Captain Idahosa Okunbo’s benevolence transcends his achievements in business. As a well-known and celebrated philanthropist in Sub-Sahara Africa, he has contributed immensely towards the development of education and scholarship, the promotion of entrepreneurship and youth development, as well as poverty reduction programmes.
Most recently, he has made large donations to projects aimed at the total annihilation of illegal migration and human trafficking of young Africans.
The menace of irregular migration and trafficking in persons is far more personal to him, because of his understanding of how deep this challenge portends to the economy and the devastating effect it has on families and the society.
It is for this reason that he singlehandedly partnered and sponsored the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), which launched an initiative themed: International Action on Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons, and whose anchor project, Skills and Entrepreneurship Development Program (SED-P), was designed to identify young Nigerians and redirect them towards self-reliance and strategic development.
With his huge contribution, the programme was able to organise its first International Conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, in 2019. It was a huge success, which saw the convergence of representatives from various United Nations, International, and African agencies, as well as several panel experts and other development partners.
The Skills Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SED-P) has thus far trained hundreds of persons in various skill-acquisition drives across Nigeria.
This gesture was made possible with Captain Okunbo’s support.
*Siasia is Chairman, Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF)
www.nypf.org.ng
The deepening division between England and Scotland in the United Kingdom shows yet another one of TB Joshua’s 2020 prophecies manifesting.
On 28th December 2019, Prophet TB Joshua released his prophetic message for the year 2020 which he aptly termed ‘The Year Of Humility’.
In prophecy number eleven specifically directed towards UK, Joshua declared, “There will be agitation from a section that wants to leave; that will become an issue.”
Recent reports in UK revealed the government handling of the coronavirus pandemic has further intensified division within England and Scotland, with the support for Scottish independence reaching its highest level.
Poll guru Sir John Curtice revealed that for the first time in Scottish history, the ‘Yes’ side is the favourite to win should Scotland host a second independence referendum, with a new poll revealing 54 per cent of Scots now back independence, a five-point surge since March.
When British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Scotland earlier this week, he received a markedly frosty reception.
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, tweeted upon his arrival: “I welcome the PM to Scotland today. One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions, rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn’t vote for, taking us down a path we haven’t chosen. His presence highlights that.”
In his 2020 prophecy, Joshua equally spoke of division among the British Royal Family, confirmed in January when Prince Harry took the controversial decision to officially resign from royal duties.
A new book titled ‘Finding Freedom’ shortly to be released detailing ‘behind-the-scenes’ details of Harry’s departure from the Royal Family is set to widen existing tensions with unsavoury details of internal royal rows set to be made public.
In his prophecy for America, the cleric disclosed that “approach to the security issue will affect the candidates and swing voters in the next election”.
With the election approaching in November, ongoing security challenges facing USA in the wake of the death of George Floyd have seen polls show voters support swing steadily towards Democrat Joe Biden.
In his declaration concerning those in ministry, Joshua revealed in the prophecy: “People will be getting tired this year because the work of God is not by power and might; because of so many challenges, tribulations and burdens they will not be able to bear.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on businesses and lives in general, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade 1, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, assured his people that it is a phase that will pass.
In a message to mark his fourth anniversary as ruler of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen, stated that in order to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, people need to be united in adhering to the laid down directives by the government and the health bodies.
According to the monarch, beyond the effort of the government, the people need to observe social distancing, proper hygiene practices, abstain from public gathering, and other such regulations.
“The palace understands the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on businesses, and the way of life of people, that is why we are with them during this time of dire need.”
“It is at a time like this I urge all Nigerians to remain united in their day-to-day dealings with one another, irrespective of tribe or religion. Together we can defeat this pandemic and have things return to normalcy,” he said.
Kabiyesi seized the opportunity to commiserate with families of Late Sen. Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo, Senator, Lagos East Senatorial District and other people that might have lost their beloved ones during this trying period.
