A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
By Ediri Ejoh OIL marketers, yesterday, blamed the Federal Government's policies for the dwindling importation of petroleum products as well as low operations in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.
This was their reaction to the impending mass sack of oil workers in the industry.
A man carries jerrycans to search for fuel in Lagos, on May 21, 2015. Long queues formed at petrol stations across oil-rich Nigeria on May 21 following a row over subsidy payment to petrol importers as well as sale of government oil blocks to private investors, union officials said. AFP PHOTO
Reacting to the development, a marketer who does not want his name in print, said: "Importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol, has declined drastically. Before now, almost everybody was able to import and make profit.
''The major thing is the exchange rate because the oil industry deals with foreign exchange with banks which finance the business.
"Now that everybody is clamped down, we are restricted in buying from the banks. In the past, when you import, in the space of one week it is finished. Now, the whole thing is different."
He, however, attributed the availability of petroleum products to the intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
"NNPC normally imports the product and then gives allocation for import to flood the market. We have workers and filling stations trying very hard to get money and product," he said.
A top management in one of the International Oil Companies, IOCs, who also reacted, but preferred to be anonymous, corroborated current competition and decline in the downstream business.
He said: "We cannot say for sure the level of competition statistically. But all we know is that there is massive decline in purchases of petroleum product by oil marketers."
Meanwhile, oil marketers in the country have raised alarm over plans to embark on mass retrenchment of workers over the Federal Government failure to pay its outstanding debts owed on petroleum importation, accrued interest and exchange differential which runs over $2 billion to date.
The marketers under the aegis of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) and Independent Petroleum Products Importers (IPPIs).
In a communiqué issued by marketers and signed by their legal adviser, Patrick Etim Esq, it stated that many marketers and oil companies owed workers over eight months salaries.
"We currently owe the banks over $2 billion, which was taken as loans to import fuel, and because the government is yet to them or pay the banks interest on the loans as agreed, the interest accumulated over time and is still accruing.
"The government is in violation of the agreement reached with marketers on payment scheduled as many commercial banks who had lent money to oil marketers for the importation of premium motor spirit (PMS) are in despair following the weight of the mounting indebtedness from the oil marketers.”
"The hope that the outstanding debt owed marketers will be paid resulting from the intervention of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, appeared to be dashed as the payment that was promised to happen in July 2017 is yet to materialize. This was devastating to marketers as we are been dragged daily by banks on debts owe and under threat of putting our tank farms under receivership," the communique read.
France international striker Kylian Mbappe has joined Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco on a season-long loan, the two clubs announced Thursday just hours before the transfer deadline.
“The loan agreement also includes an option to buy which, when exercised, will bind the player to Paris Saint-Germain until June 30, 2022,” PSG said on the club’s website.
According to media reports, the overall transfer fee could rise to 180 million euros ($214 million) including add-ons, which would make Mbappe, 18, the second most expensive player in history behind his new team-mate Neymar.
The United States has commended the operational efforts of the Nigerian Army in the counter-terrorism war in North-East Nigeria.
This is just as the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, led a Congressional delegation from the US on a visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after a closed-door session with the Theatre Commander, Major General Attahiru Ibrahim, and other officials of the command, Ambassador Symington commended the efforts of the Army.
He said, "I was pleased to have a chance to lead a delegation of six members of the United States Congress – three senators and three house members – to come and hear about the hard work of the Nigerian Military in Borno State and in northeastern Nigeria."
The Ambassador thanked Major General Ibrahim and staff of the command for the brief and the chance to discuss the way forward in their operations with them.
"The United States strongly supports the hard work of the Nigerian military in combatting terrorism and we are grateful for the chance to be here and to see both and the response to the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria and the hard work that is being done to confront terrorism," he added.
In his response, the theatre commander thanked the US government for its renewed partnership and support for the military.
He said, "This intentionally outlined the healthy relationship we have with the United States; they came here to assess our needs for assistance and they have promised they are going to address that."
"So it goes a long way to tell you how the United States is also extending its hands in the counter insurgency efforts in Nigeria."
The Board of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has been dissolved by the State House of Assembly.
The dissolution of the board followed a motion by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Tim Owhefere during the plenary on Thursday in Asaba.
Moving the motion, Owhefere noted that the dissolution of the board was due to the exigency of the nation's fast moving democracy and the need for the state to move in tandem with world best practices in the electoral process.
He said that the commission could now be dissolved in line with Section 7, Sub section 1 of DSIEC Law 2012.
The majority leader explained that the development was necessitated by noticeable defects and shortcomings in the electoral process as a result of the law establishing the commission.
He said that law was currently before the Assembly for amendment.
Owhefere said that the dissolution would enable the Assembly work on the proposed new law that would enhance the electoral process in the state.
The motion was seconded my Mr Samuel Mariere, representing Ughelli North I Constituency.
Supporting the motion, the lawmaker representing Warri South II constituency and of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that the constitutional requirement to dissolve the commission was two third majority, and stressed the need to follow due process to be followed.
Following his submission, the speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori called for voting by members who immediately filed out in from of the clerk of the House to append their signatures for the dissolution of the board.
Announcing the result of the voting, the Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor said that 20 members voted for the dissolution of the board, while eight members were absent and nobody voted against.
The Speaker said in line with Section 7, Sub section 1 of the law setting up DSIEC, the board now stood dissolved having fulflled two third requirement by the House for the dissolution.
