LIST OF BUHARI’S UNDER PERFORMING MINISTERS!

When their names made President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial list, many Nigerians, acquainted of their impressive resumes, were full of high expectations about the positive contributions they would make to the administration. But not so anymore, as just a little over a year after their appointment as ministers, they are seen to have gone into hibernation. This report spotlights those ministers that Nigerians have ‘forgotten,’ either on account of what is believed to be their poor visibility or underperformance.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Though the name of the ministry has since been changed from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, observers believe that not much has changed or been witnessed in this sector full of economic potentials.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dr. Kayode Fayemi had on assumption of office pledged his commitment to developing the solid minerals sector, while ironically pointing at the government’s own inadequacies at identifying what is good for Nigeria and mustering the will to promote it.

He initially came across as one of the top five in Buhari’s cabinet that have the expertise and experience to see the government deliver on all its promises to the Nigerian voter.

Also, given the policy of the Buhari-administration on diversification, Nigerians expected his ministry to be in the lead in generating non-oil revenue for the nation.

He identified limited infrastructure, insufficient geological data, limited corporate federalism, illegal artisanal mining community challenges, weak institutional capacity and insufficient funding as the bane of the sector and promised to take these numerous challenges head on, and deliver on the Federal Government’s vision, of building a mining sector that Nigerians can be proud of 30 years or more from now.

However, with over a year in office, Fayemi has not recorded any visible success in addressing the challenges he identified as bedeviling the solid mineral sector.

Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau

N1.8M Scandal Rocks Sheriff Olaniran's Lotto Company, SureBet247!

With the recession plaguing Nigerian, many has resorted to alternative means of livelihood and one of such ways is playing of Lotto. while others are making their customers smiles. Surebet247 is allegedly defrauding its customers. information at our disposal has it that popular lotto company, Surebet247 has refused to reward a winner who claimed to have won N1.8M in a game played

Kunle Asulegan, winner of the game narrated how he placed a bet at the Blue Cottage, Oke-Ado, Ibadan on the 27th of September, 2016 and valid receipts of the games he placed was issued to him, but to his utmost surprise when he got there to check the results the second day, the computer showed ‘bet won’ and when he went to the centre to redeem his money the Surebet agents told him they have contacted their headquarters.

Asulegan expressed his disappointment when he got to the headquarters and he was told there was a mistake on the system.

A depressed Asulegan stated that all his efforts to redeem his money or talk to someone in position of authority in the company was blocked and he had to ask his lawyer to write the company which since then has refused to reply to the letter.

The lotto player explained to a reputable online news platform, Papermacheonline that this wasn’t the first time he was placing bets at Surebet, in his words ‘I usually win some and lost some, but now that I won big why are they finding it hard to give me my money?’.

Asulegan provided Papermacheonline the receipts of the games he played and allegedly won and also showed a copy of the letter his lawyer sent to Surebet’s head office in Lagos with a threat that he would toe all legal means to redeem his money.

Societyreelnews made a call across to the owner of the lotto company, Sheriff Olaniran to confirm the incident.

“There is no where in this country that our customers played bet and win and never gets there reward promptly. The guy in question, If he has won and he didn’t get his claim(Money) then he should go to the lottery board and make his complaint. What even gave him, the assurance that he won in the first place? Mr. Journalist, make your findings very well and write your report and put into consideration the legal implication of your action” His words.

Kwara High Court Jails Student Ten Years For Cultism

A Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin and presided over by Justice Sikiru Oyinloye, has sentenced a student of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Fatai Olasile, to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of N50, 000 for membership of a secret cult and involvement in cult-related activities in the state.

Olasile was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on membership of Eiye secret cult, contrary to section 2 of Secret Cult and Secret Societies Law of Kwara State.
He was also sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a locally made pistol punishable under section 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004.

The prosecution, led by Barrister Kamaldeen Ajibade, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, called three witnesses and tendered exhibits to prove its case.
Another person identified as Mohammed Kehinde and two others were also arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, initiation of new members to secret cult and membership of the secret cult.
After a careful analysis of the case and the evidence presented by the prosecution, led by Barrister Ajibade, Justice Oyinloye found the first and second accused persons guilty and sentenced them to 10 years’ imprisonment each with a fine of N50, 000. The third accused person was however discharged and acquitted of the said offences.

