News From Nigeria
Former Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, on Monday earned huge commendation for inspiring the people, creating a paradigm shift in humanitarian activism in Nigeria and maintaining cordial relationship with the traditional institution across the country.
‘’You are a man of great integrity and a rare gift to the fatherland. As a governor, you encouraged women participation in politics, promoted the rights and welfare of minors, built bridges of hope and created an enabling environment for sustainable development. You showed uncommon commitment and patriotism on issues bordering on the Niger Delta region and its development’’.
He was also applauded for embarking on massive construction of roads and bridges, creating special economic zones and industrial clusters, constructing modern markets, building Asaba International Airport and expanding the Osubi Airstrip.
‘’You touched on the lives of several Deltans especially by your free healthcare programme for pregnant women and children, scholarship scheme for students, micro credit and agricultural schemes. You restored peace in Warri and environs and took action that supported Nigeria’s crude oil production. The increased oil and gas production is to some extent a result of your peace and security initiatives’’.
In a statement on the joyous occasion of the ex-governor’s 70th birthday and his achievements, the Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, described the former governor as ‘’a peace promoter and a bridge builder’’.
‘’You delivered on your three-point agenda: peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development of the state’’.
He also described his 8-year tenure as the executive governor of Delta State as glorious and memorable.
‘’You opened a new vista for commercial and economic prosperity of the state, demonstrated unusual knack in the pursuit of education in Delta State, expanded the frontiers of the dividend of democracy to the people and encouraged citizens to embrace entrepreneurship skills. You ensured a sound culture of accountability, invested in electricity and housing and provided cheap, comfortable and affordable means of transportation’’
Alema of Warri who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies highlighted the ex-governor’s impact as Commissioner for Health.
‘’As Commissioner for Health, you made a mark that cannot be rivaled. You constructed and upgraded several health centres, provided special rehabilitation funds for hospitals across the state and established remarkable industrial peace in the sector through improved welfare packages. No progress-loving person can deny your character of discipline, integrity and passionate commitment to the sector.
The Warri High Chief emphasized Uduaghan’s administrative experience and political sagacity.
‘’As Secretary to the State Government, you left your name in gold. You brought your vision and vast experience to bear on the purpose-driven administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori. Indeed, you did the job with dignity, grace and generosity of spirit’’
He also underscored the ex-governor’s natural tendency for open door policy and participatory management style.
‘’You deserve to be honoured for your unique ability, uncommon administrative ingenuity, the work that you did for the people of Delta State and the example you set for Nigeria. You deserve to be celebrated for your vision, forthrightness, sophisticated bearing and knack for solving the most complicated problems. You also deserve to be celebrated for your exemplary leadership, immense contributions to humanity and the good name that you built for the family by your excellent conduct in the private and public sector’’.
Ending the statement, Uduaghan said ‘’ On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Abigborodo, I join all well-meaning Nigerians to felicitate with an astute and upright leader on the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday and I pray to Almighty God to protect him, grant him more wisdom, strength and good health to continue to serve mankind’’
We are confident of Okpebholo’s victory – Edo Leaders
Notable personalities in Edo State, including leaders of ethnic and youth groups, political parties, former council chairmen and past political appointees on Saturday resolved to build a united front for the September 21 governorship election.
‘’Edo is urgently in need of salvation, purposeful leadership and efficient government. Eight years of wasted opportunities are enough. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a shining example of honesty, humility and quality leadership and will make Edo great, steer the ship of state back to the path of rectitude and progress’’
They also declared that “it will be a victory for APC in the September 21 Governorship Election.
“The September 21 governorship election is about the future of our state. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond of unity, enhance development and promote good governance. Our support for Senator Monday Okpebholo is total and we are quite confident and ready for the election” the leaders said.
Arising from a meeting in Uromi, the leaders explained that the issue of winning the September 21 election is already a foregone conclusion.
“A vote for APC is a vote for progressive policies, high management capacity and vision for serious challenges besetting the state. It is also a vote for upgrading the state’s infrastructure, creating larger space for small and medium- sized business, investing in education, healthcare, transportation, housing and urban development, upholding the rule of law, improving the living conditions of the needy, protecting our communities and offering more opportunities for our young people”
A statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Political Congress (EPC), Dr Joshua Eboigbe said Okpebholo has the personal gravitas and organizational support to take the state to the next level.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is effective, knowledgeable, consistent and open to dialogue. He will spread employment opportunities across the state, shape our state for the better, ensure economic growth for all and greater transparency in public life and accelerate the social, political and economic development of the state.
The prominent men and women noted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate.
‘’The PDP lacks the justification and moral standing to continue in office. It has been an era of disappointment and unfulfilled promises’’
The cheerful leaders said the plans to take over the state leadership cannot be deterred by the power of incumbency.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of character and competence, has vision, moral fortitude, zeal, leadership, commitment and love for all. He will invest in farmers, attract local and foreign investors, promote an environment of enduring peace, progress and development, provide meaningful, sustainable and dignified employment to the youth, defuse social conflicts and give a sense of belonging to the various ethnic groups through the enthronement of political and economic justice”.
They said Okpebholo’s quest is to redeem the state.
‘’Now, more than before, Edo State needs quality and focused leadership. Senator Okpebholo will galvanize the people to self-development, energize the economy, and raise the standard of living of the people through adequate inter-village communication such as good road network, electricity, pipe-borne water, recreational facilities. He will also stimulate rural industries and show the necessary leadership by matching words with action through evolving workable development approaches, proper coordination and funding’’.
Stakeholders in the iron and steel sector in Nigeria said the major issue at stake in the sector was the investigation of Ajaokuta Steel and NIOMCO between 2008 to date.
They also said that history would be kind to President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio if they were able to investigate the activities of the moribund companies.
‘’The anti-Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan move is choreographed by the Government of Kogi State. Those ostensibly leading it are all ciphers, people who do not have the interests of Kogi people at heart. The ongoing efforts by Kogi monarchs to stop the investigation of Ajaokuta Steel Company will fail. There is no substitute for investigation’’ the Chairman of Nigerian Steel and Automotive Industry Forum, Dr Nicholas Okonkwo said in a statement Thursday.
Speaker after speaker at the 4th Ajaokuta Steel Plant Revival Summit held in Abuja disowned the traditional rulers and assured the public that President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio would ensure proper investigation of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The traditional rulers from the Ebira ethnic group in a letter to the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, urged Kogi State indigenes in the National Assembly to work for the common good of Ebiraland, Kogi State and Nigeria in general.
The letter signed by the Ohi 0f Adavi, Eganyi, Ihima, Eika and Okene, Mohammed Bello, Musa Isah Achuja, Ahmed Abdulraheem, Umar Opewu and Isah Mamman maintained that the issue of Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe must be handled with caution and statesmanship.
The quest for the resuscitation must begin with a holistic investigation of the circumstances that led to the re-concession of NIOMCO even when the initial concession agreement was validly terminated by the YarAdua administration with positive review by the International Chamber of Commerce, London.
Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is working for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe. She recently moved a motion to investigate alleged corruption and inefficiency at the moribund companies.
The stakeholders are pushing for the investigation of the payment of $496 allegedly made to Mr Pramod Mittal, Chairman, Global Infrastructural Holdings LTD (GINL) by the Federal Government in September 2022 as settlement over said contractual disputes.
They are calling for a review of extant policies and laws on steel development in Nigeria, dissolution of the sole administratorship of Ajaokuta Steel Company and promotion of good corporate governance, efficiency and accountability by constituting a proper management and governing board for the company.
They want a structure that should comprise but not limited to a Managing Director, Director of Projects, Director of Finance, Director of Corporate Services with representatives from professional bodies such as society of engineers, Nigerian Metallurgical Society and representatives from supervising ministries of finance and steel and of course Host Community.
However, the monarchs urged the legislators to show responsiveness and collaboration.
‘’’Our position therefore is that our legislators must cooperate with the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, the management of the two companies and stakeholders to come up with workable positions and ideas that would strengthen the hand of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Plant works ‘’
The traditional custodians of the people of Kogi Central and Ebiraland listed massive employment generation for our teaming youths, technological breakthrough and economic emancipation as obvious benefits of the resuscitation and completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe.
They recalled the bold steps of President Muhammadu Buhari, urging President Tinubu to consider it a priority to revisit the twin Ajaokuta and Itakpe projects.
‘’The history of these companies in our land has seen glory and trepidation. The best of the moments were between 1979 and 83 during the era of Late President Shehu Shagari, whose government took the project from scratch to a near completion stage in record time. His administration showed commitment and carried everybody along and capped it up with the creation of a separate ministry of steel development and the appointment of Late Mamman Ali Makele, an indigene of the state as Minister, a decision that made policy implementation on issues related to the development of Ajaokuta Steel Plant and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company easier and efficient. This is why we have a place we now call a steel plant, though left uncompleted forty years down the line’’.
They also commended Tinubu on his development strides, restoration of the Steel Development Ministry and appointment of an indigene of Kogi State to drive its efforts in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
‘’The new policy initiative is commendable and needs the support of every Sons and Daughters of Ebiraland and Kogites. This period is therefore a period of collaboration of ideas, support of government initiatives on these two companies and above all it is a period to deescalate controversies that may distract the government, stakeholders and would be investors that may show interest in helping to give life to the Ajaokuta.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on Monday expressed concerns about misconduct in Ajaokuta Steel Company and urged President Bola Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into reported mismanagement.
‘’If there are individuals or group of individuals protecting the corrupt managers of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and hereby shielding them from any form of probe and judgement, it simply means that they are beneficiaries of the ill-gotten proceeds of the mismanagement or they have other personal interests that are not people-friendly and that are tantamount to water down or nullify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption. These set of people should also be probed. They may even be part of those used by these selfish leaders to loot the treasury of the steel company dry.’’
The student body implored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices & Other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to stand their ground against every form of intimidation or shielding, as they probe and investigate mismanagement in Ajaokuta Steel Company.
‘’While the revamping of this company is going on, the probing of these culprits should aggressively continue. Both can go concurrently, and one will not affect another. As a matter of fact, the probing is an essential part of the revamping because investigators and other Stakeholders may discover in the course of probing that some bad eggs are still on the management and staff of this Steel Company. With these probes, many unveilings will take place, giving way to a holistic revitalization and resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company’’.
The umbrella body with over 50million members across the nation in a press release said those involved in the mismanagement of this company must be brought to book immediately:
‘’This is simply because if these offenders are brought to book, it will serve as a deterrent to others who are aspiring to steal from the company as soon as it starts operation again. Bringing them to book will help the company grow in the sense that the money recovered from these offenders would be pumped back into the company and it will give it a higher lift in every sense’’.
In the release signed by NANS Universal President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, GCNS, the association vowed not to back down on fights of this peculiarity, especially one that is against the tenets of financial accountability and transparency.
‘’Power intoxicates, and absolute power intoxicates absolutely. Having a Sole Administrator for the past 12 years to oversee a public and national company like Ajaokuta Steel is not good enough. This gives room to corruption in the sense that there will be no one else to check the excesses of the Sole Administrator and this may give him/her an ample chance to misuse the trust and powers given to him/her. Hence, power in this institution should be broken down to the Managing Director, Executive Director Technical Services, Executive Director Finance and other directorates for more effectiveness, accountability and productivity that will culminate in efficacious checking and balancing’’.
The association stressed the importance of addressing concerns raised by Nigerians and ensuring that no single tribe, out of the over 200 tribes in Nigeria has the right to lay claim of sole ownership to this government project built from the nation’s taxpayers’ money.
‘’In as much as this company is Federal Government owned, one particular group should never claim ownership and control of it because it’s built on their land. Just the way no single tribe is laying claims to the oil in the Niger Delta and the Hydroelectric dams in Kanji and its environs, This company should be a haven of massive employment opportunities for us Nigerian Students upon graduation and it should also be a technology site where our potential engineering students all over the country could come and experience technological innovations at its peak as they aspire for greatness in the field of engineering. So, no single tribe, out of the over 200 tribes in Nigeria has the right to lay claim of sole ownership to this government project built from the nation’s taxpayers’ money. This must be checkmated’’.
The association underlined Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the country.
‘’We want to sincerely appreciate H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the humongous effort he has put into the development of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, since he assumed office. From history, apart from the Shehu Shagari era, this will be the first time that this company would be having this kind of unusual support from the Federal Government. This is highly commendable. We also want to appreciate the office of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio for his huge and tireless efforts in making sure that this company comes back on its feet and deliver the purpose with which it was founded. All his efforts are seen, and they won’t go unappreciated’’.
It commended members of the National Assembly, especially Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who raised one issue or the other in support of the growth and development of the company.
‘’We believe that their efforts shall not go unrewarded and their wishes towards the progress of Ajaokuta Steel Company will come to materialization in no distant time’’.
The association highlighted the dedication of the government and the stakeholders.
‘’Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company have remained in operational, but resuscitation plans of the projects are near with the attraction of investors in topmost gear. The government and the stakeholders alike are working assiduously to see that the company comes back to life. This is a good omen for the Renewed Hope Agenda to continue to flourish amidst the global economic crisis that has engulfed the world right about now.
It pointed out that individuals who brought the Ajaokuta Steel Company to this comatose are still walking the street un-investigated and unpunished.
‘’These people who have been indicted to the tune of several millions of US dollars further siphoned $496m in September 2022 through Buhari’s administration. They have neither been probed nor punished. This is not a good precedence at all and if unchecked would create an avenue for dabbling into President Tinubu’s efforts of resuscitating the steel plant’’.