The Oba also called on the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and appropriate agencies to take the security of lives and property serious, especially as it relates to his community.
According to him, there is no better time to come together to stem the prevailing incidents of cult related violence and other forms of insecurity than now. The cultists must be treated as ‘common enemies’ to themselves and the future of our great Igbogbo Kingdom.
He further drew the plight of the government to the state of roads in the community, stating that adequate infrastructure is necessary in ensuring a viable economy and discourage urban migration.
“Other issues I would like to draw the attention of the government to include that of flooding and how it threatens the lives of my people, as well as the delay in compensating people of Igbogbo Kingdom whose houses were demolished to pave ways for road construction.”
“It is enough pain to lose ones ancestral home(s) for the development of our kingdom. It is more disheartening to wait endlessly for compensation that is meant to resettle the heroes/heroines of this noble sacrifice.”
While thanking the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Olufemi Hamzat for their unalloyed support, Oba Semiudeen also used the opportunity to remind Mr Governor of the compensation for his people.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the Ijaolu family, the council of Obas, my traditional and honourary Chiefs, Baales of communities, iyaloja/babaloja, religious bodies, as well as the Chairman and great staff of Igbogbo Bayeku Local Government for the support they have shown me these past four years.”
“My gratitude will lack substance if I don’t specially recognize the elected representatives, political actors and community developers that have been of immense support to the throne.”
“I would also like to call on the sons and daughters of Igbogbo as well as the Lagos State Government to come together to ensure the rapid development of the Kingdom,” he added.
While appealing to religious bodies to continue praying for the defeat of the pandemic which has prevented believers from observing prayers in different places of worship, Adeboruwa also commended frontline health workers.
“It is also of great importance that I acknowledge sacrifices made by religious leaders and their congregants that have been unable to worship since the breakout of the COVID 19 pandemic. Also, the Olombas.
“These people have been unable to celebrate important festivals due to the physical distance measure as stipulated by COVID 19 protocols. I enjoin them to keep praying for the world to overcome the challenges.”
“I also want to identify with our frontline workers in the State ably led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. Their commitments and dedication to duty made it possible for the state to effectively manage the pandemic at great risk to their own health” Kabiyesi said.
“As we gradually approach Ileya celebration, I wish Muslim community a happy celebration and enjoin them to observe the sallah in peace and harmony.”
“They should reflect on the importance of the celebration and pray for the country and its leaders. It is also important that they should adhere strictly to whatever directive that may be issued by the government in this regard.” he said.
Born October 20, 1968, in Lagos, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali studied Law at the University of Ibadan and graduated in 1997. He thereafter proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was among the last batch in Lagos, before the opening of the Abuja campus. He equally bagged his LLM from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife.
He joined the Pinheiro & Oguntade Law Firm between 1999 and 2000.
Oba Semiudeen took personal interest in International Relations and Politics and was very much in love with Political Science and International Relations.
The ruling house, Ijaolu, presented him as its candidate for the stool of Igbogbo Kingdom in June 2015 amongst the three applicants who made the final list.
Oba Semiudeen voluntarily retired his appointment in the Lagos State Civil Service, Ministry of Justice as a Chief State Counsel, Level14 Officer with work experience spanning fifteen years of selfless and meritorious service.
He is married to Olori Sekinat Omolara Kasali and Olori Kafayat Omobolanle Kasali and is blessed with children.
There are eerie similarities between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Icarus, the son of Daedalus, the famous craftsman in Greek mythology. As the story goes, Icarus and his father attempted to escape from prison using wings that the older man constructed from feathers and wax.
Icarus’ father warned him about complacency and hubris and asked that he flew neither too low nor too high so that the sea’s dampness would not clog his wings or the sun’s heat melt them. Icarus ignored his father’s instructions and flew very close to the sun, then, the wax in his wings melted and he fell into the sea. The moral of the myth is the need for personal ambitions to be guided by knowledge, balance and self-discipline.
