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10 Years Impact: Tony Elumelu Foundation Enhances its Flagship Entrepreneurship Programme to Benefit More Entrepreneurs Across Africa

Following ten years of impact and current 9,631 beneficiaries, Tony Elumelu Foundation enhances the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme to empower more entrepreneurs
Thousands of entrepreneurs to receive business training
Continent wide Pitching competition to herald the final selection of entrepreneurs to receive seed capital funding

A Cross-section of African Entrepreneurs at the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum

On the heels of the tenth anniversary of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the private-sector-led philanthropy focused on empowering African entrepreneurs has enhanced its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme to empower more entrepreneurs across the continent.

These enhancements, which took effect from January 1, 2020—the launch of the 6th cycle of the Programme—will achieve the Foundation’s mandate to transform the African continent through entrepreneurship.

Most prominent among the enhancements are the new dates in the Programme cycle, its emphasis on providing thousands of entrepreneurs with business training, and its focus on leveraging technology to optimise the application and selection process as well as personalise the journey of each applicant in the Programme tailored to their knowledge and business stage.

The Programme cycle has been updated to place more emphasis on getting more entrepreneurs through the business training. Hence, the announcement of the finalists, who will ultimately be inducted into the TEF Alumni network, will no longer be held on March 22 but will be made at the TEF Forum – the largest entrepreneurship conference in Africa.

Maximising the value derived from the Programme, applicants will now receive instant feedback on their progress to the next stage of the Programme, following their applications. Shortlisted applicants will receive business training tailored to their business stage and for those who move to the next stage mentorship and finally the top performing entrepreneurs from each country will proceed to the business pitching competition, which will determine the finalists to receive seed capital and an induction into the Foundation’s fast-growing alumni network across 54 African countries.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is the $100million commitment by investor and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu, CON through his investment company, Heirs Holdings. The Programme has become a beacon of hope for African entrepreneurs, currently empowering 9,631 beneficiaries across 54 African countries with training, mentorship, seed funding and exclusive access to global opportunities as well as a strong entrepreneurial community.

Princess Adeyinka Tekenah, TEF Alumnus from Nigeria with her locally sourced and processed coffee

Mohammed Dhaouafi, TEF Alumnus from Tunisia with his affordable, 3D printed, bionic customiseable prosthesis.

TEF Alumni such as Ugandan Kwabena Danso who manufactures bicycles and its accessories from bamboo is one of the thousands of beneficiaries whose business has expanded beyond the shores of Africa to a global market, and is one of the success stories and impact recorded by the Programme’s innovative approach to the sustainable development of Africa. Others include Mohammed Dhauoafi from Tunisia, founder of Cure, a 3D printed, biosynthetic prosthesis manufacturing company and Princess Adeyinka Tekenah from Nigeria whose coffee making business has been dubbed Africa’s Starbucks by The Financial Times.

The application for the 2020 cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open till March 1, 2020 on TEFConnect.com.

Access Bank Supporting Marathon to boost Tourism, GDP

With the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon fast approaching, the headline sponsor and Africa’s largest Bank in terms of retail size, Access Bank Plc has reiterated that its sponsorship of the race is geared towards improving the economic and social outlook of the state.

While speaking about the marathon, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc., Herbert Wigwe said, “As one of the leading banks in Nigeria and indeed Africa, it is imperative for us to support the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate.

“Hence, we have sponsored the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon for five years to make Lagos State more attractive to tourists and foreign investors alike. We have also used this platform as an avenue to create more jobs and opportunities to thousands in the state,” he added.

He went further to add that, “to ensure that the impact of the marathon, as felt in Lagos State, is duplicated and sustained, we have also begun sponsoring marathons and other sporting events across different states in Nigeria as highlighted by our sponsorship of the Abeokuta marathon.”

With over 100,000 participants recorded across the last two editions of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Wigwe said he expects the trend to continue as the marathon which has moved up from a Bronze Label marathon to a Silver Label, less than five years after its maiden edition, continues to garner the respect of top international and local athletes alike.

This year’s edition of the marathon billed for February 8 offers a cumulative prize of 500,000 USD to be won by contestants.