‘’These individuals including past corrupt government executives denied the public, most especially the youth, the benefit of experiencing the exodus of job opportunities, technological exposure and economic emancipation that would have been massively accrued to us all these while if they had done what was expected of them. These people selfishly and callously mismanaged Ajaokuta Steel Company and grounded it with the notion that nothing will happen in the end. If acts like these go un-investigated and unpunished, what is now the tendency that after rebuilding, some other people would not come and do the same thing to loot and ground it again the umpteenth time? This should not be so’’.
NANS CALLS FOR PROBE OF MISMANAGEMENT IN AJAOKUTA STEEL COMPANY LIMITED AS ITS
RESUSCITATION CONTINUES
APPRECIATION:
The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, the umbrella body with over 50million members across the nation, wants to sincerely appreciate H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the humongous effort he has put into the development of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, since he assumed office. From history, apart from the Shehu Shagari era, this will be the first time that this company would be having this kind of unusual support from the Federal Government. This is highly commendable.
We also want to appreciate the office of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot AKPABIO, CON, for his huge and tireless efforts in making sure that this company comes back on its feet and deliver the purpose with which it was
founded. All his efforts are seen and they won’t go unappreciated.
Finally we want to thank the members of the National Assembly especially Senator Natasha Uduaghan, who raised one issue or the other in support of the growth and development of this company. We believe that their efforts shall not go unrewarded and their wishes towards the progress of Ajaokuta Steel Company will come to materialization in no distant time.
THE STATUS QUO:
Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company have remained inoperational but resuscitation plans of the projects are near with the attraction of investors in topmost gear. The government and the stakeholders alike are working assiduously to see that the company comes back to life. This is a good omen for the Renewed Hope Agenda to continue to flourish amidst the global economic crisis that has engulfed the world right about now.
It is also worthy of note that the set of individuals who brought the Ajaokuta Steel Company to this comatose are still walking the street uninvestigated and unpunished. These people who have been indicted to the tune of several millions of US dollars
further siphoned $496m in September 2022 through Buhari’s administration. They have neither been probed nor punished.
This Ref No: NANS/VOL1/GA1/ A73 10 March, 2024 is not a good precedence at all and if unchecked would create an avenue for dabbling into President Tinubu’s efforts of resuscitating the steel plant.
These individuals including past corrupt government executives denied the public, most especially the youth, the benefit of experiencing the exodus of job opportunities, technological exposure and economic emancipation that would have been massively accrued to us all these while if they had done what was expected of them. They selfishly and callously mismanaged Ajaokuta Steel Company and grounded it with the notion that nothing will happen in the end. If acts like these go uninvestigated and unpunished, what is now the tendency that after rebuilding, some other people would not come and do the same thing to loot and ground it again the umpteenth time? This should not be so.
OUR STANCE AS NANS:
This is simply because if these offenders are brought to book, it will serve as a deterrent to others who are aspiring to steal from the company as soon as it starts operation again. Bringing them to book will help the company grow in the sense that the money recovered from these offenders would be pumped back into the company and it will give it a higher lift in every sense;
While the revamping of this company is going on, the probing of these culprits should aggressively continue. Both can go concurrently and one will not affect another. As a matter of fact, the probing is an essential part of the revamping because investigators and other Stakeholders may discover in the course of probing that some bad eggs are still on the management and staff of this Steel Company. With these probes, many unveilings will take place, giving way to a holistic revitalization and resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company;
Power intoxicates and absolute power intoxicates absolutely. Having a Sole Administrator for the past 12 years to oversee a public and national company like Ajaokuta Steel is not good enough. This gives room to corruption in the sense that there will be no one else to check the excesses of the Sole Administrator and this may give him/her an ample chance to misuse the trust and powers given to him/her. Hence, power in this institution should be broken down to the Managing Director, Executive Director Technical Services , Executive Director Finance and other directorates for more effectiveness, accountability and productivity that will culminate in efficacious checking and balancing; and
In as much as this company is Federal Government owned, one particular group should never claim ownership and control of it because it’s built on their land. Just the way no single tribe is laying claims to the the oil in the Niger Delta and the Hydroelectric dams in Kanji and its environs, we see no reason why the Ebira people will turn the Ajaokuta Steel Company to their personal property and would never want others to benefit from the largesse that should come with it. This company should be a haven of massive employment opportunities for us Nigerian Students upon graduation and it should also be a technology site where our potential engineering students all over the country could come and experience technological innovations at its peak as they aspire for greatness in the field of engineering. So, no single tribe, out of the over 200 tribes in Nigeria has the right to lay claim of sole ownership to this government project built from the nation’s taxpayers money. This must be checkmated.
Conclusive, if there are individuals or group of individuals protecting the corrupt managers of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and hereby shielding them from any form of probe and judgement, it simply means that they are beneficiaries of the ill-gotten proceeds of the mismanagement or they have other personal interests that are not people-friendly and that are tantamount to water down or nullify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption. These set of people should also be probed. They may even be part of those used by these selfish leaders to loot the treasury of the steel company dry. The Nigerian Students are not the type to back down on fights of this peculiarity, especially one that is against the tenets of financial accountability and transparency. Hence, we implore the EFCC, ICPC and other related agencies to stand their ground against every form of intimidation or shielding, as they probe and investigate these heartless people.
SIGNED:
Comr. Lucky Emonefe, GCNS
NANS Universal President
OLU OF WARRI, CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY, OTHERS TO ATTEND GRAND OPENING OF CANAAN LAND GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB FEBRUARY 10 IN KOKO
The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, will perform the grand opening of the Canaan Land Golf and Country Club on Saturday, February 10, 2024,
in Koko town.
‘’ The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 is a good golfer and a wonderful king. We are proud to have him” Managing Director of Akogate Water and Ajimele Oil, Honourable Felix Aganbi, said in a statement Monday Morning.”
‘’Beautifully designed new homes, world-class amenities and weekly events, the Canaan Land Golf Club is 70 minutes away from the monarch’s palace.
Aganbi says the goal of the Canaan Land Mini Golf Classic is to ensure a strong sense of community.
‘’ The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse, is also set for the Canaan Land Mini Golf Classic ceremonial tee-off. Professional and amateur golfers, prominent chiefs, business moguls and top government officials from across the country will join His Royal Majesty in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government on Saturday, February 10, 2024’’ the statement said.
The statement listed Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, Ani Ojuyah, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, Alfred Temile, Dr Alex Ideh, Ama Etuwewe, Val Arenyeka and Shola Mese as prominent leaders assigned holes.
The organizers of the golf tournament also assigned holes to Emmppek Farms, Levant Construction, total Energies, Daniel Mayuku, Matthew Iduopiyekemwen, Sam Dudu, Optimal Energy, Warri North Local Government Chairman, Osahon Osawe and the Commanding Officer, 90 Amphibious Battalion.
Alexander Verhees, Joseph Idahosa and other professional coaches will be participating in the tournament.
‘’ Guests are expected in Koko on Friday, February 9. Cocktail party will take place in the evening. Ceremonial tee-off by the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 holds Saturday, February 10. Second tee-off and award presentation are scheduled for 11 am and 6 pm while the golf course party is Sunday, February 11’’ the statement added.
