2022 - Page 38 of 134 - SocietyGazette.com

AFRIMA MEETS ECCAS, UNESCO IN GABON, DISCUSSES PLANS TO STIMULATE AFRICA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY

President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) representative to Gabon and ECCAS, Mr. Eric Voli Bi, at the ECCAS Secretariat, in Libreville, Gabon

As the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) began its countdown to the 2022 main awards ceremony, Monday, with the call for submission of entries from artistes, the continental awards platform has restated its commitment to uplifting the African creative economy, using music as its tool.

It made this known during a recent strategic stakeholder meeting, in Libreville, Gabon, with the President of Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) Commission, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gabon, delegates and senior officials from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as well as delegates from Centre International des Civilisations Bantu (CICIBA) who are excited about the AFRIMA initiative.

AFRIMA, which is in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), corroborated UNESCO’s standpoint, on the need to deepen Africa’s creative exports, especially through providing access to training and resources for young aspiring creatives.

According to UNESCO’s representative to Gabon and ECCAS, Mr. Eric Voli Bi, Africa’s creative economy needs more support and opportunities for the youth – who make up the larger chunk of the workforce – to thrive.

He said, “I must thank AFRIMA for constantly projecting the continent in a positive light to the world, and for giving African youths opportunities to be recognised on a continental and even global scale. UNESCO is always interested in youth education and development initiatives, and AFRIMA is one veritable platform to help stimulate potentials among these youths. I believe, with one voice, we can speak louder. That is the way to go.”

The President of ECCAS Commission, His Excellency Gilberto Da Piedade Vérissimo, accompanied by Her Excellency Ms. Kapinga-Yvette Ngandu, Commissioner in charge of the Department of Gender Promotion and Human and Social Developments, ECCAS, welcomed the AFRIMA delegates to its regional secretariat and pledged support towards AFRIMA. He assured that ECCAS will partner AFRIMA to provide capacity building for African youths across the central African region as well as develop its music industry.

Vérissimo said, “Every year, we see our African artistes shine on global levels. It will be retrogressive for us, if we do not invest in them as well. ECCAS, in partnership with the European Union, will continue to invest resources into capacity building for African youths, especially within the entertainment sector. Apart from healthcare and education, the cultural and creative sector of the Central African region is within our primary focus. We are excited that platforms like AFRIMA thrive to give voice to our objectives, and we will pull our weight behind it, for the growth of the continent.”

On behalf of the awards platform, the President and Executive President, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, assured Africans that the AFRIMA, which has been running since 2014, will continue to prioritise inclusivity in its capacity-building initiatives.

(From Left) Commissioner in charge of the Department of Gender Promotion and Human and Social Developments, Economic Committee of Central African States (ECCAS), Her Excellency, Ms. Kapinga-Yvette Ngandu; ECCAS President, His Excellency Gilberto Da Piedade Vérissimo; President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada; AFRIMA Associate Producer, Ms Victoria Nkong, at the ECCAS Secretariat, in Libreville, Gabon.

“AFRIMA, and all its supporting initiatives, like the Africa Creative Academy, which we have in the pipeline, is for the entire continent. It is not an East African affair, or a West African Affair. We are one voice and one platform for the African people. So, our capacity-building efforts will cover the length and breadth of the continent and the diaspora. We equally apply this same character in all our campaigns, especially our submission of entries which is ongoing from now till August 5, 2022; it covers everyone across the continent and the diaspora.

“We have done this since 2014, and we are committed to consolidating our efforts this year, with even more zeal, initiatives and twists, to make AFRIMA the pride of not just the African individual, but also every black person and lover of African music out there.”

The main ceremony of the All Africa Music awards will be held from Thursday November 3 to Saturday November 6, 2022. It will feature a 4-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour, which commences with a welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, African Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees’ party, before culminating with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.

The submission of entries for the awards is also ongoing for artistes, artiste managers, record producers, recording companies, video directors, disc jockeys and other relevant stakeholders can submit their work or submit on behalf of their clients via the official afrima website at www.afrima.org. All entries must be done in consonance with AFRIMA guidelines, which are also available on the website. Importantly, all prospective entries must have been created between August 20, 2021 and August 5, 2022, being the year-in-review for all submissions.

