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Friday, 27 May 2016
Afrima:Submission of Entries Commences May 30
The African Union has unveiled the calendar of events of the 2016 All Africa Music Awards tagged AFRIMA 3.0 at the AUC-AFRIMA Joint Conference in Banjul, Gambia.
The AUC-AFRIMA Conference was attended by officials of the African Union, AFRIMA 2015 winners, and stakeholders in the creative/ entertainment industry in Africa, media executives, and musical artistes.
Formally declaring the activities of AFRIMA 2016 opened at the event, the Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Ms. Angela Martins posited that The African Union was pushing forward its developmental agenda and policies through the AFRIMA platform.
The calendar of AFRIMA 3.0 was announced with a take-off date for submissions of entries for AFRIMA 2016 via the online platform on www.afrima.org. The submission of entries for the 2016 edition of the awards starts on Monday, May 30 and closes Saturday, July 30, 2016.
The President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, urged all artistes, managers, producers, record label owners, publicists and agents to submit their works or those of their artistes within the stipulated time in order to stand a chance at the awards.
``No matter how popular an artiste or their works are, if they don't submit them for the awards, they will stand no chance of winning as the AFRIMA jury will not go sourcing for artistes works themselves,'' he said.
Dada disclosed that AFRIMA Jury would screen the nominees from August 2 to August 16, 2016 after the end of submissions. The full list of nominees will be announced on August 17, 2016.
However, he announced that the voting period for the general public commences from August 26, 2016 while that of the AFRIMA Academy will start on September 26.The entire voting process will close on November 5, 2016.
Also, there will be a Nominees Party in Nigeria on November 3, 2016, while the Africa Music Summit where the African music industry will be discussed and AFRIMA Music Village will hold on November 4 .
The grand finale, the AFRIMA awards ceremony, which is the third edition, holds in Nigeria on Sunday November 6, 2016.The eventual host city in Nigeria will be announced later in the year by the African Union.
On the event sequence, Dada harped on AFRIMA's stance on transparency, stating that AFRIMA will continue to maintain exemplary standards and uphold African music and culture as it had done since inception in 2014.
``The process is very transparent and the public can follow the entire process online and make any enquiries to the AFRIMA secretariat,'' he said.
The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, is a music property developed to celebrate, reward and showcase the rich musical culture of Africa, stimulate conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the globe about the great potential and values of the African culture and artistic heritage for the purpose of creating jobs, reducing poverty, calling attention of world leaders to Africa and promoting the positive image of Africa to the world.
AFRIMA is centered on the promotion and marketing of African music and is by far the largest gathering of such magnitude of stakeholders in Africa and hosting is earnestly sought by different African countries due to the great leveraging opportunities that the platform provides. It will be broadcast to 84 countries around the world.
YOUTHS COMMEND MILITARY EFFORTS AGAINST TERROR
The Nigerian youths have commended the armed forces for effectively containing the Boko Haram terrorist violence in the North East, describingthe terrorist defeat as one that could only be possible through commitment and selfless service. The youths under the aegis of Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) may soon commence an annual youth sports tournament to be named after the Office of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).
The youths made the commendation on Thursday 26 May 2016 in Abuja when the YSFON national executive visited the CDS at the Defence Headquarters.
YSFON’s National President, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Gawura who agreed that the military displayed operational competences in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists appealed that the armed forces under General AG Olonisakin should contribute in the development of the country’s teeming youths through sponsorship of grassroots youth sports tournament for boys and girls of military personnel in barracks across the country.
Responding, the CDS, General Olonisakin thanked the youths for their appreciation of military sacrifices in fighting terrorism. He noted that YSFON had done well in the area of sports development which, according to him, had given the country a pride of place in football and other youth sports in Nigeria.
Speaking through his representative, Major General Barry Idiomu, the CDS thereafter, promised to support YSFON and other sports development in the country.