Tunde Olaogun Opens Royalty Lounge And Suite In Ikeja

The brain behind All LASU Awards, Babatunde Olaogun and some of his business associates have thrown the doors of a new hospitality outfit open on the mainland.

Known as Royalty Lounge and Suite, Olaogun who spoke for the group of upward mobile young businessmen explained that the need to have a bar, lounge and suite that will match up to what is obtainable on Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki are what prompted his decision to open the hospitality outfit.

“Our major goal and objective is to bring the Island kind of lifestyle to the Mainland. You know, lot of people go to the hottest bar and nightclub on the Island to unwind. The idea is to incorporate the same thing here on the Mainland in a more unique way. In short, instead of going to the Island, you can easily come to Royalty Lounge and have the feel of both worlds,” he said.

On his experience and style, Olaogun said: “The experience and idea came from different places of recreation we’ve visited over the years. I’ve experienced how hospitality business is being run both on the Island and Mainland. We have the idea of what people normally look for when patronising a place like this, so it makes thing easy for us to gather all the knowledge we’ve acquired over the years and put it into use here.“

Skye Bank Sacks Over 50 Staff

About 50 employees of Skye Bank Plc and staff in outsourced and auxiliary functions have been sacked.

Although the numbers of the affected non-core staff were not stated since they are not direct employees of the bank, the reasons for the exit it was gathered ranged from non-performance, disciplinary issues as well as right sizing.

Most of the affected staff are Staff in outsourced functions made up of Tellers, Drivers and Internal Security Guards.

In other to avoid serious backlash, it was gathered that the management of the bank has approved payment of generous entitlement and severance packages to those affected as contained in their engagement letter and as agreed with the workers’ union.

It would be recalled that part of the mandate of Skye Bank’s re-constituted Board is to run a lean and efficient organization, control cost, aggressively recover debts owed by debtors and grow deposit liabilities and shore the liquidity position of the Bank.

The Adetokunbo Abiru led Skye Bank, designated by the Central Bank of Nigeria as one of Nigeria’s eight Systemically Important Bank, is one of the country’s leading retail and commercial banks with over 373 branches and cash centers across Nigeria.

Top Nigerian Biz Magnates, Wale Tinubu,Femi Otedola, Musa Danjuma Fall Victim Of An Alleged Internet Fraudster, Oyebode

A member of an internet gang who has perfected the art of extorting money from the high and mighty in the society has been arrested by the crack team of the Special Fraud Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Police in Lagos.

According to investigations conducted by our reporters, the members of the gang parade themselves as journalists and perpetrate their acts through a website with address as www.naijalive.com.

Police source at the SFIU gave the name of the suspected blackmailer who is currently helping the police to nab other members of the criminal syndicate as Babatunde Oyebode.

Oyebode who is in his late 30s, we learnt is a school drop-out, but is a genius in building websites and hacking into seemingly secured websites.

Whatever Caused the Brake up of Mo’Hits, its A Blessing for Me! – Tiwa Savage

In an exclusive chat with Mavin Record’s First Lady, Tiwa Savage, at an event in Lagos on Tuesday, the pretty mother of one spoke about her career and controversies.
P.T: How have you handled all the controversies that trailed your marriage in April?
TIWA: It’s been the grace of God and I think I have been able to pull through by simply immersing myself in my work.
PT: And the bad press and ‘nasty’ things written about you?
TIWA: Generally speaking all that has been written about me doesn’t really affect me anymore. When I got into the industry initially, it was very difficult for anybody to realise this. But now, I have come to the realisation that the hard work you put in and the positive things that you do as an artiste always outweighs the negative. Whether you’re in the media, a banker or a nurse, you’re going to have people talk about you. Not everyone loves Jesus Christ so who am I to talk about people saying things about me? You can’t make everyone happy. I don’t try to waste time on people that don’t love me, so I just spend time with people that love me so I don’t disappoint them.

