Chief Nelson, a former South-West Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died on Sunday at the age of 66 after a brief illness.
Dr. Obasa, in a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, described the death of the politician as a huge loss to Lagos state, the party she served with so much passion and enthusiasm, members of the party and Nigeria.
“The shock is indescribable. It is so huge and painful, one that will be difficult to heal for a long time. Indeed, we lost a very bright light that had always brought the desired radiance to our party.
“Chief Kemi Nelson was a coordinator of women and she carried out her tasks with so much ease, enthusiasm and effectiveness to the admiration of everyone of us.
“She never hid her passion for a better Lagos and Nigeria through democratic governance. She was dilligent and excelled in every position or committee she found herself.
“While I, like many others she held in high esteem, will personally miss her, I pray that God would strengthen every member of her family, her friends, associates, those she mentored, the GAC and our party,” Obasa prayed.
Chief Kemi Nelson, former Executive Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and influential politician, was a senatorial candidate in 1992. She lost the election to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, now presidential candidate of the APC ahead of the 2023 election.
In 1999, she pitched tents with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and served in the administration of Asiwaju Tinubu as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly
My Heart Cries For Nigeria Says Prophet Joshua Iginla As He Speaks On Tinubu’s Choice Of Shettima As Running Mate, kuje Prison ( Video)
The General Overseer of the Champions Royal Assembly, Prophet Joshua Iginla has taken shared his view on the trending Muslim-Muslim APC ticket after Chief Bola Tinubu opted for the former Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate for the 2023 presidency. The prophet also went further to plead with Nigerian leaders to fix the country.
According to Prophet Joshua Iginla, he wondered why APC would be so insensitive by going for a muslim-Muslim ticket. “I asked myself, in a country like Nigeria with too much strong religious beliefs, why will the ruling party go for a Muslim-Muslim ticket? Why will their presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, go with that view? I asked myself again, if we don’t know, we are sounding the drum of war in a place where there is unity, peace and understanding despite our differences. Nigeria is a country for all and does not belong to a particular set of religion. It has never happened before in this country. Why now?
“If we must make Nigeria great, we must allow equity, justice and sensitivity to be the watch of the day for our leaders. I am pleading in my heart, this was not the Nigeria I was born to. This was not the Nigeria that our great heroes fought for. What is going on? Our leaders, please save us because the Muslim-Muslim ticket is a sign of war”.
Meanwhile, the prophet also touched the issue of insecurity when he commented on Kuje prison break. He said the Nigerian military is among the best in Africa but wonder why the country could not replicate that standard in her nation. He further said the security bodies should wake up.
Speaking on Kuje Prison attack and a message to Nigerian leaders, the prophet said, “Kuje prison break is the one that left me speechless. Why? It happened in a country with the highest ranking military capacities in Africa. Sometimes I ask, is it not the same military that fought wars in Africa and came out victorious? The Giant of Africa has now become the sleeping brother of Africa. In the history of this country, we have never experienced such a thing before.
“It is because of insensitivity of our leaders that insecurity increased in this nation. If they are conscious of things to happen, they will take a step to remedy the issue. In Nigeria, before anything happens, the signs are clear if only our leaders can be more sensitive to detect them on time.
“Finally, this is my message to our leaders. I am sorry to say this, many of our elected leaders don’t feel the pains of the masses. Please in the name of whatever you hold dear, fix this county. This was not the Nigeria my parents told me about”.
Prophet Joshua Iginla started by saying, “As a pastor, my phone rings everyday. What are they asking for? They are looking for food to eat. Today, a Dollar is about N600. Today, our diesel is up to N800 per litre. Today, there is insecurity everywhere that many are gradually moving to arming themselves. We are afraid to be in church; we have become the security of ourselves after the Owo massacre. If the church can be attacked, no one is safe again”.
2023 Election: Nigerian Pastors, Should Stop Creating Religious Crisis – Prophet Israel Genesis
…Advises Spiritual leaders to visit Abuja for a closed-door meeting
There has been many opinions about the recent announcement of Vice Presidential candidate by the ruling APC, many condemned while many have contrary opinion one of the loud voices among the set that sees nothing wrong is Prophet Israel Oladele of Genesis Global. In his words, “My brothers, and sisters, whether you’re from North, South or West, we need to embrace each others, there’s no need for religious desegregation, no Christians should hate Muslims, how can we because of elections and hate ourselves so deep? this is far against the words of God.