He therefore called on Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa to immediately act on the House dissolution.
100 young aspiring models have moved one step closer to making their dreams of walking international runways for the world's biggest designers a reality.
The aspiring models who showed up for the Aquafina Elite Model Look 2017 National Casting on August 26 2017 were screened by a judging panel which included Elizabeth Aisien, Creative Director EMLN, and 2014 EMLN winner, Victor Ndigwe.
Davidson Obennebo, the 2016 winner of EMLN was also present at the event. The 21 year old who went on to win the global edition of Elite
Model Look spoke about his experience as the first person of colour to win EML International while answering questions from the audience.
According to the Senior Brand Manager Seven-Up Bottling Company, Segun Ogunleye, "Aquafina Premium Drinking Water has partnered with the Elite Model Look Nigeria over the years and we are proud of career successes past winners and contestants have been able to achieve via their participation in Elite Model Look Nigeria."
Aquafina's goal is to showcase Nigerian talent in the modelling and fashion industry and offer aspiring models the opportunity to start a career in modelling from the same launching pad as models like Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bundchen, Mayowa Nicholas and Victor Ndigwe.
The lucky contestants preselected at the event will have their images sent to Paris where 20 finalists will be selected, according to Elizabeth Aisien, the Creative Director of Aquafina EMLN.
The winners of the Aquafina EMLN 2017 will go on to represent Nigeria at the Elite Model Look International world finals. They also stand to win a modelling contract with Elite Model Management Worldwide.
Caroline Wozniacki slammed as “unacceptable and questionable” the US Open decision to give Maria Sharapova back-to-back matches on the showpiece Arthur Ashe Stadium in the Russian’s first Grand Slam appearance since serving a doping ban.
Wozniacki-Sharapova
Wozniacki was furious that she was sent to play her second-round match on an outside court while five-time major winner Sharapova was scheduled twice on the tournament’s biggest arena.
“I think putting out a schedule where the fifth seed is playing on Court 5, fifth match on after 11 p.m. – I think that’s unacceptable,” said Wozniacki who, like Sharapova, is a former world number one but who has never won a Grand Slam title.
“When you look on Center Court, I understand completely the business side of things, but someone who comes back from a drugs sentence — performance enhancing drugs -– and all of a sudden gets to play every single match on Center Court, I think that’s a questionable thing to do.
“I think it doesn’t set a good example and I think someone who has fought their way back from injury and is five in the world deserves to play on a bigger court than Court 5.
“Finally they moved us to Court 17, which is a really nice court actually and we had great atmosphere out there but I think they should probably look into what they need to do in the future.”
Wozniacki, the 2009 and 2014 runner-up in New York, became the fourth top-10 woman to exit the US Open on Wednesday night when she lost 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 to Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova.
Sharapova, the US Open champion in 2006, had earlier seen off Hungary’s Timea Babos on the 24,000-capacity Ashe, two days after she had knocked out world number two Simona Halep on the same court.
Sharapova served a 15-month suspension for failing a drugs test at the 2016 Australian Open and only returned to the tour in April.
She was refused a wild card to play at the French Open because of her suspension while injury ruled her out of Wimbledon.
The US Open, however, awarded a wild card into the tournament, the season’s final Grand Slam.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr AyodeleFayose has hailed Governors of the South-East states for their yesterday's meeting with leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), NnamdiKanu, saying; "the meeting has provided a veritable platform, which all Igbos must key into otherwise they will remain guinea pig as long as this country exists." Nnamdi Kanu with South East governors in Enugu
The governor, whoappealed to the federal government to allow political solutions to agitations by Nigerians as against the use of brute force, which, he said had become the hallmark of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government, said he remained committed to the call for full and total restructuring of Nigeria through dialogue and negotiation because it was too late for Nigeria to disintegrate.
Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications and New Media, LereOlayinka, said in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, that Governor Fayose said he was "particularly glad that Southeast governors have come to the realisation that they cannot ignore their own in times like these as agitations are normal and must not be ignored, although the approach should be handled with caution."
He blamed the actions and utterances of President Muhammadu Buhari for the agitations going on in the country, saying; "The father figure of this country is President Buhari and if his language does not represents unity, there will be agitations like we are witnessing now. A father figure rallies even the bad boys in his house. The utterances and actions of the when he became President were against the unity of this country. How can a president say that he will only attend to the needs of those who gave him 97 per cent vote and neglect others who didn't vote for him.
"For Nigeria to move forward and in unity; there must be no sectionalism, there must be no oppression and there must be justice and equity."
The governor, who commended the Northern leaders for standing up to ensure that the Arewa Youths' quit notice against the Igbos in the North was resolved and withdrawn without necessarily arresting and detaining anyone, said; "I am sure that the same can be achieved by the Igbo leaders as arresting or re-arresting Kanu may be counterproductive as it may be perceived as vilification of the entire Southeast Region, not necessarily Kanu as a person."
The statement read in part; "This meeting has provided a veritable platform, which all Igbos must key into otherwise they will remain guinea pig as long as this country exists.
"That His Royal Highness, Eze Israel OkwuKanu, the father of the IPOB leader, NnamdiKanu and elder-statesman, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), were part of the meeting is a sign of strong determination and unity on the part of the South-East leaders and their governors, which I believe will end up in the amicable resolution of all issues involved, especially by pro-Biafra activists, especially the IPOB.