Businessman sued Inspector General N20 million for breech of Fundamental Human Right

A N20m fundamental human rights suit has been filed against Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and six others over allegations of unlawful detention, torture and inhuman treatment of a Lagos-based businessman, Akinfolabi Akindele,

The case was filed before a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, has as co- respondents, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Force CID, Alagbon, Lagos; Assistant Inspector General of Police Force, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos; Lagos State Commissioner of Police; Deputy Commissioner of Police State CID Panti, Lagos; Alhaji Azeez Ashiru, and Sergeant Adeyinka Adekunle

The applicant in the suit accused the Inspector General of Police and other respondents, of violating his fundamental human rights by arresting and detaining him in a brutal manner, sometime in February, 2019.

Akindele, who is also the Managing Director of Adamakin Investment, in the suit marked as TEMP/49826/2020 filed through his Lawyer, Idris Mohammed Doko, stated that at the behest of Alhaji Azeez Ashiru (the sixth respondent), sometime in February 2019, he was arrested, brutalised, detained and without being allowed to legal representation, compelled to make statements on each occasion of his arrest and detention without arraignment before any court of law till date.

He prayed the court to declare that the humiliating and brutal arrest and detention constitute a violation of his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, guaranteed under Sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Article 3 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

He further asked the court to declare that the fresh invitation sent to him on a matter that has already been investigated and concluded by the Deputy Commissioner of Police State CID Panti, for the purpose of restricting his movement, personal liberty and freedom, constitute violation of his rights under Sections 34, 35, 36 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

Also, he is asking the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves or their officers, agents or representatives, from further harassing, intimidating, and or arresting him, or interfering in respect of the facts or transactions in the case, or any fact relating to the management of Estate of Madam Iyabode Efunroye Tinubu, for which the Respondents have been harassing, arresting and detaining him.

In addition, he asked the court for an order directing the respondents to jointly and severally pay him the sum of N20 million, as damages for violation of his fundamental rights.

Akindele in the affidavit in support of the motion, averred the that on August 27, 2012, the head of Tinubu family, other accredited representatives of the family, as well as the Trustee of the Estate of Madam Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu, gave him the Power of attorney dated August 27, 2012.

“By virtue of the said power of attorney, I was saddled with responsibility of managing or administering the entire Estate of Madam Iyalode Efunnroye Tinubu as Chairman and Managing Director of the company, which comprises of vast expanses of land across Lagos and Ogun State known as Ewe-Agbibo and Iwaya Farm Land, covered by the survey plan drawn by late Herbert Macaulay with registered title No. 45 at page 45 in volume 2212, comprising about 4.5 miles as delineated in the upgraded survey plan. Attached and marked Exhibit AD2, is the copy of the survey plan.

“That the various portions of the said expanse of land is occupied by known and unknown persons, as delineated in several survey diagrams exhibited in this affidavit and marked Exhibit AD3. “On becoming aware of the illegal or unauthorised occupation of the lands, I instituted an action against unknown persons in this court, in Suit No. LD/1604LM/17 currently pending before Hon. Justice Pedro sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, challenging the adverse claim of the ownership of any potion of land belonging or forming part of Madam Iyalode Estate.

“Alhaji Adio Lumosa is currently in Court in respect of same issues reported above, and had also earlier reported the same matter to Efcc for investigation, where it was established that the allegations were not only baseless, but false.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the matter had already been investigated by the EFCC, they did not bother to get in touch with the EFCC for the outcome of the investigation, nor confirm from the court in Lagos and Ogun State, where the matter was instituted by Alhaji Lumosa in suit no Temp/41292/2018, Alhaji Adio Kazeem Lumosa & 2 Ors v Akinfolabi Akindele, Suit No. AB/243/52019 High Court Abeokuta, Suit No. ID/6319GCM/2019 at the High Court Ikeja, but kept me in detention for well over one week.

“In fact, they transferred me from their cells at Obalende to the Anti-cult unit of the Police at Gbagada, Lagos, where I was put in the cell with some hardened criminals who continued to beat me mercilessly, until I was later separated by the station officer, upon my cry for help and made a manhunt for the lawyers representing me in the defence and prosecution of these matters, at various courts in Lagos and Ogn State.