African music lovers can follow through with the build-up events to the main awards, by engaging the social media platforms (Instagram – Afrima.official; Twitter – Afrimaofficial).

(From Left) – Gabonese musician, Fang the Goldenman; Commissioner in charge of the Department of Gender Promotion and Human and Social Developments, Economic Committee of Central African States (ECCAS), Her Excellency, Ms. Kapinga-Yvette Ngandu; President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada; Gabonese musician, Kessidekifra, at the ECCAS Secretariat, in Libreville, Gabon

ADEDUNTAN SUSTAINS HIS WINNING STREAK, PIONEERS LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE IN BANKING

Since his appointment as MD/CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Limited in 2016, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan has completely transformed the financial institution and has made it attractive to every strata of the society. From an institution that used to be perceived as an old-generation bank, FirstBank is now a darling to all as it leverages latest digital tools to meet its customers’ needs. Also, under Adeduntan’s leadership, the 128-year old bank has made huge contributions to national development, thereby stimulating development, setting standards and motivating excellent output across sectors. Clearly, these contributions to national development were what endeared Adeduntan to President Muhammadu Buhari who recently saluted him on his recognition by Cranfield University, UK, one of the most prestigious citadels of learning in Europe. Adeduntan will on Wednesday, June 22, be conferred with Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa and he would be delivering an address to the graduating class of the university. This feat, the president in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, described as, “another testament to the fact that Nigeria is blessed with the brightest and the best in all areas of human endeavor.” Buhari lauded Adeduntan for being a role model to the younger generation, showing that hard work pays, and with resourcefulness and doggedness, great heights are achievable.

Adeduntan holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Ibadan, Master’s in Business Administration from Cranfield University, and is Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), as well as Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

The president sent best wishes to Adeduntan and family as he hoisted Nigeria’s flag proudly to receive an honor Cranfield University said was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to business. Incidentally, Buhari’s commendation came on the day the bank successfully held its AGM which showed a stellar performance in its financials, a transformational result that put the bank on course to reclaiming its leadership position of the financial sector.

Adeduntan has a distinguished career in finance having held senior positions at Citibank Nigeria, KPMG and Arthur Andersen Nigeria. He studied at Cranfield University as a British Chevening Scholar, achieving an MBA in 2005.

Commenting on the honour by Cranfield University, the FirstBank boss said: “I am extremely humbled and most grateful to the university for this recognition. My time at Cranfield served as a catalyst for my professional and personal development propelling me to the leadership position I occupy today.

“I am a firm believer in talent management, being vital to further accelerate Africa’s growth to enable it to benefit from its demographic dividend and the opportunities therein. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the students on the universal applicability of the skills the Cranfield MBA provides to positively impact the world.”

On his part, the Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng also congratulated Adeduntan, saying: “It is an honour to welcome Dr Adeduntan back to Cranfield to recognise all his professional achievements in this way. His own experience at Cranfield University has propelled his career forward and this serves as a true inspiration for our graduates both this year and in the future.”

Indeed, Adeduntan is an accomplished professional with distinctive international and domestic experience in commercial and investment banking, development finance, audit, and consulting; a philanthropist and leader with keen interest in providing platforms for the development of other young leaders.

The FirstBank Group, the commercial banking arm of FBN Holdings Plc, which he heads is made up of First Bank of Nigeria and subsidiaries including FBNBank UK, FBNBank DRC, FBNBank Ghana, FBNBank Senegal, FBNBank Guinea, FBNBank Gambia, FBNBank Sierra Leone and First Pension Custodian as well as Representative Offices in France and China.

Adeduntan is overseeing one of the most extensive transformation programmes in sub-Saharan African financial services industry, with the goal to reposition FirstBank Group to market pre-eminence.

He is leading FirstBank Group on the journey to win the most significant emerging business opportunities in the financial services industry through the development and execution of a digital-led strategy that has established FirstBank as the dominant player in digital banking.

FirstBank Group’s transformation programme, under the leadership of Adeduntan has enabled the bank to grow customer accounts from about 10 million in 2015 to over 36 million (including digital wallets), become the second largest issuer of cards in Africa with over 11.8 million issued cards, onboard over 18.6 million active customers on FirstBank’s digital banking platforms, and initiate and grow the most expansive bank-led Agent Banking Network in Africa with over 170,000 agents.