"While I appeal to the federal government to allow political solutions to agitations by Nigerians as against the use of brute force, which, regrettably, has become the hallmark of this administration, I remain committed to the call for full and total restructuring of Nigeria through dialogue and negotiation. Even though it is too late for Nigeria to disintegrate, we do not need APC kind of restructuring.
"Once again, I salute my brother governors from the Southeast for their historic meeting of yesterday and I urge them not to relent in their efforts to bring lasting peace and harmony to their region. While I also commend the IPOB leader, NnamdiKanu for his display of humility and commitment to peace by attending the meeting, I enjoin him to cooperate with leaders of the region going forward."
By Dirisu Yakubu ABUJA—On its 19th anniversary today, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is lauding former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the role his government played in exiting Nigeria from the Paris Club and laying the foundation for the fight against corruption in the country.
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo
The chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, gave the commendation in a greeting to members and supporters of the party on the occasion of the 19th anniversary today.
In a statement signed by the Head, Publicity Division of the party, Chinwe Nnorom, Makarfi described the PDP as the only viable, prosperous and visionary political party in Nigeria.
He also lauded the Supreme Court for restoring democracy to the country through the Supreme Court judgment that legitimised his executive.
“History has not forgotten how the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on the platform of the PDP worked diligently with other western powers to settle all our foreign debts accumulated by the military thereby detached Nigeria's economy from the burden of foreign debts" the party said.
“Similarly, the PDP Administration established two major anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to curb the Menace of corruption in the Country. These efforts reduced corrupt practices and further increased the confidence of foreign investors that resulted in huge investment inflows into the country. The APC-led Government of today has destroyed the independence of these agencies.
In the beginning
“The PDP formally came into being on August 31, 1998 and has since then, remained the only viable, prosperous, strongest and most visionary political party in Nigeria.
“We commend the efforts of our founding fathers that dared the military establishment at that time to usher in a history of reformation and innovation in the country’s political landscape by returning Nigeria to the path of civil rule,” the statement read in part.
Makarfi in the statement urged Nigerians not to forget the role played by the PDP in sustaining civil rule in the country dating back to the return to democratic governance in 1999.
The statement continued: “Nigeria as a country is today celebrating close to two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule because of the sacrifices and investments made by the founding fathers of the PDP. We are proud of them and their legacies will be immortalized in the anal of Nigerian history.
“We also thank the people of Nigeria for the overwhelming support and confidence reposed on us in our sixteen years of administration. As a human organization, there might have been some issues or areas we could not cover when we were governing. We promise to make amends when given the opportunity again in 2019.
“We are optimistic that Nigerians have not forgotten the enormous infrastructural developments, policies and programmes developed by the PDP Administrations in contrast to the current All Progressives Congress, APC, led-government.
“For the record, in 1999 the image of Nigeria internationally was in a deplorable state with very poor human rights records. The PDP took conscious steps to change that perception and within a very short period, it restored the country to its pride of place among the comity of nations. We promise to do it again come 2019.”
“Finally, we thank the judiciary for restoring democracy in Nigeria by the Supreme Court Judgment of July 12, 2017 that affirmed the decision of the May 21st 2016 National Convention of the PDP,” Makarfi said.
Abuja – In anticipation of Sallah holiday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday raised the total intervention for the week to 547 million dollars as against 195 million dollars offred the previous week.
The CBN spokesman, Mr Isaac Okorafor in a statement in Abuja, said that the intervention would uplift the Naira exchange rate, boost liquidity in the forex market and ensure timely execution and settlement of eligible transactions.
Okorafor, also expressed confidence that the interventions would continue to guarantee stability in the market and ensure availability to individuals and business concerns with genuine demand for Forex transactions.
Meanwhile, the Naira on Thursday closed at N362 to a dollar as supply by CBN improves. This is a far improvement over the N370 it was selling earlier in the week.
Also, the Pound Sterling and the Euro have maintained their strength against the Naira, exchanging at N462 and N428 respectively. (NAN)
Lewis Hamilton revealed Thursday that he is happy and confident he will stay with Mercedes beyond 2018 and is in no rush to sign a new contract.
Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton AFP PHOTO
The 32-year-old Briton, seven points behind Sebastian Vettel in this year's title race ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, said the German’s decision to sign a new three-year deal with Ferrari had no direct bearing on his own future.
“It doesn’t really change much to me because I planned to extend with the team, which we will do at some point in the second half of the season, or towards the end of the year," he said.
“I know Toto (Wolff, Mercedes team chief) has said that we’ll wait until the end of the season, because generally that’s what I like to…
“There’s no rush. I still have another year. So, we have a lot of time. I think last contract we went all the way into the mid-part of the season.”
He added that he was not interested in moving to any other team.
“I know the team is fully committed to me and I’ve never picked up the phone and spoken to any of those other teams.
“So I made that very clear to the guys. I’m not trying to weigh up my options and if I was I’d call Toto and say I’m going to (do) due diligence and see what options there are for me. Currently I have no plans to do that."
– piece of puzzle –
Hamilton added that he felt it was good that Vettel had committed to staying with Ferrari.
“All good things happen for a reason and, in the kind of plan that I have, my five years – or six years, or whatever it is – that I have left in the sport…
“That piece of the puzzle is now in place. So it makes my decision moving forward a lot easier.”
He said his relationship with Wolff was very open and that he team boss always told him who had contacted the team in relation to drives.
