The book, is the first transdisciplinary study of the two-thousand-year journey of the Yoruba people, from their origins in a small corner of the Niger-Benue Confluence in present-day Nigeria to becoming one of the most populous cultural groups on the African continent.
The author, Akinwumi Ogundiran is Chancellor’s Professor and Professor of Africana Studies,
Anthropology & History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
He is co-editor of Materialities of Rituals in the Black Atlantic, named a Choice magazine 2015
outstanding book.
Weaving together archaeology with linguistics, environmental science with oral traditions, and material culture with mythology, Ogundiran in his new book examines the local, regional, and even global dimensions of Yoruba history.
The Yoruba: A New History offers an intriguing cultural, political, economic, intellectual, and social history from ca. 300 BC to 1840. It accounts for the events, peoples, and practices, as well as the theories of knowledge, ways of being, and social valuations that shaped the Yoruba experience at different junctures of time. The result is a new framework for understanding the Yoruba past and present.
The following personalities have these to say about the new work:
“In this brilliantly conceived and successfully executed project, Akinwumi
Ogundiran deploys a cultural-historical approach to pose new questions on how
the Yoruba as historical subject created their own epistemology, new eras of
aspirational values and principle, and conceptions of honor and respectability.”
— Saheed Aderinto, author of Guns and Society in Colonial Nigeria
On his part, “An exquisitely detailed and evocative portrait of the Yorùbá
“community of practice” that will change the ways we think about Yorùbá history and culture and become a seminal source for present and future scholars.”
—Henry John Drewal, Evjue-Bascom Professor Emeritus of African
and African Diaspora Arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison
“This book will command the attention and respect of scholars, students,
researchers, and the general reader in the fields of history, archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and culture for a long time. It is an excellent addition to the literature and reference works on African Studies.”
—Olutayo C. Adesina, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
The Yorùbá: A New History is the first transdisciplinary study of the two-thousand-year journey of the Yorùbá people, from their origins in a small corner of the Niger-Benue Confluence in present-day Nigeria to becoming one of the most populous cultural groups
on the African continent.
ORDER VIA https://iupress.org/9780253051493/the-yoruba/
The Nigerian Army has cancelled the ongoing Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 that took place in Abuja.
The military formation announced this haven realised that an officer who participated in the conference tested positive to COVID 19.
According to the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sagir Musa, all the participants of the conference, including himself have been mandated to immediately proceed on self isolation in line with the Federal Government’s protocol for COVID 19 and to prevent any further spread of the disease.
The statement reads;
“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform members of the public that due to resurgence of COVID 19 Pandemic in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja in what appears to be a second wave of infection cycle and the unfortunate incident on Tuesday 8 December 2020, where an officer participating in the ongoing Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 here in Abuja tested positive to COVID 19, the remaining activities of the conference have therefore been immediately cancelled.
“All the participants have been mandated to immediately proceed on self isolation in line with the Federal Government’s protocol for COVID 19 and to prevent any further spread of the disease.
“All inconveniences hereby regretted please. Thanks for your usual understanding and cooperation please.”
MmWhen the Federal Government of Nigeria established the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on 18th February, 1988, it was generally seen as the culmination of all past efforts to address the growing menace of road traffic crashes in the country which put Nigeria road as the most dangerous to drive vehicles on, second only to Ethiopia. The responsibility of bringing down the rate and fatalities of the crashes fell on the founding fathers of the organisation who had earlier proved their mettle in road crash management campaigns through private initiatives.
With the Nobel Laurette, Professor Wole Soyinka as the founding Chairman of the Commission working in tandem with Dr Olu Agunloye who was the pioneer Corps Marshal of the FRSC, the foundation of a modern organisation built on the ideals of knowledge, service delivery and technology was solidly laid. The coming of the FRSC with its young men and women bubbling with youthful idealism and armed with various degrees and certificates as the pioneer Marshals took Nigerians by surprise, with their calm mien in public enlightenment programmes, aggressiveness in traffic law enforcement and efficiency in rescue operations which saw them earning instant respect from the generality of Nigerians and giving legitimacy to the new outfit.
After 32 years of its corporate existence and producing six Corps Marshals, including those that served briefly in Acting positions who continued to sustain the modernisation process of the Corps, the mantle of leadership fell on Dr Boboye Oyeyemi on 24th July 2014 with his inauguration as the first insider that was appointed into the exalted position. In carrying out this onerous national assignment, Oyeyemi has never looked back in addressing any intractable challenge that could have defied past efforts, having distinguished himself as someone that saw the organisation from its very beginning.
