessinghton Adebutu, Ladi Adebutu, who we learnt has governorship ambition under the PDP in the state in 2019.

With the merger, the formidable team is now set to slug it out with the faction of Senator Kashamu Buruji, who is said to have formed a parallel exco of the party in the state.

Prior to the merger, the three groups had held their congresses on May 11, 2016 at different venues.

While that of Bankole reportedly held their congress at the Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta, Adebutu's group was said to have held theirs at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Libraray (OOPL) in Abeokuta. Kashamu's group was said to have held their congress at the PDP secretariat at Kobape Road, opposite NNPC Mega Station, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Sources disclosed that ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo is supporting Ladi Adebutu's group and that OOPL was given out to the group for their congress free of charge.

The deal between the faction of Bankole and Adebutu was allegedly sealed during the zonal congress of the PDP, which held in Akure, Ondo State on May 14, 2016.

"Dimeji Bankole decided to work with the faction of Ladi Adebutu to tackle Kashamu Buruji's faction in the state ahead of the 2019 election. He then insisted that his group must be given one of the key zonal positions of the party zoned to Ogun State.

"He was eventually given the post of the Organising Secretary, which went to a former Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Fasiu Bakenne, while the group of Ladi Adebutu got the position of ex-officio, which was given to a former chairman of Ado-Odo Ota Local Government, Abayomi Tella and that of the Women Leader," said our source.

What is playing out in the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, a source said, is a pointer to the fact that the formidable teams of Dimeji Bankole and Ladi Adebutu are set to take over the mantle of leadership of the state in 2019.

NEW MEDIA CONFERENCE 2016 - OlajumokeOkikiolu, Chude Jideonwo, Audu Maikori, IyinAboyeji Others To Speak

 

• The New Media Conference (NMC) to chart growth in marketing and advertising standards in the Nigerian online/digital media space.

The New Media Conference 2016 which is set to hold on the 27th of May, at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, will feature keynote speakers, Mrs. Lola Masha, Country Manager for OLX Nigeria, Ms. OlajumokeOkikolu,  Senior Manager, Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA) and industry experts like: Chude Jideonwo, AdaoraMbelu, Ono Bello, Audu Maikori, SubomiPlumptre, Femi Falodun, Chinedu Abili-Mordi, Joy Isi Bewaji, Oluseun Onigbinde, IyinoluwaAboyeji, Bankole Femi and more.

This 2nd edition of the conference will bring together key new media practitioners, corporate brands and digital media agencies for a comprehensive overview of the rapidly expanding Digital Media space, application and technology.

 

The program line up will also include well moderated sessions, brand exhibitions and key takeaways. The 2016 Conference will attract over 300 participants.

The year’s theme is: “Business Unusual: Nurturing a more Vibrant New Media industry in Nigeria”, and will cover topics relevant such as Corporate branding, Digital Agency, Social Media Influence, tech blogging and New Media.

"This year's conference is particularly important," said conference organizer, Ms. Tosin Ajibade “we are converging to articulate interests and inputs from stakeholders in the Nigerian online/digital media space and seeking to turn the results of that conversation to real-world uses."

Following the success of the maiden edition in 2015, we will be broadening and deepening the conversation in 2016. With the support and partnership of leading brands and experts, we are committed to empowering and enlightening individuals and corporate organizations with useful information and exposure towards a more rewarding new media practice in Nigeria.

We would be having NMC Showcase, where selected participants are allowed to showcase and exhibit ideas. The winner will get a scholarship worth N300,000 from Orange Academy.

NMC 2016 is supported by Samsung, OLX, Orange Academy, HotSauce, Bella Naija and hosted by Oscar Gbemileke Oyinsan.

 

Moderators include: Tolu Balogun, Bolanle Olukanni, Princess Irede Abumere, Sanusi Ismaila and AboladeOwoeye.

 

NMC 2016 is supported by Samsung Nigeria, OLX Nigeria, Orange Academy, HotSauce, Bella Naija, Beat FM, Classic FM

Official Digital Partner:

Nest Digital Agency 

Partners: Sesema PR, DesignHub, Alleb Media, The TrentOnline, Naij.com, Y!Naija, EbonyLife TV, Expoze, GoldMyne TV, Guardian Life, The Guardian, Guardian TV, Helen Events Blog, Moji Delano Blog, Hip TV, Information NG, Naijaloaded, NewsWireNGR, Ono Bello, Pulse NG, R2TV, Jiji.ng.

