Photos as Ooni of Ife visits Lagos Assembly, meets with Obasa
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday hosted His Imperial Majesty (HIM) Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogúnwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
Clad in his traditional royal apparel, Oba Ogunwusi, who arrived the Assembly complex at about 1.30pm, immediately went into a meeting with Speaker Obasa.
The Ooni of Ife left after the brief meeting just before the House commenced the day’s plenary.
Oba Ogunwusi had been a friend of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In 2016, he commended the House of Assembly for its laudable steps towards promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yorubas.
In 2017, when he led some chiefs on a visit to the House, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi urged other state Houses of Assembly in the Southwest to emulate the Lagos State House of Assembly in the promotion of Yoruba Language.
“I am very happy to be here and see the Lagos State House of Assembly, using Yoruba language to conduct its activities. I therefore enjoin all other Houses of Assembly in Yoruba Land to take a cue from this House.
“People in other countries honour and cherish Yoruba language, but sadly here at home, we seem not to cherish what is ours.
“I therefore urge the Lagos State House of Assembly, to do all within its power to persuade other state Assemblies in Yoruba speaking areas, to see the sense, in conducting their House businesses in Yoruba, as this, is one of the surest way to promote our language and cultural heritage,” the revered traditional ruler said during that visit.
Meanwhile, the House, on Monday, passed a bill to establish a training institute for law enforcement officers in the State.
The ‘Bill for the Establishment of Lagos State Training Institute, to provide for the training of law enforcement officers,’ was read for the third time and subsequently passed at a sitting presided over by Speaker Obasa.
Obasa, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to send a clean copy of the Bill to the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for assent.
WEMA BANK announces 108.3% growth in Profit Before Tax
+ Total Assets now above ₦1Trillion Naira
Wema Bank Plc’s resilience was on display as the digitally driven financial institution announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021. The performance which capped a remarkable year showed strong growth in key financial indices especially as the bank crossed the ₦1trillion mark in total assets.
In a statement made to the public by Wema Bank, the Managing Director. Mr. Ademola Adebise said, “I am delighted to announce our performance for the year ended 31st December 2021. The Bank’s FY 2021 results shows robust growth in all key financial metrics despite the challenging macro-economic environment.
“Our year end numbers highlight the strong growth trajectory of the WEMA Bank. We comfortably crossed the ₦1trillion mark in total assets, with a share of approximately 3% of industry deposits.”
Wema Bank recorded an increase of 108.3% in profit before tax (PBT) to close the year at N12.38 billion. This was driven by a Year-on-Year growth of 15.35% in gross earnings to ₦92.14billion in FY 2021 from ₦79.88billion in FY 2020.
The Chief Finance Officer of the Bank, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku noted that “a key measure of success for us is a consistent growth in our balance sheet and customer base – and we are glad that we are reporting healthy growth in all these areas.”
Deposit Liabilities grew by 15.23% to ₦927.47billion in FY 2021 from ₦804.87billion in FY 2020 while Total Asset increased by 20.23% to ₦1.164.52billion in FY 2021 from ₦968.58billion in FY 2020.
Mr Mabawonku also added that, ” Looking forward, we expect that the strong growth will be sustained despite the tough business climate as we execute our customer experience improvement initiatives built around a digital first banking strategy and become first in class in that sphere. The bank will also continue to focus on our digital business, which is a key boost for customer acquisition, consumer lending and transaction volumes while not neglecting our corporate and commercial play.
” On our commercial business, we will continue our aggressive strategy to improve our lending business alongside trade and other revenue lines. We have also unveiled our new Mission and Vision statements which underpins our corporate strategy. We want to be the dominant digital platform in Africa delivering seamless financial service’.
Gross earnings increased by 15.35% (Y-o-Y) to ₦92.14billion in FY 2021 from ₦79.88billion in FY 2020.Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₦12.3billion in FY’21, an increase of 108.26% YoY from N5.95billion in FY’20 while. Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₦8.93billion in FY’21, representing an increase of 94.53% YoY from N4.59billion in FY’2020.
Net-Interest Income grew to ₦39.87billion in FY 2021from ₦30.86billion in FY 2020; growth of 29.22%.Non-Interest Income also increased from ₦16.83billion in FY 2021 to ₦18.83billion; a growth of 11.91%.