GULDER CELEBRATES AMBASSADOR
Gulder, the premium lager beer from Nigerian Breweries Plc celebrated its ambassador, Mr. YemiOlatunji, better known as Yemi Blaq, who turned a year older on Thursday, May 19th, 2016.
The birthday ceremony took place last week with his colleagues, friends and officials of Nigerian Breweries during the Nollywood Beer Academy, sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, in Ibadan, Oyo State. EdemVindah, Corporate Media/Brand PR Manager, NB Plc, explained that the brand is proud of Yemi Blaq because he represents Gulder’s ideals of the “real man who is responsible, hardworking, demonstrates leadership and respect for others.”
Gulder, Edem added, stands for the ultimate sign of achievement, masculinity, respect, self-assurance and success and also a premium quality beer for young success conscious men and women
Blaq, who became a Gulder brand ambassador last year, came into the movie industry in 2005. He has featured in over 250 films and he is seen as a hard working movie producer and one of the most famous in Nollywood.
Blaq was born and raised in a family of four siblings in Ondo state Nigeria and grew up knowing he was going to go into the arts.
From his primary school days, he got a lot of encouragement and support. After he played the role ofthe incorruptible judge in Olu Olagoke’s ‘The Incorruptible Judge’, his teacher came home and said to his mum, ‘oh this one is going to become an actor. Since then he has nurtured it up.
“I always wanted to act, I always loved acting. I used to act back in my days in school I studied theatre arts in school. I travelled and after I came back I joined the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN),” he said.
Yemi believes he was one of the lucky ones because he got into the industry when everyone said it was a bit tough. He was in it for about five or six months auditioning for roles, and talking to people for opportunities. Then he ran into a really large big audition which turned out to be a grand encounter.
“My first experience on set was with Obi Osotule and Mathias Agbo in Benin city. They were shooting this movie, ‘The Unseen Eyes’ and I had gone there to just flex my acting muscles. I got on set with the rest of the people who came for the audition and we started reading,” Blaq said.
‘Lost to Lust’ was the movie that gave him a breakthrough, being his first lead role movie with Mercy Johnson. "It came out successful and since then every director and producer want me to work for them. Because in the industry if you are good, people tend to look for you, to utilize your talent “he said.
After his breakthrough with ‘Lost to lust’ directors and filmmakers started calling upon him to feature in movies.
Femi Adebayo Drags Top Nollywood Stars To Kwara To Celebrate Gov Fatai Hamed
Sultry actress, Faithia Williams Balogun is one of the talented notable thespians that will be performing in a stage play billed to hold in celebration of this year’s Children’s Day in Ilorin, Kwara State. The stage drama, titled, ‘’Asa Wa’’ is a theatrical presentation of the realities and effects of modernisation on our culture.
The command stage play which is a joint performance of more than 20 top Nollywood actors and highly talented artists at the Kwara State Council For Arts and Culture will be made more entertaining by legendary stand up comedians.
Preparations for the stage play which is also meant to mark the May 29th, 2016 democracy day are at top gear as various movie stars have stormed Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State in rehearsal frenzy moods in a bid to set the serene ancient city on sparks.
The play which holds on today,Friday May 27th at the Banquet Hall, opposite the Kwara State government House sees top celebrities and dignitaries including the State’s No. 1 citizen, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed as colourful audience.
According to sources, the ageless beauty, Faithia who’s one of the lead acts in ‘’Asa Wa’’ is taking a role of a local folklore singer-Labake who eventually becomes the star to beat
Nollywood stars expected to mount the stage today include Yinka Quadri,Binbo Akintola,Odunade Adekola,Muyiwa Ademola,Lasun Ray,Dotun Taylor,Aishat Lawal,Olaniyi Afonja (Sanyeri),Flakky Ididowo and many others.
Pictures:Mammoth crowd welcomes Gov Mohammed Abubakar back to Bauchi
Earlier today, Bauchi State's Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar returned to Bauchi after his working visit to Lebanon and a mammoth crowd was on ground to receive him.