Powered by: Olori Supergal

Additional Information Available on the Web

For more information on the conference, see the conference Web page at: ihttp://www.newmediaconference.net/

 

Zenith Bank, French Firm Sign $100m pact to boost Power

Zenith Bank Plc and the French Development Agency (Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), operator of France’s bilateral development finance mechanism, over the weekend in Abuja, signed a US$100m power sector credit facility to boost new investments in the capital expenditures of Distribution Companies (DISCOS).

The signing of the facility which took place in the inner chambers of the Aso Rock Villa in the shadow of the security summit was witnessed by the visiting French President Francois Hollande and the Nigerian President, General Muhammadu Buhari. 

The facility will be a reprieve for the DISCOS that are currently weighed down by debt burden with historic debtors made of mainly government establishments, including the military and security agencies alone accounting for over N93bn.   

Leading the team of the bank’s top executives to the bilateral session where the pact was sealed was Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, while Mrs. Laurence Breton-Moyet, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Executive Board from the AFD Headquarters in Paris, led the agency’s team.

Under the loan arrangement, a maximum of US$50m can be on-lent to any single borrower at single digit interest rate for a tenor of between seven and 12 years, with a moratorium of 2 – 3 and half years, depending on the project’s cash flow.

The AFD facility is aimed at reinforcing, rehabilitating and modernizing the existing distribution networks with the sole target of stabilising the grid. The loan arrangement also provides for technical assistance and other advisory services, both to the benefiting DISCO and the partnership bank.

Zenith Bank Plc has remained, not only a leading financier of investments aimed at developing the power/energy sector in the country, but also a key player in many other sectors of the economy including; oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, communication, transportation, real estate and construction, among others. In the financial year ended December 31, 2015, Zenith Bank reported a profit after tax (PAT) of N105.66bn - the highest in the Nigeria banking industry for the year; with total assets at over N4trn.

AFD, a public industrial and commercial institution with the status of specialized financial institution, is working in consonance with France’s framework document for development cooperation to combat poverty and promote sustainable development by financing and supporting projects that improve living conditions for populations, promote economic growth and protect the planet.

My continued detention arbitrary, illegal and unjustified -Dasuki

Former National Security Adviser NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki has told the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice sitting in Abuja that the federal government has no legal or moral justification for his continued incarceration.

Dasuki who spoke through his counsel, Robert Emukperuo on Wednesday while making his final address predicated his stance on Sections 293-296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ACJA 2015 which outlines the procedure for keeping a suspect in detention for not more than two weeks.

"To accentuate the illegality of the arrest and detention of the applicant, the ACJA 2015, S.293 to 296 thereof, set out the procedure for the detention of any person pending trial or investigation. And in summary, that procedure requires judicial intervention by a magistrate for it to be carried out and the maximum detention time-frame is two weeks," he submitted.

Emukperuo had earlier filed an application to amend the originating application by including additional reliefs, a request the court granted, ordering the defendant to respond, if any, within 15 days to the issues raised in the amendment.

He prayed the court to order the release of his client and as well order the government to pay N500 million as compensation to Mr Dasuki.

He recalled how several courts had granted Dasuki bail and how President Muhammadu Buhari had stated in a media chat that the ex-NSA cannot just be released.

He said his client's arrest and detention by the defendant is without any legal justification.

"The critical issue that needs to be resolved is whether there is any legal justification for the detention of the applicant by the defendant", he said, adding that the only justification in the amended statement of defence adduced by the defendant for detaining the applicant is the recourse to national security.

"They have not adduced before this court any judicial procedure that they have relied on in incarcerating the applicant.

"They have equally not relayed to the court any domestic legislation whatsoever to justify the detention of the applicant.

"My lord I submit that this is a classic case of arbitrary and illegal arrest", he added.

The counsel further submitted that the government has defied all known legal instruments or legislation by not following its own laws.

He said apart from its complete disdain for the laws of the land, government has also not followed judicial orders given by courts of competent jurisdiction.