Management and staff of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc celebrated the maiden edition of the Company’s Annual Cultural Day Friday amid fanfare with staff, Nigerians and expatriates representing the various tribes in the country.
The event which was celebrated nationwide both in the Head office in Abuja as well as at all the operational regions and sites of the Julius Berger Group,saw staff resplendently dressed in diverse local attires exhibiting the rich culture of the peoples of Nigeria.
In Abuja, the Head of Human Resources Department, Olorunfemi Ojomo kickstarted the event when he welcomed staff members and other guests, encouraging all to savour the significance of the ceremony as a celebration of the rich and diverse culture of the warm and lively Nigerian society.
Other Management staff at the ceremony included the Regional Manager of the company’s Region Central North (RCN) Engr. Oliver Berger, Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Ismaila Amodu Mohammed, Head of Human Resources Directorate, Alexander Conford, the Senior Contracts Manager, Barrister (Mrs) Omonigho Brown, the Company’s Chief Risk Officer, Mrs Shakira Mustapha, and a host of other senior and junior as well many expatriate staff of the company.
At the Ijora Lagos Office of Region West of the company, Regional Manager, Commercial, Alexander Bauer and his Technical colleague, Christl Thomas led the staff to the unique celebration of Nigeria culture with Bauer saying that the event is the company’s way of identifying with the rich culture of the people of Nigeria.
He called on the staff to always be proud of their respective cultures as diverse as they are, adding that their diversity generates interests that strengthen, unify and galvanise them together as one big family. The Day, he said, even as he added that the Day is now in the company’s Calendar planned to be an annual event following the successful inauguration.
Christl Thomas, the Regional Manager (Technical) who dressed up at the event as a proud representative of the South-eastern Igbo tribe, did not mince words in saying that, “…today we all stand up to represent each Nigerian tribe as possible. We are harnessing our cultural diversity by dressing in any Nigerian tribal dress and tasting local delicacies including soups and other foods. We are celebrating our maiden Cultural Day. It marks the celebration of our cultural diversity here in Nigeria and we hope to reap all the benefits that derive from such values that will enhance the operational efficiency of all staff.“
In preparing for the event, the Human Resource Department in underscoring the seriousness that Management attached to the event had informed the workers that only employees whose jobs require the use of PPEs or wearing of uniforms were exempted. Thus, all other personnel joyfully participated as one happy corporate family in their diverse and colourful Nigerian traditional attires at the clearly exciting event.
The Abuja and Ijora Lagos events as well as at other sites like Uyo, Akwa Ibom State were marked by visits to the designated booths for photo sessions and posting on social media handles with hashtags #HarnessingOurDiversity ~JBNCulturalDay; #CelebratingJBDiversity, fashion show on blue carpet amidst more photo sessions and presentations from a few cultural dances.
Traditional foods from all sections of the country were on display and later served to staff and guests as refreshments.
4 October 2023
BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 to honour Kiernan “AKA” Forbes with Global Visionary Award posthumously
Press Assets*
The 2023 “BET Hip Hop Awards” is set to commemorate the late Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes with the prestigious Global Visionary Award, recognizing his profound impact on the global Hip-Hop landscape.
Accepting the award on his behalf during a pre-recorded special during the International airings of the show are AKA’s family, Lynn & Tony Forbes, who stated, “This is a bittersweet moment for us as a family. Kiernan lived for music and gave his all to creating a legacy that has outlived him. Thank you BET for bestowing such a rightful honour to Kiernan. He would have accepted this award with pride. We are humbled to receive and acknowledge this honour on his behalf, especially for Kairo, who gets to witness her father’s legacy live on.”
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, commented on the significance of the award and AKA’s unparalleled vision and contributions to Hip Hop, saying, “Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was not just a music icon, he was a visionary. BET is proud to celebrate his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft which left an indelible mark on the world. We are honoured to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the Global Visionary Award at the 2023 ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ AKA’s legacy will forever inspire future generations, reminding us that music transcends borders and has the power to unite us all.”
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show with Executive Producer for BET Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023 along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.
For more information about “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023, including the latest news and updates, visit bet.com/hiphopawards.
Join the conversation on social media by logging on to multiple BET social media platforms: On Twitter by using the hashtag #HipHopAwards; follow us @HipHopAwards and @BET; On Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/HipHopAwards.
4 October 2023
Goldberg, Life Beer take center stage as Nigerian Breweries presents ‘The Big Weekend Experience’
Prepare for an explosion of excitement as Nigerian Breweries sets the stage ablaze this September and October with “The Big Weekend Experience” – an extraordinary fusion of beer and music that guarantees an exhilarating spectacle! From September 17th to October 22nd, beer and music lovers from across Nigeria are cordially invited to celebrate life, good music, great company, and the finest brews.
Goldberg and Life Beer will lead the charge, ensuring this event is an experience like no other. But that’s not all; the entire portfolio of top-notch brands like 33 Export, Star, Desperados, Heineken, Zagg, Legend, the newest brand in the teeming portfolio, Goldberg Black and many more, will also be making appearances at the activations, offering a wide array of options to satisfy every consumer.
Under the vibrant Nigerian night sky, some of the nation’s most electrifying music artists, including Skales, Orezi, and May D, will take the stage, promising an energy level that will set hearts racing and rhythms that will be impossible to resist.
Mfon Bassey, National Trade Marketing Manager at Nigerian Breweries Plc, highlighted our unwavering commitment to quality brands and creating thrilling consumer experiences. He declared, “Nigerian Breweries has been synonymous with quality brands and experiences for decades. We’ve pioneered events like Star Trek, Gulder Ultimate Search, Maltina Dance All, and many others that show our dedication to setting the standard. This time, we’re bringing our finest brews to ‘The Big Weekend Experience,’ ensuring that no one is left out.”
Skales, one of the performing artists at the event, shared his personal connection during the press conference. He fondly recalled growing up with his grandmother and mother running a warehouse housing brands from the Nigerian Breweries portfolio. He expressed his joy at being part of the artist lineup for “The Big Weekend Experience.”
According to Ita Bassey, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., “The Big Weekend Experience is packed with non-stop entertainment, games, and surprises. It’s more than a party; it’s about creating memorable experiences for our customers. The Big Weekend is our way of thanking our loyal customers for their unwavering support over the years.”
“The Big Weekend Experience” promises music, laughter, and the perfect brews to lift consumers’ spirits nationwide. To stay updated on the dates and outlets closest to you, follow The Big Weekend on social media at @bigweekendexp. This is the event that’s about to take Nigeria by storm, and you won’t want to miss a beat!