Thousands took to the streets to show their solidarity for the governor whose administration would be a year old on the 29th of May. The people later converged at the Government House where the governor addressed them.
See pictures:
Children's Day: Speaker Obasa Wants More Efforts At Protecting Children
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has called for improved efforts at protecting children's rights as well as putting in place measures that will enhance their welfare.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, to commemorate the Children's Day celebration, the Lagos Speaker also called on children to do away with crimes and violence. He reminded the young ones that shaping their character and preparing themselves for the challenges of nation building should be paramount to them rather than engage in activities that would hinder their development.
Rt. Hon. Obasa stated that the realisation that children are future leaders of tomorrow makes it imperative for individuals, government at all levels and corporate organisations to put all hands on deck and improve on activities aimed at protecting the rights of children. "Our children are future leaders of tomorrow and the only way we can assist them to attain their full potentials is by protecting their rights," he said.
The Lagos Assembly Speaker stated that it is important for every child to go to school expressing dismay at seeing children of school age hawking or doing other menial jobs during school hours when they are supposed to be in their various classrooms noting ,"I'm always disturbed seeing children of school age hawking or doing other things while they should be in school especially when education is free in Lagos State".
He also called on parents and guardian to be vigilant and ensure that they monitor their wards' movement and the company they move with. "The country is faced with various security challenges and children are now being used as agents of destruction. It is saddening to see children being used in suicide bombing, kidnapping and armed robbery.
This is a critical period in our history and the parents should rise up to the challenge. It is important that we as parents must monitor our children and ask question about the friends they keep," he said.
Rt. Hon. Obasa stated that the state government particularly the state House of Assembly is committed to putting in place measures that will continue to enhance rights of children.
He reiterated the efforts of the state government in ensuring that children are protected under the law against molestation and other acts that can negatively affect the realization of their dreams, citing the state's Child Rights Act of 2003 as one of such efforts put in place by the state government through the lawmaking effort of the state
Assembly.
The Assembly Speaker also advised children to face their studies and engage in activities that will allow them realise their potentials. "This is a very critical period in Nigeria hence our children must be wary of who they associate with. It is important for you to associate with right kind of people and engage in activities that will make you contribute positively to nation building," he said.
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
All the razzmatazz as Daylight Annual Leadership Awards holds in grand style
It was truly the gathering of eminent Nigerians, stars, celebrities and achievers from all walks of life at the historic maiden edition of Daylight Annual Leadership Awards (DALA2016).
The talk-of-the-town awards ceremony held elaborately at the posh Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, amid glitz, glamour and grandeur.
Painstakingly and proudly organised by leading and reliable online newspaper Daylight (www.daylight.ng), the grand ceremony that serenaded Lagos and its environs while it lasted, was equally well attended with victuals in surplus.
The very colourful event, which was beautifully and professionally anchored by the famous duo of Okey Bakassi and Jennifer Eliogu, began on a very high note with the rendition of the National Anthem, by kid prodigy, Nonso Sax.
The nine year-old precociously talented child, got a standing ovation for his brilliant performance.
Amazingly, one unique thing about the ceremony was that virtually all the awardees were in attendance to personally receive their prestigious DALA Plaques.
Interestingly, the event commenced with the citation of leading Nollywood star and TV Host, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, who mounted the well-decorated stage to receive her DALA Plaque, for the Best TV Talk Show Host of the Year, amid cheers and encomiums.
Beautiful and effervescent Monalisa, who was gorgeously swathed in a flowing yellow flowery gown, in her acceptance speech thanked the organisers and promised to continue doing her best for humanity through her creative works.
She was immediately followed by another top entertainer and presenter/producer of Bold Faces and The Psychologist on TV, Tricia Eseigbe-Kerry. She won in the Best Use of Advocacy on TV category.
However, one of the biggest honours of the night went to Mr. Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Amiable Adesina, who was accompanied to the event by his darling wife and two lovely children was recognised and rewarded with the diadem of Most Outstanding Media Personality.
