Just like the popular saying that, we are all political animal. This notion is what best describes gospel singer, Lanre Teriba, who is popularly known as Atorise as he picked interest in Politics. According to information gathered, Lanre Teriba registered his membership today as a member of All Progressive Political Party APC.
LTEE as Lanre is fondly called registered at ward 01 Ayigbami isara Remo North LG, his home town.
It was scooped that, the talented singer has been nursing the ambition to serve his people for a very long time and he feels 2023 is the best time for him to give back to the people.
Atorise in his words enjoined all sons and daughters of Remo Land to go into politics because there will not be excuse for any failed individual in Politics and we all have to participate in the Future of this country saying “enough of failed leaders, 2023 will not be business as usual.” The young man concluded
Ecobank Nigeria (“ENG” or “the Bank”), a wholly owned subsidiary of leading pan-African banking giant, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, announced that it has successfully priced its USD 300 million bond issuance maturing in February 2026, with settlement of the bond to take place on 16 February 2021.
The fixed-rate, US dollar-denominated bond, with a tenor of 5 years, carries a coupon rate of 7.125% and will be listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is accompanied by an Issuer Rating of B- from Fitch Rating Agency and S & P. The coupon / yield represents the lowest ever coupon / yield achieved by a Nigerian financial institution for a benchmark bond transaction. At the peak of marketing the transaction, the issue was over 3 times oversubscribed, with significant interest from international investors. The transaction opened with Initial Price Thoughts (‘IPT’s’) of 7.75% and finally tightened to close at 7.125% on the back of robust demand. The strength and depth of the book demonstrated global investors’ strong appetite for the Ecobank franchise in Nigeria, a testament to the strength of the Ecobank Group. This transaction is the first non-sovereign bond from Africa in 2021 and is milestone capital raise for the banking sector in Nigeria, giving Ecobank access to global debt capital markets, and more favorable credit terms, commensurate with its strong financial position and robust capital structure. For international investors, it represented an attractive option to gain exposure to Nigeria.
This transaction followed a series of virtual global investor calls, with a number of blue-chip local, regional and international financial institutions, led by Citi, Mashreq, Renaissance Capital and Standard Chartered Bank as Joint Lead Managers and Bookrunners.
Commenting on the issuance, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, said: “Despite the challenging global environment owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the back of a successful NGN 50bn Tier 2 issuance in December 2020, ENG was able to successfully issue and price Nigeria’s first 2021 senior unsecured 5 year bond transaction. Ecobank Nigeria, through this issuance, is being proactive in optimizing its capital structure as it continues to drive its medium term growth strategy of establishing itself as a leading facilitator of pan-Africa and international trade and payments.”
Mr. Akinwuntan continued, “I would like to extend my appreciation to our regulators, the Central Bank of Nigeria, for their timely support and continuous guidance, in granting necessary regulatory approvals.”
He further added: “We believe that our capital raising activities are key steps forward towards strengthening ENG beyond the regulatory ratios in addition to diversifying ENG’s medium-term financing sources. ENG is poised for continued growth in the Nigerian financial services industry.”
The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, NPM, and the government of Osun State, to enforce the federal government order on COVID-19 safety protocols, has put all necessary mechanism in place to sensitize members of the public to comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols.
In a Police public service announcement signed by Superintendent Opalola Yemisi Olawoyin, Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Command, Osogbo, the Police emphasized that the COVID-19 law sensitization exercise will be a joint exercise between Police, Sister Security agencies and Vigilante groups.
The exercise, the statement stated, will be in two phases.
The sensitization phase is set to take-off on 11th February, 2021 till the end of February, 2021 and during this exercise, there will be no arrest of person(s). Thereafter, there will be a review of the level of compliance with the safety protocols. The aim is to educate the public on the need to use their facemasks to contain the spread of the pandemic.
The monitoring team will be stationed at strategic places/junctions like Market places, Motor parks, Schools, Hospital and other public places. Also, the monitoring team will be stationed at Mosques on Friday and Churches on Sundays.
The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public not to panic but to collaborate and cooperate with security agencies deployed for this special assignment to ensure effective compliance.
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday observed a one-minute silence in honour of a former governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who passed away in the early hours of the day.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the members also resolved to write a letter of condolence to the family of the deceased.
The House further urged the Federal Government to look into the proposed Metro Line by the Jakande administration which was stopped by the military regime of that period.
Speaker Obasa, who described Jakande’s achievements as inexhaustible, noted that the Lagos State Univeristy, which the former governor established, has produced a lot of successful people in the society.