One area that his impact on sustaining the vision of the FRSC as a distinct law environment agency and a lead agency in traffic management and safety administration in Nigeria has remain focused is the area of anti corruption campaign which aligns fully with the philosophy of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. In playing its historical role as a model organisation that has been supportive of the socioeconomic goals of the federal government, FRSC under Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi enthusiastically embraced the anti corruption posture of the government and has continued to lend supportive hands to the campaign.
As many stakeholders pointed out recently, FRSC’s demonstration of anti corruption agenda has been evidenced right from the organisation’s conceptual framework as evident from the institutionalisation of its operational and administrative structures to make service delivery the cornerstone of its ethics. Thus, many questions of corruption and corrupt practices were already answered by the Corps through its diligent administrative and operational mechanisms before they could even become manifest. In his commitment to the success of anti corruption campaign in the FRSC, Oyeyemi ensures that the commands are run efficiently on budgeted allocations which are paid as regularly as the financial releases are made by the federal government to avoid a situation where the commanding officers and patrol teams could be tempted to compromise their responsibilities by resorting to illegal sources of funding their operations.
Through this mechanism, commanding officers are sure of finances to routinely carryout repairs of their operational vehicles and other administrative costs without resort to self-help that could compromise them. Consequently, any operational staff that is found to have compromised the trust of the Corps while on patrol or other official assignments by indulging in bribe taking are not only diligently tried in accordance with the FRSC disciplinary codes, but netted out with the strictest punishment to serve as deterrence to others.
Furthermore, while the law clearly spelt out the amount of fines to be paid by traffic violators as published on the Notices of Offence, Management under Oyeyemi has ensured that the process of effecting such payments are clearly explained to members of the public through regular public enlightenment programmes. Accordingly, whoever goes out of his way to abuse the process by collecting cash from the offenders on the road or in the offices in lieu of the stated procedures are made to pay dearly through appropriate trials and punishments.
In the same vein, though FRSC designs and produces the National Driver’s Licence and number plates, it does not involve itself or the staff in the direct dealing with members of the public who use the documents. Rather, it deals directly with the state government through their agencies such as Vehicle Inspection Officers and State Boards of Internal Revenue under the tripartite arrangement. That’s why Management under Oyeyemi has ensured that the information on the process for acquiring the documents are pasted at strategic locations in the FRSC offices to guide the licence applicants.
In addition, in the deliberate efforts to upgrade the monitoring system of the Corps for efficient outcomes, the Oyeyemi-led Management recently partnered with relevant anti corruption agencies like ICPC and DSS to embark on sting operations where arrested personnel across the country are being tried under the FRSC Disciplinary Panels. And in further demonstrating its commitment to corruption- free society which aligns with the philosophy of the present administration, Oyeyemi-led Management went into partnership with an NGO known as Akin-Fadeyi Foundation to launch an anti corruption App by which victims of corruption from members of the Corps can immediately activate and send report of the transactions to the FRSC Headquarters for immediate remedial action.
In furtherance of its policy on transparency, the present Management of Corps Marshal Oyeyemi last year established the National Traffic Radio (NTR) to provide ample opportunity for members of the public to not only get information on traffic updates and road conditions across the country, but report any negative encounter with members of the Corps including demand for bribes directly to the studios. The traffic radio which has been in operation is providing direct access to members of the public through various communication tools for unhindered fight against impunity and corruption among the FRSC personnel and other incidents.
As some keen observers of FRSC and players in the fight against corruption have rightly observed, regardless of whatever negative practices that some few bad eggs in the Corps may indulge themselves in to tarnish the hard earned image of the organisation which have no institutional backing for such operational misconduct, Management under Oyeyemi has no doubt been very committed to addressing such ills in the Corps through its aggressive pursuit of anti corruption programmes and more public support could lead to the realisation of the overall success.
We therefore call on every Nigerian of goodwill as well as international partners to see the campaigns for safer road environment and a nation free of corruption as shared responsibilities for which they should all remain committed through robust use of the platforms the FRSC has provided. As Corps Marshal Oyeyemi has continued to restate in his statements, “FRSC is a public trust and its commitment to protecting public interests through transparency programmes would continue to be vigorously pursued by the Management.”
Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, fsi, is the Corps Public Education Officer.
The Good Governance Index, a non-profit organization dedicated to the entrenchment of good governance and accountability in governance at all tiers of government in Nigeria undertook systemic research on factors responsible for insecurity in Nigeria with a view to identifying the factors responsible for the escalation of insecurity in Nigeria.