Also the famous and multi-talented trio of Stephanie Okereke-Linus, Osita Iheme and Zik Zulu-Okafor smiled home with DALA Plaques in the categories of Nollywood Person of the Year (Female), Nollywood Person of the Year (Male) and Nollywood Icon of the Year, in that order.
Stephanie who donned a lovely green gown was oozing elegance and radiating in the curvy attire that was perfectly made for her.
The high point of the awards ceremony was the presentation of the highest award of the night, Daylight Person of the Year, to the immediate past Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Emeka Mba.
Cerebral Mba thanked the management of Daylight.ng, organisers of the awards, for deeming it fit to recognise and honour him for the outstanding contributions rendered to father land during his fruitful tenure at the NBC.
As the classy and colourful event which was spiced with titillating and hilarious comedy and musical performances progressed, the very popular and celebrated trio of Okey Bakassi, Steve Yaw Onu and Mr. Raw Nwanne, were also decorated with DALA Plaques in the Comedian, Radio Personality and Musician of the Year categories, respectively, amid applause and plaudits.
And for his immense contributions to the growth of entertainment and tourism in Nigeria, showbiz impresario and founder of Niteshift Coliseum, Mr. Ken Calebs Olumese was garlanded with DALA Life Time Achievement award.
Olumese who was accompanied to the event by his son, Kevin was full of praises to the organisers for deeming it fit to recognise and reward him.
Fast growing and time conscious airline, Air Peace, ably led by Barrister Allen Onyema won the DALA Plaque for Airline of the Year.
The last award of the memorable and fun filled night of high-net-worth gathering went to Nollywood newest discovery, Angel Ufuoma.
The sexy lawyer turned actress walked away with the trophy of Nollywood Most Promising Actress of the Year.
Meanwhile, earlier in his speech, the youthful and cerebral Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng and founder of DALA, Mr. Azuh Amatus, reiterated that the award primarily seeks to reward outstanding and hard working Nigerians in leadership positions that have excelled immensely in their chosen careers, in both private and public sectors.
Azuh, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), added that DALA was part of the activities marking Daylight newspaper’s first anniversary of robust, responsible and reliable online journalism.
A special anniversary edition of Daylight newspaper was also unveiled at the ceremony by Mr. Femi Adesina, who was supported by his wife, Mrs. Nike alongside Azuh.
This was preceded by the cutting of the splendid anniversary cake by Azuh, his wife, Mary, son, Nonso Sax, who were joined on stage by a galaxy of Nollywood stars and entertainers.
”I want to thank all of you for coming to rejoice and celebrate with us. My special thanks to all our awardees for accepting to be the first ever recipients of this laudable and prestigious DALA Plaques,” stated elated Azuh.”
The historic night of celebrations and networking ended with riveting performances from the quartet of De Don, D’Lectura, TJ Sax and Kesh Ofuobi, respectively.
In their separate speeches, all the honourees were full of appreciations to the organisers for rewarding and celebrating them at DALA 2016.
In the words of Adesina: “I feel honoured, thank you Daylight media for celebrating me. This is coming one year after I left active journalism.”
Armsgate: Court Dismisses Metuh’s Request for Medical Trip to UK
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 dismissed the application by the embattled spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, seeking the release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
Counsel to Metuh, Onyechi Ikpeazu,SAN, had on Monday, May 23, 2016 through an application dated May 16, 2016 sought the permission of the court to allow his client travel to the United Kingdom for five weeks to attend to his failing health.
He said that, the court could order the defendant to deposit his international passport with the Nigerian Embassy in UK in order to ensure that he does not abscond.
However, counsel to EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, countered his application saying, “there are hospitals in Nigeria which can handle the defendant’s medical case.”
Tahir also argued that, the court does not have jurisdiction over the defendant in UK as to order him deposit his passport to the Nigerian Embassy.
He urged the court to refuse his application.