“It’s kind of interesting sometimes, to hear who calls and who’s tried either to take my seat or take the seat next door to me.
“To see the moves that happen following those calls – such as Sebastian signing for Ferrari – is interesting. I don't know if everyone expected him to sign a three-year deal!"
Hamilton can take over as championship leader if he wins Sunday's race.
"Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God. When your mind is full of God, there is no room for worry. I fill my mind full of God every day and I have the time of my life all day long"
HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY
You cannot change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future. An evaluation was carried out about worry and it reveal thus; Things that never happen-40%; Past things that can't be changed by worrying-30%; Needless health worries-12%; Petty worries about unimportant matters-10%; Real legitimate worries-8% of which 4 percent are things about which nothing can be done and only 4% of the things that most people worry about can be changed.
The word worry is derived from an old Anglo-saxon word meaning to strangle or choke. When you engage in worry you strangle your power to change or positively influence the situation. When you worry you choke your body's immune system which makes you vulnerable to all kinds of illness, from cold and flu all the way up to life-threatening diseases and infections. In fact, medical experts have asserted that worry gives birth to cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and ulcers and arthritis, headaches, skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and stress acne and a decreased immune response which can open up a person to even more illness. Dr. George W. Crile reveals, "We fear not only in our minds but in our hearts, brains and viscera that whatever the cause of fear and worry, the effect can always be noted in the cells, tissues, and organs of the body". A scientific expert on length of life conducted a study of some 450 people who lived to be one hundred years of age. His studies revealed that these category of people lived long for the following reasons: (1) They kept busy (2) They used moderation in all things. (3) They ate lightly and simply (4) They got a great deal of fun out of life (5) They were early to bed and early up (6) They were free from worry and fear, especially fear of death (7) They had serene minds and faith in God.
Worry is meditating on the problem. Worry is a state of being overly concerned about the affairs of life; trying so hard to control people and situation. It is dreading about the possibility of negative or worst outcome. Worry means to torment oneself with disturbing thoughts, to feel uneasy, anxious or troubled or to torment with annoyances, cares or anxieties. Worry feeds on fear. When your mind is dominated by faith thoughts-worry dies. When your mind is dominated with fear- worry becomes your master. The entrance of worry into the human mind is the exit of peace. When peace is eroded by worry, stress settles. Worry boosts stress level. Worry is a waste of mental energy and time. Worry has never solved any problem and never will it. There's no gain in worrying but there is pain in worrying. Worry could be likened to sitting on a rocking chair. Sitting on a rocking chair is a stagnated motion; it takes you nowhere. Worrying is being busy but not effective. Worry is a fast forwarded race to the grave. Worry robs the mind of clarity, accuracy and creativity.
A worry free life is a life that knows peace and ease. To be free from worry begin by writing down all your worries and appraise or evaluate them; analyze it. See it for what it is. The next step is to determine the worst possible thing that could happen as a result of this situation. Write it down. After that tear the paper with all your worries and the worst possible outcome and throw it in a waste basket. Then take a clean sheet of paper and write down everything good happening in your life that you are grateful for; count your blessings. Give thanks to your Creator for His blessings. Then write down the actions you can take to avert or minimize the worst possible outcome; focus on the solution. Get busy working on the solution; be proactive. Think boldly and Act boldly. Someone once said, "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid. Emerson counseled, "Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain."
I'm in love with Norman Vincent Peale worry treatment, "Conceive of yourself as actually emptying your mind of all anxiety and fear. Picture all worry thoughts as flowing out as you would let water flow from a basin by removing the stopper. Repeat this slowly five times, then add, "I believe that my mind is now emptied of all anxiety, all fear, all sense of insecurity". Repeat that statement five times, meanwhile holding a mental picture of your mind as being emptied of these concepts. Then thank God for thus freeing you from fear. Then go to sleep."
"Therefore, upon emptying the mind, practice refilling it. Fill it with thoughts of faith, hope, courage, expectancy. Say aloud such affirmation as the following: God is now filling my mind with courage, with peace, with calm assurance. God is now protecting me from all harm. God is now guiding me to right decisions. God will see me through this situation."
LET GO! LET GOD!
Trust God and live a day at a time. Remember, yesterday ended last night and today is a brand new day. Begin each day on a clean slate. When you awake in the morning, imagine or visualize that you are full of God and He is helping you. Go into the day with God-consciousness and TALK POSITIVELY. Stay away from toxic people; people who have a negative outlook on life. Don't worry about the past, it is in the tomb. Don't worry about the future; it is in the womb. You cannot do anything about the tomb and womb but you can do something about the NOW! Live in the present and maximize it and you sure will influence the quality of your future in the womb.
Chief Olanipekun reviewed the clamour for restructuring the Nigerian State, citing numerous prominent voices as well as socio-cultural groups. He also argued for restructuring and devolution of powers, touching on the greatness and usefulness of the 2014 National Conference, which has unfortunately been maliciously cast into the so-called archive.
President Muhammadu Buhari
LADIES and gentlemen, since the organisers of this event gave me the liberty to pick a topic of my choice for this lecture, I deliberately zeroed in on the topic of today, bearing in mind the fascinating, encouraging, leading, enchanting and endearing position of Aremo Osoba within the Yoruba nation.