It relied on primary sources of data in interviews, on the spot assessments tours, interactions with key stakeholders at the various tiers of government as well as close review of documents and policy papers on governance in Nigeria.
The Issues:
Every country has her fair share of security challenges, but when the state of insecurity rises by the day, then there is a need for urgent action. This has been the situation in Nigeria in recent years. Thus, the problem of insecurity in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
Consequently, insecurity has taken various forms in different parts of the country. In the South-West, armed robbers have taken over, while in the North, cross-border bandits operate with ease. However, in the South-South, there are rampant cases of kidnapping. Also the continuous wave of crime and armed robbery attacks, cult killings etc all point to the fact that insecurity is fast becoming a norm in Nigeria and have somewhat suddenly become attractive to specific individuals in seeking to resolve issues that could have ordinarily been settled through due process. The end-products lead to the decimation of innocent lives, disruption of economic activities, and destruction of properties, among others.
Governance at the Local Government Areas:
Local government in Nigeria have more significant challenges than other tiers of government since they have the responsibility of ensuring equitable social and economic development at the grassroots. Chairmen of the council are expected to prepare programmes of work and related financial implication, manage and supervise the allocation of financial and human resource coupled with appropriate monitoring of project execution.
Unfortunately, apart from lacking the above requirements both the elected and civil service officials at the local government lack the ability to establish excellent working relationships, ability to build the consensus, negotiation skills and the commitment to develop a partnership for improved development effectiveness throughout all the Local Government Areas.
From all indication, it was observed that local government administration as a whole is increasing in scope day to day with resulting increased responsibilities. This means that Local Government administration does not merely require people with academic paper qualification, but people with initiative ability to lead, ability to enthuse and to guide. Unfortunately, the Local Governments have failed in their both their statutory powers and political will to address these issues.
The role of the state governments:
It must be stated that the role of state government as a tier of government in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. It has been increasingly noted that the various state governments have been notorious in rendering local government areas in the states ineffective and mostly underfunded. It has also been stated in numerous forums that state governors are in the habit of depriving the bulk of the people in the local government areas the dividends of democracy, and this is somewhat responsible for the spate of agitations at the local government levels which gave rise to all sort of anomalies at the grassroots levels.
Insecurity at Local Government Areas:
The people who reside at the grassroots constitute nearly sixty percent of the entire Nigerian population. But the economic wellbeing of the local government area councils is not sound. This means that poverty is more in local areas than it is in urban centres. And this fact has its attendant implication on the security situation in Nigeria.
According to reliable findings in the cause of the research work, it was observed that the bulk of the security challenges emanates from the state and local government levels. For example, kidnappers and other forms of criminal elements are planned in rural areas. Recruitments into terrorist groups are also carried out at the local government areas because of the level of deprivation and poverty.
Poor governance and lack of accountability:
This research indeed revealed that Local governments in Nigeria experience varying levels of interference from politicians and state governments and there have been contending views on whether interference is desirable or not considering the poor performance of local governments.
The revelations indeed portend grave danger because interference is not desirable as it has been the bane of the security challenges in the country.
Conclusion:
The Good Governance Index as a result of the above, concludes the level of insecurity in the country is fueled substantially by the ignoble role of the state and local governments in the governance structure in the country.
There is an apparent lack of accountability which is a bane in the entrenchment of good governance in the country and provided that ready market for the recruitment of willing foot soldiers by criminal elements into the web of crime and criminalities in the country.
Recommendations:
The Good Governance Index as a result of the preceding herby make the following recommendations;
The federal government should begin the process of demanding from the state governor’s accountability and transparency in the administration of local government funds. This, in our considered opinion, would bring about the much need accountability in governance at the state and local government levels.
The federal government must also do all within its powers to ensure the entrenchment of transparency and accountability at the state and local government levels in a bid to ensure that terrorist and other criminal gangs do not find the local government areas as veritable grounds for the escalation of violence in the country. I
*This report was put together by Dr. Thomas Uzah, a special rapporteur and made available to National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE.*
The Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, 7 December 2020, in Abuja, commission the Army Cyber Warfare Headquarters, warned that any form of hooliganism hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests will be dealt with decisively to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Buhari made the comments while Virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020, President Buhari commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at swiftly restoring law and order in various states during the large-scale criminality that ensued in the wake of the #ENDSARS protests.