5 October 2023
Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, Arya Starr nominated for 2023 MTV EMAs
Burna Boy, Asake, Diamond Platnumz, Libianca, Tyler Icu, Among Top Contenders for Best African Act as Voting Opens
Music’s Biggest Global Celebration Will Broadcast air Live From Paris On Sunday, 5 November, at 20:00 WAT across 150+ countries on MTV (DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322)
MTV has announced the nominees for 2023 MTV EMAs, with African global stars, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, Ayra Starr and Aya Nakamura, nominated for the “Best Afrobeat” category. Asake, Burna Boy, Libianca, Diamond Platnumz and Tyler ICU also shine in the “Best African Act” category. The awards will broadcast live on MTV and MTV Base at 20:00 WAT on DStv channels 130 and 322, respectively.
Taylor Swift leads the pack with seven nods, including “Best Artist,” “Best Song” and “Best Video.” Olivia Rodrigo and SZA follow closely with six nominations each, also for “Best Artist,” “Best Song” and “Best Video.” Doja Cat, Måneskin, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj each earned four nominations including “Best Song” and “Best Artist.”
There are twenty-six first-time nominees ahead of music’s biggest global celebration, with three nominations for BTS’ Jung Kook, marking his first MTV EMA nominations as a solo artist. Central Cee, FLO, Ice Spice, PinkPantheress scored three nominations each, while Asake, Coi Leray, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, NewJeans, Peso Pluma and Reneé Rapp are all nominated twice.
“2023 marks a historic moment for the MTV EMAs as we proudly embrace and celebrate the rich diversity of talent from across the globe. This year’s nominations reflect our commitment to showcasing artists from all corners of the world, highlighting their unique voices and talent. We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Best Afrobeats’ category, a testament to the global impact and influence of this vibrant genre,” says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Paramount Africa and Lead for BET International.
Paris Nord Villepinte, operated by Viparis, is the official venue for the 2023 MTV EMAs. The spectacular live event is marking its first return to Paris since 1995 with a colorful, immersive MTV EMA wonderland for fans to enjoy.
The 2023 MTV EMAs will broadcast live on MTV in more than 150 countries. The show will also be available in multiple international territories live on Pluto TV and on-demand on Paramount+.
Beginning today, fans can vote for their favorites across categories including “Best Song,” “Best Artist,” “Best Collaboration,” plus new category “Best Afrobeats” at www.mtvema.com until 31 October, at 10:59pm WAT.
The “Biggest Fans” and “Best Group” winners will be voted for at a later date via @MTVEMA on social media.
The winner of the “Best Video” category will be chosen by MTV.
Fans from 24 regions around the world can also vote for their favorite artists in the “Best Local Act” category.
Tickets for the 2023 MTV EMAs will be on-sale from 19 October via http://www.fnacspectacles.com/.
COMPLETE LIST OF 2023 MTV EMA NOMINEES:
BEST AFROBEATS
Asake
Aya Nakamura
Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Davido
Rema
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Asake
Burna Boy
Libianca
Tyler ICU
Diamond Platnumz
BEST SONG
Doja Cat – Paint The Town Red
Jung Kook feat. Latto – Seven
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo – vampire
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Rema, Selena Gomez – Calm Down
BEST VIDEO
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion – Bongos
Doja Cat – Paint The Town Red
Little Simz – Gorilla
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo – vampire
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
BEST ARTIST
Doja Cat
Miley Cyrus
Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
SZA
Taylor Swift
BEST COLLABORATION
Central Cee x Dave – Sprinter
David Guetta, Anne-Marie, Coi Leray – Baby Don’t Hurt Me
KAROL G, Shakira – TQG
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage – Creepin’
PinkPantheress, Ice Spice – Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2
Rema, Selena Gomez – Calm Down
BEST NEW
Coi Leray
FLO
Ice Spice
Peso Pluma
PinkPantheress
Reneé Rapp
BEST POP
Billie Eilish
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Miley Cyrus
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
BEST ROCK
Arctic Monkeys
Foo Fighters
Måneskin
Metallica
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Killers
BEST LATIN
Anitta
Bad Bunny
KAROL G
Peso Pluma
ROSALÍA
Shakira
BEST K-POP
FIFTY FIFTY
Jung Kook
NewJeans
SEVENTEEN
Stray Kids
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Blur
Fall Out Boy
Lana Del Rey
Paramore
Thirty Seconds To Mars
YUNGBLUD
BEST ELECTRONIC
Alesso
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Swedish House Mafia
Peggy Gou
Tiësto
BEST HIP HOP
Cardi B
Central Cee
Lil Wayne
Lil Uzi Vert
Metro Boomin
Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
BEST R&B
Chlöe
Chris Brown
Steve Lacy
Summer Walker
SZA
Usher
BEST LIVE
Beyoncé
Burna Boy
Ed Sheeran
Måneskin
SZA
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
BEST PUSH
November 2022: Flo Milli
December 2022: Reneé Rapp
January 2023: Sam Ryder
February 2023: Armani White
March 2023: FLETCHER
April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
May 2023: Ice Spice
June 2023: FLO
July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith
August 2023: Kaliii
September 2023: GloRilla
October 2023: Benson Boone
BIGGEST FANS
Anitta
Billie Eilish
BLACKPINK
Jung Kook
Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter
Selena Gomez
Taylor Swift
BEST GROUP
aespa
FLO
Jonas Brothers
Måneskin
NewJeans
OneRepublic
SEVENTEEN
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
COMPLETE LIST OF 2023 MTV EMA BEST LOCAL ACT NOMINEES:
BEST ASIA ACT
BE:FIRST
BRIGHT
Moria
Tiara Andini
TREASURE
BEST AUSTRALIAN ACT
Budjerah
G Flip
Kylie Minogue
The Kid LAROI
Troye Sivan
BEST BRASILIAN ACT
Anavitoria
Kevin O Chris
Luisa Sonza
Manu Gavassi
Matue
BEST CANADIAN ACT
Charlotte Cardin
Drake
Jamie Fine
Shania Twain
The Beaches
BEST CARIBBEAN ACT
Eladio Carrion
Mora
Myke Towers
Rauw Alejandro
Young Miko
BEST DUTCH ACT
FLEMMING
Idaly
Kriss Kross Amsterdam
S10
Zoë Tauran
BEST FRENCH ACT
Aime Simone
Aya Nakamura
Bigflo & Oli
Louane
Ninho
Slimane
BEST GERMAN ACT
Apache 207
AYLIVA
Kontra K
Luciano
Nina Chuba
Ski Aggu
BEST HUNGARIAN ACT
ajsa luna
Analog Balaton
Beton.Hofi
Co Lee
Hundred Sins
BEST INDIA ACT
Dee MC
DIVINE
Mali
Tsymyoki
When Chai Met Toast
BEST ITALIAN ACT
Annalisa
Elodie
Lazza
Måneskin
The Kolors
BEST ISRAELI ACT
Anna Zak
Liad Meir
Noa Kirel
Nunu
Shira Margalit
BEST LAT AM CENTRAL ACT
Blessd
Feid
Manuel Turizo
Ryan Castro
Sebastian Yatra
BEST LAT AM NORTH ACT
Danna Paola
Kenia Os
Kevin Kaarl
Siddhartha
Natanael Cano
BEST LAT AM SOUTH ACT
Bizarrap
Duki
Fito Paez
Lali
Nicki Nicole
BEST NEW ZEALAND ACT
BENEE
JessB
Jolyon Petch
L.A.B.