FAAN MD, Saleh Dunoma In Alleged Bribery Scandal …How He Lured ACI Officials With $200,000 With His Bid To Become Africa Region President

Reports filtering out of the aviation circles indicate that the embattled boss of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, is at the centre of another bribery allegation which will shake the industry to its foundation when it blows open.

We gathered that Engr. Saleh Dunoma, who is the managing director/CEO of the parastatal has his eyes set on grabbing the coveted seat as president of the Airports Council International, ACI, African Region, and at all cost. And he is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to achieve this including parting with a staggering sum of money to allegedly bribe the officials of the election which is taking place on October 18, 2016 in Maputo, Mozambique at 7 pm WAT.

Engr. Dunoma who is supposed to vacate his seat as FAAN managing director as he has clocked the mandatory 35 years in service, is alleged to have shelled out hundreds of thousands of dollars to a very top official of the ACI, to campaign for him. He even hosted a dinner in a Chinese restaurant in Abuja to celebrate his 60^th birthday to the shock of his friends and aviation workers. Though we cannot quickly confirm, the amount involved is said to be in the region of $200,000. Why he is interested in the ACI African Regional presidency is not immediately clear, but there are insinuations that if he becomes the ACI president, his tenure as FAAN MD will be automatically extended.

Shoprite, Cash‘N’Carry Comes Under FG Hammer Over GMO Foods

The Federal Government, through its National Biosafety Management Agency, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to retail store giants, Shoprite and Next Cash ‘N’ Carry to withdraw any product that contains Genetically Modified Organisms from their shelves or risk a total shutdown.

The warning was handed out to representatives of the two superstores at a briefing in Abuja on Friday.

The Director-General, NBMA, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, said the agency had received complaints from members of the public about the sale of GMO foods in the two stores.

He stated, “Recently, we carried out a survey of likely GMO products and we have been able to have some collections, some materials that we call GMO suspects. We call them GMO suspects because we have not been able to ascertain their status.

“Why we have invited the superstores basically is for them to understand that some of their products need to be properly ascertained before they are brought in, especially the imported ones that may contain genetically modified materials, so that they will not run afoul of the law.

Breaking: Celebrity Commissioner, Folly Coker Booted Out Of Ambode’s Cabinet

The executive Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode has reshuffled his cabinet. And among those axed off is the celebrity commissioner, Folorunsho Folarin-Coker popularly refers to as Folly Coker.

The commissioner of Tourism was dropped alongside Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi (Finace) and Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola (Transportation).

This development comes exactly one year after Gov. Ambode constituted his executive council on October 19, 2015. In a statement signed by the secretary to the state government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the governor directed that the Special Adviser, Arts and Culture to take over as acting Commissioner for Ministry of Tourism and culture, SA on transportation will take over the ministry of Transportation while Permanent Secretary Finance will take over the ministry pending the appointment of new Commissioners into the respective ministries.

The reason behind the termination of Folly Coker’s appointment as commissioners remains unknown as at press time. Effort to speak with the Ex-commissioner proved abortive as he didn’t respond to the SMS sent.

Shoprite, Cash‘N’Carry Comes Under FG Hammer Over GMO Foods

The Federal Government, through its National Biosafety Management Agency, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to retail store giants, Shoprite and Next Cash ‘N’ Carry to withdraw any product that contains Genetically Modified Organisms from their shelves or risk a total shutdown.

The warning was handed out to representatives of the two superstores at a briefing in Abuja on Friday.

The Director-General, NBMA, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, said the agency had received complaints from members of the public about the sale of GMO foods in the two stores.

He stated, “Recently, we carried out a survey of likely GMO products and we have been able to have some collections, some materials that we call GMO suspects. We call them GMO suspects because we have not been able to ascertain their status.

Prophet Isreal Oladele Set To Shut Down Lagos With ‘Excel 2016

Come September 11, 2016, the city of Lagos would be whirling in a spiritual frenzy as prominent ministers of God from across the globe would be storming Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos at an event tagged ‘Excel 2016.’

The event, which is targeted at praising God, performing wonders and inspiring participants to greatness will see ministers of God such as Dr. Mike Murdock, Rev. Mother Abimbola Esther Ajayi, Lady Grivelin Tanzarella, Bishop Ceirion Dewar (All From United Kingdom) and a host of others preaching and performing wonders.