The absence of these qualities in personal, professional or political dealings is now globally known as the Icarus Complex, which many, who know say, Obaseki is suffering acutely from.
This was first made public by the governor’s first cousin and acclaimed filmmaker, Dr Don-Pedro Obaseki, who on the eve of the 2016 election said Obaseki is an accustomed traitor, who could not be trusted with power and, therefore, undeserving of the people’s votes.
However, the people were swayed by the robust and rousing promises of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a leader they had implicit confidence in and who vowed and assured the people that Obaseki would continue with his legacy and take the state further than he did.
That, of course, was all that the people needed to trust him with their mandate.
What Obaseki met on the ground was a feasible and functional template, which he only needed to build upon. Alas, he came with a different agenda that is self-serving at best and hideous at worst and which has, unfortunately, plunged the state into a quicksand.
Obaseki has come full circle. He has unravelled as a patently retrogressive and power-drunk, who cannot be trusted with public office and the people’s common patrimony. He is now sold on his faux invincibility and has crossed into the age of hubris during which he started fighting many avoidable battles. He also wilfully weaned himself of those who could steer him aright.
Things are so bad for him right now that that at no time in recent memory had a people unanimously and openly made it known that they were better off with a pre-schooler than him as a governor.
Without a doubt, his desire for a second term is legitimate but his wanton mismanagement of the state and the people, as well as his massive ego, which is a kind of deformity akin to virulent cancer that is constantly metastasising to the point of self-consummation, has turned him into an anathema in the state.
No government or society can survive without the private sector yet, Obaseki’s blasé intolerance and scant regard for the rule of law with the consequent inability to attract investments, has almost driven the private sector in the state into extinction. It is the same intolerance that has seen him engage in several confrontations with many Edo elders notably Oshiomhole and one of Edo State’s most illustrious sons, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo.
Despite several rebuttals that he has no interest in the governorship of the state, Obaseki has been using every available means to throw mud at the successful businessman and philanthropist. But, instead of rolling in the mud with him, Capt Hosa, as he is fondly called, has maintained an avuncular and dignified stance.
A businessman, who has conquered the air, land and sea and with honours from all over the world, Capt. Hosa is not just an epitome of integrity and incorruptibility; he is a straightforward individual, who does not shy away from taking responsibility for his actions.
Capt Hosa has told whoever cares to listen that the only thing close to his heart now is giving back to humanity from the abundance of what God has blessed him with, not a political office.
Still, Obaseki paid no heed to this admonition as he continued to denigrate and deride a man whose ingenuity birthed among other economic concerns, the $750m Wells Hosa Green House Farm in Ovia North-East area of the state, which stands on 27 hectares of land and has the capacity for 28 hydroponic greenhouses, projected in the first instance to generate 25,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs.
That’s just one out of many things he does for his people. Captain Hosa’s philanthropic activities are the stuff of legends. It is this selfless man that Obaseki wanted to get rid of. What a joke of a governor!
Well, the governorship election is just a few weeks away and the mood in the state is already upbeat. Many cannot wait for September 19 to come so they can lawfully replace him with Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. And it is not hard to see why there are so much expectation and enthusiasm towards Ize-Iyamu’s expected electoral victory.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu is a thoroughbred Edo son and lawyer, whose political experience is peerless. With the return of Nigeria to democratic rule in 1999, he was appointed as Chief of Staff to former Governor Lucky Igbinedion. When Igbinedion was re-elected for a second term, he elevated Ize-Iyamu to the position of Secretary to the State Government.
He went on to serve as Director-General of Oshiomhole’s second term campaign organisation. Beyond all these, the people have come to embrace his SIMPLE Agenda to rejuvenate and rebuild the state. The SIMPLE agenda, therefore, is centred on Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructure Development and Urban Renewal, Manpower Development, Public-Private Partnership, Leadership by Example, as well as Employment and Empowerment Scheme.