He stands tall amongst our leaders; and to me as a person, we have been so closely knitted since my youth corps days in Kwara State in 1976/77, when he was already the General Manager of the Kwara State Publishing Company, the publishers of the Nigerian Herald. At the core of Chief Osoba's heart is Yoruba survival and revival; and it would not be out of place to let this audience into the secret of what happened recently, leading to the rapprochement between the Yoruba political leaders generally, and particularly, of the APC extraction.
Some accomplished Yoruba men approached me to convey a meeting of leading Yoruba politicians and try to forge reconciliation amongst them in the interest of the Yoruba Nation. We penned down names, top of which was that of Aremo Osoba, and I was assigned the task of contacting him. I put a call across to him which he immediately answered, informing him that some of us would like to see him at his residence, and I intimated him of our mission. He responded that he would want the meeting held at my residence, and that he would be in attendance.
True to his word and character, Chief Osoba showed up in his 'boyish' appearance at my residence at about 10: 30pm, and the meeting commenced, lasting till the early hours of the following morning. At the end of our 'conference', Aremo Osoba asked us, "What do you guys want me to do?" We gave him 'instructions and directives' that we wanted him to go and meet with 'XYZ' and forge a reconciliation.
Without hesitating or demurring, he said "I would do as you have directed and report back to you within the week." Again, true to his word as an Omoluabi, he went to each of those people and reconciled with them. What manner of man is Chief Segun Osoba? A gentleman of gentlemen; a role model; a teacher; an anchor; a mentor; a foremost nationalist and patriot; an administrator extraordinaire; a bridge builder; a good looking and fashionable persona; a rare totem; an exemplary family man; an iconic leader; a surefooted man with high integrity; an embodiment of unadulterated humility; and a truly distinguished achiever, both professionally and on all fronts.
I have heard it said that the APC leaders from the South West did not fund President Buhari's election in 2015.72 Since I am not a member of APC or any political party, I would not know how much the Yoruba APC leaders contributed to the election of President Buhari in cash. However, let me use this opportunity to reiterate the point that through Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a formidable team of Yoruba lawyers under my leadership was assembled to attend to, tackle and professionally manage all the pre-election cases filed against the then candidate Muhammdu Buhari in different courts and jurisdictions in Nigeria.
The members of the team include myself, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Chief Akinlolu Olujimi, SAN; Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN; Kola Awodein, SAN; Chief Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan SAN; Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN; Emeka Ngige, SAN; Abubakar Malami, SAN; SAN; Femi Atoyebi, SAN; Femi Falana, SAN, Funke Aboyade, SAN etc. All the very serious, complex and challenging cases were effectively handled by the team, including, in particular, United Democratic Party & Ors. v. INEC,73 which was a serious challenge to the use of the card readers by INEC and Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe v. INEC & Ors," wherein President Buhari's qualification was challenged, and on which we managed to secure an order for stay of proceedings on March 25, 2015, three days to the election. In actual fact, I was already in Akure on 24th March, 2015, preparing for an event which I was to chair on 25th March, 2015, when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu put a call across to me at about 7: 30pm, profusely pleading with me that I must be in court on 25th March, 2015, to personally attend to some of the cases filed against erstwhile candidate Muhammdu Buhari, including Nnamdi Nwokocha as he perceived that my absence in court might be detrimental to the interest of the APC and its candidate. He there and then promised to make a chartered flight available to me at the Akure airport first thing in the morning of 25th March, 2015; a promise which he dutifully fulfilled, as at about 7: 15am of the said day, the private jet with the pilot and crew, as well as Kola Awodein SAN and Femi Atoyebi SAN were already at the tarmac of the Akure Airport.
All these cases were handled pro bono, and without this eminent and crack team of lawyers, the elections would not have held. I wonder if all the millions or billions contributed for the elections by any other group or groups of people could have matched or compensated for the legal input and intervention of the team, assembled by a Yoruba leader, comprising majorly of eminent Yoruba lawyers. This point is to underscore the unquantifiable and unmatchable contributions of the Yoruba nation to the ascendancy of President Buhari, from the legal angle. Be it noted that the controversial card reader issue on which we secured an order for stay of proceedings was eventually resolved and settled by both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, starting from Ambode v. Agbaje/5 Shinkafi v. Yarl," and Wike v. Peterside.77 It was held in each of these cases that the card reader was yet to be part of our electoral jurisprudence, and, therefore, could not be used to challenge the outcome of an elections.
In other words, had the order for stay of proceedings not been obtained 72 hours to the elections in respect of whether or not INEC should/could go ahead to use and deploy the card readers, and INEC was restrained from using and deploying the card readers at the elections of 28th March, 2015, the elections could not have held; and if it was eventually held without the use of the card readers, the APC/Buhari might not have won.
Aligning the topic of this lecture with the position of APC as a party in respect of the Nigerian project, particularly the nagging issue of restructuring or restoration of our federalism, the APC owes the Yoruba nation a duty to frontally address, rather than beg the issue. An occasion like this, where and when we are celebrating one of the very best, dutiful, eminent, prominent and trustworthy Yoruba leaders, whether living or dead, in person of the enigmatic Segun Osoba, demands of all of us, using him as a point of contact, to impress it on the APC, and the Yoruba leaders within the APC in particular, that the running of Nigeria and governing of the entity called and styled Nigeria, cannot and should not be as usual. The government and the political party in power must listen and hearken to the voice of the people and their. legitimate requests and demands. After all, despite God's omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience, and notwithstanding Prophet Samuel's premonition and reservation, God hearkened to the voice of the Israelites when they demanded a King, like other nations". The point must be made, and emphatically so, that the identity of the Yoruba nation can only be redeemed in a properly structured Nigeria, or a Nigeria where true federalism is restored and practiced.