‘Many may not understand what I’m trying to insinuating, but you and I know better. In the history of Nigeria, there is no Government that has not been fair to the Christian Community in this country, guess we shouldn’t make Christians to hate Muslims as much as we have a Political party with a Muslim-Muslim ticket currently treading, which I believe that shouldn’t mean we should/must crucified ourselves, instead of our spiritual leaders, clerics, clergy should approach Presidency for a closed-door meeting just the same way Politicians used to do at least for peace and unity amongst ourselves in which I believe taking such steps would have solve the whole Political/Religion brouhaha emanating from every State in this country, am saying this in the presence of God Almighty the created of the universe, I Israel Oladele Ogundipe popularly known as ‘Genesis’ don’t belong to any Political party and that is just the truth.
Some of these muslims, when you get to the North especially those governor among them we read it they’re the highest sponsored of Christian Pilgrims every year till date, and they are also taking special care of Christians giving them good treatment in IDPs camp, so why do we have to hate our fellow brothers and sisters?
I am speaking boldly without fear or favour from any Politicians and again, I will have to put this straight to the general public that I do not receive salary or a dime from the past or present Government or any Politicians to say this but rather expressing my feelings because at this juncture, the facts need to be told.
Prophet Israel Genesis, when speaking through his media aide Oluwaseun Fabiyi said he vividly remember sometimes in the past when a sitting Northern Governor insisted that he wanted Christians IDPs to stay together with their Muslim counterparts in various designated IDP camps in Maiduguri while some of the so called spiritual leaders felt it wise to separate Christian to avoid frictions between displaced persons dealing with trauma. It is obvious that some of Nigerian religious leaders are the major problems of this country and not the government.
He continued that God positioned them in a place to always be advising government, and guide those in power in their prayers, but instead they’re creating religious crisis. Enough of religious rascality” he added.
Eid el Kabir: Lagos Remains Safe, Speaker Obasa Says
– Promises more laws to protect residents
– Preaches love, religious tolerance among Lagosians
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly has described the State as the relatively safest part of Nigeria adding that this feat was recorded following conscious steps by successive governments since 1999.
Dr Obasa said this on Friday in a congratulatory message to Muslims as they mark this year’s Eid-el Kabir.
The Speaker noted that the celebration affords Muslims a conscious effort to show love, sacrifice for one another and ensure a peaceful environment that should continue even after the period.
According to the Speaker, the peace enjoyed by Lagos residents and investors is the result of the passion of those in government to make the state habitable at all times.
“In relation to safety of lives and property, Lagos remains a shinning light, a good example of a government that works for its people. With all the arms of governmeent working together, we have achieved great feats in the area of security.
“Your representatives at the House of Assembly have never shied away from the task of making our dear state attractive and better for its residents. We have made laws and passed resolutions that have helped in this regard.
“The creation of the Neighborhood Safety Corps and other related agencies, the anti-kidnapping and the anti-cultism laws which prescribe serious punishments as well as our review of the criminal justice law of the State are perfect examples of our resolve to always ensure pro-people activities at the House.
“We are encouraged by the feedbacks we constantly receive from both residents of our state and our colleagues in many parts of Africa. We will continue to make Lagos a success,” Obasa said in the statement released by Eromosele Ebhomele, his Chief Press Secretary.
Thanking the residents of the State for being tolerant of one another irrespective of individual religious beliefs, he urged them not to relent in spreading love.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
AIG Assures Hitch Free Sallah Celebrations As NAOSRE President Scores Military Low On Security
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun States, AIG Adeleke Adeyinka Bode, has charged Commissioners of Police in-charge of the two States to be proactive in the discharge of their duties in the protection of life and property during and after the 2022 Eid-el- Kabir celebrations
The instruction is contained in a statement signed by SP Hauwa Idris-Adamu, Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer which was made available to the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE.
The statement added that the Zone 2 AIG has also deployed officers and men of Anti-Cultism Section (ACS), Rapid Response Squad (RRS),Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Quick Intervention Unit (QIU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD),Counter Terrorists Unit (CTU),Police Mobile Force (PMF),Special Protection Unit (SPU),State/Divisional Motor Traffic Department (MTD) including Safer Highway Operatives and all patrol and guard officers to beef up security around worship centres, market places, business plazas, highways, relaxation centres, amusement parks, motor parks, shopping malls, recreation centres, remote and rural areas to ensure free flow of traffic as well as safer environment for the celebrations.
In his goodwill message, the president, National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, Comrade Femi Oyewale rejoiced with Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-al-Adha celebrations, urging Nigerians to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.