After listening to the arguments on both sides, Justice Abang adjourned to today for ruling on the application.
In his ruling, Justice Abang held that, the application seeking the release of Metuh’s international passport should not have come to his court in the first place.
The judge posited that, the present condition of the defendant should not be a reason for the law to be compromised.
“Proceedings in a court of law are not based on sentiments. The court cannot set aside its decision. I have no jurisdiction to do so”, Justice Abang said.
He further stated that, “the prosecution has expressed fear that he (Metuh) will disappear. In a case like this, the court must be extremely careful. It must balance the competing rights of the defence, and that of the prosecution, before making its decision.”
The judge added that since the court cannot grant Metuh his second prayer, there would be no need to consider the application for his trip abroad.
“It is accordingly dismissed”, Justice Abang ruled.
Armsgate: You Have A Case To Answer, A’Court Tells Metuh
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 dismissed the appeal brought before it by the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh, ruling that the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja was right when he dismissed Metuh’s no-case-submission.
In a unanimous judgment delivered today by a three-man panel of Justices led by Justice Abdul Aboki, the appellate court held that, Metuh had a case to answer regarding the N400million allegedly transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, into his company account.
Justice Aboki noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had established a prima-facie case to warrant explanations from the defendant, adding that, “from the evidence adduced before the trial court, can it be said that the 1st defendant has no case to answer?
“The case of the prosecution has raised several questions that only the defendant can answer. It is evident that from testimonies of the eight witnesses called by the prosecution that issues of fact were raised to warrant explanations from the appellant.
“There is need for the defendant to either accept or deny the allegations against him,” Justice Aboki held.
According to him, the prosecution having closed its case, the burden of defence shifted to the appellant who he said was “entitled to give explanations as to what actually transpired”.
“There is no merit in this appeal and it is accordingly dismissed,” Justice Aboki ruled.
LAGOS SIGNS N844BN MoU ON 4TH MAINLAND BRIDGE
...38km Bridge To Be Completed In Three Years Without Federal Funding- Ambode
In what is set to become a major milestone achievement in its 50 years of existence, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kick-start the construction of the 38km 4th Mainland Bridge, expected to bring a 14-year old dream to reality.
The Bridge, which is geared towards economic growth in the State, is expected to gulp N844billion in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and would be delivered in three years.
Speaking at the signing of the MoU held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said that the need for the bridge had become imperative following the phenomenal growth of the State with a population of over 21 million people, which has in turn increased commercial activities and traffic gridlock.
“This has made it imperative for us to have a 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern axis and decongest traffic in the State.
“More importantly this bridge will provide the required transportation compliment to the rapidly growing industrial activities on the Eti-Osa - Lekki - Epe corridor of the State,” he said.
He said the proposed alignment of the Bridge will pass through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeiku towns along the shoreline of the Lagos Lagoon estuaries, further running through Igbogbo River Basin and crossing the Lagos Lagoon estuaries to Itamaga Area in Ikorodu.
The Governor said the alignment will also cross through the Itoikin road and the Ikorodu - Sagamu Road to connect Isawo inward Lagos Ibadan Expressway at Ojodu Berger axis.
He said the Bridge would be made up of eight interchanges to facilitate effective interconnectivity between different parts of the State.
“This structure will be a Four-lane dual carriageway with each comprising three lanes and two metres hard shoulder on each side. The bridge will be constructed to have a generous median to allow for both future carriageway expansion and light rail facility. There is no gainsaying the fact that huge benefits will be derived from this project but most importantly, make life more comfortable for Lagosians,” he said.
According to Governor Ambode, the Bridge which would be a PPP initiative is a testimony to the confidence the partners in the project have in the State Government and the Nigerian economy in general.
Expressing confidence that the project would be delivered on a Win-Win framework for all investors, the Governor said for the first time in the history of the State, the Government was embarking on the construction of a long-span bridge and expressway without Federal funding as the project is to be solely funded by the private sector.