“In fact, Mr Kunle Awoma Esq, my Lawyer, who was invited to come for my bail at their office in Obalende, Lagos, was also arrested and detained with me till we were moved to the office of the IGP in Abuja, before we were granted bail,” he averred

ZENITH BANK EMPOWERS NIGERIAN SMES, PARTNERS FACEBOOK ON SME DIGITAL WORKSHOP

Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to support local Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with the introduction of the ‘Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop’ to provide free digital training for business owners.

The initiative, which is being organized in partnership with social media giant Facebook, will provide free training on how SMEs can use digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to grow their businesses.

Commenting on the initiative, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, noted that the SME ecosystem is a very important component of the Nigerian economy and the digital workshop is expected to assist participants optimally use digital channels to engage potential customers, market their products and increase sales.

The workshop is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 30th, 2020 by 08:30 a.m. at the following Zenith Bank branches: 23, Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos; 201, Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Ilupeju, Lagos; and 2, Aromire Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop is free for everyone. To register, send an email with the subject “Zenith Bank SME Digital Workshop” to smepartnership@zenithbank.com. The email should state the name of the participant and preferred venue of attendance.

Zenith Bank Plc is recognized as one of the most innovative financial institutions in Nigeria and was voted the most customer-focused bank in Nigeria for the Retail and SME segments in the 2018 KPMG Annual Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS). Most recently, the bank won the Best Bank in Retail Banking and the Bank of the Year at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards and was ranked as the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto & Co.

ICPC Academy Provost, professor Akinrinade joins Akin Fadeyi Foundation Board of Trustees

The former Vice Chancellor of Osun State University and Provost of the ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy, Professor Sola Akinrinade, has joined the Board of Trustees of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation.

In a statement by the Foundation’s Board Chairman and Publisher of the Cable Online News, Mr. Simon Kolawole, “AFF is indeed excited to have Professor Sola Akinrinade onboard. Professor Akinrinade comes with a rich and diverse track record of academic excellence, towering development sector expertise and an impeccable grasp of international diplomacy. His addition to the Board brings the strategic perspectives required to consolidate on AFF’s milestones in the anti-corruption space, while also charting new paths in the driving of initiatives that fits into our overall agenda for a better world”.

Professor Sola Akinrinade is the pioneer Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. He holds the Bachelor of Art and Master Art degrees in History from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, and PhD in International Relations

from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of London. He is a Professor of African Diplomatic History and International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he has produced several graduates and Dons in over three decades.

He was Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University (2003 – 2007), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans, (2006 – 2007). He served as the foundation Vice-Chancellor of the Osun State University, from 2007 to 2012. Experienced academic, historian, biographer, documentarist, public servant and administrator and Consultant to various national and international organizations with interest and capacity in public policy, human capacity development, higher education capacity building, good governance, anti-corruption, ethics and integrity.

Professor Akinrinade joined the ICPC on 1 October 2014, as Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria. As Provost, he serves as the Head of the Academy and provides academic and administrative leadership. He is responsible for the growth and development of the Academy’s academic and human resources. The Academy currently works with several organisations and governmental agencies with on good governance, accountability, transparency, integrity, ethics and other issues relating to anti-corruption and corrupt practices.

A Certified Management Consultant, Professor Akinrinade is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, FNAL, the apex body for humanities scholarship in Nigeria, and of several other professional bodies including the Historical Society of Nigeria, FHSN, the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (fspsp), and the Institute of Management Consultants, FIMC.

The Akin Fadeyi Foundation Board of Trustees led by the Board Chair, Simon Kolawole is comprised of experts in Legal, Media Communication, Public policy and Development Sector credentials.

Established in 2016., the Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF) is a registered Not-For-Profit that works to ensure that Nigerians live fulfilling lives where they can use their human and social capital to the full extent. Since inception, AFF has focused on the following key areas: Anti-corruption, Socio-economic development, Poverty relief, Environmental protection and preservation. The Foundation’s flagship project is ‘Corruption Not in my country’, a radio and TV drama skit currently broadcast. The foundation is also behind the Flag’It App initiative, a mobile and webbased App developed, developed with support from MacAuthur Foundation, and which empowers citizens to report corruption, demand for accountability and excellent service delivery from government institutions.

