The news we are getting now is that the household of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu just receive a new addition as we can reliably inform you that his industrious and hardworking son Seyi and his equally wonderful wife Layal were blessed with a bouncing baby boy earlier today.
Seyi is the philanthropic Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia, an out of home advert company, while the wife is the proprietor of Tots Toys here in Nigeria. The baby was delivered today in a London hospital and we can inform you that both the mother and the new born are doing wonderfully well with Seyi Tinubu present for the birth.
The entire family are saying a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their prayers, support and well-wishes. This will be Layal & Seyi’s second child as they already have an adorable daughter, Noella, who was born in 2017.
The family will make further announcements over the next few days.
The conception, birth and ministry of Jesus Christ were nothing shrouded in secrecy. Long before each of the phases in the life of God’s only son, His father had announced them and true to the prophecies, they all came to pass one after the other.
But why did you think He was also crucified? The answer is not far fetched: because he fulfilled his destiny as prophesied long before his coming. That was His only sin. Besides, as the Bible records, it was also to fulfill all righteousness.
Pause a moment and spare a thought for some of the undeserving attacks on the person of one of Edo State’s billionaires and philanthropists, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, and ask yourself: why is Captain Hosa, as many are wont to call him, suddenly an issue in the state’s body polity?
Curiously, his only sin is that Captain Okunbo remains one of the few incorruptible billionaires, who started making money some 30 years ago, with a consistent lifestyle, steeped in hard work, affluence, generosity, philanthropy, sympathy and the fear of God.
Now, let’s get it straight. As simple as all these may sound, they do not come easy. Operating in an environment, where sleaze, manipulation and official corruption are a norm, it’s hard to find individuals, who are better than the system that raised and produced them.
This is where Captain Okunbo is different and incidentally, it is also the reason his traducers have remained unrelenting in their fruitless efforts to dig up what is tawdry, smelly and non- existent, just to smear him, especially, their penchant for linking him with what he’s never had business with.
But for a man, who isn’t just doing things right but has also found favour before God and a majority of men as well as his people of Edo, the traducers of this rare creature would have to try harder to bring down a man, meticulously sculpted by God for a specific assignment on earth.
A pride of his people and sincere patriot by all standards, the good people of Edo, today, are proud to have one of God’s uncommon creatures amongst them. Humble, self-effacing and not by any stroke of imagination conceited, it is curious to know why his haters have refused to admit that Captain Hosa has paid his dues to deserve his current station in any human rating.
Not only are his businesses legitimate, he has been conscientious and consistent over the years, the result of which is his ever increasing wealth, the larger chunk of which he has also dedicated to improving humanity and healing the world.
It is simple logic, of course, that anyone, who has continuously maintained the same decent lifestyle for so long a time, out of outright hard work and God’s given providence, should be respected by his people, and at the same time adore the grace of God upon his life, especially, for having attracted some of the most prestigious recognitions both at home and abroad.
Without rejoicing at the misfortune of others, it goes without saying that many others had fallen off the ladder of success after a few years of joining the class of the rich.
This is also why Captain Okunbo cannot be described as rich but a wealthy man,
because he has been able to reach out to his people and those around him through his philanthropy.
Why then should anyone go to the gutters with such a man, who had said times with out number that he should be left out of Edo politics?
Well, hopefully they don’t finally get to drag him into the arena, where of course, he would do nothing but further display his goodwill amongst his people.
Although a fighter, he engages only in reasonable battles.
Suffice it to say, however, that it is not by sheer happenstance that the lines are constantly falling in the right places for him; it is instructive to mention for the record, that his dedication, transparency, sincerity with family, friends, colleagues and partners as well as reckoning the GOD FACTOR have combined to bring him this far.
Therefore, if Captain Okunbo’s only sin is that he is clean and unapologetically so, it is okay to let the failures continue with their journey on the highway to nowhere. It would not in anyway diminish what God began in his life over 30 years ago.
For a man, who is a rarity amongst the ‘characters’ that currently populate Nigeria’s social unit, wisdom and common sense celebrate such a fellow and not to continue to try effortlessly to destroy his hard earned reputation.
But, hey, here’s a note to Captain Hosa: don’t stop the sin of a decent and enviable lifestyle. It distinguishes you, sir!