Deposit Liabilities up by 15.23% to ₦927.47billion in FY 2021 from ₦804.87billion in FY 2020. Loans and Advances to Customers rose by 16.33% to ₦418.86billion in FY 2021 from ₦360.08billion in FY 2020.
Similarly, Total Asset increased by 20.23% to ₦1.164.52billion in FY 2021 from ₦968.58billion in FY 2020.Key RatiosReturn on average equity of 17.26% in FY 2021 (FY 2020)
Ramadan: Show Love, Pray for Nigeria, Obasa Urges Muslims
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has urged Nigerian Muslims to rededicate their lives, increase their love for others, show stronger commitment and obedience to God’s instructions at this period of the Islamic holy month.
Speaker Obasa gave the counsel on Saturday in a statement by his media office to congratulate Muslim faithful for being alive to witness this year’s Ramadan.
The 30-day fasting period, the Speaker noted, should be seen as a greater opportunity for Allah’s blessings “as we carry out all that He has commanded us to do.”
He also urged Muslims in the country to use the period to pray for a better Nigeria characterised by peace.
“I congratulate us all, the Muslim Ummah, for having this opportunity, a special grace from God to take part in this year’s Ramadan.
“As devoted Muslims, we have to be conscious of the fact that this is a period of sober reflection, holiness and deep supplications to Almighty Allah, the One who was, who is and who will forever be.
“Let’s not forget to show love more at this time and at all times in our journey of life. It is the will of God that we do so.
“May Allah hear all our prayers and always show us His favour and mercy, Amin.
“Ramadan Kareem!” The Speaker prayed.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Until his death, Adewole Qudus was the publisher of ebonymedisgist, an online medium which ranked amongst the most reliable news platforms in the country.
Oyewale described Qudus as ‘irreplaceable,” adding that NAOSRE has lost one of its best hands.
“It is a personal loss to me and NAOSRE because Kudus was not just a colleague but a personal friend and a brother.”
He stated that the lively spirit with which Kudus spoke with him about 48 hours back was so assuring that he was convinced that the hardworking journalist was getting better and would vacate the hospital bed in a matter of days.
“Regrettably, he died even when I thought he was getting well,” Oyewale disclosed.
Expression his shock, the association’s Grand Patron and former Chief of Army Staff, Buratai said it was the least news he expected to receive at this time saying he recalls reading his stories as Army Chief as well as an Ambassador on ebonymediagist blog “And I was particularly looking forward to seeing him and other members soon.
“My condolences to his family, NAOSRE executives and members including the Nigerian media for this sudden death of such a promising journalist.
While the executives and members are making plans for the burial, a condolence register has been opened at the association’s Abule Egba office in Lagos.
Adewole Qudus left behind a father, mother and young family
It was gathered from some private school owners and parents that WAEC’s decision to increase the examination fees was not communicated to schools and parents in good time.
And while many schools and parents were still struggling to pay the new fees, the examination body announced the closure of registration and subsequently imposed N5, 000 as penalty for late registration.
Against school proprietor’s claim that WAEC had set March 28 deadline for the 2022 WASCCE, a letter signed by Dr Adunola Osoba, the Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, WAEC, dated March 23, school proprietors were told that the registration, which closed midnight March 20, would be reopened on March 21 and closed April 3, with N5000 as penalty for late registration for each candidate.
“However, late registration with a penalty of five thousand naira (N5000) only per candidate commenced on Monday, 21st March, 2022, and will run till midnight of Sunday, 3rd April, 2022″, the letter read.
“Those who have purchased pins but failed to upload will also be required to pay the penalty fee”, the letter added.
It was gathered the Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), had formally appeal to WAEC to drop the penalty charges, stating that the registrations exercise was slowed down because most parents and schools were not prepared for the increment in fees.
Many of the parents said that their children and wards may end up not writing the examinations this year because they found it difficult raising the examination fees and the N5,000 penalty slammed on each student whose school for late registration.
Tinubu cancels 70th birthday colloquium to honour Kaduna train victims
All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, cancelled his 13th Birthday Colloquium to honour the victims of Kaduna train attack.
He made the announcement at Eko Hotels in Lagos, the venue of the 13th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium with the theme, ‘Pivoting Nigeria Into The New Order’.
According to him, the attack was a “national tragedy” and over 60 persons lost their lives to the terror.