“I am delighted that this project which has been on the drawing board for quite some time is now set to become a reality. This again, is the Continuity with improvement which we promised Lagosians.
“We have started the process with the signing of this MOU which is an expression of the commitment of major stakeholders including the government and the consortium of consultants and investors to the delivery of the project within the scheduled time frame,” the Governor said.
Governor Ambode also reassured Lagosians that his administration would remain committed to improving the State with world class transportation system as a vital component, which according to him is a key requirement for the sustenance of economic growth in the State.
The Bridge, among others would accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and feature two service areas as well as additional pedestrian crossing.
The Bridge would also accommodate three Toll Plazas which are still being tested from financial point of view and it would serve as a major boost to the actualisation of the Lekki Master Plan.
The project is to be financed by Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank and other private investors who have already signified intention to be part of the construction, while Visible Assets Limited would be the coordinating firm.
In his remarks, Executive Chairman of Visible Assets Limited, Mr. Idowu Iluyomade, said the project would go a long way to reduce traffic gridlock in the State and would provide job opportunities for Lagosians.
He said aside improving the quality of life of the people, the Bridge would also be a big asset that would be handed to the Lagos State Government at the end of the concession, assuring that it would be delivered on schedule.
Earlier, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson said that the Bridge when completed would utilise state-of-the-art tolling system that will ensure free flow of traffic.
POLICE RECORDS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME · Nabs 5 of the suspects involved in the attack on Enugu Community
· Recovers stolen vehicles, weapons
The Nigeria Police Force in its renewed determination to rid the society of crimes and all forms of criminality, has arrested five of the suspects involved in the midnight raid on Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on 25/04/2016, as operatives of theIGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) based on credible technical intelligence swooped on them.
The IGP’s IRT, based on the intelligence gathered on the attack, arrested the following suspects viz: Mohammed Zurai, Ciroma Musa, Sale Adamu, Suleiman Laute and Haruna Laute, and recovered one Gionee L88 mobile phone with memory card containing the video recording of the massacre in the community.
Also, the Team on the 06/05/2016 busted a 3-man syndicate of deadly bank robbers/kidnappers and recovered arms, ammunition, dynamites and rifle servicing tools from them. The gang members, Gogo Daniel Ume, Ikado Michael and Ifeanyi Kalu had been terrorizing Rivers, Imo and Enugu State, respectively.
Items recovered from them include 3 AK-47 rifles; 1 LAR rifle; 310 rounds of live ammunition; 12 rifle magazines; rifle servicing tools; cache of dynamite explosive; 1 Toyota Highlander Jeep; 1 Toyota Venza jeep; and 1Ford Edge Jeep.
In continuation of the IRT anti-kidnapping operations in Kaduna State, the team on 20/05/2016 as well arrested Babangida Ibrahim; Idris Abubakar and Idris Mai Anguwa in the State for allegedly involved in kidnapping and robbery, while different caliber of weapons were also recovered from the bandits.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM, has observed with satisfaction the high sense of patriotism and professionalism with which the members of the IGP’s IRT have carried out their duties so far. He stated that the IRT relies on vital information made available to the Police by the public and attributed the recent break-through to the growing trust and cooperation between the Force and the public.
The IGP assured Nigerians that the Police will remain dynamic and creative in formulating new strategies for fighting crimes and criminality and urged Nigerians to continue to support the Force.
Hassan Tukur and The Truth About The Chibok Girls
A certain online has written a very offensive and misleading story about one of former President Jonathan's top aides, Hassan Tukur who is being detained over the supposed Chibok girls' $40m Scam.
In the publication of the said online media, it was reported that out of $40m (forty million dollars) Mallam Tukur was given to facilitate the negotiation of the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls by the Boko Haram sect, he gave out only $5m (five million dollars) to the Chadian President, Idriss Derby, and pocketed the rest of the money, which amounted to $35m (thirty-five million dollars)..