US Government Ban Eko Hotel Owner, Gilbert Chadbourne Over Terrorists Funding

Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury, owner of the giant Eko Hotel in Lagos and the ground breaking Atlantic City, is no longer allowed to enter the United States.
According to a report by Los Angeles Times, Chagoury had his visitor’s visa denied last summer under terrorism grounds.
Chagoury, who is also a big donor to the Clinton Foundation and has a home in Beverly Hills, California, was denied the visa on grounds that he gave financial support to a Lebanese politician, Michael Aoun.
According to the report, Aoun’s party is in political coalition with Hezbollah, tagged a terrorist organisation by the US.
Hezbollah terror tag stemmed from the double bombings in 1983, killing 63 at the U.S. embassy in Beirut and 241 at a Marine barracks later that year.

Tony Elumelu Sees Africa On The Rise And Calls For Stronger Business Relationships Between Africa And France

At the recent MEDEF Summer University Forum in Paris, the annual meeting of French business and political leaders, Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings and UBA Plc and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, stressed the opportunities Africa offers and urged stronger business relationships between France and Africa; calling for a deepening of commercial relationships based on mutual respect and interest.

FCMB Supports 2016 Ojude Oba Festival to Boost Tourism, Felicitates with Ijebuland

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has explained that its continuous support of the Ojude Oba Festival is borne out of its commitment to celebrate and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage, while also boosting the tourism sector in line with the government’s ongoing drive to diversify the country’s economy.

Consequently, the Bank has assured that its participation in this year’s edition of the Festival, which holds in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state, on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 will be grand, exciting and rewarding for the thousands of people within and outside the country that would grace the fiesta. FCMB has in the past 10 years continued to play a significant role in ensuring the success of the Festival.

The Group Head, Corporate Affairs of FCMB, Mr. Diran Olojo, reiterated this at a press conference organised by the Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee held at Ijebu-Ode on August 29, 2016.

Mark Zuckerberg in Lagos!

Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, arrived Lagos early part of today on his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa.
Zuckerberg, who was at the Co-Creation Hub in Yaba Tuesday evening, said he was in Nigeria to learn about the startup ecosystem in the country.
“I am learning about the startup ecosystem in Nigeria. The energy here is amazing and I’m excited to learn as much as I can,” he said in a post on his Facebook page.

“Our first stop is the Co-creation Hub Nigeria (CcHUB) in Yaba. I got to talk to kids at a summer coding camp and entrepreneurs who come to CcHub to build and launch their apps.”

N2bn fraud: lawyer tells court “My Client Orubebe is hypertensive”

A former Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, was on Tuesday absent from a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, where he was scheduled to be arraigned alongside others on charges of diversion of about N2bn meant for for the dualisation of Section IV of the East West Road.

Orubebe’s lawyer, Mr. F. Zimhuan, apologised to the trial judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, for the absence of his client, whom he said suddenly took ill after a domestic accident and rushed to the hospital.

Zimhuan said the ex-minister’s  health was complicated his hypertensive condition.

The lawyer said, “The first defendant is in the hospital.

“His absence in court today is not deliberate. He suddenly took ill. He had domestic accident affecting his ankle and wrist. He is hypertensive and the cumulative effect was that they had to rush him to the hospital.

“We want to give the assurance that the first accused will be ready to face his trial anytime he is discharged from the hospital and we pray that it won’t be long from today.”

‎

Rooney To End England Career After 2018 World Cup

England captain Wayne Rooney announced on Tuesday that the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be his final tournament as an international footballer.
“Realistically, I know myself that Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England,” Rooney told a press conference at St George’s Park in Burton, central England.
“My mind is made up. Russia will be my last tournament.”

New England manager Sam Allardyce announced on Monday that Manchester United striker Rooney, 30, will be kept on as captain for the World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in Slovakia on Sunday.