He also recalled Jakande’s free education and free book policies as well as the his success in the infrastructure sector in the state.
“He crowned his achievements with free education and free books,” Obasa said.
“We can only imagine how many people have become successful after passing through LASU. God gave him the wisdom,” Obasa added.
The representative of Mushin Constituency 1, Nureni Akinsanya, who earlier raised issue on the floor of the House, described the late Jakande as one who achieved a lot for the state.
His position was supported by Hon. Abdulsubur Olayiwola (Mushin 2).
On his part, Hon. Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja 2) said that the deceased scored grade ‘A’ in mentorship and was very visionary.
Kasunmu added that the younger generations are witnesses to the deceased’s infrastructural development adding that this was highly commendable.
“Baba scores ‘A’ in mentorship. He is visionary. We thank the Lord that the younger generations are able to see the infrastructural development done by the late ex-governor. I wish we give him a standing ovation for the departed soul.” Kasunmu said.
For Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2), the deceased was a lover of the poor and he attended to issues with wisdom.
Femi said that Jakande turned around the state with hardwork, adding: “If you look at waste management-incinerating plants in the state are all credited to Lateef Jakande.
“These are things that have made Lagos to be known for what it is today. The ferry service of today can be credited to Baba Jakande.”
Hon. Fatai Oluwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun 2) recalled how the late Jakande wrote a book in honour of Pa Obafemi Awolowo.
He urged the House to send a delegation team to Jakande’s house for condolences.
“He was a journalist. He wrote The Trial of Obafemi Awolowo in 1966. We have all spoken well about the late former governor.
“We are able to see what he had done. I want to implore us all to delegate some members to visit the house of Baba Jakande,” Oluwa said.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2) eulogised the late Jakande for developing Lagos.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, also praised the late Jakande adding: “If we could have the opportunity not to die in this world, we could have said the late former governor should not die.
“Papa had done a lot for the state; hence, I express my condolences to the Family, House and the people of lagos state.”
The director of MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL has advocated for creation of a unified voice in the funeral industry which can push a united cause that is favourable to Nigerian government and all stakeholders on funeral insurance policy.
In an interview with the London-certified funeral director, he stated that creating an association for funeral directors in Nigeria will result in a win-win situation for the government, insurance brokers, Nigerians and the directors.
Olumuyiwa Onikoyi emphasised the importance of funeral insurance policy to include less financial and logistics burdens on the relatives of deceased; ease of doing funeral business; cutting the red tape to give way to modern approaches and reduce risks amongst other benefits.
He said, ” To create an enabling environment for funeral directors, the main issue is identifying the strategies which the government will push out. In Nigeria currently, we don’t have a unified funeral directing association which is very important if we want to have a headway and gain the government’s attention. All funeral directors need to have one unified voice that will stand and push the cause of the industry across to the government”.
He also stated that livestream coverage during funeral services is gaining prominence considering the impacts of the pandemic lockdown amidst other changes, an encouragement for MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL who have prior plans to venture into broadcasting on radio transmitters as a means of contributing to social distancing.
However, the reluctance of some clients in Nigeria to foot all bills relating to effective delivery of the services which is seldom encountered with overseas clients, is proving to be a challenge. In his words, “MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL have received a lot of success in the areas of livestreams during funeral services. We intend getting into broadcasting burial services on AM/FM transmitters so people don’t have to get out of their cars”.
“At MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL, we have been doing drive-by funerals. We once had a young woman that passed away and the family really wanted to have a service, so we did a set up in our parking lot, and more than 10 cars drove by and paid their last respects to the deceased”, he added.
Onikoyi, a Master’s Degree holder in Information Security and Computer Forensics from University of East London, MPhil in Cyber security and BSc in Computing Information System from Goldsmith College, University of London revealed that Covid-19 has effected diverse changes in the industry.
With the availability of the webpage www.mofuneral.com, it has become easy to engage clients and complete all pre-arrangements virtually. He further expressed surprise at African system not embracing cremation, especially considering the changes which the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to funeral services.
“One surprise we had at MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL is that the pandemic has not increased demand for cremations. Notably, As African we are not really into Cremation but the shutdown/Lockdown may also be reversing the trend toward traditional funerals.”
According to him, “…the key reasons why many people are choosing cremation are: separation of family across the U.S. (non-traditional family nucleus); increasing acceptance of the cremation process in our culture; eco-consciousness tendencies in consumers (don’t want to take up precious land space with a traditional burial in a cemetery; etc.”