His career in banking and finance, spanning almost three decades, has earned him various recognitions and awards including Forbes Best of Africa – Outstanding Leader in Africa, Distinguished Alumnus Award by both the Cranfield University’s School of Management and the University of Ibadan, African Banking Personality of the Year, African Banker of the Year Award; Banking Icon of the Decade by the Sun Newspapers and induction into the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Hall of Fame, Honorary Citizenship of the State of Georgia and Congressional Commendation Award from the Georgia Senate – USA, Bank CEO of the Year by the AES Excellence Club and several other awards.

He has attended various executive and leadership programmes at Harvard Business School (USA), Wharton School (USA), London Business School (UK), IESE (Spain), University of Oxford (UK), University of Cambridge (UK), CEIBS (China) and INSEAD (France). He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Adeduntan’s leadership drive also reflected in First Bank Nigeria Limited’s recently released full year 2021 financial statement. The results clearly showed the strength and resilience of the iconic African elephant as well as the financial institution’s leadership in the industry. The impressive results were a reflection of the robust strength and growth of the iconic African elephant, showing that the bank has taken its rightful position among the industry leaders.

In addition, it showed the level of work the current board, management and staff of the bank have put in to turn the tide in the 128 years old institution with entrenched corporate governance.

The full year 2021 performance by the bank represented a shift in the financial institution’s performance trajectory and was made possible through its undeterred commitment in pursuing its transformational agenda; cutting across customer-led innovation, building a digitalised bank, culture change, reinventing the bank’s workplace and safeguarding its assets for the digital age.

For the first time, FirstBank Group posted the best result in more than a decade history of the bank by crossing the N100 billion profit line. Specifically, in the full year 2021 financial statement, the FirstBank Group reported a 73.9 per cent growth in its profit after tax to N117.8 billion, as against the N67.8 billion recorded as of December 2020, just as its profit before tax stood at N130.9 billion, which was a significant rise by 77.9 per cent year-on-year, as against the N73.6 billion it was as of December 2020.

FirstBank’s gross earnings also increased by 30.3 per cent to N716.8 billion in 2021, up from N550.3 billion it was as of December 2020. Also, it recorded non-interest income of N342.2 billion in the year under review, which was 106.4 per cent higher than the N165.8 billion recorded as of December 2020. As a result of years of strategic restructuring of its balance sheet and operations, its gross earnings also moved northwards by 30.3 per cent, its total assets was up 15.9 per cent to N8.5 trillion as of the end of 2021, as against the N7.4 trillion recorded the previous year, just as its customer deposits also climbed by 19.5 per cent to N5.6 trillion, up from the N4.7 trillion recorded the previous year. The bank’s customer loans and advances also improved by 28 per cent to N2.8 trillion in the year under review, up from N2.2 trillion the previous year.

FirstBank has shown innovation, resilience and commitment to growth by significantly reducing its non-performing loans (NPL) from 25% in 2016 to an acceptable level of 6.1% in 2021.

To demonstrate that the bank’s performance in 2021 was not a fluke, the Bank equally performed excellently well in Q1 2022. FirstBank recorded 32% increase in gross earnings to N180bn in Q1’22 from N136.6bn in Q1’21. Profit after tax was up 108% to N32.4 billion (Q1’22) relative to N15.6 billion (Q1’21). This impressive performance is hinged on robust loan portfolio, effective cost structure and increased digital services.FirstBank recorded the highest decline in its cost-to-income ratio in Q1 2022, dropping from 79.5% recorded in Q1 2021 to 67.03% amongst tier-1 Banks in the review period.

With FirstBank under Adeduntan, the safety of customers and the security of their transactions come first. This has ensured the bank keeps the trust of Nigerians gained over the many years of its enduring legacy of safety and security.

The bank also delivers unique and bespoke financial services solutions across all customer segments underpinned by its commitment to innovation and the customer experience. It also leverages its strong investment banking capabilities to support clients in defining and executing innovative debt solutions as well as offer strategic advice at the highest level, arrange tailor-made financing structures, manage risk and ultimately help clients to realise their aspirations

Since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership.