Why It Is Unethical And Unhealthy For PR Agencies To Mark Their Own Homework - Philip Odiakose

First Independent Communications/PR measurement agency in Nigeria, P+ Measurement Services recently set a new feat by becoming the first member of the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC) in the country. Philip Odiakose, Lead Consultant of the firm spoke on the benefit of being AMEC member and why it is unethical, unhealthy and unprofessional for PR agencies to mark their own homework.

Excerpt: 

Communications/PR measurement is very key to the growth of any business. How well is this practice in Nigeria?

I will begin by stating the meaning of AMEC, AMEC is the International “Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication”. The PR measurement practice is a budding industry in Nigeria. Brands are gradually warming up to the idea that value measurement is a core aspect of every marketing communications campaign. Benchmarking has become more important, PR measurement is gradually taking center stage and definitely trend setting will complete the revolution for future performances of businesses and brands and we are glad that P+ is at the forefront of this evolution in the Nigerian business space.

Floods, Windstorm Wreak Havoc In Lagos, Ogun

Thousands of Lagos and Ogun residents have been displaced and property estimated at billions of naira destroyed after downpours on Saturday and Sunday left many streets and homes flooded.
it was learnt that many Christians could not hold their Sunday service as their churches were flooded.
Worst of the rainstorm hit in Lagos were residents of Oworonshoki, Bariga, Ketu, Ikorodu, Lekki areas, while more than 50 houses were affected in the Ita Oluwo area of Ogun State alone.

Falae Links Jonathan To N100m Election Funds Scam …Tenders Email To EFCC As Evidence

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, has submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission an email correspondence between him and a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih.
Falae tendered the email as an evidence in the probe linking him to N100m election funds
It was learnt that Anenih, in the email, mentioned that he was acting on the instruction of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
A source claimed that in the email dated March 2015, Anenih, who played a supervisory role in the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, informed Falae that N100m had been approved by Jonathan and would be handed over to him (Falae).
A source at the EFCC said, “In the email, Anenih told Chief Falae, who is the Chairman of the SDP that N100m had been approved by President Jonathan as part of the agreement between the PDP and the SDP ahead of the presidential election.
“He further urged Falae to provide an account which the money would be paid into.”
The N100m, which was given to Falae by Anenih, was said to have emanated from the imprest account of the Office of the National Security Adviser in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Am Done With Nigeri,All I want is my Money – Siasia

The Nigeria Football Federation officials have stated that they are not expecting any letter of resignation from the national U23 coach, Samson Siasia, as his contract ended with the Rio Olympics.
Siasia also acknowledged the NFF statement of his contract having ended but demanded that his outstanding salary be paid him.
Siasia said, “This is not really resignation; my contract was arranged to end with the Olympics. And so the contract has ended.
“What is very important is that I get every kobo that I am owed. I need the money now than ever and I believe I have really endured and I have been cooperative.”
The coach who just won the Olympic bronze in Rio this month did not however completely deny the resignation story that made the headlines by the weekend.

UBA SUSTAINS STRONG ASSET QUALITY AND PROFITABILITY; PROPOSES N0.20 INTERIM DIVIDEND

United Bank for Africa Plc (“UBA” or “the Bank”), announced its Audited 2016 Half Year Financial Results for the period ended 30 June 2016 showing the bank recorded gross earnings of N166 billion, net operating income of N109 billion and profit before tax of N40 billion.

The bank also recorded a significant growth in total assets, rising 20% to N3.3 trillion, crossing the three trillion mark. Following the sterling performance, the bank’s Board recommended the payment of N0.20 interim dividend on every ordinary share of N0.50 each.

Speaking on the results, Kennedy Uzoka, the GMD/CEO, UBA Plc said; the results have been achieved amidst waning economic fundamentals.

“We delivered profit in excess of N40 billion and grew balance sheet by 20%, with our on-balance sheet total assets crossing the N3 trillion mark. Even as Naira depreciation and inflationary pressure increased the cost of doing business in Nigeria, we leveraged our economics of scale, enhanced operational efficiency and Group shared service structure to moderate our cost-to-income ratio by 90bps.”

Elumelu Tasks Nation's Policy Makers on Poverty Reduction at NIPSS, Kuru

Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA Plc. has advocated entrepreneurship as a veritable solution to achieving poverty reduction in the country. 