“The summary of the SIMPLE agenda with its deep intentions and objectives, are unified in purpose and conception, showcasing a deliberateness that is vital for progress and development. As you all know, unfortunately, these are traits missing in the Edo leadership as presently constituted, where the scarce resources rather being used for the betterment of its citizens, are channelled to promote violence and thuggery, victimisation and plunder,” he said.
It is yet to be seen how Obaseki, with his current political misadventures, intends to beat the September 19 defeat. Certainly, not with the odds increasingly stacked against him. He’s picked too many but wrong political battles and definitely set to stew in his own juice, come September 19.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 19 gubernatorial election in Edo State, is currently leading Governor Godwin Obaseki, the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in an online poll conducted by Ripples Nigeria.
According to John Mayaki, the Chairman of the Edo state APC Media Campaign Council, the poll was sponsored by Governor Godwin Obaseki to test his might.
The online poll with the headline ‘Who would you vote in the Edo Guber election: Obaseki or Ize-Iyamu has 4,292 votes as at 7:14pm on Wednesday July 22.
In the result, 48 percent of respondents said they will vote for Ize-Iyamu while 46 per cent picked Obaseki. Five percent of the respondents picked other candidates aside the two main challengers.
Crusoe Osagie, Media Aide to Governor Obaseki, could not be reached for his reaction.
The New Nigeria Collective (NNC) group has dismissed the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, as an incurable liar for failing to own up to his acts of ingratitude and cruelty to Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo.
This followed his recent outright denial of everything accused him of in his reply to Captain Okunbo’s letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Edo State on the state of the state preparatory to the September 19 governorship election.
In a press release signed by its chairman, Adeola Adewunmi, the group, which described Obaseki as an incurable and habitual liar, said Captain Okunbo’s detailed letter advertised in a majority of the key national dailies on Monday, painted a vivid picture of the governor’s crimes against him, citing places, names, witnesses and dates.
This, the group maintained, was an indication of a man, who came clean to the public with all the facts before him, unlike Obaseki, who only resorted to emotional blackmail and danced round the issues without paying attention to the clearly identified issues.
“We read with absolute shock and its resultant helplessness, albeit momentarily, all the lies put together by Governor Godwin Obaseki, in an attempt to look good before the public against the well documented grouses of one of Benin’s great and illustrious sons, Captain Idahosa Okunbo.
“We are quick to note that your reply is a cocktail of lies and an afterthought, which is of no consequence. Where were you when your men, armed with falsehood and deceit, were throwing stones at Captain Hosa? If truly he was your brother or friend as you claimed, did you ever reach out to him even after he said at different times that you and your men should leave him alone?
“Why didn’t you also confirm to the whole world that Captain Hosa was your brother and friend by asking your foot soldiers to stop all their attacks against him, at least, after you saw a letter he personally wrote and addressed to the public? But after that, the attacks escalated.
“You are but a very wicked man trying to draw the sympathy of the public. You brought down the hotel of an innocent citizen, who once supported you just, because you couldn’t get his support this time around and sent your agents on a bombing spree of perceived and real political opponents and more,” the group alleged.
According to NNC, the governor also went further, using his libelous claims through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Crusoe Osagie, without any iota of proof and that exposed the modus operandi of the state, which he stated, automatically brought to naught, his reply to Captain Hosa, intended to draw up sympathy
“With Crusoe, Adaze and one Lukeman still on rampage against Captain Hosa for unsubstantiated claims on various social media platforms, the governor must be delusional to have written such a letter just to attract the sympathy of the unsuspecting public. But that’s no more.
“Deep down in his conscience and before God, Obaseki knows that all Captain Hosa stated in his statement were true and if he was actually his friend or brother, he should have also known that the Captain does not tell lies.
“As a major stakeholder in Edo State and your brother and friend as you claimed, did you ever tell him you were interested in a second term and therefore needed his support and vote? Anyway, we can say unequivocally that Captain Hosa is ready and willing to face the consequences of his choice as indicated in your letter.”