Over the years, the bank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the federal government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes. With its global reach, FirstBank provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner. It is expected that the leadership excellence and recognitions accorded to Adeduntan would continue to reflect positively on the FirstBank brand and fundamentals of the bank so that the elephant will continue to stand ‘gidigba.’

Culled from ThisDay

How I Was Promised A Job In The UK And Not Organ Donation – Ekweremadu’s Donor, David Tells His Story

The young man involved in the controversial organ harvesting scandal that led to the arrest and detention of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice in the UK, David Nwamini Ukpo, has taken to social media to tell his own side of the story.

According to David Nwamini in a Facebook post on Saturday, June 25th, he was allegedly lured from Nigeria to London for the harvesting of his kidney without his consent.

He claimed that they promised him a job and never told him about the organ donation, adding that he got to know about the organ harvesting through the physician who was going to perform the procedure on him.

Recall, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife were arrested in the United Kingdom by the police and detained on allegations of child trafficking and organ harvesting after Ekweremadu had flown David to UK for the kidney transplant.

Ekweremadu and his wife were subsequently denied bail in court, and the case adjourned to July 7.

Entiled “My journey to UK”, Ukpo’s unedited post reads thus:

“On one fateful day I met a man named okoro in a building site where I was working for my daily bread, okoro told me he like me, he want to help me achieve my dream because he saw me as a great person. He told me could you like to work in UK I just started laughing because I don’t have money for that, then I told him no am not interested and asked me why I told him I don’t have money for that.

“He just started laughing to me and told me he is going to introduce me to senator his company in UK need workers, so he could start my visa processing.

“I have no other option than to accept the offered, after two day the man came to the building site again and told me the senator wanted to see me so we could start the visa processing, then I dropped my shovel and head pan and went to bath immediately.

“Mr okoro took me to unknown area where I haven’t been before, I was afraid maybe he is a money ritualist, I encouraged my self since I knew Mr okoro for a long time there will be no problem. Mr okoro hand me over to one young man wearing a suit, he told me everything about then I told him Mr okoro has already explain everything to me and I have accepted to work in UK.

“Their later gave me a room on that mansion and snap me a passport photographs and told their will start my visa processing immediately. the kind of food I ate there my generation haven’t ate it before. I was so happy staying in that house. After a week their told me my visa and passport are ready their told we are going to leave tomorrow, I was taken to airport from there we land in UK I was taken to a hospital in UK.

“When we landed in hospital in UK I was told I must went for a medical test to check my health status, if I’m fit for the job I accepted without any question. I thank God for doctor harry who told me everything and I told him why I’m here and he later called police for my rescued.”

Investigation Cleared Tinubu Of Certificate Forgery But Calls For Disqualification Persist

Following the controversy generated by the academic qualifications he filed in forms submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in 1999, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to suffer the backlash.

But a parliamentary inquest had since cleared him of any case of perjury while an independent investigation by the Punch newspaper established that he indeed graduated from the Chicago State University in the United States.

Tinubu’s academic qualification has been a subject of intense scrutiny since his first filing of required papers in 1998 preparatory for governorship election of 1999.

Conflicting Filings in 1992, 1999 & 2022
While Tinubu had claimed in 1992 when he ran for Lagos West senate election that he attended Richard Daley College of Chicago and Chicago State University graduating in June 1979 with B.Sc Accounting, in his 1999 filing he said he attended University of Chicago and Chicago State University, graduating with a degree in Business and Administration, Accounting from the latter.

However, the Chicago State University letter dated August 20th 1999 addressed ‘To Whom It May Concern, was referenced by his then Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ayobolu, showing that Tinubu indeed attended Chicago State University from August 1977 through June 1979, a period of one year, 10 months (22 months) only.

Meanwhile in his 2022 filings for the 2023 presidential election as the presidential candidate of the APC, he did not state his primary and secondary schools.

He also did not state the name of the university he attended.

However, he stated his academic qualification as “B.SC Business and Administration, 1979.”

Investigation conducted by THE WHISTLER showed that following inconsistencies in his academic qualifications filed with INEC in 1998, and the fallout, which led to petitions and a legal tussle, a motion was moved by Hon Tajudeen Jaiyeola Agoro, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency, for investigation according to the account presented in January by then Tinubu’s Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ayobolu, in the
Saturday edition of the Tribune, 2022.