“Pre-planning arrangements culture is also on the rise. The percentage of the population that feels it’s important to pre-plan funeral and cemetery/vaults purchases has jumped up. MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL pre-need appointments have really picked up. We can send you all you need for the planning of your loved ones funeral electronically”, he said.
With offices in UK and South Africa, he revealed that most of the MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL committed employees had to work from home in compliance with Covid-19 regulations to ensure efficient delivery of services.
He added that Covid-19 played a significant role in the recent upsurge witnessed in the funereal industry.
“Senior managing partners at MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL have continued to come into the office with strict Covid-19 regulations adherence — even as many employees work from home — to show solidarity with the workers who have to go into houses and hospitals to retrieve the remains of those who have died.”
“MO FUNERALS INTERNATIONAL view ourselves as ‘final responders’, which is a play on the words ‘first responder’. When the pandemic hit, it gave a chance for the industry to thrive, because we were going to be there, no matter what we had to go through to be able to serve our communities”, he added.
He further added that the idea to venture into the industry came to form when he travelled abroad, though he grew up as a member of Boy’s Brigade. As a Senior Project Manager at Ministry of Defence in UK where he was the focal point for bereaved fallen officers, the experience gained and moments shared propelled him to engage in the funereal industry.
“Seeking to promote one-stop funeral directing business in Nigeria, my role as a managing partner is to provide a memorable experience for the deceased’s family to reflect the celebration of their life style even in death via phone or face to face, as well as to build customer loyalty by leveraging interpersonal skills and offering top customer service to our numerous client during the most difficult time of losing their love ones.”
“With over 10 years of professional experience in dealing with bereavement across multi-cultural ethnicity around the globe and Nigeria in particular, these tasks often entail the embalming and burial or cremation of the dead, as well as the arrangements for the funeral ceremony (although not the directing and conducting of the funeral itself unless clergies are not present)”.
“Funeral directors may at times be asked to perform tasks such as dressing (in garments usually suitable for daily wear), casketing, motor hearse, music, and pall bearing who are the professionals that carry the casket before being interred.”
The Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday expressed optimism that Lagos will produce the highest number of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the end of the ongoing registration/revalidation exercise.
Speaker Obasa spoke shortly after taking part in the revalidation exercise of the party conducted by officials for the Ward E (005), Agege.
He also used the opportunity to rate the state government high in the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people.
The Speaker, who also displayed his membership card after the exercise, promised that Lagosians would be mobilised to play active roles in the party as the latter’s strength lies in its number.
“It is like carrying out population census. It is to tell us our strength in each state, local government and ward, and, by extension, the whole nation.
“It will make us be able to say this is the number of our members in each state and this would help to position us ahead of the future elections.
“The success of every party depends on the structure on ground and how far we are able to cover in the political landscape,” he said.
Talking about the performance of the government of Lagos, he said: “I am sure you know that Lagos has been a success story. We have a lot of achievements. I am sure there is no part of Lagos that you would not see something going on…from Agege to Lagos Island to Epe to Ikorodu.
“I just want to urge our governor to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. To Nigerians, I also want to say there is no alternative than the APC.”
“A multi level and intercontinental foresight on Nigeria’s insecurity may not be far fetched, among the reasons, why President Buhari has decided to appoint immediate past security chiefs as non career ambassadors. With their deep knowledge of the international network of Boko Haram and ISWAP, these retired service chiefs would be able to collaborate with the international community in their respective assigned countries, to check the supply of arms and ammunition including funding to the insurgents.”
The above were part of the remarks by Femi Oyewale, President, National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE at a Business Outlook Summit organized by Concerned Citizens Network, CCN which held in Ogun State during the week.
Oyewale’s submission was a direct response to the growing concerns by public affairs analysts who have expressed reservations on the decision of President Buhari to appoint the retired service chiefs as ambassadors.
“At the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE which I lead, our pre occupation has been to continuously admonish Nigerians to believe in their government and security agents. Once that confidence and trust exist, the issue of insecurity would be minimized. Therefore, I am of the belief that government’s decision to re absorb the retired service chiefs as ambassadors was not taken in emptiness. We need the experience of these generals in certain parts of the world where Boko Haram and ISWAP draw their strength,” Oyewale said.
In like manner, Yakubu Shendam, a national youth president and a security analyst, in a write up, concurred with Oyewale on the decision
of President Buhari.