*Olusile wrote from Abuja
A group of Igbos in Lagos State has lambasted some disgruntled elements spreading false allegations about the present progressive president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, Chief Solomon Ogbonna.
According to some of them who don’t want their names in print, these set of people are just bent on causing distractions on the unity and progress enjoyed currently by the Igbos under the present Ohanaeze leadership of Chief Ogbonna in the state.
Reacting on the issue, Chief CDC Ezenekwe described them as mischievous and selfish people who are just envious of the achievements of the present Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, stating that in a short period of time under Chief Solomon Ogbonna, the good people of Igbo in Lagos State has enjoyed concrete cordiality and relationship with the state government.
Even Igbos and non Igbos has benefitted several assistance and support from the Ohaneze leadership which includes the taking care of widows and less privileged. His government has given the Igbos edge in Lagos State promoting their respect and success in the state. This has forced these fake news peddlers to be churning out malicious stories about the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo. He urged all Igbos to join hands together in order to achieve a common goal in promoting peace and unity among themselves.
Whist they may not necessarily be bringing music, they know how to shake things up.
From broken hearts, to shaky friendships, and boys just trying to be boys- Aminu, Louis, Tayo and Lanre are back for another suspense and drama infused season of The Mens’ Club.
Will Tumini come back in Aminu Garba’s life? Has Louis finally found love that can rid him of his ‘Mummy’s boy title’? Does Lanre understand that these older women are more than just years, you need experience with them- someone better tell him! And can Tayo just make up his mind and ease us out of his numerous love triangles ?
Discover your favourites in this new season of The Men’s Club, set to drop on REDTV , on 22nd July, 2020.
Follow @itsredtv on IG, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on exciting new shows, premium lifestyle entertainment and events.
It was a needless and avoidable friction. But, perhaps, providence had an unsuspecting need for the script. Earlier this month,Hon. Marvelous Muhizu Zibiri had slandered the highly respected philanthropist, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, when in a willfully damaging publication, which went viral on the social media, described the illustrious son of Benin as a “drug baron”.
For many reasons, Captain Hosa as he is called, didn’t find such impudence funny neither was he going to let it slide this time. This was a matter that had been resolved some 25 years ago, with a competent court declaring him clean. So, where is this coming from? Who could be behind this, because obviously, it was beyond the man, who was the new face of the attack?
But Captain Hosa made a resolution: that he would though pursue this to the very last, however, in doing so, he would not employ any extra-judicial means or be seen to have abused his power, and influence over a rather younger Zibiri, who was evidently misled. And that was how the journey that eventually culminated in a peaceful denouement, began.
First on June 3, 2020, Captain Okunbo petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, intimating him of what he described as “malicious, vicious and injurious” conduct of Zibiri.
Mindful of the damage that the publication had caused to both his person and business, Okunbo asked the IG “to put a stop to the ongoing criminal falsehood and conduct of Mr. Marvelous Muhizu Zibiri and his cohorts, while we seek other legal remedies for this very dastardly act.”
Acting on the petition, the IG immediately deployed some of his good hands to work and after days of searching for Zibiri, he was arrested and taken to Abuja, where investigations about his destructive publication commenced.
But on June 20, Jimba Chambers, solicitors to Zibiri, wrote to Captain Okunbo, seeking his patience and understanding, especially, having met at different times with their client, who had also owned up to the charges against him.
In the letter signed by Alhaji Yakubu Jimba, the solicitors wrote: “Our client is willing, ready and able to put up and publish a written withdrawal of alleged defamatory publication without prejudice. To this extent, we shall be grateful if you kindly decline to press charges. Our client further undertakes that upon regaining freedom, he shall publish a written apology to you forthwith.”
Replying to Jimba Chambers, solicitors to Captain Okunbo, C.E Atano and Co, in a letter dated June 21, noted amongst others that, “Our client has been and is greatly hurt and embarrassed by your client’s conduct and actions. His slanderous publications not only dented his image, but also caused great damage to his reputation and business for which he is justifiably angry and had initiated legal actions to seek redress.
“Our client is an elder statesman, who has worked so hard to build his image and Business Empire over the years, and his people, especially, the youths look up to him as a role model and beacon of hope in Edo State and the country in general. He is particularly interested in developing the youths and encouraging them to pursue their dreams for which he has greatly invested in Edo State.