U.S.-Nigeria Trade Council endorses FlagIT app, commends FG, FRSC, AFF

(L-R) M&E Officer, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Osemudiame Enaholo, Accounts Officer, Akin Fadeyi Fadeyi Foundation, Ernest Momoh, Corp Marshal, FRSC. Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Head of Programs, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Ekenem Ugede, Corp Public Education Officer, FRSC. Bisi Kazeem, Programs Officer, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Simon Adole at a review report meeting on FlagIt App, FRSC headquarters, Abuja

Atlanta, GA. USA. Monday January 20, 2020: The US-Nigeria Trade Council, a body that specializes in facilitating trade and investments between the United States and Nigeria, on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora (United States) hereby endorses the Flag’It App, a mobile technology Application Portal recently launched by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation for reporting corruption. We enjoin Nigerians in the diaspora to download the App as they would find it valuable in reporting encounters of corruption whenever they travel to Nigeria.

We express delight and declare this initiative as indication that Nigeria is fast moving in the direction of accountability and transparency. We congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for lending his weight behind the Flag’It App, especially as the Presidency and other major government agencies were well represented at the launching which took place at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja recently. Evidently, no serious-minded government would sit pretty and allow corruption to fester. We commend the Akin Fadeyi Foundation for developing such innovative app, and thereby, empowering Nigerians to confront the endemic corruption in our social milieu. The “the Flag’It” App which empowers Nigerians to report corruption is a commendable national reset agenda capable of bringing about a radical change that will enable the ease of doing business in Nigeria once citizens can report public officials who abuse their positions and also constitute a stumbling block within the process chain.

We congratulate the Akin Fadeyi Foundation on the scores of milestones recorded from its ‘Corruption Not in My Country’ drama skits, an initiative which has gained traction with huge impact of the project on citizens within and outside Nigeria. These dramatizations and the messaging style are appropriate for the fight against petty and retail corruption because it challenges our normative culture of impudence and endemic corruption.

The Trade Council commend the FRSC Corp Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, for buying into the vision of the Flag’It App and for being the first government agency to come onboard the App. This action is a bold gesture and a clear commitment of his leadership at the FRSC to transparency, accountability and excellent service delivery”. We hereby urge the President to direct other federal government institutions to begin onboarding the FlagIt App as this would signal to the global community that Nigeria was indeed serious and irrevocably committed to its fight against institutional corruption in the country. For us at the Trade Council, the FlagIt App is a robust complement to the existing national anti-corruption efforts of the Buhari administration and we call on this government to tap into the opportunities, the Flag’It App offers especially in its continued drive for more foreign investment.

There is no further demonstration to bolster the confidence of Investors than opening your public institutions processes to accountability, transparency and excellent service delivery.

The US-Nigeria Trade council also commended the MacArthur Foundation for supporting this initiative and for lending its weight behind creative social change programs globally to ensure the enthronement of transparency and the stamping out of corruption.

The Flag’IT App is a mobile and web-based App developed by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation which empowers citizens to report corruption, demand for accountability and excellent service delivery from government institutions. It was launched on the 10th of October, 2019 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja at an event that was attended by dignitaries from the civil society, government agencies and the Media. Nigerians have since begun to download the App, with 14 reported cases and 7 already treated.

FIRSTBANK WINS BEST MOBILE BANKING APP AND FASTEST GROWING RETAIL BANK AWARDS

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been named 2019 “Best Mobile Banking App” and “Fastest Growing Retail Bank” winner by Global Business Outlook. The Global Business Outlook Award recognises and rewards excellence in business in companies across the world, both in the public and private sectors. The award rewards innovation, creativity and the drive to create value.

FirstBank earned the Fastest Growing Retail Bank recognition because of its leading role in promoting financial inclusion in the country, a drive which has resulted in its 44,000 Agent Banking network designed to complement the provision of bespoke financial services at its over 750 branches nationwide.

It also won the Best Mobile Banking App award thanks to its Firstmobile banking app’s capability at performing a wide range of financial transactions in a safe, adaptable, futuristic and efficient manner. The user friendly app is widely renowned for its ease of navigation and state of the art security features to mitigate risk against fraud.