SHOPRITE SUPPORTS FOODCLIQUE IN FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER
Africa’s leading retail shop giant Shoprite has thrown its weight of support behind FoodClique Support Initiative in a bid to help tackle hunger on the Nigerian shores and also fulfill its corporate social responsibility in the society.
Tuesday, 24 May 2016
Omisore Replies EFCC.....It is an attempt to tarnish my image
RE: EFCC DECLARED OMISORE WANTED
I read the statement issued by the Econimic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) purportedly declaring me wanted as an attempt by that organisation and its leadership to tarnish my image.
That statement, if indeed it was issued by the EFCC, is the height of mischief and a deliberate attempt to assassinate my character. It is now very clear that the EFCC is indeed playing out the script of persecuting and harassing perceived opposition groups in the country.
To be sure, there is no basis for the EFCC so-called statement. Only on Tuesday, May 24, we appeared in court with the EFCC asking for the permission of the court for an extension of time in the preliminary objection to a suit filed against me.
The Managing Director of Firmex Gill which the EFCC joined in their case indemnified me from the company's contracts and any such obligations. In other words, there is nothing relating to me in the company's contract deal with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The company has even sued the ONSA for its inability to pay the balance of the contract so awarded to it.
Therefore, I am not aware of any issue relating to a contract sum of N700 million. There was no issue of N700 million anywhere. The relationship between the company and ONSA is civil and contractual, which has nothing to do with me. Besides, so long as their business transactions are legitimate and since I am not directly managing the company, how am I to know who and who they do business with?
The EFCC should not be seen playing the role of political victimisation of innocent individuals, coercion and blackmail. Sadly that is simply what this organisation has been doing. Blackmail, I strongly believe, won't help EFCC. If the organisation and its leadership think they have any case against me, they should come to court with their facts. This act of blackmail and deliberate tarnishing the image of perceived political enemies won't help the image of the EFCC and it won't get it result.
How can you declare someone you were in court with at 9.00a.m today wanted the same day, a few hours afterwards? I am appealing to all human rights and civil society organisations to caution EFCC from damaging my reputation further. If they have facts, I challenge them to bring them to court and not resort to blackmail, intimidation and victimisation.
Signed:
Senator Iyiola Omisore
UBA and Konga Boost e-Commerce With Mobile POS (mPoS)
Pan African banking group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has partnered Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce company and Innovectives Nigeria Limited to create a seamless delivery and payment system by integrating mobile point of sale solution into Konga's delivery system.
Mobile POS (mPOS) which is powered by UBA PLC and MasterCard will make it easier for Konga customers to pay for their orders thereby enhancing payment acceptance and making reconciliation easy for Konga customers and sales agents. The mobile POS payments are 100% secure and accept for local and international card types.
The new Mobile POS will accept MasterCard, Visa and Verve cards from all banks and enable Konga delivery agents to easily capture sales. Customers can also confirm payments on the spot thus improving accountability in e-commerce transactions.
“We have partnered with Konga to get this innovative payment solution because it offers convenience to Nigerians who are increasingly shopping online. Mobile POS offers a significant improvement in transparency in the way customers pay for their goods. Konga delivery people will be able to accept payments from a phone-like POS terminal and UBA is powering this with its advanced digital payments technology” said Dr. Yinka Adedeji, Divisional Head, Digital Banking, UBA Plc.
Konga has adopted convenient, cutting edge and secure payment solutions to reduce cash handling and enhance the shopping experience for its customers.
With a customer base in excess of 10 million, UBA has invested heavily in building a robust and secure Digital Banking platform that supports its digital banking operations globally through strategic partnerships with various local and international organizations.
The UBA Group is a highly diversified financial services provider, with business offices in New York, Paris and a subsidiary in London. A leading player on the African continent, UBA has significant market share and operations in 19 different African countries. The Group has a strong retail franchise across the continent offering its customers a bouquet of products and services tailored to meet their different financial needs.
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