“Suffice it to say that your client caused serious damage, but based on his apologies and undertakings as stated in your letter, our client, out of magnanimity and as an elder statesman, may without prejudice decide to forgive ‘IF’ and when your client is able to make wide and copious publications and a handwritten apology as stated in your letter.
“Our client believes he was misled and ill advised, and now that he is remorseful and repentant, our client may overlook his excesses, though the damage has been done.”
Thus, on June 22, Captain Okunbo wrote back to the police, this time through the office of the Assistant Inspector general of Police and intimated the police of the development, which included the proposed apology and other undertakings by Zibiri as part of the understanding that resulted in the final resolution of the matter.
“Being an elder statesman and a person with good interest of the youths and people of Edo State, coupled with several pleas from his people, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, has decided to forgive and not press charges on the condition that Mr. Marvelous Muhizu keeps to his undertakings as expressed through his lawyer’s letter and reiterated in the response letter by Cyril Atano esq., lawyer to Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo.
“Though serious damage has been caused by Mr. Marvelous Muhizu’s acts and conduct, and though his undertakings, pleas and withdrawals may not adequately redress or compensate for the damage, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, being a father figure to such youths and out of his magnanimity, has decided to forgive and let go if the conditions aforesaid are met.”
In two separate letters – of apology and undertaking – dated June 23, 2020, Zibiri, while apologising to Captain Okunbo said, “I further hereunder undertake never to be involved in such publications affecting him (Captain Okunbo) in any manner. I hope Captain Idahosa will find a heart to forgive me and withdraw the petition against me in the FIB.”
In that of the undertaking, Zibiri stated also: “I wish to undertake that I shall make wide and copious publications in both Print and Social Media, recanting, withdrawing and disclaiming slanderous publications against Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo.
“I also wish to undertake that I will cease to in any manner defame or undermine Captain Idahosa in whatever guise. Failure to do so shall entail judicial action against me.”
Hopefully, this uncharitable episode to the recurring albeit unfounded allegation puts an end to a matter that died and was buried 25 years ago.
However, there’s a lesson here for both sides. While the timely show of remorse by the accused was smart and commendable, because he would have spent a good time in prison on account of a willful defamation of character, the show of magnanimity by Captain Hosa is worthy of note and mention.
By his action in this matter, Captain Hosa has also lived true to type as a kind, sympathetic and generous son of Benin, who is interested more in mentoring the youths and building a future for them than watching them destroy themselves.
Although many of those close to Captain Okunbo hinted that he was badly damaged by such a weighty allegation, which sadly, was lacking in substance and that he was prepared to go the whole hog to seek justice, the father in him however showed up at a most auspicious time, when it was badly needed. His demeanor said the unspoken: “Marvelous Zibiri, go and sin no more.”
This is a classic case of a deviant son and a large-hearted father doing right from their respective standpoint. Importantly, however, it is hoped that many others in Zibiri shoes, who are susceptible to manipulations by the dregs of the society, would take a cue from his ordeal and ponder a more productive use of their time and gift.
It is evident that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still mystified by the hands of God in the current political trajectory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and is therefore struggling to conflate issues in the September 19 governorship election.
The first and most cogent point is that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is not the reason their flustered new intake, outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki is running from pillar to post to save his head in the election. The truth is that Obaseki is a misfit that has been roundly rejected by the people, through whom God the Almighty has raised Pastor Ize-Iyamu as a worthy replacement.
For a man, who has spent nearly four years in office without something tangible to his name outside fighting both real and perceived enemies, it was only a matter of time before Obaseki was shown the way out and it was also simple logic that he had since shut the door of re-election against himself.
Shall we also say the PDP is suffering selective amnesia, when it cited as reason Pastor Ize-Iyamu, may not become governor, the fact that Comrade Oshiomhole, an individual, talked him down some four years ago at a campaign rally, when indeed, it
left out completely what it said as a party asrecently as six months ago.
We recall that not only did the PDP say a badly disapproved Obaseki, who is now its beautiful bride had stolen all of Edo’s money; it gave a blanket remark that the governor was a total failure. This was just six months ago. Whatever changed between then and now clearly tells more of the character in the People Deceiving People political association called the PDP.