In the course of 2019, FirstBank bagged numerous awards across various areas of its business operations. The awards comprise Women Empowerment Category – Sustainable Banking Awards by CBN Bankers Committee, Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Global Finance Magazine and World Finance Magazine respectively; Best Process Automation Initiative, Application or Programme by Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services; Best Banking Brand Nigeria 2019 by Global Brands Magazine; Best Retail Bank in Nigeria by Global Banking and Finance Review and Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards respectively; Cashless Driver: Highest Volume in Bill Payments and Highest Transaction Volume in Real-Time Payments by CBN Electronic Payments Incentive Scheme (EPIS) – Efficiency Awards; Long Service Corporate Award by Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Best Financial Inclusion Program – Nigeria 2019 and Bank of The Year – Nigeria 2019 by International Investor, amongst many others.

Speaking on the awards, Folake Ani-Mumuney, the Bank’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications said, “We appreciate the recognition of these awards by the respective awarding bodies. The awards are dedicated to all our customers across the globe as their continued patronage of our services is appreciated. We remain steadfast and would not rest on our laurels at rendering bespoke financial services tailored to meet the financial needs of our valued customers, irrespective of where they may be.”

Double Honour as CIPRMP and Avance Media Induct and Nominate Seyi Tinubu

World richest man and founder of Amazon in one of his famous quotes said, “Work hard, have fun, make history”. These will best be used to described the trend at which young and hardworking Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia, Seyi Tinubu is living.

Seyi who is known for his hard working and his fun loving lifestyle has recently been making history by the number of awards that are trailing him, recently, Chartered Institute of Public Resources Managers and Politics, an organisatuion based in Ghana decided to honour the humble but hard-working man by inducting him into 2020 Fellowship Hall of Fame of the organization.

The delegation headed by Dr. Richard Kpoku-Aquarte in his speech described the Loatsad Chairman as a man of an uncommon professional of excellence in a class of his own, he also address his as a pace-setter media innovator, a multi-dimensional business executive of unparalleled distinction and a boardroom strategist.

Dr. Kpoku-Aquarte explained further that the Fellowship is to honour people from all nations especially those those who have proven themselves as embodiments of Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in their various leadership positions. He also listed Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State), Mr. Stephen Onasanya (former M.D. of First Bank of Nig Plc), Barrister Adebayo Shittu (former Nigerian Minister of Communications), Prof. Abdil Kareem Age Sulyman (VC University of Ilorin) and many more important dignitaries as some individuals that has been inducted into the Fellowship in the past.

In the same vein another organization, Avance Media, a Public Relations & Rating company that has for some times been honouring young Africans that are making positive impact in their different countries to encourage them to do more, recognizes his contribution and has since nominated him for the annual honor.

Announcing the nomination on his Instagram page, Seyi Tinubu attributed his nomination to the hard work and dedication of the Loatsad Promomedia team and his partner Denrele Olusoga, in the message he stated “Congratulations to the @loatsad_promomedia team, this is an affirmation of their hard work which has led to my nomination for @avance_media‘s 2019 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians in Business. It’s been a collective effort and journey so credit must be given to my team and partners”.

The list which is being compiled and voted for yearly started about five years ago and has had names of influential Nigerian young men and women like; Davido, Wizkid, DJ Xclusive, Funke Akindele, Kelechi Anyikude, Amaka Osakwe, DJ Cuppy, John Obi Mikel, Linda Ikeji, IK Osakioduwa, Toke Makinwa and many more young Nigerians.

The list according to the organisers headed by Prince Akpah is to “serve as an encouragement to young Nigerians who are accomplished in their industries and continue to build distinguished brands for themselves and influence over others. The list also urged those honoured to continue striving harder so that their story can inspire other young people to also contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.”

UBA Connect Set to Deepen Intra-African Trade…Customers Can Now Make Cash Withdrawals In Local Currencies

Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the official launch of a flagship product UBA Connect, a service that enables the customers of the bank to conduct traditional banking transactions at any UBA branch in the 20 African countries where the bank operates.

The service, which is available to both customers and non-customers alike, is expected to encourage intra-Africa trade, as cash withdrawal can now be done in local currencies within the continent while deposits can also be made at any location regardless of where the account is domiciled.

The Chief Executive Officer, UBA Africa, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, who spoke about the product, said, “Africa stands to benefit substantially from intra-Africa trade, which is facilitated by the easy flow of capital within the continent. As a bank committed to creating superior value for all its stakeholders, we are focused on ensuring that we continue to contribute significantly to the development of Africa by improving accessibility and trade with UBA Connect, among other innovative services.”