 Elumelu who is also the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation delivered a paper themed: “Entrepreneurship, Corporate Social Responsibility and Africapitalism: The Role of The Private Sector In Fighting Poverty in Nigeria”, at the nation’s think-tank, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State.

 There, he addressed a distinguished guest list of 67 participants from top government constituencies including the police, the military, national planning, works, and the presidency, debating ways to move the country forward in light of the present economic challenges.

“WHY ADD MORE” CAMPAIGN BREAKS

Amstel Malta, one of the leading malt brands from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc (the foremost brewing company), recently launched a new credential campaign tagged Why Add More.

The Campaign which is currently storming the airwaves and billboards across the country was introduced to re-inforce the brand’s positioning as the Premium Malt Drink, with an Original Formulation that contains Less Sugar and is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.

The campaign leverages relatable metaphors and humor to portray the idea that adding more unnecessarily, could spoil the balance.

The TV commercial shows a wedding reception scenario, where the best man gives an eloquent speech which should have ended with a toast to the bride and groom but instead decides to add more, unnecessary entertainment, which did not go well with the celebrants and guests.

AU Passport: Nigeria’s tourism & hospitality industry might overtake the downstream sector by 2021 – Jumia Travel MD

Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry might overtake the downstream sector by 2021 if the recently launched African Union (AU) passport is adopted by the country’s legislators. This is according to Mr. Kushal Dutta, the managing director of Africa’s number one hotel booking portal Jumia Travel Nigeria, who further said the Pan-African Passport will allow free movement of domestic tourists into the country.

Kushal made the remark last weekend while fielding questions from journalists on the potential of the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry as an alternative to boosting the country’s economy. According to him, the opportunities presented by the unified African passport supersede the threats, especially now that Nigeria’s mainstay which is oil might not be sufficient to grow the economy; if the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to be achieved.

DIAMOND BANK ASSURES CUSTOMERS OF QUALITY SERVICE DELIVERY

Diamond Bank Plc has reassured its customers of enhanced quality service delivery and commitment to meet its banking obligations despite the announcement by the CBN that nine commercial banks (inclusive of Diamond Bank) have been barred from foreign exchange transactions for alleged infringement on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) directive last year.

The Bank stated that as a financial institution built on a foundation of sound corporate governance, full disclosure of the outstanding TSA funds were made to the CBN. We are currently engaging with relevant stakeholders, with the support of the Regulator, to resolve this industry-wide issue quickly.

Our primary responsibility is to our customers. This development does not affect customers own deposits, both local and those in foreign currency.  It also means that services such as payments – local and international, will go through as normal whenever our customers need to make them.  Remittance service will continue as normal and customers can transact anywhere in the world, any time of the day, on their mobile application or internet banking. 

Fidelity Bank To Create 30 Millionaires With New Promo

Fidelity Bank Plc, one of the country’s highly diversified financial institutions has commenced yet another exhilarating consumer promotion aimed specifically at transforming 30 lucky customer into instant millionaires. Dubbed ‘Get Alert in Millions’, the savings promo is a clear demonstration of its steadfast commitment to support initiatives that enrich the lives of its loyal customers even in times of economic uncertainties. In all, Fidelity Bank plans to give away N105 million in cash to potential winners. Aside cash prizes, 138 customers will smile home with fridges and generating sets as consolation prizes in the planned nine-month promotions which kicked off last week.

 To participate in the ‘Get Alert in Millions’ savings promo, customers should simply open a savings account and grow it to N20, 000 or top up existing account with N10, 000 or more to qualify for monthly draws to win up to N1 million, N2 million and N3 million. Furthermore, customers can also grow their account balance by N50, 000 monthly to qualify for quarterly draws to win the star prize of N5 million. Speaking at a press conference held at the Bank’s corporate head office in Lagos to mark the commencement of the highly anticipated promotion, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, said this new promo marked the sixth in nine years.

A Year Into Operation, Government To Shut Ibadan Top Event Centre, Mauve 21

There are strong indications that the Federal Government is set to descend hard on people alleged on financial misconduct by seizing their properties.