The earlier the PDP realises this battle is already lost and won, the better for Obaseki, who might end up squandering the little he is meant to keep for life post-governorship. Let no one get it twisted, Obaseki’s fate has been sealed by God, and the good people of Edo State. Unanimously, our people have said it, loud and clear, enough of the last four years of misfortune as represented by the Obaseki administration.
Not only do the Edo people deserve better, they have better choices from the array of fantastic brains that God has endowed them with. The PDP can dust up their generally precluded oddball, perhaps, for their other roguish uses. But, definitely not the governorship seat, which has been sanctioned by God and man as Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s.
Nigeria’s leading financial services group and holding company, FBN Holdings Plc, has won the 2020 Best Corporate Governance in Nigeria Award by the World Finance. World Finance is renowned for its comprehensive coverage and analysis of the global financial services industry, international business, and the global economy.
FBN Holdings Plc is winning this award for the second consecutive year on the back of its strong corporate governance practices and outstanding leadership in the Nigerian financial services industry
Commenting on the award on behalf of FBNHoldings, UK Eke, MFR, its Group Managing Director said; “winning the award in quick succession is a demonstration of not only the strength of our corporate governance practices but also its resilience. As a holding company, we emphasize the highest standards in corporate governance across all operating entities in our quest to deliver value to our numerous stakeholders”
For the past thirteen years, World Finance has been celebrating corporate achievements in the areas of corporate governance, innovation, and market leadership in the financial services sector across all the regions of the World.
American Internet Business School (AIBS) has announced a free seven days workshop for artistes, musicians, comedians, producers, and entertainment executives.
Dr. Ope Banwo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of AIBS unveiled the workshop from his base in America, as part of a digital business empowerment and awareness initiative for the entertainment industry.
The one of a kind free workshop targeted at operators of the entertainment industry will hold from Monday, June 29th to Saturday, July 4th.
Tagged ‘Digital Business Survival Workshop’, the online training will avail attendees the opportunity to learn digital business strategies that any creative artiste or executive can tap into to create multiple streams of additional income for their brand, creative works and fan base.
Explaining the rationale behind the workshop, Dr. Banwo said: “The American internet business school recognise that even before the COVID-19 pandemic came and decimated the finances of many individuals and companies in virtually every industry, many creative artistes have struggled to understand how they can generate extra income from their talents, artistic catalog and huge fan basee without the investment of capital, technical skills or digital business experience.
“While most serious creative artists, entertainers, and executives do have some impressive presence online, most have barely scratched the surface of the amazing potential of the internet to multiply the returns on their creative assets and brand and create sustainable levels of income that will far outlast their active days as creative artistes.
“This first of its kind seven days ‘Digital Income Survival Workshop’, complete with real time case studies of how some of the strategies have been successfully applied in the global marketplace, will provide a simple step by step blueprint that creative artistes, actors, actresses, musicians, producers, and executives can follow in using the internet to create multiple income streams for themselves through their talents, catalog, brand and fan base,” Dr. Banwo said.
Highlighting the schedule of the workshop, Training Director at AIBS, Nancy Hicks described the workshop as a special post-COVID-19 economic survival palliative program to provide the much needed strategies for digital monetisation to the highly resourceful and talented members of the entertainment industry.
According to her, AIBS invites all members of the entertainment industry to attend the seven days free breakthrough workshop and get introduced to some very simple streams of digital income that have been specially customized for members of the entertainment industry.
“Every day, for three hours, during the seven days conference, Dr. Banwo and a team from the American Internet Business School will be breaking down one digital business income stream peculiar to the entertainment industry and providing attendees with the blueprint on how they too can get started in monetizing their skills, creative assets, and fan base as entertainers or entertainment executives.
“The seven days workshop is free for all Musicians, Actors, Actresses, Producers, Comedians, Executives and anyone connected with the entertainment industry, but everyone must pre-register to lock down their spot since the digital training room they would be using can provide access to 100 participants only.”
Training areas during the seven days workshop include: Affiliate Marketing Income Stream For Creative Industry, Info Marketing Income Stream For Entertainers, Freelancing Income Stream For Creative Artistes, Celebrity Dropshipping Income Stream, Celebrity Membership Sites Income Stream, and Social Media Income Stream For Entertainers.
