MINISTER of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday warned that people that lacked his kind of political pedigree could not displace him in the fold of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State.
This is according to a statement signed by Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to the minister who is the immediate past governor of Osun State. Aregbesola had visited Ilesa on Friday to revalidate his APC membership, where he addressed his supporters.
The statement read in part, “Ogbeni Aregbesola reminded the people that Chief Bola Ige was their leader and stood all his life for a compassionate government, commitment to the good of the majority and ideas that would bring the good life, happiness, progress and security to the people. He urged them to be conscious of those who continue to dance on Ige’s grave and avoid anything that would dishonour the late statesman’s memory.
“Ogbeni Aregbesola assured the people of working towards greater success of the party and of his commitment to progressive ideals. He reminded them that he emerged in Osun on the Oranmiyan platform 17 years ago, and with others fought the agents of darkness and regression and firmly consolidated the party in the state.
“This effort has produced two successive progressive administrations in the state and also won presidential and national legislative elections thrice since then, noting that it would be difficult for those who lack such pedigree to displace him in the party in the state.”
Though the former Governor’s statement seems open enough but those who are familiar with the political intrigues in the State will know it is systemic shade at the one time Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who just recently announced his total defection to the APC. Omisore was accused of having a hand in the death of Chief Bola Ige, though he was never found guilty but the accusation was used by Oranmiyan group to campaign against the one time senator while the minister was vying the topmost position in the State.
It is therefore very clear those Aregbesola claimed that some members of the party are dancing on Bola Ige’s grave, since Omisore was pinned with the death of the former attorney general of the federation who was murdered in his home some years back.
The unsavoury incidents being sponsored by some unscrupulous state actors involving the former Governor of Imo State, Sen. Rochas Okorocha in recent times show a hint at some parties’ thought who see him as a threat to their supposed caliphate. Indeed, it has proven right the Elders’ words which postulate that ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’.
However, the Sage’s head still feels uneasy despite leaving office.
Does that still mean Okorocha wears the crown, holds the ace or the nitwits are scared of losing their hegemony to who God has chosen to make Imo prosper again?
This unwarranted battle began after the current Administration was sworn in on 15th January, 2020. It was a public knowledge that the Sage was a constant emotional backup when Uzodinma was struggling for his mandate after the 9th March, 2019 governorship election. Okorocha was among the foremost political figures to congratulate him when he finally triumphed at the Supreme Court. It is now bemusing that this same Governor is having no one to pick as a foe apart from Rochas Okorocha, the man who has been in his shoes and can offer him Fatherly counsel considering how well he fared after occupying the seat for eight years.
Prior to this, there have been silent battles fought underneath but the latest showed how low the current administration’s moral has sunk. In my part of the world, the prince does not fight like slaves. You can’t be at the helms of affair and still be ‘terrorising’ your subjects. As a child of necessity, Imolites expect more lease of life from Uzodinma than the current drama that is playing out.
Sen. Rochas Okorocha went to Royal Spring Palm Hotel in the company of his two sons-in-law on 19th February after Governor Hope Uzodinma illegally sealed the hotel.
His intent was simply to inquire the reason behind the sealing and take due protocol as a law-abiding, serving Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Unfortunately, Chinansa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Special Duties and Eric Uwakwe saw no need for peace as they led a pool of miscreants and abused public office by using the state’s police for their personal gain. The gadgets and equipment necessary for the smooth running of the Resorts were all carted away by the opposing forces. They also attacked Okorocha and his crew violently without provocation
As at now, Uzo Anwuka, one of Okorocha’s sons-in-law is currently receiving treatment after being shot at on the spot where the state sponsored violence took place while Okorocha, a serving Senator representing Imo West is currently apprehended, detained and was only released on the order of the Presidency. Just wondering, if the hired thugs had murdered the distinguished senator in the process of that needless fracas, what side of history would Governor Hope Uzodinma be?
Prior to this, Okorocha has silently suffered series of blackmail and name-calling along with destruction of properties belonging to him and his family. This hostility is not unconnected to the influence which he can pull in the state when the 2023 Presidential election come knocking.
However, a threat to life is totally uncalled for as Okorocha’s Camp can never engage in do-or-die politics. Destroying the legacy you have built with your sweat is not an option in modern democracy.