He explained that the commitment of NAOSRE members at ensuring cordiality between security agencies and citizens, using their various blogs to publicize the activities of security operatives has be encouraging.
He therefore urged excos and members of the frontline security media association to imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the unity, peace and security of Nigeria.
“This Islamic festival is a symbolic reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in our beloved country Nigeria.
“Therefore, we must always strive to imbibe the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith in Allah despite difficulties,” the NAOSRE President advised.
Oyewale however, frowns at the recurring phenomenon of insecurity that threatens and undeservingly plagues Nigeria into disquiet.
He noted that the issue of insecurity in Nigeria has become something of grave concern to all well-meaning citizens most of who continue to wonder how the country arrived at such a dastardly situation where no one is safe.
He expressed concerns that rather than abate, the problem is escalating and now totally out of control despite NAOSRE’s patriotic efforts at shoring citizens’ confidence in security operatives.
Oyewale wondered about the continued loss of confidence in Nigeria by investors who are denied exercising the constitutional privileges of going about their lawful business pursuits on daily basis.
“Across the 36 States in Nigeria, armed robbery, kidnapping, domestic crime, extrajudicial killings, herder-farmer conflicts, ritual killings and banditry have supported the growing level of insecurity and consequently retarded the country’s economic growth in the long and short terms overview.
“For the avoidance of doubt, about 1,743 Nigerians have been killed in Q1 of 2022 with Niger and Zamfara States topping the list of victims.
“Besides, as of June 1, 2022, the records of NAOSRE’s Intelligent and Research Unit, IRU, indicate that more than 35,000 human beings, residing in Nigeria have been killed since 2009 when Boko Haram launched its insurgency aimed at overthrowing Nigeria’s secular government and establishing an Islamic state.
“Yet, here is a country with about 223,000 active personnel in its Armed Forces. In addition to this statistics is the annual Global Firepower, GFP 2022 reports which ranks Nigeria, in its Power Index {PwrIndx} as 35 out of the 142 countries. The reports rated Nigeria on its 0.5745 scores which is considered good,” Oyewale stated.
But the NAOSRE President noted that in the face of all this, the country is structurally enmeshed in both vertical and horizontal crises of insecurity saying that the sheer audacity of untrained bandits to always overrun trained military personnel is worrisome.
Specifically, Oyewale emphasized that the unchallenged attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria on July 5, in which about 879 inmates reportedly escaped is the final statement that military operatives’ intervention and rescue duties have nosedived and Nigeria’s security system is all-time low.
“It makes mockery of military operatives’ celebrated gallantry at combating insurgency. This development has jeopardized the country’s economy even with approved 2022 budgetary spending of a whopping N1.52 billion on security operations,” Oyewale lamented.
Wema Bank Launches Leadership School to Re-skill and Groom Leaders
Nigeria’s most innovative bank, Wema Bank Plc, has launched the Leadership Development School as an addition to its Purple Academy to help in the overall development and transformation of its workforce.
Speaking at the formal opening ceremony of the leadership school, the Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Mr. Ademola Adebise, said organisations have a huge task to optimise performance and deliver value in contemporary times, pointing out that leadership is key in driving organisational success.
Adebise said we need good leaders to blend the various skills of the employees for the advancement of an organisation and its business success.
Speaking about the increasing complexity of the financial services industry, Adebise said both local and external macroeconomic dynamics have changed business models, and we need strong leadership to direct the workforce and lead the people to deliver.
He assured the public that the bank would continue to leverage local and international partnerships to make the leadership school the home of excellence.
The Chief Human Resources Officer of the bank, Mrs Lolade Ogungbenro, described the leadership school as a rich, inclusive, and innovative portfolio with an unrivalled ability to equip the bank’s diverse workforce with skills for the future of work.
“We have designed business and executive education for impact, and the academy is exploring new experiences and diverse perspectives that translate to significant returns on investment for the business,” she said.
The bank’s Head of Learning and Development, Oluwaferanmi Owolabi, corroborated Mrs Ogungbenro, saying continuous learning is essential because of the changing nature of work.
“Purple Leadership School is at the pinnacle of our Corporate University that seeks to fuel our current leadership, build resilience, drive succession with a high-performance pipeline and groom the next generation of leaders to thrive and excel in business in an ever-changing world,” Oluwaferanmi said.
HR People Magazine clocks 10! Participate in the 7th Edition of the Awards
Mr Dapo Saheed
HR People Magazine will celebrate their 10th year anniversary in Lagos on the 11th of September 2022. The reputable magazine, launched 10 years ago by Mr. Dapo Saheed – the Publisher and Executive Director of HR People Magazine Awards – will be hosting leaders of the HR industry to an exclusive black-tie celebratory event.