According to Yakubu Shendam, the retired service chiefs demonstrated utmost loyalty and hard work in the discharge of their duties so much so that they have earned the confidence of Buhari who is assigning them to strategic countries in the overall interest of Nigeria’s security goals.
For the service chiefs especially Lt. Gen.TY Buratai to have risen through the ranks to the enviable height of a Chief of Army Staff, one of the longest serving COAS in the history of Nigeria is not a mere feat. He had paid his dues and used all the talents given to him to make the country proud. Posterity is already smiling at him and has singled him out for honour. His loyalty to his Commander in- Chief and indeed to the nation has paved the way for him to soar higher and the sky will not be his limit but his starting point. Nigerian Army, under Gen Buratai has proved its point professionally as they struggled to combat insurgency and Armed banditry in nigeria. The defence of our democracy at a tempting period like during the ENDSARS protest is a commendable feat by the army and her leadership.
The above opening quote narrates an account of an excited master bestowing higher responsibilities to servants who distinguished themselves with exceptional patriotism, talents, hardwork and selflessness. This analogy describes Lt. General TY Buratai’s stewardship as the COAS in his services to the nation and his loyalty to his Commander in- Chief. From taking over a country that was hijacked by terrorists to a demoralised and ill equiped Army, Buratai fought hard to turn the tides around in less than one year in office. He didn’t just stop there but sustained the tempo throughout his stay in office to the admiration of all. This explains why an excited President Mohammadu Buhari has deemed it fit to invite him into higher service, to enter into the joy of his master. To continue where he stopped with his good work of building and salvaging the country where it matters most.
Recall that on the 4th of February, 2021 President Buhari had done what was unprecedented in the history of Nigeria and indeed the whole world. In less than 1 week after the resignation of the service chiefs following many years of meritorious and unblemish service, and before the confirmation of the new service chiefs, President Mohammadu Buhari nominated Lt. Gen. TY Buratai and his colleagues as non-carrier ambassadors. What else is more rewarding than to be found worthy of service to your motherland and even before you’ve found time to rest after retirement? This can only happen after a successful and selfless service to ones’ fatherland.
The nomination of Buratai and his colleagues has indeed put paid to those who, out of selfish desires wanted to crucify a man who has put more than 40 years of his adult life into serving his country. Putting his life on the line all through. It is now clear that the plots, propaganda and character assasination of mischief makers and jealous individuals and groups did not, in any way stop the President from seeing the work, sincerity and loyalty of Gen Buratai and the other service chiefs. Thus, their nomination as non career diplomats is a victory, a sign of appreciation and a reward which is vindication not just for the former service chiefs but to all patriotic Nigerians who discharge their duties patriotically and diligently.
This new feather to Buratai and his colleagues’ cap of honour should serve as a motivation to the new service chiefs and a wake up call to those who have relaxed in the exercise of their duties to the country. Everybody must know that hard work pays and there’s no room for laziness and disloyalty in the government of president Mohammadu Buhari. The new service chiefs must remember to build solidly on the legacies left behind by their predecessors and never return the country to the state of anarchy it once was.
It is worthy to state that public office is a trust. Buratai who distinguished himself as a perfect gentleman and won the trust of his master and Nigerians is today being celebrated and will forever be celebrated. The judicious use of funds meant for the prosecution of the war against terror contributed to the successes he recorded while in office. He used the little resources at his disposal to achieve something tremendous for the army and his country and hence the honour done to him among others by mr President.
Let the new service chiefs be reminded that there’s zero tolerance for graft and misappropriation of funds meant for the security and well being of Nigerian citizens under President Muhammadu Buhari.
A new book, titled My Mother’s Daughter, which is an autobiography of Chief Mrs. Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman, Lexham Investments (Owners of Shonny Investment & Properties) Trustee, Founding and Immediate past Chairman of Atlantic Hall, Chairman Aart of Life foundation would be unveiled to the public on 16th February, 2021.
The Public presentation which is scheduled to take place online would also be a special event where the author would celebrate with friends, family, business associates and members of her numerous mentorship groups as she clocks 70 years.
The programme will be streamed live via Zoom and other platforms to an anticipated global audience made up of people who have been inspired and touched in one way or the other by Chief Mrs. Taiwo Taiwo.
According to the author, the book will offer valuable insights in the areas of Inter-Generational Female Entrepreneurship and Mentorship, and the importance of mentorship for young entrepreneurs.