SIX60
BEST NORDIC ACT
Alessandra
Käärijä
Loreen
Swedish House Mafia
Zara Larsson
BEST POLISH ACT
Doda
Kasia Nosowska
Mrozu
Sanah
Vito Bambino
BEST PORTUGUESE ACT
Bárbara Bandeira
Bispo
Carolina Deslandes
Marisa Liz
PIRUKA
BEST SPANISH ACT
Abraham Mateo
Álvaro de Luna
Lola Índigo
Quevedo
Samantha Hudson
BEST SWISS ACT
Danitsa
Gjon’s Tears
KT Gorique
Monet192
Stress
BEST UK & IRELAND ACT
Calvin Harris
Central Cee
PinkPantheress
Raye
Sam Smith
Tom Grennan
BEST US ACT
Doja Cat
Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
SZA
Taylor Swift
Rising security challenges in the country; Senate summons military, other security agencies
The Senate has summoned the military and other security agencies over the rising security challenges in the country.
It also told the security agencies to conduct special operations to dislodge the bandits in the North-West and other parts of Nigeria with similar experiences.
The Red Chamber further resolved to invite the Service Chiefs to brief it in a closed session on steps being taken to mitigate rising insecurity in the country.
Senate resolutions were sequel to its consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Thursday.
The motion titled: “Kidnapping of university students in Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 and rising cases of kidnapping for ransom in the North-West geopolitical zone was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC – Katsina ).
Yar’Adua in his lead debate said he was concerned by the kidnap of five female students of the Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina State by gunmen from their hostel rooms on October 4.
He said a fortnight ago, 24 students of the Federal University of Gusau were also abducted.
According to him, 16 of them have been successfully freed after three days by a rescue operation conducted by security agencies.
He said it was worrisome that kidnapping incidents have thrown the university and academic communities into a panic mood.
He said there was also the case of eight corps members kidnapped by suspected terrorists on their way to the orientation camp in Zamfara State on August 21.
He said, “The corps members were travelling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the one-year mandatory national service, when their vehicle was intercepted by the terrorists.”
He said it was of concern that the frequency of kidnapping for ransom had become almost a daily and weekly occurrence in major towns and communities in the North-West geopolitical zone.
The Senate further urged security agencies to be more proactive and ensure all kidnapped victims in the country including students kidnapped in Katsina, NYSC members kidnapped in Zamfara and students kidnapped from Federal University Gusau, were released.
It urged the Federal Government to address the manpower needs of the police and other security agencies to enable them to tackle the security situations in the country.
It also called on the Federal Government to urgently address unemployment and poverty in the country which it described as twin evils fuelling insecurity in the country.
It directed the Nigeria Police to ensure that the school protection squad demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting schoolchildren and providing a safe environment where students and teachers can engage in teaching and learning without the fear of being attacked or kidnapped.
The Senate further directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the relevant security agencies comply with its resolutions.
There is confusion Rivers APC, says Ganduje
Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed for patience for the national leadership to reconcile warring factions of the party in Rivers State.
Ganduje said this when he received APC stakeholders from Rivers State on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that Rivers was a very important state in the country because of its oil deposit and large population, describing it as an asset for election to any political party.
“So, you can see why we cannot rubbish the state. Rivers, as a state in politics, is very important. Coincidentally, some of us are conversant with the politics, in Rivers,” he said.
He said that the current crisis in the Rivers State chapter of the party started in 2015.
“Our party in Rivers is highly factionalised, that is the fact about it. Our party in Rivers was killed by litigations, that one is a fact,” Ganduje said.
He thanked those who worked to ensure the party’s electoral success at the poll, saying it was a miracle that it won the presidential election and lost the state to PDP in the 2023 elections.
“There is confusion in the party in Rivers, but we don’t want members to overheat the system, we are focused, we are organised, we work scientifically in politics.
“And therefore, you give us an enabling environment, give us a chance so that we can put a round peg in a round hole, square peg in a square hole, so that we maintain our dignity as a party.
“We have to capitalise on what we have, we have to capitalise on the fact that we have worn the national election in Rivers.
“We are not extracting anything less again, but give us a chance to see how we can have both the state and the national election together,” Ganduje said.
He said that the APC National Committee (NWC) would constitute a leadership that would reconcile the waring factions in the state in the interest of its members.
“But do not overheat the system, overheating the system will bring litigation and then a vicious cycle will come again.
“We don’t want too much analysis because they say too much analysis leads to paralysis.
“So, give us a chance so that we can consult, so that we look at the Constitution of APC and then we wait and see how we can put things in order,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Tony Okocha, said the visit was partly to express discomfort of the state stakeholders over the recent visit of a faction of the state chapter to the party’s national secretariat.
“Those who visited are pretenders masquerading as members of Rivers APC.
“This group of persons, we see as watermelon with the characteristic feature of presenting green in the outside but red in the inside.
“They have long abandoned the APC and are disqualified from speaking for Rivers APC in any forum or fora.
“Those persons never supported the party nor are they sincere in their hearts, to be happy that President Bola Tinubu made it to the presidency,” he said.
He added: “The only group in APC Rivers legitimate to seek compensation for the victory of APC and Tinubu in the State, is the one here.
“Please contact us through the leader of the political infantry in Rivers, who is serving in the Federal Cabinet presently.”
Okacha urged the APC national chairman to discountenance any other group that claimed to be APC Rivers stakeholders or individuals, especially those that didn’t support the party at the 2023 general elections.
Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation – Peter Obi
LP’S RESPONSE ON THE INVITATION BY ATIKU
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is presently in the Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that.
He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves a leadership it truly deserves.
Obi has pontificated severally on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation. This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation.
We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign.
Obiora Ifoh
LP’s NPS
WHY GMB HAD TO GO, BY BUHARI
Immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, has responded to muted calls by his followers and admirers over the eight years of his leadership that they preferred the old General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) to President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB).
The General had been military head of state between December 31, 1983 and August 27, 1985, when his administration was removed in a palace coup.
In the 20 months that the regime lasted, Nigerians knew that a new Sheriff was in town. All forms of indiscipline, corruption and malfeasance were promptly dealt with. With his kindred spirit, Major General Babatunde Idiagbon, the unsmiling duo knocked a lot of sense into the heads of their countrymen and women. And we were fast shaping up. Then the move was truncated.
In his second coming 30 years later, as a democratically elected leader, a lot of people still expected the vestiges of GMB, but found a President that was completely transformed, devoid of all totalitarian tendencies. And there were many people who privately whispered to one another. We prefer GMB to PMB.