He said, “Today is supposed to be a very joyful 70th birthday of mine living on earth. I give thanks to God Almighty for being able to survive to this age…
“I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country, very sad indeed, that over 60 people and many more were killed and bombed on a train between Kaduna and Abuja just last night. That is a very serious incident about the security of lives in this country and it calls for a very serious sober reflection.
“For me to be here celebrating, dancing and enjoying myself doesn’t show enough concern of a statesman and a senior citizen of this country.
“This event should not be holding. I have consulted with the people you see around me here and they’ve agreed with me and being a very highly committed democrat, I have given myself to their suggestion that they agreed that this event be cancelled.”
The APC leader, alongside hundreds of others at the event, observed one-minute silence for the lives lost in the spirit of “national tragedy and concern”.
Tinubu urged the two clergies at the event to pray for the soul of the departed and for relief for their bereaved family members.
Terrorists had attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on Monday night with hundreds of passengers on board.
They also praised him for helping the parliament of the State achieve financial autonomy years before the mass clamour for it by other Houses of Assembly.
The lawmakers gave accolades at a special plenary session in honour of the astute politician to commemorate his 70th birthday, which holds on March 29, 2022.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described Asiwaju Tinubu is a benefactor, adding that the presidential aspirant had done well as a leader.
“This is an opportunity for us to recognise all that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us as a leader. In the face of opposition, he resolved and insisted on being on the opposition against against the Federal government.
“It is better to celebrate people that have contributed immensely to the development of the society.
“This Assembly has distinguished itself in all areas. This House has been running independently of the executive arm with financial autonomy through the help of Asiwaju. When he came in as the governor, he increased the IGR of the state,” Dr. Obasa said.
The Speaker added that the special plenary was to show respect and honour for a deserving Lagosian who had contributed immensely to the progress of the State.
Contributing, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, said Tinubu had done a lot for democracy since he joined politics.
“It was easy for him to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he refused and focused on building a progressive party. We call on him to continue his ambition to become the President of Nigeria,” he added.
On his part, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents Eti-Osa 2, described Tinubu as a man with a large heart and one who easily forgives.
He said: “Beyond the intimidating credentials of Tinubu, he’s a forgiving man with a large heart. He’s extraordinary. I salute him. He is the Asiwaju of everything that is good. I wish him long live.”
Hon. Victor Akande, who represents Ojo1, used the opportunity to address the critics of Tinubu’s ambition.
He those threatening to leave the country if Tinubu becomes president to start gathering their things because he was optimistic that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will lead the country.
He described Tinubu as a political colossus, political mathematician and doyen of modern day Nigeria.
Also speaking, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) described Asiwaju Tinubu as a respected politician, promise keeper, bridge builder and lover of Nigeria, adding that he would be l supported on his ambition to be the President of Nigeria in 2023.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian, a leader of the people, and politician with a difference.
According to Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu 2), Tinubu “is a man of many parts, a true leader and the Mungo Park of our time. He laid the template for modern Lagos and he created agencies such as LASTMA, LAWMA, Office of Public Defender (OPD and others.”
Other lawmakers spoke glowingly about Asiwaju Tinubu, who they said had been able to build several leaders that have taken important positions in the country.
Meanwhile, the House also held a mini-lecture with the theme The Youth: Economic Challenges, Democracy and The Future with speakers including Adepeju Olukokun of Kokun Foundation, Shola Ladoja of Simply Green Limited, Eilen Sobanjo, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji of Future Africa.
Others who spoke included AbdulGaniyu Obasa, Head of Performance Management and Strategy at Parallex Bank, Dr. Biola Eshinlokun, a medical doctor, Olusegun Osundairo, CEO of Arc-View Investments Limited, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented, Hon. Seyi Adisa.
Why We Are Supporting Security Agencies – Alhaji Ogunbiyi
Alhaji Waheed Usman Ogunbiyi, Chairman Oguns Investment Ltd, has said the reasons he continuously extends supports to security agencies is to ensure safe environment for social and economic activities to strive.
The frontline real estate investor stated this Friday afternoon when he played host to a team of the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE which honoured him with NAOSRE Security Excellence Award.
Acknowledging the honour, an obviously elated Alhaji Ogunbiyi thanked NAOSRE for recognizing him, saying he never knew that an association as credible as NAOSRE had kept a close observation on his supportive efforts to security agencies.