While President also reiterate Government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land, the President recounted that the #ENDSARS protests were sadly hijacked by hooligans to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.
He described the Year 2020 as a very challenging one, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life.
”Despite this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in the discharge of its Constitutional roles and in keeping the wealth and welfare of our soldiers a priority.
”The Army’s support of Civil Authorities in the management of the COVID – 19 Pandemic is a case in point.
” Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo States would not have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed by all security agencies, including the Army,” he said at the conference themed “Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism and Responsiveness of the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles.”
The President commended the Army for its unwavering commitment towards curtailing the activities of insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other violent criminals through ongoing exercises and operations in different parts of the country.
Notably, he said the Exercise SAHEL SANITY launched a few months ago in the North West states to rid the Katsina-Zamfara corridor of marauding bandits had recorded commendable progress.
”I have also been briefed about the tremendous successes that have been achieved by troops during the ongoing Operation FIRE BALL in the North East.
”I charge you all to sustain these efforts until the full restoration of peace and security in the nation is achieved,” the President told members of the armed forces at the conference which provides an avenue for the leadership of the Army to re-assess its preparedness and operational readiness in carrying out its Constitutional roles.
President Buhari also used the occasion to pay tribute to men and women in uniform who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence and security of the nation, commiserating with their families, comrades and friends.
”As we pray for the repose of their souls, we must strengthen our collective resolve to address those issues that will make every part of our country a safe and secure place to live and carry out our normal business,” he said.
He pledged that his administration will not relent in its efforts to take adequate care of families of fallen heroes who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against insurgency and other forms of crimes across the country.
At the conference, the President launched the Housing scheme for Next of Kin of personnel of the Nigerian Army killed in action.
”It is in line with this that the Army as part of its welfare initiative and in line with the Federal Government’s housing programme is undertaking the Housing Scheme for families and next of kin of troops that were killed in action in the fight against insurgency and other criminalities in the country.
”I believe this initiative will act as a huge morale booster to the troops on the frontlines as well as project the Army in good light.
”On our part, I assure you that this administration will continue to do all within available resources to provide for your operational and welfare needs,” he said.
President Buhari said he had been briefed that some of the major capabilities procured for the Army will soon be inducted into the various theatres of operations, urging personnel ‘‘to make judicious use of these capabilities, even as we await the arrival of others currently pending shipment to the country.’’
On the choice of the theme of the annual conference, President Buhari noted that it is only through human capacity development that any institution can attain the level of professionalism needed to effectively and efficiently carry out its Constitutional roles.
The President, therefore, congratulated the Army on holding this Conference at the magnificent edifice housing the Army’s Cyber Warfare Command with its state-of-the-art Cyberwarfare Operations Centre, adding that this shows that the Army is alive to the changing nature of warfare which is gradually moving into the cyber domain.
”By the same token, I commend the visionary leadership that has worked assiduously to emplace this vital capability that will fill an existing gap in our nation’s security and defence architecture.
”This and other numerous infrastructural projects that have been embarked upon in recent times by the leadership of the Army has shown good utilization of scarce national resources,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi appreciated the President for always approving funds for operations of the military in the country, assuring that all resources will be judiciously utilised.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, noted that the Nigeria Army was well poised to confront all security challenges, which includes cyber threats.
“We have intensify our civil military relations effort and in bide the best global practices in the conduct of our operations inline with principle of law.
“Within the period under review, the Nigerian Army embarked on massive infrastructural development, undertook further fort restructuring, Carried out various operations as well optimized logistic and support element.
Highlight of the event was the commissioning of Headquarters Cyber Warfare Command by the President, as well as flagging off on the development of an Army Smart estate LifeCamp Abuja.
Barely 48 hours after Bauchi and Gombe State governments received 3 ambulances and 50,000 facemasks each from BUA Group to combat the rising cases of COVID-19 pandemic, another 3 fully equipped ambulances and 50,000 reusable facemasks have been donated to the Kaduna State Government. This is in addition to a N100million donation given by BUA to the state government at the height of the pandemic.
While handing over the donations to Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State, Aliyu Idi Hong, the Government Relations Director of BUA Group, who represented Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder & Chairman of BUA, expressed worry over the recent rise in cases of Covid-19 especially in Africa.
Hong who commended the Kaduna government for its untiring effort in curbing the spread of the virus in the state added that BUA as an indigenous conglomerate will keep committing resources towards ensuring that citizens of Nigeria are protected against the COVID-19.