A source revealed to us that the newly built multimillion naira event centre in Ibadan is one of the listed properties that the EFCC forwarded to the Federal Government as part of proceeds of misappropriation.

The popular event centre where top functions are staged in Ibadan, Mauve 21 has been traced to the former Chief of Account and Budget of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Abdulai Iyanda Muraina.

The ex Military Chief was part of the retired service men that the EFCC sent their names to President Muhammadu Buhari with allegations that they were part of the arms procurement scam masterminded by the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

The Mauve event centre located at the ring road axis of Ibadan was said to have been valued over a billion naira.

Cancer Patient, Mayowa, Dies In South African Hospital

After battling with ovarian cancer for months, Mayowa Ahmed has been confirmed dead at a hospital in South Africa, where she was flown to for surgery.
Mayowa’s cousin, Habeeb Odufuye, broke the news of her death on his Twitter account around 1.23pm on Sunday, saying, “Ahmed has left us in this world.
“On behalf of the entire Ahmed’s family, we say thank you to everyone that was part of #SaveMayowa – RTs, donations. God bless you all. She tried, we tried, but God’s will prevailed. By Allah, in whose hands our lives are, Mayowa Ahmed has left us in this world. We pray that Jannat (paradise) becomes her home,” the tweet read.

You Cannot Force Workers Into Farming, Labour Tells Govs

Labour leaders and other stakeholders have condemned the move by Imo, Benue and Sokoto to reduce the working hours and days in the states.
They said, in separate interviews, that the development was illegal, unconstitutional and a fundamental breach of the International Labour Organisation Convention.
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue had directed civil servants to use Fridays for farming, while Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo pushed for a law that provides for three days for work and two days for farming.
The Nigeria Labour Congress President, Ayuba Wabba, said that “the policy is against all know labour laws and international treaties of the International Labour Organisation.

Japanese Surgeon Hands $390,000 To U-23 Team

A benefactor has handed a reward of $390,000 to the Nigerian Olympic football team in Brazil after they won  won bronze on Saturday, BBC Sport reports.
Japanese plastic surgeon Katsuya Takasu had promised to reward the team after hearing about their financial difficulties before and during the tournament.
Takasu fulfilled his promise by presenting cheques of $200,000 and $190,000 to coach Samson Siasia and captain  Mikel Obi respectively on behalf of the team.
He met with them two hours after Nigeria defeated Honduras 3-2 in the bronze medal play-off.
“The $200,000 covers the bonuses and allowances as promised and the $190,000 is for the bronze medal,” Takasu told BBC Sport.

Fake Miracle Syndicate Nabbed, Says Pastor Hired Them

Members of a syndicate, which specialised in confirming fake prophecies for pastors, have been arrested by the police in Enugu State.
Our correspondent gathered that the group also faked healings for some men of God, who contracted and paid them for their services.
The suspected fraudsters were identified as Obi Ejike from Ubaho Okija in Anambra State; Mary Kuku from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State; Joy Oluwakemi from Ojo, Lagos State; Nwosu Chizoba from Umunze, Anambra State; and Peter Uchechi from Ebonyi State.
They were reportedly apprehended while on their way to Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, where they were contracted to stage phoney miracles and healings for an unnamed pastor in the state.

20 Days To Poll: Mass Defection Hits PDP

Barely 20 days to the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have engaged in war of words over who is the authentic candidate of the party. The Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP produced Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as its governorship candidate while that of Ali Modu Sheriff produced Matthew Iduoriyekemwen. Iduoriyekemwen is from Ikpoba Okhai, one of the largest local government areas in the state, while Ize-Iyamu is from Orhiomwon.
The factional crisis has allowed the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to harvest more of the PDP leaders across the 192 wards of the state.

How Yeni's Greed Pushed Me Out Of Felebration Project—Laface

The name Tunde Osinibosi might not ring a bell to some people, but Laface will surely do, especially for those conversant with the showbiz industry in Africa.

This Ogun State-born man has contributed immensely to the growth of the entertainment industry in Africa and that is why he is highly respected.

He was the bridge most artistes in Nigeria used to penetrate into the American music industry, which many believe is the world capital of the industry.