He explained that the new offering allows easy transfers to UBA accounts across African countries as well as cash deposit into UBA accounts at any of the bank’s locations in Africa, adding that the cash will be dispensed to customers in local currencies at competitive exchange rates.

Group Head, Marketing, Mrs. Dupe Olusola, said, “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our customers the ease and convenience of UBA Connect. This is in addition to an array of digital platforms which have made banking seamless for more than 12 million people who have trusted us with their money.

To use the service at any UBA business location in Africa, a UBA Connect Send, Receive or Transfer form needs to be completed, with valid identification (International passport with valid visa or migration stamp, in the case of ECOWAS member countries).

Okun Development Association made it Stands known

Barrister Femi Mokikan, President, Okun Development Association

The national executive of Okun Development Association (ODA) has distanced itself from a group named Okun Development Association, South West Branch.

The National Executive of ODA, the umbrella body representing the Yoruba people of Kogi State, rose from its quarterly meeting of 18th January 2020 held in Isanlu, Yagba East LG, with some far reaching decisions.

In a communiqué released in Kogi State after the meeting, and signed by the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan, the National Secretary, Pst Ayo Abereoran and the National Legal Adviser, Barrister Abimbola, the association stated that:

1) Legal, civil and criminal actions will be taken against anybody or group of persons parading themselves as representing the Association at National or Branch levels in any manner outside the provisions of the constitution of the Association.

2) No organisation or individuals shall henceforth undertake any event or function, for commercial or non commercial purposes, using the Okun name without the written approval of the National Executive Committee of ODA.

3) That the security situation in Okunland is still of serious concern. We commend the efforts of the State Government, other security agencies in the State, our Hunters and individuals who have collaborated with us in addressing the challenges we are often confronted with.

4) To further enhance the effectiveness of our efforts, we believe the time has come for us to set up our own Okun Security Trust Fund (OSTF). Towards this end, a committee is working on the details and other modalities and the outcome will be announced as soon as their report is approved.

5) We received with excitement the creation of the AMOTEKUN Security outfit at inter governmental level to address the security challenges of the SW States. This provides us in ODA an opportunity to explore the possibility of raising our security collaboration with the SW Yorubas to another level. We shall not relent.

6) As part of possible measures to reduce unemployment, we appeal to Okun Sons and Daughters with means and the entrepreneurial profile to come home and establish businesses with potentials to absorb people into paid employment.

7) The presence of a Community Radio is a powerful means of social and cultural reengineering in any community. The ODA will explore every opportunity/possibility, through appropriate individuals, to ensure that Okun Radio becomes a reality.

8) To further give teeth to the ODA, the Okun Council of Elders is to be reconstituted within the shortest possible time. We, on behalf of all Okun people thank our fathers and mothers who have served meritoriously on the Council
9) We appeal to our politicians to stop meddling with the affairs of the National Association of Okun Students so as to permanently put an end to the divisive tendencies that continue to plague the body. What we need is unity at all levels.

10) That the Miss Okun Pageant is a proprietary asset of the Okun people.

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Therefore the process of selecting the successful candidate to wear the Miss Okun Crown will henceforth be under the umbrella of ODA. This is without prejudice to any groups or individuals that may wish to initiate, organize and own their own beauty pageants, provided the word Okun is not reflected in the appellation of such pageant.

11) Meanwhile, ODA has announced that election will be held into various offices of the Lagos branch of the association before the end of Februa 2020. The Executive offices to be filled shalll be contested by individuals from Ijumu Local Government, Yagba West Local Government, Mopa Amuro Local Government, Yagba East Local Government, Oworo/Lokoja Local Government and Kabba/Bunu Local Government.

12) Ijumu Local Government will produce the Chairman of the Branch, while the Vice-Chairman will be produced by Oworo in Lokoja Local Government, the office of the Secretary has been zoned to Yagba West, while the Financial Secretary will be produced by Mopa Amuro. The post of Public Relation Officer (PRO) and Treasurer will come from Yagba East and Kabba/Bunu Local Government respectively.

Speaking further on the Communique, the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan, appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rebuild all the federal roads in Okunland that are in a deplorable condition. The association President said most Okun communities are now “landlocked”.