The group further noted with disdain, Obaseki’s penchant for calling Oshomhole a godfather and yet was the greatest beneficiary of that status he so conferred on the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As the economic adviser to Oshiomhole for eight years, why did you not resign your appointment since you said you did it pro bono, especially if the man was evil as being painted now the same way you are trying to paint Captain Hosa with lies.
“Captain Hosa could only have supported the truth and nothing but the truth, rather than draw him into an ethnic war with Oshiomhole, who is more Benin in mind and actions than yourself, because you had nothing to offer him like the carrots you were throwing at others after making them hungry and creating poverty in the land,” the group posited.
Restraining from mentioning the names of people allegedly at Obaseki’s house the day he made the ‘embarrassing phone call’ that exposed his evil plots against Okunbo, “because of the enormous respect we have for such individuals”, the group said, “But if you strongly contest it, we will be very glad to summon witnesses to court to prove the allegations
“Besides, don’t forget that the receipts of the tickets that captain Hosa bought for you to China are still with him as evidence? Why, therefore, would Oshiomhole even need you to steal Edo’s money, when he already did his eight years?
“We make bold to say Oshiomhole did more infrastructure developments than your propaganda of the last four years, orchestrated by some young men, who need genuine help but whom you have hired to be abusing their elders in the name of politics? Politics has never being played this way before in Edo State. This is the lowest and thanks to you, Governor Obaseki.”
It would, therefore, be delusional for Obaseki to think Captain Hosa would reckon that his poorly written letter was in good faith, when indeed, it was a deceit intended to once again mislead the public and attract undeserving sympathy in his desperation for a re-election, the group claimed.
Fidelity Bank Plc has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the general public of the appointment of Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, as the incoming Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2021.
The bank made the announcement on Monday in a notice on the NSE website, signed by Ezinwa Unuigboje, its Company Secretary.
The notice said the appointment followed the impending retirement of its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, from the Board of Directors of the bank, with effect from December 31 upon completion of his contract tenure.
“In compliance with the succession policy of the bank, the board has approved the appointment of Onyeali-Ikpe, the current Executive Director, Lagos and South West Directorate as the MD/CEO designate of the bank, to assume office with effect from January 1, 2021.
“The approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been obtained for the appointment,” said the statement.
It said the board had also approved the appointment of Kevin Ugwuoke, the current Chief Risk Officer of the Bank, as Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer, subject to the approval of the CBN.
The statement said that Mr Okonkwo was appointed to the Board of the bank in April 2012 as an Executive Director and was subsequently appointed the MD/CEO on January 1, 2014.
It said Mr Okonkwo implemented a digital-led strategy which led to significant growth across key performance metrics and increased market share, with the bank currently ranked sixth amongst Nigerian banks on most performance indices.
The statement said the bank under his leadership successfully accessed the local and international markets through the issuance of N30 billion Corporate Bonds in 2015 and $400million Eurobonds in 2017.
“The board seizes this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to Okonkwo for his significant contributions to the growth and development of the Bank during his tenure of the board,” the statement added.
It said Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe was appointed to the Board of Fidelity Bank in 2015 as an Executive Director and currently oversees the Lagos and Southwest Directorate.
It stated that she led the transformation of the directorate to profitability and sustained its impressive year-on-year growth across key performance metrics.
The bank said Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe had been an integral part of the current management team responsible for the remarkable increase in the bank’s performance in the last five years.
It stated that the area under her direct responsibility, in the period, contributed over 28 per cent of the bank’s profit before tax, deposits and loans.
“Onyeali-Ikpe has over 30 years of experience across various banks including Standard Chartered Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Citizens International Bank Limited, where she held several management positions in Legal, Treasury, Investment Banking, Retail/Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking
“She has been involved in the structuring of complex transactions in various sectors including oil & gas; manufacturing, aviation, real estate and export.
“As an Executive Director at Enterprise Bank, she received formal commendation from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) as a member of the management team that successfully turned around Enterprise Bank.