The likes of 2Baba, Sound Sultan and many others can never forget the role this easygoing man called Laface played in their careers.

In the Yoruba movie industry, nothing has matched the prestigious Yoruba Movie Academy Awards, YMAA, a platform that made most of the actors to be treated like kings and queens.

Despite these achievements, Laface, for those who know him too well, is a go-getter. He is not resting and now, he is planning a big show for the Hausa movie industry fondly called Kannywood.

Laface spoke with members of the press based in the north recently, when he sealed a deal to stage the Arewa Film Festival & Awards.

For the records and for those who don’t know you kindly introduce yourself

I was born Babatunde Oshinibosi, but popularly known by my brand name Laface. I am from a family of 5 and hails from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State. I attended St Bernadettes Private School, Abeokuta; the great Baptist Academy Lagos; and the Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, where what has become one of the biggest entertainment brands in Nigeria today started like a common dream.

At Ogun Poly, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, I became the Social Director of the school unopposed.

I initiated and created Royals Classy Club to rival the legendary Gentlemen’s Club and created a healthy club rivalry. I won several awards for my social exploits and ultimately won the Mr Polytechnic contest. My service year was in Ilorin Kwara State where the show continued with several landmark events as a young serving corper. I later travelled to the UK on another chapter of my growth process.

While in London, I delved straight into the showbiz world bringing back the popular Jeans Carnival Revolution, which went on for years and played a major role in revolutionizing the London club scene before heading back home to Nigeria, the motherland.

Japanese Surgeon Hands $390,000 To U-23 Team

A benefactor has handed a reward of $390,000 to the Nigerian Olympic football team in Brazil after they won  won bronze on Saturday, BBC Sport reports.
Japanese plastic surgeon Katsuya Takasu had promised to reward the team after hearing about their financial difficulties before and during the tournament.
Takasu fulfilled his promise by presenting cheques of $200,000 and $190,000 to coach Samson Siasia and captain  Mikel Obi respectively on behalf of the team.
He met with them two hours after Nigeria defeated Honduras 3-2 in the bronze medal play-off.
“The $200,000 covers the bonuses and allowances as promised and the $190,000 is for the bronze medal,” Takasu told BBC Sport.

How Yeni's Greed Pushed Me Out Of Felebration Project—Laface

The name Tunde Osinibosi might not ring a bell to some people, but Laface will surely do, especially for those conversant with the showbiz industry in Africa.

This Ogun State-born man has contributed immensely to the growth of the entertainment industry in Africa and that is why he is highly respected.

He was the bridge most artistes in Nigeria used to penetrate into the American music industry, which many believe is the world capital of the industry.

The likes of 2Baba, Sound Sultan and many others can never forget the role this easygoing man called Laface played in their careers.

In the Yoruba movie industry, nothing has matched the prestigious Yoruba Movie Academy Awards, YMAA, a platform that made most of the actors to be treated like kings and queens.

Despite these achievements, Laface, for those who know him too well, is a go-getter. He is not resting and now, he is planning a big show for the Hausa movie industry fondly called Kannywood.

Laface spoke with members of the press based in the north recently, when he sealed a deal to stage the Arewa Film Festival & Awards.

For the records and for those who don’t know you kindly introduce yourself

I was born Babatunde Oshinibosi, but popularly known by my brand name Laface. I am from a family of 5 and hails from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State. I attended St Bernadettes Private School, Abeokuta; the great Baptist Academy Lagos; and the Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, where what has become one of the biggest entertainment brands in Nigeria today started like a common dream.

At Ogun Poly, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, I became the Social Director of the school unopposed.

I initiated and created Royals Classy Club to rival the legendary Gentlemen’s Club and created a healthy club rivalry. I won several awards for my social exploits and ultimately won the Mr Polytechnic contest. My service year was in Ilorin Kwara State where the show continued with several landmark events as a young serving corper. I later travelled to the UK on another chapter of my growth process.

While in London, I delved straight into the showbiz world bringing back the popular Jeans Carnival Revolution, which went on for years and played a major role in revolutionizing the London club scene before heading back home to Nigeria, the motherland.