Let me seize this this opportunity to commend the Yoruba governors within the South Western geo-political Zone of Nigeria for coming together to forge and endorse regional identity, cohesion and economic integration. For the first time, Lagos State has now joined the Oodua Group of States and become part and parcel of the Oodua conglomerate.
The impressive and dutiful Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, has so far attended two meetings of the Oodua States at Ibadan and Ado-Ekiti, respectively." This is heart- warming, and a celebration of the homogeneity of the Yoruba race in the heterogeneity of the Nigerian State; heralding the redemption of the Yoruba identity. Further steps should be taken, particularly as suggested by different Yoruba groups at their meeting held in Ibadan on Thursday, June 29, 2017, whereat they called for lasting unity among the Yoruba race and people.
Venerable Yoruba leaders, including but not limited to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Olu Falae, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Aremo Segun Osoba, General Alani Akinrinade, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Banji Akintoye, Dr. Kunle Olajide, and a host of others should urgently put heads together at ensuring the redemption of the Yoruba identity within the coalition of nationalities that make up Nigeria. Before I resume my seat, may I appreciate the Centre for Culture and Historical Awareness, the organisers of this epoch-making event for deeming me fit to deliver this lecture in honour of this septuagenarian, a fine specimen of humanity, our brother, friend, mentor and role model, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, to mark his 78th birthday. We wish the Aremo a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day.
The Yoruba have a saying apt for an occasion like this, when one is celebrating his birthday, that is, 'igba odun, odun kan' literally meaning that 200 years will translate to one year. In effect, Aremo is yet to clock the first year until he makes 200 years. The point being made is that our very dear Aremo will surely live long!
Being the text of a lecture delivered by CHIEF WOLE OLANIPEKUN on 14 July 2017 at Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, to mark the 78th birthday of his Excellency, AREMO OLUSEGUN OSOBA
Infinix Mobility, Africa's leading smartphone brand and makers of Infinix Hot, Hot 2, Hot 3 and Hot 4 has announced the launch of the latest Infinix Hot series smartphone 'Infinix Hot 5 and Hot 5 lite in the Nigeria.
The announcement from Infinix was made with launch partners Jumia as its exclusive online partner and Slot Limited as its exclusive offline retail partner.
The new Infinix products is promoted as Nigeria's first Mobile cinema smartphone, which ensures real time mobile viewing with its 5.5HD display, dual front speakers and 3D Dirac stereo to enable users optimize their mobile experience.
Powered by Android 7.0, the new Infinix Hot 5 offers the customized user interface XOS 2.2 on 4000mah battery life, which ensures 35hrs talk time for all users.
The well-equipped affordable smartphone also offers internal 16GB ROM and 2GB RAM for speed targeted at Hot series fans and trendsetters stated Regional Country director Infinix Mobility 'Mr Bruno Li' at the product briefing.
According to Jumia, Infinix Hot 5's predecessor was the best seller on their platform in 14 countries and Infinix Hot 5 would deliver a bigger success in the African market based on its specifications.
The new Infinix Hot 5 is retailing for N37, 500 and Infinix Hot 5 lite for N32,000 on Jumia.com.ng and at all slot retail outlets nationwide.
A Chairmanship Candidate for the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Lagos Council election, Dr. Qasim Akinreti, yesterday, said members’ welfare, capacity building and agriculture will be his priority, if elected into office in September 2017.
From left Mr Solomon Nwoke .Chairman NUJ Vanguard Chapel ,Dr Qasim Akinreti Candidate Chairman of NUJ Lagos presenting the poster to Mr Gbenga Adefaye G M \ Editor in Chief Vanguard Photo Shola OyeleseFile name
Speaking during his campaign titled ”Mandate 2017”, which took place at Vanguard Corporate Headquarters, Kiri-kiri Canal, Apapa, Lagos, he said his era will bring a new beginning to the state council through accountability, integrity and investments.
To achieve this, he said, he will institute a budgeting process to spell out income and expenditure for members in order to endanger financial stability. In his words, ”Mandate 2017 is about a new beginning for Lagos NUJ, in terms of integrity, accountability and welfare of our members,”
According to him, his tenure will restore dignity to the Union to foster relationship among members both at home and in Diaspora to build a virile leadership.
He said, ”we shall ensure professionalism and restore the dignity of our members because our word is our bound and we shall deliver our promises to our members who voted us into power. We shall invest in human capital, media, properties and agriculture as the case may be,”
The campaign team was led by Chairman Mr Gbenga Fatile who said Qasim will stand by his promises if voted into power.
Earlier, Vanguard General Manager and Editor-in-Chief Gbenga Adefaye and Deputy Editor Eze Anaba threw their weight behind the candidature of Quasim,
”you know why I like him, he is my kid brother who stayed in my room throughout my campaign period as president, Nigeria Guild of Editors, now that he needs my support, I will not fail to stand by him,”
By Amarachi Adiele The Malaria- to- Zero Initiative (MTZ) – an innovative financing platform of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, has facilitated distribution of 30,000 Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINS) to over one million individuals were through local communication platforms for adoption of right malaria prevention and treatment practices.