Was the President aware of those sentiments? “Yes, I was,” he told this writer with a laugh. He added:
“I was in the military, and rose from 2nd Lieutenant to Major General. When I joined partisan politics, the General had to go. I’ve heard people say they prefer General Buhari to President Buhari. But democracy is different from military rule, with its ruthlessness. Now, the system for decision making is different. We had Supreme Military Council then, but now, you have Federal Executive Council, which is constitutionally backed. I try to allow the system to work. I like to be remembered as a President that was constitutionally compliant.”
And truly constitutionally compliant he was.
The details, and more, are in a forthcoming book, ‘Working With Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023).’
Even this writer is looking forward to reading the book soon, as it rolls off the press.
*Adesina was Special Adviser to President Buhari, 2015 to 2023
October 5, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Celebrates Governor Bala Mohammed on Birthday
…Says He is an Outstanding Patriot
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrates the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, our own dear Senator Bala Mohammed as he marks his birthday today.
Governor Bala Mohammed is a quintessential legislator, highly experienced yet very humble, selfless and compassionate leader, who continues to demonstrate an extraordinary sense of duty and dedication towards the wellbeing and development of Bauchi State and the Nation at large.
Over the years, through his meritorious career in the Federal Civil Service to his excellent performance as Senator of the Federal Republic, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and now two term Governor of Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has distinguished himself as consummate statesman with exceptional commitment towards the unity, stability and development of our Nation.
Our Party is proud of Governor Bala Mohammed’s massive infrastructural, human capital and citizens empowerment projects with which he has further repositioned Bauchi State as an Oasis of Development in line with the manifesto of the PDP; for which the people of Bauchi State overwhelmingly re-elected him in the 2023 Governorship election.
The PDP also appreciates Governor Bala Mohammed for his untiring roles and contributions with other Party leaders in stabilizing and ensuring the growth of our great Party especially, in his current capacity as the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum.
On this special day, the PDP family celebrates Governor Bala Mohammed and prays to God to grant him many more years in wisdom and good health in the service of Bauchi State and our dear fatherland.
Congratulations, His Excellency!
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
‘AFRICAN FILM CITY PROJECT IN EPE TO EXPAND NOLLYWOOD GROWTH’ — SANWO-OLU
Better days are coming for practitioners in the creative sector with the proposed development of African Film City in Epe, Lagos State.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, disclosed that ground breaking for the $100 million project will be done in coming weeks to enhance originality in content creation in Nollywood – Nigeria film industry.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 12th African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) Press Briefing held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Marina.
The news excited veteran filmmakers, movie producers, Nollywood actors and celebrities who attended the briefing organised at the instance of AFRIFF and its sponsors.
The Governor also disclosed that the State Government would be doubling the capacity building support for talented young industry players to enhance their skills in modern filmmaking. Besides, Sanwo-Olu said the grants being given to creative young talents for the production of short stories will be doubled.
Sanwo-Olu assured the filmmakers of his Government’s commitment to providing resources and time in promoting anything that would put Lagos and the country on the global map.
He said: “We will be doing the groundbreaking for the African Film City before the end of this month. It is a $100 million project to be sited in 100 hectares of land in Epe. Lagos is taking the lead in promoting sustainable growth in creative industry. The first set of studios will be up on the site in the next 24 months after the groundbreaking.
“We are also going to be doubling the State Government’s support for the training of young industry players. We will also double the grants being given to creative young talents for the production of short stories. We have supported over 5,000 people in creative sector with different kinds of capacity building opportunities and film production grants to scale up the numbers in the sector.
“I am excited that the 12th AFRIFF is around the corner to further showcase the original local content to the world. The festival has offered platform for young talents to flourish. I believe this year’s event will be the biggest. We are excited as a Government to be part of it. We believe this is the right thing to do. It is only when we can hold ourselves together and tell our stories that the world will understand our history.”
Sanwo-Olu said there was no better time for all stakeholders to work collaboratively and churn out put quality contents that would confirm the position of the country as a global player in filmmaking, while attracting foreign investment.
The Governor urged the practitioners to use their ingenuity to create Africananised contents that would change the continent’s socio-cultural narrative. This way, he said the world would know Nigeria is ready.
He said: “We should take the world in an ingenious local way that will be original, content-driven and Africanised. I believe the 12th edition of AFRIFF will be a platform to leapfrog all shortcomings we have had. What you did not do yesterday, you have today to correct it because tomorrow is not promised.
“Lagos State Government, by itself, bears all the hallmarks of excellence in all aspects. Excellence starts from everything we can imagine; the creative community sits right in the middle of that. As a Government, we have committed to anything m puts Nigeria on the global map and supports our creative citizens on the world stage.”
Consul General of United States Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Will Stevens, said digital technology had transformed Nigerian film industry over the last decade, stressing that it was time for practitioners to fully benefit from Nollywood.
Given the quality content and advanced production capabilities of African films, the envoy said the second half of the 21st century would be “African moment” to fully expand the growth of its cinema industry.
AFRIFF founder, Chioma Ude, said the film festival would be held next month to celebrate African cinema and promoting original storytelling.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
05 OCTOBER 2023
FCT, ABUJA
OCTOBER 5, 2023
APC PRESS STATEMENT
*YET AGAIN, ATIKU ABUBAKAR BEATS HIS TATTERED DRUM OF SHAME*
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is unfazed by the press conference addressed by former Vice President and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar earlier today. The press conference lacked purpose and delivered nothing except the pitiful regurgitation of lies, mindless distortions and deliberate falsehood on his infantile obsession with the academic record of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
For several weeks now, Nigerians and the world have watched with incredulity Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s display of utter desperation in his failed bid to become the President of Nigeria.
Earlier today, he put his desperation in overdrive during his press conference where he addressed some of the issues in his appeal at the Supreme Court and bandying unproven charges against the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a calculated attempt to shamelessly whip up public sentiments and inordinately pressure the Supreme Court.
We believe Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should have known better than to demonstrate gross contempt of the highest court by making public comments on a matter that he has submitted to the court for adjudication.
The major takeaway from his Yar’Adua Centre show, especially at question time, was that Atiku harbours deep animosity towards Tinubu whom he believes was responsible for his electoral woes in 2007, 2015, 2019 and this year.
In desperation, unbecoming of a statesman who once occupied the second highest office in the land, the PDP candidate in the last election has thrown every decency, decorum, dignity and national respectability out the window on his purposeless judicial voyage of discovery to the United States in search of a magic wand for taking power against the will of the Nigerian electorate loudly expressed in last February’s presidential election.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar holds the unenviable title of Nigeria’s most prolific election loser and longest running presidential candidate in history, and we see his recent US fishing expedition as the last kick of a roundly rejected presidential aspirant.
While we sympathise with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for spending a lifetime pursuing unrealised dream, we strongly condemn the perfidious road he has taken and the needless negative exposure of Nigeria and the institution of the Presidency in foreign land.