HR People Magazine was launched at the Silverbird Cinema, Onikan, Lagos, in 2012, and has over the years created an outstanding brand for the HR industry, helping to reposition best practices and excellence in HR leadership in various organizations.
This milestone event will be celebrated with a number of HR Directors and CEOs of leading companies in Nigeria. According to Mr. Saheed, this is an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the strides achieved in the HR industry.
He also highlighted that nominations are now open for the 2022 HR People Magazine Awards. The 7th edition of the Awards is scheduled for the 15th of September 2022 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. The 2022 Awards will be grand and memorable with 19 award categories available. Entries for the awards are free, visit www.hrpmagazineawards.com for more information.
Eva Premium Non-Alcoholic Wine Bert with ‘The Search For Miss Eva’
Eva wine, Nigeria’s No. 1 premium non-alcoholic wine, recently announced the launch of the new face of the brand in a project tagged “The Search for Miss Eva”. The contest is a 5-week Online competition that will see the premium drinks choose a new brand ambassador.
The premium non-alcoholic wine makers are deploying strategic online based activation which will engage young ladies across Nigeria in a reality-type talent competition with intense activities to test their eligibility for the coveted role.
Ladies between the ages of 25 to 35 across Nigeria who are interested are required to record a short video celebrating creatively with a bottle of Eva Wine and vibing to the campaign theme song #happymisseva.
Contestants with the best entries will be shortlisted based on the panel’s verdict and the social media engagement they generate. They will advance to the Eva Wine Nigeria portal: evawinenigeria.com for the next round which is the online contest. In this round, shortlisted candidates will be tested for their intelligence, charisma, etiquette, exposure, fitness, spontaneity and other qualities.
Social media users and Nigerians all over the world will also have the opportunity to engage and vote for their favourite contestants via all official handles of the brand; @evawinenigeria on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
According to the agency managing the Eva Wine Campaign, Etu Odi Communications, the ideal Miss Eva must be someone whose profile and personality resonate with the premium qualities of the Eva Wine brand which is known globally for its class, heritage, and beautifully unique packaging and sparkling taste.
“Nigerian women are among the most colourful and beautiful in the world and it is only natural that our Miss Eva comes from one of them. We expect that she is not only an exceptionally colourful personality but also one who is very intelligent, cultured and confident. Because Eva wine is an international brand, our Miss Eva must be a well-educated and exposed young lady who can hold conversations and public debates about a variety of themes.
“Eva wine is made from 100% natural ingredients and offers consumers the healthiest route to self-indulge. Therefore, our ideal brand ambassador, by her carriage and habits, must drip fitness and a healthy lifestyle,” said the Director, Olumide Campbell.
The Search for Miss Eva is a hybrid competition which will be held on social media and other online channels but will also be broadcast to other traditional media channels: TV and Radio.
Two celebrity influencers; BBNaija Star, Anita Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha and Nollywood star and AMVCA 2022 Best Actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, have been appointed alongside other influencers to lead the search for Nigeria’s next big brand.
When asked why Eva Wine Nigeria decided not to engage a top celebrity as its brand ambassador, the Country Manager for Eva Group, Mr. Temitope Akanji Sanni, said that one of the driving forces of the brand is the desire to support the Nigerian youth through the media and entertainment industry.
He explained further, “So, we are not just looking for a ready-made star, we rather want to make a regular, everyday lady a star. Let that average Nigerian woman who is smart, witty and beautiful be allowed to become a celebrity as well.
“Another way to look at this is that the role practically offers her a path to grow her career with a well-paid job representing our brand for 1 year, as well as the goodies and job benefits it affords her, like international travel opportunities, representing the brand in corporate functions, hosting parties and fun occasions, international exposure; mingling with the A-list celebrities in and outside the country etc.
“The opportunities are simply enormous and our ultimate fulfilment would be when on that stage at the Grand finale, a truly convivial lady with exceptional personalities and brains emerges as our Miss Eva.”
The winner, who will be unveiled at the Grand Finale stands a chance to win N6m which will bepresented during a live show to unveil the New Face of Eva Wine, that will be held on Sunday, 7th of August, 2022 at the Marriot Hotels Ikeja. It promises to be an evening of glitz, glamour and quality entertainment with the handsome and amiable host Deyemi Okanlawon.