He explained that then Speaker, Adeleke Olorunimbe Mamora, set up a 5-man ad hoc committee on Tuesday, September 21, 1999, to investigate the allegations and report back to the House.

Other members of the committee were Hon. Babajide Omoworare (Chairman), Hon. Thomas Ayodele Fadeyi, Hon. Adeniyi Akinmade, Hon. Ibrahim Gbola Gbabijo and Hon Saliu Olaitan Mustapha.

Committee Report
Quoting the Committee’s report, Ayobolu said, “The Governor of Lagos State started his evidence by admitting ‘full responsibility’ for some of the ‘needless errors’ being pointed at in recent publications and which formed the basis of allegations against him.

“The Governor told the Committee that as a result of the acrimonious primaries of the Alliance for Democracy in Lagos State and its attendant crisis, the information contained in both the INEC form and the affidavit of loss of certificates was supplied by Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi.”

According to him, “The Governor then submitted to the Committee a copy of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate form dated June 1, 1992, which he used to contest the 1992 Senatorial election as candidate of the party for Lagos West. In the form, which he personally filled, the Governor attached the certificates of Richard Daley College and Chicago State Chicago State University. For his educational qualifications he filled B.SC Accounting only.”

According to the committee report, as cited, “This according to him demonstrated that ‘needless errors’ spotted in the 1999 INEC form were not consistent and that they were ‘genuine errors’.

Quoting the Committee’s final report to read that, “However, we wish to state that the Governor’s inability to clear these issues promptly left the field to numerous aides and well wishers who circulated statements and documents, some of which the Governor claimed were neither from him nor authorized by him. Since the Governor himself accepted responsibilities for the ‘needless errors’ made, and in any event he is responsible for documents signed by him, we strongly advise him to be more careful in ensuring the accuracy of
documents that carry his signature in future”.

Supreme Court Ruling
Following the institution of the case at the Federal High Court in Lagos by late Legal luminary, Gani Fawehinmi, the Supreme Court later ruled against any further investigation of Tinubu as a sitting governor, as he was under immunity although the merit and propriety of the case was not looked at.

In the judgement delivered on Friday, the 10th day of May 2002 between Fawehinmi (Appellant) and Inspector General of Police and Two others (Respondents/Cross Appellant), the certified true copy of the ruling which was obtained by our correspondent from Lawyers Online, Justice Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo who delivered the lead judgement relied on Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which confers immunity on sitting governors and their deputies, president and vice president.

The apex court concurred with the Federal High Court Lagos and the Court of Appeal stating that the police was right not to issue an Order of Mandamus that would have warranted an investigation as conferred on it by Section 4 of the Police Act, Cap. 359, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

The court further ruled that the appellant’s “interest which is above that of the general public” has not “been affected,” by Tinubu’s alleged certificate forgery and age falsification.

In his supportive ruling, Justice Abubakar Bashr Wiali ruled that “investigation of a criminal complaint by the police against any of the office holders mentioned in Section 308 (3) of the 1999 Constitution is not tantamount to laying a criminal complaint before a court. Investigation of a criminal complaint by the police is in my view a preliminary course which may or may not result in a criminal prosecution.”

On his part, Justice Michael Ekundayo Ogundare, ruled that, “The Court of Appeal is clearly right in holding that Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 does not extend to grant to the officers mentioned in subsection (3) thereof immunity from police investigation into allegations of crimes made against them. That court is equally right in holding that police, however, have a discretion whether or not to conduct investigation into any complaint made to them. And the court will not intervene if on the facts of a particular case, the discretion is properly exercised.”

Chicago State University Clearance
Following various requests to find out if Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended its university, the Chicago State University wrote to The Punch in January 2022 confirming he graduated from the university.

The institution wrote that, “Mr Tinubu did attend our university, however, if further information is needed, go to studentclearinghouse.org website to make a formal request.”

The mail response was issued by Beverly Poindexter, who was in charge of official transcript requests, enrolment and degree verification at the Office of the Registrar, CSU.

Calls For Disqualification Get Louder
Even within the APC, there have been calls for Tinubu’s disqualification for alleged inconsistencies in his qualifications.

In the lead up the party’s presidential primary in June, 2022, a member of the party in Kano State, Sagir Mai Iyali, wrote a petition against him to the John Oyegun-led committee seeking Tinubu’s disqualification.