As a young lady who was thrown into the family business in her early 20s after finishing school in England, her many years of experience in entrepreneurship, as well as her roles as a vibrant activist in society building ventures like Atlantic Hall Secondary School, Aart of Life Foundation etc would be very valuable to young girls and middle age women of the present generation.
She is also using the platform her book offers to pay tribute to her mother, Mrs. Alice Olaperi Shonibare who was quite instrumental to the heights Chief Mrs. Taiwo Taiwo has reached today.
Chief Mrs. Taiwo was born into a family of eight children with a father who was of an innovative businessman of his age. The author’s father died at 44 and the mother had the duty to bring up the eight children and grow the business the father started. Her nifty balancing powers that motivated the daughter, Chief Mrs. Taiwo are shared in detail in the new book.
The book looks at Chief Mrs Taiwo’s education in Nigeria, her secondary school and university education in the UK. The text is indeed a loaded masterpiece that would inspire the best line of action in everyone who wants to navigate the path of life with vitality to overcome those daily challenges that life throws across the pathway.
Nigeria’s fastest-growing fitness chain, iFitness is set to launch the 10th outlet of its fitness emporium along CMD road in highbrow Magodo area of Lagos, come February 13, 2021.
The importance of staying fit and healthy cannot be overemphasized in the longevity equation and one fitness outfit at the forefront of ensuring Nigerians have access to global standard fitness centers is iFitness.
Speaking recently in Lagos about his vision, CEO of the iFitness, Mr. Folusho Ogunwale disclosed that people were less active nowadays, partly because technology has made our lives easier.
“We drive cars or take public transport. Machines wash our clothes. We entertain ourselves in front of a TV or computer screen. Fewer people are doing manual work, and most of us have jobs that involve little physical effort.”
“This is the more reason we need to ensure we do not compromise on staying fit. Exercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose.” He added.
According to CEO iFitness, Mr Folusho Ogunwale, “People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers, and research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing the risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”
Describing inactivity as a silent killer, he said that sedentary behavior such as sitting or lying down for long periods was bad for anybody’s health.
“This means that each of us needs to think about increasing the types of activities that suit our lifestyle and can easily be included in our day. We believe a fit and healthy people make for a healthy nation and that is why we are committed to ensuring iFitness spreads to every part of Lagos and the country.” He averred.
iFitness has been providing fitness services in Lagos since 2015 when it was established, making fitness fun, youthful, affordable, convenient, and accessible to everyone in order to entrench in our consciousness, the culture of wellness.
Pre-registration on iFitness is ongoing now at 30% off the actual price of N13, 900. Residents and workers of Magodo and environs, are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to live healthy lifestyles.
iFitness can be accessed via its instagram handle @ifitnessng, click the link in their bio to take advantage of this promo and register!
Benefits of becoming a member:
• You enjoy up to 40 FREE monthly group classes, multi-location access to all i-Fitness branches.
• 1150-sqm work out space, spinning studio, convenient changing rooms, 150-sqm group class space.
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The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday frowned at what it called the unwholesome and illegal sales of supposed drugs for COVID-19.
This was as the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, directed the acting chairman of the House committee on health, Hon. Hakeem Shokunle, to have further discussions with the executive arm in relation to a bill on COVID-19 that had been passed months ago by the Assembly.
Speaker Obasa, who presided over the sitting, said the state needed to act, monitor and regulate activities around the sales and use of the drugs so as not to make it free-for-all.
Shokunle (Oshodi/Isolo 1) had raised the motion on the floor of the House and complained that some Nigerians were taking advantage of the COVID-19 situation in the state to sell various drugs.
While noting the danger in such illegal action, Shokunle urged the House to revisit the bill on COVID-19 which the House had passed and which was awaiting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s assent.
He said an amendment of the bill would allow the executive arm of the state government to work maximally in its efforts to combat the pandemic.
In his contribution, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2), supported Shokunle adding that it was lamentable the way people are bringing vaccines into the country.
He advised that there should be a way to regualate the importation of such drugs as well as their sales, especially as the virus comes with different variants.
He noted that the House already has a bill and that all that is required is a recall of the bill for the purpose of amending it to cover the sales and distribution of related drugs.
On his part, Hon. Temitope Adewale (Ifaki Ijaiye 1), said while COVID-19 is known to be ravaging the world and affecting the state, there is danger in self-medication or administration of drugs that are not regulated or approved.
Supporting that the bill be recalled, he warned that the state faced the danger of people suffering adverse effects from the use of some of these drugs.
The motion was further supported by Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1) and Hon. Ajani Owolabi (Mainland 1).