See interesting #HappyMissEva entries on TikTok – https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNA4A6N9/
Ileya Monday: Gbenga Adeyinka Takes Laffmattazz to Epe
Frontline Nigerian Comedian and MC, Gbenga Adeyinka and his friends will move the train of Laffmattazz Bursting Loose, Nigeria’s number one comedy show to Epe on Monday, 11 July, 2022.
The Ileya Monday show, which will be held at Jubilee Chalets, Epe, will parade stars like 9ice, Small Doctor, Ali Baba, Koffi, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Jumoke Odetola, Omo Baba, Lepacious Bose, Dr Smile, Ajele, Damola is my name, Nepa Bois, Prince Phelar, General Olak, Odogwu, Baba Alariya, Mide Coker, Arkbishop, ATM, Short Family and MC Layo.
Others are; MC Stylo, Aboki Jesu, MC Max, EFCC, Candy Bleakz, Moyo Payne, Chillworldwide and side attraction from GKB Academy. DJ Vinnie will be on the wheel-of-steel.
The soar-away show, which has been dubbed a laugh therapy for Nigerians, has consistently been sold out, with high profile performances from the country’s best entertainers.
Gbenga Adeyinka, who enthused that it is now the turn of Epe to experience the greatness of Laffmattazz Bursting Loose, said “I have always wanted to bring out the best of comedy in the South West, knowing fully well that comedy is deeply rooted in this region from the days of our fathers who are without doubt legends of the trade, hence my decision to go on a tour of the region with my friends in the entertainment world.”
Laffmattazz Bursting Loose Tour is powered by Maltina and Goldberg.
Ecobank in Partnership with Basketmouth Premiers “Papa Benji” Season 3
Ecobank Nigeria said its partnership with popular comedian and film maker, Bright Okpochia better known by his stage name Basketmouth on ‘Papa Banji’, a comedy web series, was to avail Nigerians entertainment on the go and to further confirm the bank’s status as the partner of choice for the African entertainment industry. ‘Papa Banji’ is a free to watch comedy web series showing on YouTube and can be viewed across the globe. Season 3 of ‘Papa Benji’ went live last Wednesday, months after season one and two premiered with positive reviews.Papa Benji tells the story of a man, his family, customers, everyone and everything surrounding them and how it impacts the society. It’s depiction of the life of an everyday Nigerian relies on the use of comedy to take one off the heat of daily hassles.
Babajide Sipe, Head Marketing and Corporate Communications at Ecobank Nigeria, said the bank’s decision to bring ‘Papa Benji’ to the screen from inception is to take entertainment to higher level, adding that the show also serves as a platform to showcase the bank’s ubiquitous digital payment platforms, providing people with entertainment whilst showing them how to bank hassle-free on their phones. This is banking at your fingertips which is endearing the Pan African bank to many Nigerians.
Ecobank Digital platforms includes the Ecobank Mobile app, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, and PoS terminals. Also available to customers is an extensive distribution network of over 60,000 agency banking locations spread across the country. Specifically on the pervasive nature of the Ecobank Mobile app, Sipe said the app which is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Playstore makes it extremely easy to bank on the go 24/7, enabling customers to cater to their everyday banking needs anywhere and at any time directly from their mobile device.
“Our Mobile app allows customers manage their accounts, send money, make payments, buy airtime, pay for services, and do other transactions across the 33 African countries where Ecobank is present. The mobile app is secure, reliable, convenient, and available to everyone. At Ecobank, we have just one Mobile App on Google Play store, unlike other Banks with different apps in the respective countries they operate. Our customers are able to send money instantly to the 33 African countries where Ecobank is present; transfer money to other bank accounts both domestic and international; transfer to a mobile money wallet in the same country; transfer money by email and SMS in the same country; and send money to Visa cardholders through Visa Direct. Other unique features, include the opportunity to open an Xpress Account; create and fund a Virtual card; set travel notifications for enhanced card security; block and unblock one’s bank card; attach other bank cards for transactions; as well as being able to add one’s banking profiles from different countries”. He stated.
The web series of ‘Papa Benji’’ first season premiered with 13 episodes in December 2020. It stars actors like Bethel ‘Senator’ Njoku, Onyebuchi Ojieh, Nedu Wazobia, Jemima Osunde, Basketmouth, and a host of other comic stars. The online comedy series follows the life of its eponymous character, Papa Benji, an industrious Igbo man who took a loan to start his pepper soup joint, which attends to many other interesting characters that come into the joint. The series also interjects conversations about current issues of social relevance in a relatable manner.