He said the fully equipped ambulances will assist in the conveyance of patients, specifically for COVID-19 and other medical emergencies
Receiving the donations, Governor Nasir El Rufai noted that BUA had earlier donated one hundred million naira to boost the COVID-19 fight in the state and thanked the BUA Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu for the kind gesture.
“I thank the management of BUA for this generous gesture. It is not the first time Abdul Samad Rabiu has assisted Kaduna State. He gave us one hundred million naira and other donations in kind. I am not only pleased to receive these donations but to hear that more help is on the way.
“This pandemic is still with us, it is still infecting people at a very rapid rate particular here in Kaduna state. So we are very concerned and every assistance we get, we appreciate”.
Since the start of the pandemic, BUA has so far committed over N8billion in cash donations, food stuff, infrastructure, medical supplies and equipment, amongst others.
US based Nigerian reggae musician and actor The Ras General has dropped a new single ‘How Long’, a song inspired by current events happening around the world.
A former member of the Rasta Officers Band, the first reggae family band to come out of africa formed with his three brothers as members.
The Ras general (Given name, Stanley Onwu) would soon relocate to Ghana where he became a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Organisation where he met another rasta bredren by the name Ras Korby and together they formed another band known as The Nazarite VowBand, one of the biggest and most militant reggae outfits in Ghana at the time.
The Ras General always on the move later migrated to the united States of America, where he still resides with his family.
The artiste who is also an Actor, Poet, Movie Producer, Writer and Singer has performed alongside many local and international acts including reggae legends like Mutabaruka, Yesus Afari, Culture, Don Carlos, Buju Banton and Toots Hibberts just to mention a few.
He also played a major role alongside Jamaican movie star Paul Campbell in the movie ‘The Jamaican Mafia.’
His brand new single ‘How Long’ released under his Peoples’ Army music label is currently enjoying massive airplay on reggae shows on local radio stations across the country and on other radio stations across the west african coast.
The song is also available for download on social media platforms.
All is set for the digital financial inclusion summit as Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with Vanguard Economic Forum Series, convenes top minds in the industry on a discussion centering around Digital Financial Inclusion. The virtual summit is slated for 8th of December, 2020.
The Speakers and panelists who are subject matter experts in digital transformation and financial inclusiveness were carefully drawn from the banking, regulatory bodies, telecoms and other key sectors of the economy notably Jimoh Itopa, Director Payment System Management, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alan Sinfield, current CEO 9mobile, Ronke Kuye, CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF), Jacqueline Juma of EfinA a transformative specialist in Digital Financial Services (DFS), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of Alton, and Kolawole Olanike, Head Agency Banking, Ecobank Nigeria.
According to a statement from Ecobank and Vanguard, Alan Sinfield, CEO 9mobile is a telecoms expert with vast international and operational expertise and experience in wireless telecoms, fintech, and banking sectors spanning over 30 years. He had been a CEO at Ooredoo (Starlink), a subsidiary of Qatar Telecommunications Group.
Ronke Kuye, is the Chief Executive Officer of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF). Ronke has over 24 years experience in banking, cards and Payment systems and e-business, Operations, Process Transformation and Project Management.
Jacqueline Juma, a transformative specialist in Digital Financial Services (DFS), currently serves as the Head, Digital Financial Services at EFInA.
Also listed as panelist is Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and Kolawole Olanike, Head Agency Banking in Ecobank.
Announcing the Summit in Lagos recently, Head, Consumer Banking, Olukorede Demola-Adeniyi said the Summit will provide a platform to discuss the need for a comprehensive alignment of policy and regulatory frameworks among regulators like CBN, NCC, NITDA to support a sustainable digital financial inclusion growth, examine key issues and ways of advancing digital financial inclusion for women, youths and MSMEs and discuss the role of interoperability in mobile payment innovation. Further she mentioned that the role and impact of agency banking for financial inclusion growth will be x-rayed as well as the need for public and private sector investments in internet infrastructure and mobile connectivity growth in rural areas.
Also, Jude Ndu, Director Vanguard Conferences and The Economic Forum Series, said the Summit would help Ecobank communicate and connect with Nigeria’s largely unbanked population on the urgent need to adopt and subscribe to innovative digital payment channels like the *326# and financial service offerings to close the large financial Inclusion gap and a direct response the economic challenge post COVID-19. Participants can register by visiting the url —http://bit.ly/2Fj5Mvm.