File photo
Disclosing this in a statement, CEO of the Alliance, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, said the initiative executed quick wins including recent effective demand generation and LLIN distributions to 30 communities across five states in the southwest -Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.
he said the Malaria- to- Zero Initiative aims at disrupting poor malaria outcome, catalysing progress towards achieving Nigeria’s pre-elimination targets particularly women and children.
"It aims to aggregate private sector resources and capabilities for sustained supports towards complementing government effort in averting at least one million malaria cases and deaths as part of the nationwide strategy for malaria pre-elimination in Nigeria come 2020.
Launched on World Malaria Day 2016, the guidance of leading corporate entities in the year, the initiative identifies six priority areas for engagement which includes; Effective demand generation, Indoor residual spraying, severe malaria management, seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis, etc.
By Sola Ogundipr THE launch of the pilot phase of AlertClinic – a Disaster and Disease Outbreak Prevention Technology – is set to revolutionise disaster prevention, warning, response and recovery in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
AlertClinic facilitates rapid response to diseases and epidemics in lagos and environs.
With its coming, response to diseases of epidemic significance such as Lassa fever, diarrhoeal diseases and polio will be a lot more organised.
The pilot phase of the initiative which commences in Yaba today, is put together by effort of the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with EpidAlert.
In the view of the Founder, Dr Lawal Bakare, AlertClinic is a communication and notification system designed with algorithms around information flow and the persuasion of critical behaviours and choices.
In its pilot phase, AlertClinic seeks to tackle malaria, Lassa fever, diarrheal diseases and polio – four diseases that stand as major threats to the disease control systems of the Lagos State government and people in the state. "AlertClinic will provide two-way notification support to communities and households, and more importantly, the public health institution in Lagos where the Ministry of Health leads at the peak and the Disease Notification Officers of the Local Government Areas at the grassroots."
Bakare said the burden of diseases is expected to drop in target communities, just as notification will rise for the 'notifiable' diseases and the public health response time will drop when threats are identified leaving communities healthier and more resilient.
Following the official launch AlertClinic will be accessible online and offline in Lagos Mainland LGA. "Lagos Mainland was selected for this phase of its roll out as it presents the ecosystem for early uptake of technology innovations as well an environment that will benefit from it,." Bakare stated, noting that te Lagos Mainland is the home of Nigeria's technology hub in Yaba, among other strategic advantages.
"It is this immediate environment the Lagos State Government and EpidAlert believe will serve as epicenter of AlertClinic implementation.
It is from here we will scale across Lagos State and other parts of the country and possibly beyond."
By Chioma Obinna In pursuit of it’s commitment to encourage good hygiene practices among medical laboratory practitioners, Cleanmax Industries Limited, recently presented cartons of Cleanmax Sparkle hand-washing liquid products to the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students Association, College of Medicine, University of Lagos chapter.
Presenting the products the Chief Executive Officer, Cleanmax, Mrs Inibokun Okafor during the 6th Annual Healthweek of the Association, noted that as an indigenous manufacturer of quality handwashing liquid, the gesture was to encourage conscious hand washing culture among the students as one of the best ways to avoid the spread of diseases given their peculiar professional environment.
"The health and well being of every Nigerian is of tremendous importance to the future of the country and simple task of frequent hand-washing with Cleanmax Sparkle hand-washing liquid will help to stem the tide of the spread of diseases that could be easily be contacted through physical contact".
Describing the company as a responsive company, she said they recognizes the role of Medical Laboratory professionals in caring for the sick and injured persons.
Chairman, College of Medicine, University of Lagos chapter of Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students Association, Miss. Fehintola Odutuyo, who received the items, commended Cleanmax Industries for the generous presentation and support for their health week.
By Sola Ogundipe THE Lagos State government has said that allocation of 15 per cent of its annual budget to the health sector in line with the Abuja Declaration of 2000 is attainable in the near future.
Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (2nd right), administering de-worming syrup on one of the pupils of Lagos State public primary schools, Miss Precious Okoh during the flag-off of Mass Deworming programme for pupils in Public Primary Schools, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, at Maryland, Lagos, on Monday, 23 January, 2017. With her are Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts & Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola (2nd left) and Acting HOS, Mrs. Folashade Adesoye (left).
Hinting this recently during the Year 2018 Budget Consultative Forum held at the Lagos West Senatorial district, the state Commissioner for Finance,Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade said: "We know what the population is and looking at the 2017 budget for health which is six per cent, we can argue that it is too low considering that the Abuja Declaration is 15 per cent. But I will take you back to the 2016 budget and what we did then. In 2016, we spent about N10 billion to intervene in the health sector. When we came in and we saw the quantum of what we needed to do in the health sector, N10 billion was released as a special intervention. We believe the sum is still being implemented and cuts across two budgets.
"So if we add that intervention to what we plan to do this year and you look at it in terms of access to health in Lagos, you can see that Lagos is ahead."
Ashade noted that compared to other states, there are areas that development partners are onboard that is also captured in the budget because the partners help in terms of what the state plans to do.
"We won't have to shirk responsibility. We are aware of the 15 per cent budget allocation and will continue to work towards achieving that. We will do what it takes because health is wealth and we are really very committed to it.
"Our population is likely to hit 27 million by 2020 and we all have to be prepared. Lagos deserves to be treated specially but even Lagos State government is looking at areas we can grow the size of our revenue to be able to be in a position to provide amenities, facilities and infrastructure for the people that look up to Lagos for opportunity,'' Ashade avowed.