It must be mentioned that armed thugs attacked Okorocha’s residence at Akachi three days before he went to the sealed hotel belonging to his wife, Nneoma Rochas in Owerri.
It should further be stated here that before this ugly incident, the demolition of the hospital complex belonging to the Okorocha’s family had sent many Imolites to the unemployment market and this is quite disheartening in view of the current state of the nation’s economy.
Irrespective of what anyone may think, it is highly condemnable that a former Governor and sitting Senator could be treated this way by those who see political power as the beginning and end of life.
It is therefore important to call on the general public and Mr. President to ensure the safety of all citizens and curb the abuse of office. The safety of Okorocha is very crucial to political stability of Imo State and any further attack will be regarded as a deliberate assassination attempt upon which proper actions will be taken.
By Smart Oluwole Apejoye- Public Affairs Commentator and Advocate of Good Governance
Stakeholders in faith-based organisations and education sector have endorsed the two new products recently introduced into the financial market by Ecobank Nigeria, saying they can provide solutions to their needs. The products Ecobank Stewardship Pack and the Ecobank School Bundle are targeted at religious and educational institutions at all levels respectively. The Ecobank School bundle is designed to help educational institutions manage their banking needs more effectively so they can concentrate on providing world-class education. It comprised a bouquet of digital offerings that includes Omniplus/Omnilite, Collegepay, Ecobankpay, Web collections Paydirect, Point of Sale Terminals (POS), NIBBS platforms, EBILLS PAY, Asset Finance and Ecobank School Loan. The Ecobank Stewardship Account on the other hand is designed to help religious organizations run their daily operations smoothly and earn interest at the same time. Also referred to as The Good Steward Pack, its features include: zero monthly maintenance charge and interest rate payable on average monthly balance amongst others.
Speaking at the virtual launch, Prof. Humphrey Adebayo, Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, commended Ecobank Nigeria for taking the initiative to create the innovative products, stressing that they would add value to the operations of the various target groups. He lauded Ecobank for rising to the challenges of covid 19 pandemic by providing services to the banking public through its various digital offerings, stating that the new products would further free time for them to focus on core roles.
According to him, “The pandemic has disrupted human activities, and changed the perspective of the world thereby increasing the need for more digital and innovative solutions to the problems it created, which will further facilitate the ease of doing of business. Education and religious institutions were highly affected by the lock down, creating a gap in the system. Digital solutions become extremely important for online learning and services with digital financial solutions being helpful with collection. This has helped in freeing these institutions to focus on their core activities. The digital platform provided by Ecobank is efficient and guarantees a high level of security and allow for real time banking services and with minimal downtime. The new Ecobank products will undoubtedly add value to these institutions.”
Alhaji Mohammed Balarabe, a seasoned Banker and chief launcher at the event said the target group would find them useful as they embark on their conventional activities. According to him, “The new normal presents a lot of challenges in almost all aspects of our life in particular, the faith-based organizations and educational institutions because of their conventional way of carrying out activities. In a bid to address these challenges, Ecobank introduced these targeted products that will help tackle them. I believe more will come our way from the Ecobank platform.”
At the launch which doubled as Ecobank Public Sector Stakeholder Engagement Webinar titled “Digital enablementof education and faith: Winning tools for new normal lifestyle”, the products also received endorsement from Mrs. Olabimpe Aderiye, Hon. Commissioner of Education, Ekiti State, Chief ‘Yomi Otubela, National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and host of others.
Carol Oyedeji, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria while welcoming guests at the virtual launch was optimistic that the products can effectively assist educational institutions and faith-based organizations through tailor made digital offerings against the backdrop of the new normal lifestyle occasioned by the covid 19 pandemic. She added that “At Ecobank, we are using digital technology to assist businesses for payments and collections, financially include many millions into formal financial systems, and therefore improve lives across Africa. We are indeed making banking easier, more accessible and more affordable across the continent than ever before.”
Moji Oguntoyinbo, Segment Head, Public Sector and Agribusiness, Ecobank Nigeria, said “Ecobank products are designed to bridge the gap and meet funding and other financial needs quickly and efficiently. Education and religion are interwoven right from the onset. Religion institutions have been huge investors in Education. These products are designed to provide secured savings and collection channels especially in the post covid 19 era where digitization is highly helpful to limit the spread of the virus.”.