“I really appreciate NAOSRE for nominating me. We are sufficiently encouraged by this honour. So we will continue to do more to support our security agencies so that our community can be safe.
“We have been doing our best but we never knew that association like yours has been monitoring us.
“We are happy with your association and we expect others to emulate your good work,” Ogunbiyi stated.
Earlier, the Head, Research and Intelligent Unit, RIU, in the NAOSRE PR Department, Lateef Owodunni, explained in details the rationale behind the award which he stated emanated from Alhaji Ogunbiyi’s noticeable supports to the Nigeria Police Force and other para military agencies for effective security service delivery within and outside Lagos State.
Owodunni added that the Comrade Femi Oyewale led media union will continuously recognize individuals and institutions that are supporting security agencies in line with the administrative focus of NAOSRE.
The NAOSRE team included National General Secretary, Osho Oluwatosin, National Registrar, Gbenga Isaac Shaba, Director of Process & Planning {NAOSRE President Office} Aina Iyabo Bose and Idumonza Isidahomhen, Public Relations Officer.
Mother of all Party!!!…. Akinsiku of Lagos Celebrates Life at 50
as Fuji Icon, K1 lead Davido, NairaMarley, Olamide others to the jamboree
Chief Adebola Dosunmu, the Akinsiku of Lagos (Olori Eyo), who is the custodian of Lagos most popular cultural festival, the Adamu Orisa, popularly known as Eyo will celebrating his 50th birthday on 21st of March 2022.
The real estate mogul and socialite said he is grateful to God for all he has been through in life and it is worthy to celebrating the landmark age of 50.
‘From my humble background in Isale-Eko, to my days at Methodist Boys High School, where I was mates with my friend now father, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, to my sojourn in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, up on till I was selected to become the supreme head of the Adamu Orisa, God has been faithful. All praises to Almighty God.
Chief Adebola Dosunmu, who is married to another prominent Lagos indigene, Abimbola Ashake Dosunmu, and blessed with six children, is the chairman and chief executive of Utica Homes, a real estate company, which has developed over 10 housing estates within the Victoria Island and Eti-Osa corridor.
As the custodian and supreme head of the Eyo festival, Chief Adebola Dosunmnu leads thousands of performers anytime the Adamu orisa play is staged in Lagos, usually at the behest of the Oba of Lagos.
“I am happy to lead the Eyo clan, this is what my forbearers has done for hundred of years” Akinsiku said enthusiastically. The last Akinsiku of Lagos was Chief Taoreed Ibikunle, before him was my grandfather, Chief Olayinka Dosunmu, so I am happy to step in the shoes and continue to make the Eyo masquerade and its festivals, the pride of Lagosians and one to be identified with by our friends from outside of this city.
On his 50th birthday, Chief Adebola Dosunmu is celebrating in grand style. He said reaching the age of 50 is a big deal, if one considers all the challenges that we have faced individually and as a people. It is indeed worthy of celebration.
“I will be celebrating with my people at Isale-Eko, on my birthday, which is the 21st March, where we hope to host our people and members of the Eyo festival. We also have some arrangement for the less privilege in the society”.
A grand ball event is being planned as part of the birthday celebration. On the 24th of March, 2022, the king of fuji music, Wasiu Ayinde will lead other stars such as Davido, Naira marley, lil kesh to what promises to be an evening of festivities.
The PUNCH learnt that Obiano, who had been on the watch list of the EFCC, was arrested while trying to board a flight to the United States.
Recall that the commission had in a letter to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service dated November 15, 2021, asked immigration to place Obiano on a watch list and inform it anytime he is travelling out of the country from any of the International airports and other points of entry and exit.
The Commissioner for Information, Don Adinuba, had, however, dared the EFCC, insisting that his boss would return to the US – his original base – after leaving office.
However, barely hours after handing over to his successor, Prof. Charles Soludo, it was learnt that Obiano made his way to Lagos after which he proceeded to the international airport.
On sighting him at 8.30pm, immigration officers were said to have alerted the EFCC who immediately arrested him and took him down to their office.
When contacted on the telephone, the Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the former governors’ arrest, promising to provide more details later.
“It is true. He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 8.30pm,” said Uwujaren.