In anticipation of Sallah holiday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday raised the total intervention for the week to 547 million dollars as against 195 million dollars offered the previous week.
The CBN spokesman, Mr Isaac Okorafor in a statement in Abuja, said that the intervention would uplift the Naira exchange rate, boost liquidity in the forex market and ensure timely execution and settlement of eligible transactions.
Okorafor, also expressed confidence that the interventions would continue to guarantee stability in the market and ensure availability to individuals and business concerns with genuine demand for Forex transactions.
Meanwhile, the Naira on Thursday closed at N362 to a dollar as supply by CBN improves. This is a far improvement over the N370 it was selling earlier in the week.
Also, the Pound Sterling and the Euro have maintained their strength against the Naira, exchanging at N462 and N428 respectively.
Football fans in Omu-Aran , Kwara on Thursday said Super Eagles victory against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the World Cup qualifier on Friday would be a wonderful Sallah gift for Nigeria.
Super Eagles in training
The fans who spoke in separate interviews charged the Super Eagles to put in their best to secure victory in the match.
The fans contended that the match slated to hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo, coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir festival, as such "is a sign of divine luck for the eagles."
The fans charge the Eagle to utilise the home advantage to secure the maximum three points against their opponent in the spirit of the celebration.
Zakariyau Bello, Chairman, Super Eagles Supporters Club, Omu-Aran said he was elated that the match would hold on Sallah day.
"I will not deceive you we have performed prayers for the Super Eagles to beat the Cameroonians and secure the maximum points.
"The match coinciding with Sallah has even given us the needed morale booster and the Eagles should also use the opportunity to come out victorious which will be our Sallah gift.
"This is not only for the Muslims celebrating Sallah but entire Nigerians," he said.
Abdullahi Adeoye, a Viewing Centre Operator, said the fans are already in high spirit in readiness for a full blown celebration after an expected resounding victory for the Eagles.
"This will be a double celebration as the Muslims will have returned back from the praying ground to give their maximum support to the Super Eagles," he said.
Adeoye, however, urged the team and its handlers to remain focus and unperturbed by the star studded Cameroonian side.
Yemi Aransiola, Director, Oyeyemi Sports Academy, Omu-Aran, urged the team not to allow the recent high performance of their opponents distract their plan.
"They should not give that respect to the Indomitable Lions; they should remain confident and focused in their game, and with this the team will come out victorious," he said.
I'm here to give my testimony how I was cured from HIV, I contacted my HIV via blade. A friend of my use blade to peel of her finger nails and drop it where she use it, so after she has left i did know what came unto me i looked at my nails, my nails were very long and I took the blade which she just used on her own nails to cut of my finger nails, as i was maintaining my names, i mistakenly injured myself. I did even bother about it, so when I got to the hospital the next week when i was ill the doctor told me that I am HIV positive, i wondered where did i got it from so i remembered how I use my friend blade to cut off my hand so i feel so sad in my heart to the extent that i don’t even know what to do, so one day i was passing through the internet i met a testimony of a lady that all talk about how she was cured by a doctor called DR Imoloa so i quickly emailed the doctor and he also replied to me and told me the requirements which i will provide and I do according to his command, he prepare a herbal medicine for me which I took. He message me the following week that i should go for a test which i did to my own surprise i found that i was HIV negative. He also have cured for all kinds of incurable diseases like: Huntington's disease, back acne, chronic kidney failure, Addison's disease, Chronic Disease, Crohn's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Fibromyalgia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Fungal Nail Disease, Paralysis, Celia Disease , Lymphoma, Major Depression, Malignant Melanoma, Mania, Melorheostosis, Meniere's Disease, Mucopolysaccharidosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscle Dystrophy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer Disease and so many. Thanks to him once more the great doctor that cured me dr. Imoloa so you can also email him via drimolaherbalmademedicine@gmail.com or what'sapp him on +2347081986098.. God Bless you Sir.
I'm here to give my testimony how I was cured from HIV, I contacted my HIV via blade. A friend of my use blade to peel of her finger nails and drop it where she use it, so after she has left i did know what came unto me i looked at my nails, my nails were very long and I took the blade which she just used on her own nails to cut of my finger nails, as i was maintaining my names, i mistakenly injured myself. I did even bother about it, so when I got to the hospital the next week when i was ill the doctor told me that I am HIV positive, i wondered where did i got it from so i remembered how I use my friend blade to cut off my hand so i feel so sad in my heart to the extent that i don’t even know what to do, so one day i was passing through the internet i met a testimony of a lady that all talk about how she was cured by a doctor called DR Imoloa so i quickly emailed the doctor and he also replied to me and told me the requirements which i will provide and I do according to his command, he prepare a herbal medicine for me which I took. He message me the following week that i should go for a test which i did to my own surprise i found that i was HIV negative. He also have cured for all kinds of incurable diseases like: Huntington's disease, back acne, chronic kidney failure, Addison's disease, Chronic Disease, Crohn's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Fibromyalgia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Fungal Nail Disease, Paralysis, Celia Disease , Lymphoma, Major Depression, Malignant Melanoma, Mania, Melorheostosis, Meniere's Disease, Mucopolysaccharidosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscle Dystrophy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer Disease and so many. Thanks to him once more the great doctor that cured me dr. Imoloa so you can also email him via drimolaherbalmademedicine@gmail.com or what'sapp him on +2347081986098.. God Bless you Sir.
ReplyDeleteThank God
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