“She holds Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Kings College, London, respectively,” it said.
It added that Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe had attended executive training programmes at Harvard Business School, the Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business, London Business School and IMD amongst others.
The bank said Onyeali-Ikpe is currently undergoing a Diploma programme in Organisational Leadership at Said Business School, Oxford University, UK.
Chairman of Ocean Marine Solution (OMS), Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo (Capt, Hosa), has served notice on the Edo State Government of his intention to proceed against it in court for libelous and defamatory publications against him by the State Government.
In a letter by his Counsel, Dr Oladapo Olanipekun (SAN), dated July 20, 2020 and referenced EM/OAG/02/2020, addressed to the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, Capt. Hosa demanded a retraction of the said publications.
He also demanded that the State Government and/or its representatives should cease and desist from making any further libelous and defamatory publications against him.
Not done, the billionaire businessman demanded the sum of N2 billion for the “embarrassment, inconvenience, losses and damages done to his person, character and interests” as a result of the “mischievous, malicious and misleading publications.”
In the four-page letter, Olanipekun said that “On Monday, 20 July, 2020, publications captioned “Okunbo, Oshiomhole making plans to disrupt Edo governorship elections”, appeared on pages 26 of The Punch and 53 of THISDAY.
“The said publications bear the insignia/mark of the Edo State Government and was signed by Crusoe Osagie, designated as Special Adviser, Media and Communication Strategy (to the Governor), Edo State Government.
“The thrust of the captions and publications referred to above is expressed and reflected in some of the abstracts/excerpts below:
“…a Benin billionaire, Captain Hosa Okunbo, held a meeting on July 19, 2020, where they perfected plans to recruit thugs to disrupt the forthcoming September 19 governorship election in the State, having discovered that they cannot win the election in a fair contest.
“…they met with these thugs, gave them targets and paid them in advance to cause trouble and undermine the will of the people during the election.
“…Okunbo is a key figure in the gang-up to take Edo backward. He is actively supporting and sponsoring warlords, thugs and ill-intentioned politicians that are scheming to dislodge Governor Obaseki so they can have free access to the State’s treasury.
“We are therefore calling on security agencies to quickly intervene, investigate and rein in Okunbo in his quest to set the State ablaze.”
Olanipekun said that “arising from the foregoing, the captions and publications are most unfortunate, inaccurate, misleading, malicious, unfair, defamatory, libelous and incriminating.”
According to him, “You are aware that our client is one of the most prominent citizens of Edo State and, indeed, a foremost Nigerian. He is an accomplished businessman, whose interests and achievements, transcend Edo State and Nigeria.
“Through hard work, excellence and the rare business acumen, our client has built and nurtured a diverse and vast business conglomerate, spanning different spheres of the Nigerian economy.
“Edo State is one of the primary beneficiaries of our client’s industry. He invests significantly in the welfare of the State and he employs several hundreds of Edo indigenes in his many businesses.
“Our client has been meticulous in building his career with the hallmarks of diligence and integrity. His peace-loving nature has received global acclaim. Hence, he was recognized with a global peace award in 2019 by the Chairman of the Order of Lafayette awards in Geneva, Switzerland.
“We could refer to an endless list of numerous awards and achievements certifying our client as a man of integrity, industry, means and peace. It is instructive that some of these awards were conferred on our client by institutions based in Edo State. He is a respected Nigerian and philanthropist, who is held in high esteem within and beyond the shores of Nigeria.”
He stated further; “As a remote and direct result of the false, inaccurate, misleading and libelous publications, our client has been inundated with several inquiries from different parts of the world by concerned associates, clients, investors, friends and family members, demanding explanation and clarification about the criminal insinuations of the publications.
“This has caused serious embarrassment to our client’s reputation and businesses. It has also caused our client undue apprehension, with implications to his health. Our client is not unmindful that these publications are calculated to instigate public antagonism against his person, family and business interests.”