Iyali in a letter dated May 17, 2022, stated that, “From the information contained in prior submissions to INEC, particularly in 1999, Mr. Tinubu presented a false claim, on oath, of his attendance at the University of Chicago from 1972-1976.

“It is clear now that these claims are false. Not only was this filed in the INEC form with a declaration on oath on December 20 1999, it was also contained in an affidavit of loss sworn to before the High Court of Lagos, Ikeja Registry, December 29, 1998.”

But the Oyegun Committee dismissed the petition and went on to clear Tinubu.

On Friday June 25th, 2022, the Action Peoples Party, APP, threatened to drag Tinubu to court on Monday to challenge his academic qualification to stand for the 2023 election.

Chairman of the party, Uche Nnadi, who disclosed this in a statement said that the party had enough facts to nail him.

The party will rely on information he provided in his INEC forms. He said,

“Tinubu’s new forms contradict his 2007 affidavit that he has primary school and secondary. He denied attending Primary and Secondary but claims a university degree in new INEC forms published today.

“He commited perjury as he abandons his earlier claim of attending primary school, sworn in an affidavit to run for governor but now claims not to have attended primary school.

“His new declaration in new INEC forms of not attending primary and secondary school (is) false information, in view of earlier nomination forms of 2007 on oath containing alleged controversial primary and secondary schools he claimed to have,” he stated.

Popular Actor, Taiwo Hassan finally reacts to public fight with a fan in ogun

Veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has spoken up following a public fight with a fan on the streets of Ilaro, Ogun state.

Videos trending on the Internet showed the actor in a tussle with a man in the midst of a crowd, and afterwards getting into his car and driving away.

Sharing videos of the incident, Hassan took to his Instagram page on Friday to explain the reason for the altercation.

According to him, the said fan alongside others had approached him, and demanded he pay them a sum he could not afford.

Despite giving them all the money he had, the said fan then proceeded to drag his clothes and this resulted in his reaction.

“Before bloggers pick this up, let me tell my side of the story and the truth,” he wrote in the caption.

He added, “I was in Ilaro, my own home town, for an inspection of a project, after which some unknown guys walked up to me for the normal appraisals. ‘We watch your movie’, ‘give up money, ‘We watched you all through our childhood’…All these as an actor we hear everyday.

“I offered all I had on me and one of them dragged me by my Agbada and demanded for an amount I can’t pay. I asked him to leave me, he said, ‘Do your worse’. The rest is story.”

The actor further admonished fans to desist from harassing entertainers for money just because they are entertainers.

“Do you pay anyone for doing your job? No. It’s our job too. Accept all we offer when we do. Remember, once a boxer, always a boxer,” he wrote.

2023: Peter Obi Meets Hakeem Baba-Ahmed In Abuja

The former Governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has met with the spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

Baba-Ahmed made the announcement in a tweet via his official Twitter handle on Friday evening.

This development comes two days after Obi met with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State at his private residence in Port Harcourt.

The NEF spokesman stated that he spent valuable time with the former Anambra governor in Abuja discussing important national issues.

Baba-Ahmed urged those who see Obi as an ethnic candidate can get to know him betterm adding that the country might see a revolution.

The NEF spokesman also wished that the supporters of the LP candidate would tone down his ethnic identity and market him as a Nigerian.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) chieftain expressed hope that the nation will see the candidates up close, we could see a revolution.

He wrote: “I spent valuable time with Mr Peter Obi this morning. I wish those who see him as an ethnic candidate can get to know him better.I also wish those who try to sell him will tone down his ethnic identity. I hope the nation will see the candidates up close, we could see a revolution.”

British Varsity Bans Ekweremadu Over Organ Harvesting Allegation

The University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, has banned the former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, from any of the institution’s activities.

Recall that Ekweremadu and his wife were arrested on Thursday by the UK Metropolitan Police and charged with bringing a child to the country for organ harvesting.

In a statement, the police confirmed that the pair conspired to facilitate the travel of a child to the country in order to harvest the minor’s organ.

The police added that an investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.

According to the police, the child is in protective custody, while its operatives work closely with partners on continued support.

The couple, who later was arraigned before the Uxbridge Magistrates Court, was denied bail and remanded till July 17.