Just for the record, we wish to provide some clarity on the matter of the deposition of Mr. Caleb Westberg, the Registrar of Chicago State University, last Tuesday under oath at the Chicago office of Atiku’s lawyer, Angela Liu, to save unsuspecting Nigerians from barrage of untruths, distortions and campaign of misinformation being dished out by Atiku and his PDP
Mr. Westberg was unmistaken and unambiguous in his deposition as to the fact that President Bola Tinubu graduated with honours from Chicago State University. He also emphatically provided clear answers on all other issues raised which we can sum as follows:
Furthermore, he stated that the ‘F’ on the Southwest college certificate, a feeder institution to CSU, which President Bola Tinubu used to gain admission into CSU was a clerical error which could of course happen. He reiterated that Southwest College was a major feeder source for CSU.
Westberg further deposed that Accounting is a rigorous field of study. Anyone who did not take the requisite courses at the lower levels could not have done well at CSU.
In President Tinubu’s case, he did excellently well at CSU. He graduated with High Honours. That to him point to the fact that the person who attended and graduated from CSU was the same person who went to Southwest College
“He said further that the difference in the date of award on the diploma versus the certified copy is likely the result of human error. The graduation date on the certified copy is typed in manually by a person and can be inaccurate”.
It should now be clear to all Nigerians that despite Atiku’s lies before the Illinois Court that he wanted to use the discoveries in pursuit of his appeal at the Supreme Court, he has rather chosen to use same as an instrument of mischief and blackmail in clear contempt of the highest court of the land.
We want to urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to graciously accept his defeat and quietly lick his political wound with some dignity. Nigerians rejected him at the polls, and he cannot get by subterfuge what he failed to get through the ballot box.
Nigerians validly elected President Tinubu to revamp our economy, restore security, create jobs, provide transformative infrastructure, improve electricity supply and enhance the living conditions of the masses.
President Tinubu has undertaken to serve Nigerians and he will not be distracted by a man who has consistently failed to achieve his self-serving and brutal quest to become Nigeria’s president.
Signed:
*Felix Morka, Esq.*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Being text of a press conference by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar (GCON), Waziri Adamawa, Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (2023), at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre on the 5th of October 2023.
Protocol
Gentlemen of the Press, Fellow Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I consider it important to address and report to you today on issues that define the future of elective government and legitimate leadership in our country.
Political leadership and active citizenship matter because they are ways through which we all work together to build a country that works for all who live in it. Our country is bigger than any of us, and its standing in the world affects the fate of all who come from or live in it. As leaders, it is our duty to advance the well-being of all our people and of the country.
For this purpose, my generation worked hard to return the soldiers to the barracks and to defend the right of the people to elect and establish for ourselves a legitimate government. Our elections are established and governed by law and founded on the constitution from which leadership and government in Nigeria alone derive their legitimacy.
The people look up to us as leaders to respect these rules and, where necessary, to defend them. This is what brings us here.
Today, we are called upon again as a people to uphold and defend the ground rules of elective government in our country. The constitution prescribes the requirements for those who seek the highest elective office in the land.
It should not take months or, indeed, decades, for the institutions concerned to be able to do their work in establishing the credibility of any certificates presented by candidates for public office.
We undertook this journey at great cost and for important reasons. The ground rules for legitimate governance in our country need to be upheld, and the reputation of our country is at stake. That affects everyone, Nigerians everywhere.
I am a democrat by conviction and a citizen of a country that I love. The issues at stake in this case require us once more to re-dedicate ourselves to both the country and our constitution.
Now, we entrust these facts to us all as citizens and as leaders of the institutions charged with interpreting our constitution. I should thank the lawyers both in Nigeria and in the United States, who have assisted us in bringing clarity and definitive answers to these issues that appear to have defied our institutions for nearly a quarter of a century. I also want to extend my gratitude to Nigerian citizens and friends of Nigeria both within and beyond the shores of our country for their patience as we have sought to find the facts and establish the truth.
I wish to pay tribute to the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, who inspired us on this path of discovery. Now, he can truly rest in peace in the assurance that what he started about 23 years ago has come to fruition. Gani’s vindication today gives credence to the saying that no matter how fast a lie runs, the truth will someday overtake it.
Former American President Thomas Jefferson once said, “If I had to choose between government without newspapers, and newspapers without government, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the latter”. From exposing the Watergate scandal and unravelling the dubious certificates of politicians, journalists have maintained eternal vigilance by bridging the gap and stepping in when other arms of government failed.
It is for these reasons that commendation must be given to David Hundeyin, an independent journalist whose extraordinary work and those of many more young people like him has become a source of inspiration. Special thanks must be given to the millions of Nigerian youths and citizen journalists too who continue to put out the truth online even when no one is listening. Indeed, the price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance. They have put the country first in their firm commitment to unravel the truth and hold leaders accountable. This gives me the hope that we have worthy partners in the struggle to reclaim the country we call home.
This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar. It is a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality, and accountability in our public affairs. In line with this, therefore, I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, our community leaders, our political leaders, and in particular, Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and, the leaders of every political party in Nigeria, and, indeed, every single person who loves this country, as I do, and who wishes nothing but the best for the country, as I do, to join me in this campaign to enshrine probity, accountability and the basic principles of justice, morality and uprightness in our country and in our government. This is a task for each and every one of us.
Thank you for listening. May God bless you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu on Monday charged the 45 newly inaugurated Ministers of the Federal Republic to prioritize the interests and welfare of the entire nation and its diverse population, above any regional or state-specific considerations.
Speaking at the inauguration of new members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House Conference Centre, the President underscored the immense responsibility the ministers now bear in shaping policies that will significantly influence the lives of hundreds of millions of Nigerians.
“You are not a minister of a particular state, colony, region, or ethnic nationality. You are a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” President Tinubu declared, setting the tone for his directive to the new ministers.
“This is all about the cohesion and work of a great team, and I believe we now have it. It is an honour to be chosen to serve as a minister in the Federal Executive Council, and such a high honour comes with tremendous responsibility. In this moment of abundant promise and peril in equal measure, all of you that have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. Nigerians are highly expectant of excellence in service delivery, accountability, and transparency,” he said.
The President also reminded the new ministers that they can not disappoint Nigerians, who expect them to serve with integrity, dignity and competence to actualize the Renewed Hope manifesto of the administration—failing which he will not hesitate to take necessary remedial measures.
“As your country honours you today, you must each work to make yourselves worthy in the eyes of God and our entire nation’s people. Your highest obligation is to restore public faith in government so that our people can once again believe that government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for collective progress of all citizens of this great country,” President Tinubu said, while congratulating each of the ministers and welcoming them to “the Administration of Renewed Hope.”
He further affirmed that the newly appointed ministers were selected based on their track records of excellence in both the public and private sectors, noting their effective representation of the rich diversity present within Nigeria.
Expressing his wishes for the success of the cabinet members in the discharge of their duties, the President invoked a metaphor of a journey, in which he is the driver of a vehicle, along with all Nigerians as passengers.
“In this new assignment, we are in this boat together, even if it is a vehicle, I am the driver. The entire nation sits watchful, as you and I navigate this vehicle. We must hold each other responsible. We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians. God be with you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 21, 2023