The Police operatives attached to Satellite and Aguda Divisions of the command have arrested two suspected traffic robbers each at different locations in their areas.
The Satellite Division arrested two suspected traffic armed robbers along Agboju-Alakija on Lagos-Badagry Expressway on 19th February, 2021 at 1035pm. The two suspects, 26 years old Solomon Ayuba and 20 years old Manase David, were caught in the act by the police when they were attacking unsuspecting commuters in the area, while other members of the gang took to their heels.
The police operatives had placed suspected armed robbers under surveillance for some days before they were eventually arrested. Items recovered from them include one locally-made pistol, some cartridges and 2 face Masks.
In the same vein, the operatives attached to Aguda Division on 20th February, 2021, at about 1.35pm, arrested two suspected traffic robbers while attacking and robbing a Toyota Siena Bus with Reg. No AAA 30 AZ, driven by one Apele Mohammed on transit at Olatunji Onimole Street by Brown Junction.
The suspects are 24 years old Ismail Abayomi, and 25 years old Seun Akinbunu.
The suspects and others at large attacked the bus, broke its side screen and robbed one Atinuke Adisa of her Infinix-8 phone.
In another development, the operatives attached to the office of the Area Commander, Area E Festac, arrested two suspects with some vandalised rail tracks belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation on 20th February, 2021, at about 4pm. The policemen that were on routine check stopped the vehicle driven by one 21 years old Victor Akpanof Ijora, Lagos and his accomplice, one Adesina Folorunsho at No 36, Biefield Apapa road and discovered the vandalised rail tracks in the said vehicle.
They could not give any satisfactory account of the vandalised items but claimed that they got them from some miscreants .
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu has ordered that the suspected traffic robbers be taken to State CID Panti for thorough investigation while the Area Commader Area E Festac works with his DPOs and intensify efforts to trace the fleeing traffic robbers and carry out thorough investigation on the vandalised rail tracks.
The police boss also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to continually flush out the criminals and hoodlums of Lagos State.
Leading international money transfer provider Small World Financial Services (“Small World”), has signed a partnership with Ecobank -the leading Pan-African banking group, based in Lomé, Togo.
The agreement brings the strengths and assets of both organisations to offer money transfer services to Africans in the diaspora. This is an exciting development for both Small World and the Ecobank Group as Small World can continue to grow its global customer base as well as its 250,000 pick-up locations, while Ecobank, with its footprint across 33 African countries can further expand its remittance reach within African communities across Europe and other parts of the world. Small World customers will be able to access the unparalleled Ecobank Africa -wide network in three ways: Direct transfer to Bank accounts, mobile wallet; and cash pick up at any Ecobank location.
This partnership will further financial inclusion in Africa as Ecobank will make available the Ecobank Xpress Account (a mobile based bank account developed for the unbanked and under-banked) for the recipients of remittances sent by Small World Financial Services’ customers.
Nick Day, Chief Executive and Founder of Small World, said: “We are delighted to be forging a partnership with Ecobank. It is a leading bank in Africa with over 50,000locations in the region which means our global customers get access to even more ways to send money home to African countries. Importantly, Ecobank shares our commitment in delivering great customer service alongside providing fast, affordable and reliable transfers.
“Nana Araba Abban, Ecobank Group Consumer Banking Head, added: “We’re proud to offer seamless payments across our vast borderless network in Africa. At Ecobank, we value partnerships, such as this, that enable Africans in the diaspora to remit money affordably and conveniently. This provides a win-win partnership as Ecobank can offer banking services to Africans wherever they are on the globe.”Ecobank shares Small World’s commitment of making financial services seamless, convenient, and interoperable across Africa.”
You’ve got Firstmonie Wallet on your phone? Did I hear you say Yes… then, count yourself lucky because your first daily recharge and data subscription between 13 – 15 February will give you the opportunity to speak more to your loved ones, or spend more time on your favourite social media channel.
In sharing love this valentine season, Firstmonie Wallet – the electronic wallet initiative by FirstBank – will gift customers bonus 100% data and 50% airtime on their first recharge each day across all GSM networks… make some Noise!!!
Firstmonie Wallet is your friendly e-wallet to pay for your utility bills, buy airtime and data, transfer and receive money from any account in a seamless and convenient way and much more. It is your wallet with many more possibilities.