However, the couple faces life imprisonment if found guilty and convicted under the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA 2015).

In a statement on Friday, the University’s spokesperson stated that Ekweremadu, who was recently appointed a visiting Professor of Corporate and International Linkages, has been suspended from the school pending the outcome of the police investigation.

The spokesman stated that the management of the institution are deeply concerned about the nature of these allegations and would not comment on the matter for now.

The statement reads: “Visiting professors are often, as is in this case, non-resident at the university, unpaid and advisory.

“We are deeply concerned about the nature of these allegations, but as this is an active police investigation, we cannot comment further at this stage.

“Whilst this matter is subject to investigation, this person will not be undertaking any duties as visiting professor at Lincoln.”

Recall that Ekweremadu was appointed as a visiting Professor of Corporate and International Linkages two weeks ago.

In a tweet via his Twitter handle, he wrote: “It was a pleasure and an honour to receive a letter of appointment by the University of Lincoln, UK, as Visiting Professor of Corporate and International Linkages.

“I also got a highly treasured gift – a copy of the Magna Carta. It was created in 1215, about 807 years ago.”

I receive over 500 messages daily since Tinubu picked me as Running Mate — Masari

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kabir Masari, has disclosed that he receives over 500 text messages daily since he was picked as the running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He made this known in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) Hausa service on Thursday.

Revealing how he was picked, he said someone called him around 3 am on that fateful day and informed him that he will be the running mate of the APC presidential candidate.

“I was told that I will fill a form and return immediately. The form was brought to me and I filled and returned as directed,” he said.

On whether he’s the party’s placeholder, Masari maintained that I don’t know what you mean by that.

‘I am a realist and someone who believes in destiny. In the first place, this opportunity, to me, came as a surprise. I never envisaged in my wildest dream that I will be picked. But when it happened, it was God’s wonders. So nothing is impossible.”

He continued, “I feel honoured for this great opportunity. So, if at the end of the day it became otherwise. I will accept it as a will of God. More than anything, God has uplifted me.

“Do you know that since I was picked as his (Tinubu’s) running mate, I have been inundated with phone calls from every part of the country wishing me luck. To say the least, I receive nothing less than 500 text messages. Over 200 on WhatsApp and 300 on SMS. That’s a rare privilege. It is only God that uplifts His servant.”

On the Muslim /Muslim ticket, Masari noted there’s nothing wrong with that, saying Nigerians should be concerned about development instead of tying down “our day-to-day activities with religious issues.”

Citing the example of the insecurity bedevilling the country, the vice-presidential candidate remarked that it has nothing to do with religion since both Muslims and Christians were victims of the attacks.

Ekweremadu: ’15-year-old’ May Have Lied To Escape Buhari’s Nigeria – Kperogi

Journalism professor Farooq Kperogi has stated that David Ukpo, an alleged 15-year-old boy, may have lied against former Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.

Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, are currently in jail in the UK for allegedly bringing David into the country with the intent of harvesting his organ.

However, images purportedly to be the passport of David have been making rounds on social media, indicating that the young man is not a 15-year-old.

Reacting in a post on his Twitter page on Friday, Kperogi wrote: “Ekweremadu: Ukpo is Lying About Being 15 years old.

“David Ukpo, who initially agreed to donate his kidney to give Ike Ekweremadu’s sick daughter, Sonia, a chance to live, isn’t the 15-year-old kid he told British authorities he is. He was born on Oct. 12, 2000.

“That means he’ll be 22 years old in October this year, as his passport and BVN data show. (The passport & BVN data have been doing the social media rounds, but I’ve decided to conceal the numbers to protect his privacy).

“He was also not smuggled into London, as Ekweremadu’s December 28, 2021 visa
application support letter to the British High Commission shows. I dislike Ekweremadu, the politician but empathize with Ekweremadu, the father.

“As the father of 3 girls, I’ll do anything I can to save my daughters from death. That’s all this is about. Nothing more. So far, the evidence seems to be pointing in the direction of the possibility that 21-year-old Ukpo, upon arriving in the UK after agreeing to donate his kidney to Sonia, changed his mind & decided to seek asylum by claiming to be a 15-year-old child who’s trafficked to London for organ harvesting.