Olanipekun added: “The publications have caused considerable distress to our client, putting his distinguished and illustrious reputation at risk. In particular, you are aware that as with most businesses, our client’s businesses thrive on goodwill.
“The negative impact of the publications makes it more tarnishing and grievous. Rather than establish the truth of the publications, they ere published without taking any steps that would have revealed their inaccuracy.
“Our client notes with concern that the resources and insignia of the Edo State Government have been lent to this unworthy cause, which appears to serve no other purpose than to witch-hunt, malign and settle personal scores for incomprehensible reasons.
“Our client has been projected as a criminal conspirator, who sponsors thugs and takes pleasure in unleashing mayhem and anarchy. He has also been portrayed as an undemocratic and anti-democratic Nigerian, with a dishonest and criminal source of income.
“Clearly, the publications have lowered the estimation/perception of our client in the view of right-thinking and reasonable members of the society.”
Olanipekun continued: “Premised on the foregoing, we have further instruction of our client to demand a retraction of the publication and an unreserved apology.
“The said retraction and apology, apart from being in writing to our client in person, should be published in the same newspapers and given the same prominence as the defamatory caption/publications.
“We also demand that the Edo State Government and or its representatives cease(s) and desist(s) from making any further libelous and defamatory publications in respect of our client.
“Finally, our client demands the sum of N2,000,000,000 (two billion naira) for the embarrassment, inconvenience, losses and damages done to his person, character and interests.
“In the event that the Edo State Government fails to meet these legitimate demands of our client within a period of 3 (three) days from receipt of this letter, our firm instruction is to proceed with other legal means of seeking redress for our client.”
The garment gives thanks to the shoulder. The visitor gives thanks to hospitable dweller. The diviner gives thanks to his unfailing deity. The àlúkò bird gives thanks to the camwood resin. When day dawns, the cattle egret gives thanks to the chalk, because thanksgiving turns what we have into enough.
In this skillfully-crafted composition titled “OPE NLA” (Big Thanks), the immensely talented, very successful and widely-admired trailblazer, Lanre Teriba (Atorise), known for his mellifluous voice and his melodious and deeply inspiring songs, encourages us to adopt the act of being grateful as an unbendable habit, no matter what situations we find ourselves. Like his other albums, this new composition will surely inspire people. OPE NLA audio CDs will be out in the market this week Wednesday, 23, July, 2020.
The Olowu of Kuta in Ayedire Local Government area of Osun state, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama has asked the Senate to be more creative in finding solutions to the problems of insecurity, insurgency and banditry in the country.
The traditional ruler, who was reacting to Senate’s Tuesday call for the resignation of the service chiefs as solution to the country’s insecurity challenges reminded the lawmakers that the problem the country faced demanded experience which he said the current military leaders have been using effectively against the insurgents.
The oba warned that the senate should stop giving the impression that once the current service chiefs leave the stage, insecurity would disappear stressing that the exit of the service chiefs in the middle of a war would be a major set back for the nation.
“Rather than continue to play politics with this issue of who should be service chiefs, the senate should rather be more actively involved in the search for peace through political means. Every war ultimately ends on a roundtable. Our senators, being representatives of the people in all the 109 senatorial districts in the country should galvanise the nation at this time to back our service chiefs with political solutions to this war going on. The solution does not lie in changing a set of service chiefs for another.
“For instance, there has been a change of the head of our police three times since 2015, what has been our experience with internal security despite the changes? This alone should tell us that the problem is not with the leadership of the military who have continued to give a very good accountof their expertise in combating terrorism and banditry.
“A war is won through a combination of consistent military engagements and formulation of clear headed political policies. I therefore, appeal to our lawmakers to let us look beyond a change of leadership in the military in our search for solutions to the nation’s security problems. Beyond the politics of it, I do not see how a replacement of the military leaders will make a difference.
“We need more of political solution now which the senate must see as its own share of the responsibility of getting peace back into our country,” the oba said.