You don’t have Firstmonie Wallet on your phone? Then count yourself also lucky because you will be gifted the bonus airtime and data once you download the Firstmonie Wallet app, purchase airtime and data; that’s all, data and airtime is all yours. You can also sign up on Firstmonie Wallet via USSD by simply dialing *894*1#.
To sign up for Firstmonie Wallet using your phone,
Simply download the app from your store (iOS or Android)
Enter your mobile number and agree to terms and conditions.
Follow the steps to complete registration.
To sign up for Firstmonie Wallet via the USSD string,
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Choose 1 to register without BVN and input necessary information.
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Use your Firstmonie Wallet between 13 – 15 February and share in our love this valentine.
The national leadership and members of the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, have commended Brigadier General Sagir Musa, the immediate past Nigerian Army spokesman for his commitment to duties and seamless synergy with the media in promoting military operational understanding with the public.
The association President Mr. Femi Oyewale stated this in a statement on Saturday.
In the statement, Oyewale noted that managing the communication functions of an institution like the Army could be challenging but added that Sagir displayed professionalism and maturity in handling obviously vexatious issues whenever they arose.
“Overtime, there were renewed bashings from both local and international media in equal measures, yet, you remained unwavering and continued in a most commendable fashion.”
Continuing, Oyewale emphasized that General Sagir assumed office at a period classified as one of the most trying in Nigeria’s history, stressing that Sagir’s basic understanding of the nuances of Nigeria which translated into balanced people-oriented information, at a time of confidence loss, deserves commendation.
“NAOSRE recognized this and never waved in its vision of supporting the patriotic efforts of security operatives. We were particularly hooked on the Nigerian Army by publishing Army stories to keep the public informed.
“We salute your courage and requisite compassion to soldier on by keeping eyes on the ball. However, the task of securing Nigeria remains ongoing. We therefore, admonish you to deploy same energy, zeal and intelligence in the execution of your assigned duties wherever you are deployed,” Oyewale stated.
He stated further that “I must not fail to use this medium to convey the association’s profound appreciation to the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. NAOSRE had a harmonious working relationship with you for a safer Nigeria.”
Oyewale promised to oil the association’s firm conviction on media role in promoting national security. He added that NAOSRE is committed to work with the new Army leadership by enhancing trust between security agents and citizens through factual and professional reportage for a safer Nigeria.
The National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, has joined millions of groups and individuals worldwide to condole with His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and media industry on the demise of a renowned journalist and first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande who died on 11 February at the age of 91.
In a statement conveying the condolences, the association President, Mr. Femi Oyewale extolled the visionary leadership of Jakande which birth, among other things, the establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and other developmental strides in governance.
“NAOSRE condoles with the family of Alhaji Lateef Jakande and His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the executive governor of Lagos State on the death of the first executive governor of the State. Jakande’s legacies in the media and democratic governance are evergreen. The Nigerian Institute of Journalism he envisioned has been the pool for harvesting resource persons to drive the media industry.
“As an association, NAOSRE will continuously strive to sustain the vision of Jakande in media professionalism in line with global best practice as well as build sustainable trust between security operatives and citizens through balanced reportage for a harmonious co existence,” he promised.
The need to follow all precautionary measures of Covid-19 and be committed to staying Safe and Alive has been re-emphasized by a Membership based Non Government, Non Profit Organisation, Junior Chamber International Ikeja through the medium of a Short Film titled “ STILL WITH US”
JCI Ikeja took up the initiative to shoot a Short film/Campaign sensitizing the entire public and the world at large on the need to Stay Safe through the #CommitToQualityHealth Project Initiative .
– ‘STILL WITH US’ is a story of OLa-Fathia’s Buka amidst a raging pandemic and the casualties that go with it. Costumers of OLA-FATHIA’s buka seem to care less. Tomiwa enlightens them that when it rains, even the grasses are not spared and covid-19 isn’t any different. The Short Film was Directed by the very delectable Film Maker – Usman ‘Blackky’ Ogunlade.
Speaking on the Project Initiative, The Project Coordinator , a Ghanaian-Nigerian – Ruth Oriyomi Idowu and the the 2021 Local Organisation President, JCI Ikeja – Tricia Inalu amongst others spoke on why they had to communicate this through the media of Entertainment which in their words is the best way to get the message across.
The Short Film is set to premiere in Lagos on Sunday,14th March 2021.
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