Emukperuo said on the issue of being in possession of arms, Dasuki was granted bail on self-recognition and the Ministry of Justice did not oppose the application for bail, wondering why they had to still keep him in detention having not opposed the bail application if they knew he was a security risk. "It is a spurious defence conceived in bad faith, and I urge the court to dismiss it", he pleaded

The defendant is expected to present his statement of defence tomorrow following which a date for judgment would be fixed.

Presiding Judge, Justice Friday Nwoke ordered the defendant to ensure that his two witnesses are in court tomorrow for oral evidence.

Pictures NLC Protest In Abuja

See pictures from NLC protest in Abuja today.

EFCC Re-Arraigns Oronsaye, Five Others for N2bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on May 18, 2016 re-arraigned a former Head of Service, HoS, to the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court, Abuja on an amended 35-count charge bordering on stealing and obtaining money by false pretence.

In the amended charge dated November 2, 2015, Oronsaye is being charged along with Osarenkhoe Afe, Fedrick Hamilton Global Services Limited, Cluster Logistic Limitd, Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited, and Drew Investment & Construction Company Limited.

Oronsaye and Afe, who is the managing director of Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited, were present in court. However, the other defendants were absent.

Prosecuting counsel, Leke Atolagbe, while citing Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, said, “We urge your lordship to enter a plea of not guilty for the defendants who are not represented in court, in order that the trial can proceed.”

Counsel to Oronsaye, Joe Agbi, SAN, raised no objections to the application of the prosecution, neither did Oluwole Aladedoye, counsel to Afe and Fedrick Hamilton Global Services Limited.

The trial judge, while acceding to the application of the prosecution, ruled that: “In the absence of the fourth, fifth and sixth defendants, Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 shall be applied to each of them, except if it is later shown that they were not served with the amended charges, in the interest of justice.”

Count one of the charges reads: “That you Stephen Oronsaye, Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina (now at large) Osarenkhoe Afe and Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited on or about 2nd July, 2010 in Abuja, collaborated in disguising genuine nature of the sum of N161,472,000 derived from an illegal act to wit: conducting procurement fraud by means of fraudulent and corrupt act on the contract extension of biometric enrolment purportedly awarded to Innovative Solutions Limited by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation without following due process and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14 (1) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.” 

Another count reads: “That you Stephen Oronsaye and Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina (now at large) between April and May 2010 in Abuja, collaborated in disguising genuine nature  an aggregate sum of N131,038,425 derived from an illegal act to wit; conducting procurement fraud by means of fraudulent and corrupt act on the contract of biometric enrolment purportedly awarded to Moshfad Enterprises by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation without following due process and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14 (1) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.”

They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges as they were read to them.

Following their plea, Atolagbe asked the court for a date for commencement of trial. He also notified the court that the prosecution had 22 witnesses it intended to present in court.

The defence counsels expressed readiness for the commencement of the trial. They further applied that Justice Kolawole allow their clients to continue with the earlier bail granted them on July 21, 2015.

The prosecution did not raise any objections to the oral application.

In view of the fact that there was no objection to the application, the trial judge acceded to the request and further adjourned to June 9, 2016 for “commencement of judicial trial”.

It would be recalled that Oronsaye first appeared before Justice Kolawole on July 13, 2015, where he was confronted with a 25-count charge, to which along with his co-defendants they pleaded not guilty. The trial judge had fixed February 16, 2016 for them to enter their plea for the amended charges.

The case file, was however, afterwards transferred to Justice J. T. Tsoho of a Federal High Court, Abuja. Presiding over the case for the first time on February 16, 2016, he adjourned to March 1, 2016 for them to take their plea on the amended charges. On the set day, however, rather than begin the proceedings, he simply said: “It has been realized that the case came to me in error, and I’ve been instructed that it should be returned to Justice Kolawole who started it; he should continue where he stopped. I wish you the best of luck.”

Making clarification on the return of the file to him, Justice Kolawole explained that: “the Chief Judge wanted to redistribute cases to new judges transferred to the Federal High Court, in order to decongest the court, but this case file of Oronsaye was taken in error to Justice Tsoho. This explanation becomes necessary so the public will not be wondering why such back and forth movement.”