“If that turns out to be true, that would be a horrible way to escape Buhari’s Nigeria. Cashing in on other people’s personal tragedy–and destroying them in the process–just to pursue your dream to leave Nigeria is singularly evil.”

The Product Odyssey: Oluwafunke Akingboye’s Leadership in Tech

Oluwafunke Kofoworade is a dynamic and passionate Product Manager with five years of experience in driving product innovation and delivering human-centered solutions. She is currently the Lead Product Manager at Regaleon, a Lagos-based technology and creative powerhouse revolutionizing how digital services are built and experienced in Africa. At Regaleon, Oluwafunke plays a central role in aligning digital product strategy with user needs, leading cross-functional teams, and crafting delightful user experiences across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Product Management, and what keeps you passionate about it?

I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with digital products. Initially, it started with analyzing mobile apps—figuring out what made some intuitive while others felt clunky. That curiosity evolved into a mission: to create experiences that solve real-world problems. As a Product Manager, I find immense joy in the impact we create. At Regaleon, we build products that help businesses operate more effectively while leaving a human touch—something we call “putting a smile” on the user’s face.

What challenges have you faced as a Gen Z building your Product career in Africa, and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge was access to mentorship and structured learning opportunities early in my career. I turned to online resources, communities, and side projects to gain experience. It also wasn’t easy to be taken seriously in executive conversations, but I learned how to lead with value, present data, and always let the product speak for itself. With time and consistent delivery, I earned the trust of stakeholders.

What makes a great Product Manager, and what advice do you have for aspiring young professionals?

A great Product Manager is empathetic, data-informed, and outcome-driven. Empathy lets you connect with your users, data helps you validate decisions, and a focus on outcomes keeps you aligned with business value. My advice? Start small—build things, break them, learn fast. Join communities, seek feedback, and never stop being curious. Your soft skills matter just as much as your technical abilities.At Regaleon, you work in a very dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.

How do you align product strategies with such diverse verticals?

Regaleon is truly unique. Our entrepreneurial culture means we’re constantly innovating across IT, engineering, and digital media. It requires staying agile and deeply listening—to users, clients, and the market. I begin every product with discovery sessions that cut across departments and industries. The goal is always the same: identify pain points and solve them in a way that feels intuitive and impactful. Whether we’re designing an app interface or launching a video ad tech product, we ensure the solution creates a moment of delight—a smile.

What tools or trends have significantly influenced your product practice?

Tools like Jira, Figma, and Notion have become staples—they make collaboration seamless. I also stay tuned to trends like no-code/low-code platforms, AI-assisted product development, and accessibility-first design. These have enabled me to deliver faster and more inclusive solutions, particularly useful in an emerging market context.

How do you balance creativity and functionality in your role?

Balancing both starts with understanding the user’s core need. At Regaleon, we never create for the sake of aesthetics alone. My approach is “function-first, delight-second.” Once the backbone is solid, I work with our designers to inject beauty into usability. For example, in one recent logistics solution, we simplified the UI while retaining backend power—resulting in 40% faster onboarding for SMEs.Collaboration is crucial in product development.

How do you work with engineers, marketers, and designers?

Collaboration is where the magic happens. I make it a point to involve all stakeholders early. Engineers help validate technical feasibility, designers bring in empathy and creativity, while marketers ensure messaging is aligned. At Regaleon, we function more like a startup incubator—agile, quick to pivot, and driven by feedback loops. I facilitate cross-functional meetings, retrospectives, and design sprints that promote transparency and collective ownership.

What’s your next goal as a Product Manager?

My next goal is to lead Regaleon’s expansion into AI-driven digital products. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of product leaders in Africa. There’s so much raw talent on the continent, and I want to help create the platforms and resources that empower them to thrive.

What’s your vision for the future of product leadership in Africa?

I envision Africa not just as a consumer of tech but as a creator of world-class digital solutions. The challenges we face here are unique, and solving them requires localized thinking and bold innovation. I see product leadership evolving into a strategic function, with PMs driving change not just in startups, but in government, education, and infrastructure too.

Lastly, any advice for young Nigerians looking to get into Product Management?

Learn by doing. Start with side projects, internships, or volunteering. Study products you love—reverse-engineer them. Build your communication and stakeholder management skills. And most importantly, believe that your ideas matter. Africa needs builders, and the time to start is now.