Affirming the fact that there is indeed a lot to be benefitted from the workshop, Dr. Banwo said: “This is the time for all members of the creative industry to take the ability to generate multiple income streams from their talents, creative assets and fan base to the next level. We encourage everyone involved in the industry to come and benefit,”
The primary objective of American Internet Business School (A.I.B.S.) is to provide modular internet-based training in the form of Online and Live Training; Recorded Training and Home Study courses for doing business on the internet.”
The American Internet Business School (AIBS), is renowned for equipping businesses and individuals on how to maximize their productivity and profitability on the internet. Over the years, AIBS has also provided training on key areas of internet business such as brand building, communication, marketing and sales.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider on Thursday, 11 June 2020, presented 20,000 units of e-learning devices to the Lagos State government at the State House in Marina, Lagos. The devices are planned for distribution to school children.
With the gesture, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the State had found a “real development partner” in FirstBank, noting that the intervention came at a time the Government was massively deploying technology to transform the conventional mode of teaching and learning.
The presentation of these devices which is also in partnership with Robert & John (an edu-tech company that owns Roducate) is part of activities implemented to close the gap caused by the disruption in children education’s due to schools’ closure, following the COVID-19 pandemic. So far the Bank has enabled over 10,000 free sign-ups to the Roducate e-learning platform with the goal to empower one million students.
“When we were developing our vision to change the face of education in Lagos, we knew from the outset that we could not achieve much progress in improving the quality of learning without using technology as a strong enabler. So, it is not out of place that we are witnessing more infusion of technology in learning and this intervention by FirstBank could not have come at a better time,” said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State.
“It feels great when you have people and organisations share in your vision and working with you to realise it. I’m glad to say that we have found a real development partner in FirstBank, which has supported us to actualise the vision we have signed to achieve. Many years back, nobody foresaw Coronavirus (COVID-19) would come and disrupt our ways of life. These devices will be useful to our pupils in the current circumstances we have found ourselves.”
“FirstBank and all technical partners that worked on this project have written their names in the heart of students that will be using the device to learn. They will be forever grateful for passing the future to them.”
The e-learning device is configured in line with the government’s accredited curriculum for primary, secondary and tertiary schools across various fields of academic endeavours, such as science, commercial and arts. It is built to promote cost-effective learning as there is minimal need for internet connectivity, whilst learning on the device is on-going.
Speaking on the presentation, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said “the e-learning initiative aligns with our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability initiatives and falls under one of our key strategic pillars, Education.”
“We are excited to promote education and have consistently demonstrated this in our support of 10 universities and 3 secondary schools on infrastructure projects; our support of 10 universities with professorial Chairs and provision of financial literacy, entrepreneurial and career counselling to over 80,000 students in over 80 secondary schools in the country”, he added.
The Bank has also collaborated with IBM and Curious Learning to ensure the e-learning initiative swiftly moves across the country to school children and individuals with the need to promote the pursuit of knowledge, irrespective of age.
The partnership with IBM, offers the Digital-Nation Africa program, an online youth-focused learning programme that enables innovation and skills development on emerging technologies through focus areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Cloud, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Data Science and Analytics, and Cybersecurity whilst Curious Learning offers academic-based contents for students aged 3-8, using fun, self-guided learning apps to help them with their cognitive skills at a fundamental level.
Access Bank has added another feather to its cap through the women market programme – The W-Initiative Maternal Health Service Support (MHSS) scheme.
Recall, the W-Initiative has recently welcome the birth of two new babies to the couples who accessed the MHSS financing for their IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) procedure having waited several years.
Since 2014, The W-Initiative through its MHSS health financing programme has supported the advancement of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to enable couples access fertility treatment such as IVF.
Having successfully financed hundreds of procedures including fertility treatments, child delivery, fibroid treatments, surrogacy, bone marrow transplant and other specialised procedures, The W-Initiative remains ever committed to supporting more women and families by restoring hope and saving lives through its health financing scheme.
Women interested in accessing this health financing solution from the Bank can go through their service touch points- www.thewcommunity.com, or send a direct email to wcares@accessbankplc.com or call 01-2273005