The Ecobank Digital Series is a virtual programme organised by Ecobank to educate and enlighten the public on crucial issues of public interest, especially as it relates to their financial freedom.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in its commitment to ensure that residents at the grassroots have access to affordable, effective and quality healthcare, has partnered with First Bank of Nigeria Limited to utilise its over 13,000 Firstmonie Agents as payment channels for the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS).
The General Manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, made the disclosure during the flag off of the partnership in Alausa, saying that the partnership became necessary to facilitate ease of health insurance premium transactions for residents, especially at the grassroots.
She noted that FirstBank was selected for the partnership in recognition of its effectiveness, efficiency and large clientele base.
“The Agency realised that not all residents can go to the Bank or use online platforms for the payment of their health insurance premiums, hence the Agency identified the need for other payment platforms such as the Firstmonie Agents”, Dr. Zamba explained.
Asserting that the partnership would avail residents the opportunity to pay either N40,000 annually for family plan or N8,500 annually for individual plan through any of the Firstmonie Agents, the General Manager said that once the insurance premium is paid before 25th of every month, such enrollee can receive care from the first day of the following month at any public or private hospital of their choice within the scheme’s network of providers.
While commending the good gesture of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Zamba urged other corporate and multinational organisations to support the Agency towards ensuring that Lagos residents, irrespective of their tribal, cultural or religious differences, access quality healthcare.
The General Manager disclosed that efforts are being intensified to ensure that residents can also enrol for the Scheme at any of the Firstmonie Agents situated within their localities.
The Deputy Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbenga Shobo, who commended the Lagos State Government for its determination in ensuring the good health and wellbeing of all residents, said “the initiative will have a crucial role at improving the life expectancy of Lagos residents, whilst promoting their increased contribution to the growth and development of the State”.
He implored residents not to hesitate to pay their health insurance premiums at any of the Firstmonie Agents located in all the local governments and local council development areas in the State in order to have their health secured.
Shobo advised residents in the State to register and enrol in the Scheme in order to enjoy the good gesture of the present administration led by Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Chief of Army Staff, Gen T. Y. Buratai teeing off at the golf resort
It is a gathering of Generals both serving and retired, dignitaries from all walks of life were also present as the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai officially launch of the TYB International Golf Resort and the foundation laying of the its clubhouse.
The event which took place at the premises of Mambilla Barracks have in attendance the representative of the Corps Marshall General of the Federal Road Safety Corps, representatives of Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and representative of Nigerian Golf Federations (NGF) as well as for captain of Ikoyi Golf Club, Brigadier General Musbau Amolegbe and other dignitaries and golf lovers.
In his opening speech the Chairman of the golf resort Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun is full of thanks to the Chief of Army Staff who he said conceive the vision of constructing the golf course from what was in the plan to what can presently boast of 18 holes, and also making sure that a befitting clubhouse was also added to replace the temporary gazebo currently serving that purpose.
The golf course which was formerly known as Eagle International Golf Resort and Country Club is formerly owned and maintained by members of the armed forces of Nigeria both serving and retired. The latest level was however the innovation pioneered by the club’s Life Patron who is the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, whose aim is to establish a world class golf course to encourage recreation and sporting activities amongst Nigerian Army personnel and other services as well as the provision of conducive golfing experience for other golfers.
The golf resort covers an expanse of 230 acres of land and house a temporary clubhouse with the new clubhouse works set to begin. The permanent clubhouse which will include facilities for multipurpose center, driving roads, parking lots, storage facilities, equipment maintenance and shopping center.
The establishment of the golf course within the barracks community was significant in that it has enhanced civil military relationship and has provided a veritable avenue for engagements of youths within the barracks as caddies who are also aspiring to be golfers in future.
Chief of Army Staff T.Y. Buratai in his speech was happy at the turn of event for deciding to use the land for the purpose it was earmarked for in the Abuja master plan. He was full of praise for the work prudently done with scarce resources to take the resort to its current state, he also wants the army to constructively engage energetic youths both male and female to expose them to opportunities that may be impossible to access when left on their own.
Gen Buratai, was happy that the resort recent tournament stands as the first of such where female golfers were allowed to showcase their talents in a professional golf tournament in the country, and that it affirms that the country has the talents to compete at global level if given appropriate exposure and support and in an effort to ensure the sustenance of the tournament the CAoS decided that the professional and amateur of the golfing event be made an annual event of the army.
He also promised that the newly commissioned clubhouse will be completed in no time so that people will be able to make use of the facilities for the betterment of the country sporting world. He also appreciated Gen Amolegbe who had promised to write to Garmin to calibrate the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort on the international golf watch.
