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APC Is Not A Party Anyone Should Be Interested In Joining – Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has refuted reports that he was making clandestine move to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general elections, saying it is a rumour that is not going to happen.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Makinde said based on the party’s non-performance since coming to power in 2015, APC is not a party anyone should be interested in joining.

Speaking on the performance of APC in Oyo state from 2011 to 2019, Makinde said the party did not construct up to 40 kilometres of road in the entire state for eight years before it was kicked out of office.

“Is APC a party that anybody will want to cross to? It can never happen. Here, when we came in, they were saying the previous administration was the architect of modern Oyo State; they said they constructed roads and I asked them to tell me the roads they constructed and calculate the kilometres of the road. We listed all of them and discovered that, for eight years, they did not do up to 40 kilometres of road and you can investigate that. I can list those roads they started and completed for eight years”.

“If you are coming to Ibadan from that Toll Gate interchange, they came down to Challenge, went to Orita, and that is just for that axis. When you get to Dugbe through Eleyele, Jericho, they got a spur to Aleshiloye, that rail line, and then to after Police Headquarters, and they came towards the Pension House. That is for that axis too”.

“They did 6 kilometres from the first roundabout in Iseyin to somewhere within the town. They completed that. They did the overhead bridge at Mokola. And that was all. If you see any other one anywhere else, please tell me”.

“They started the Saki Township road but didn’t finish it. We took it up, and at their own cost, we saved N1.5billion through Alternative Project Funding Approach. The Idi-Ape to Iwo road interchange, we finished it. We are doing the road all the way from Idi-Ape to Akobo-Ojurin”.

“The issue is I am not in politics because I am desperate for any position, I was looking for an opportunity to serve. But APC? No. That is not a platform that anyone will even be interested in. If they have done well for Nigeria at least from 2015 till now, they are in the best position to judge. They can set an agenda for all of us and tell us those things that they have done”.

“The PDP governors go everywhere, commissioning major infrastructure projects, how come APC governors are not doing that? I have been to Adamawa to commission projects. I have been to Rivers. They are more than us and how come they are not going to commission projects in their different states? So, the APC defection rumour is a lie from the pit of hell and it is not going to happen” he said.

Fatherhood more important to Me than music career

Grammy award-winning Nigerian recording artiste, Wizkid real name Ayodeji Balogun has opened up about how he balances life as a musician and a father.

During a Docuseries aimed at celebrating the 10th year anniversary of his debut album, ‘Superstar’, the singer reflected on how far he has come in his profession.

In the interview session that surfaced on his YouTube platform on Saturday, June 12, the Afrobeats icon spoke about what matters the most to him.

He mentioned that he feels more fulfilled spending time with his children than in the studio recording a project.

Wizkid mentioned further that his son, Boluwatife is his best friend.

Here is what he said;
“My son is like my best friend.

“He calls me every day and we have the craziest conversations.

“He is nine. It is very important for me to keep my family together.

“That is one thing my parents always instilled into us— to understand that there is nothing more important than family.

“Fatherhood means everything to me.

“Before I used to see myself as a musician, but now, I see myself as a father.

“I am a father before anything else.

The Nigerian singer is a father of three boys.

In 2011, he welcomed his first son, Boluwatife with his then-partner, Shola Ogudu. In 2016, Wizkid welcomed his second son Ayodeji with baby mama number two, Binta Diallo, a Guinean-American model.

Again in 2017, the music star welcomed his third son Zion Balogun with his manager Jada Pollock.

FIRSTBANK’S SPONSORED MOVIE, ‘AYINLA’, PREMIERES THIS SUNDAY IN LAGOS

FirstBank of Nigeria Limited announces its lead sponsorship of the movie titled ‘Ayinla’, which is billed to premiere on Sunday, 13 June 2020.

The movie is suspense-driven, narrating the life of Ayinla Yusuf, popularly known as Ayinla Omowura (an Apala musician), his rise to fame, his identity, the depth of his craft and music, and the basis for his relevance after his tragic death forty years ago as a result of a stab from his manager, Bayewu, during a bar fight on the 6th of May, 1980 in Abeokuta.

Ayinla is directed by multiple award-winning and globally acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker and director, Tunde Kelani, and produced by Jadesola Osiberu.

According to Tunde Kelani, filmmaker and founder, Mainframe Opomulero Productions,” the making of Ayinla allows us to throw a glance over our shoulders to our often-neglected intangible heritage. Nigeria is blessed with huge cultural diversity and locked away are thousands of stories we can share with a global audience.

FirstBank’s partnership with us at this stage is not a mere coincidence, owing to its over hundred years of historical contribution in unlocking the huge potentials in Nigeria which can offer continental and global audiences”.

With the sponsorship of similar socio-cultural initiatives in the creative arts industry like Moremi, Makaliki, Oba Esugbayi stage drama, October 1st (a movie) and the Calabar Festival. The Bank’s sponsorship of ‘Ayinla’ affirms the Bank’s support for the development of arts in Nigeria under its First@arts initiative.

First@arts is FirstBank’s platform for consolidating all its efforts in the arts, supporting the entire value chain of the creative arts, providing much-needed financing and advisory support, showcasing and facilitating the successes of the industry, and enabling customers to explore and access the wealth of opportunities the creative industry has to offer.

Achieving these and a host of many others have been implemented through strategic partnerships with organizations like the British Council, Duke of Shomolu Productions, Live Theatre Lagos, Freedom Park, Terra Kulture, and the Cross Rivers State Government (Calabar Festival), amongst many others.

Ayinla appeals to a multifaceted audience that cuts across fans of highlife and afrobeat music, the youth, and the elite Yoruba demography. It features some of Nollywood’s favorite stars including Adedimeji Lateef who played the role of Ayinla Omowura, Kunle Afolayan, Bimbo Ademoye, Mr. Macaroni, Omowunmi Dada, Ade Laoye, Jumoke Otedola, and Bimbo Manuel.

Speaking on the movie, Jadesola Osiberu, Movie Producer & Founder, Greoh Studios said, “Working with the great Tunde Kelani is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and I am so glad that we were able to do it on a project like Ayinla. This collaboration was an interesting experience, and I am glad everyone finally gets to see the film we made in the cinemas nationwide from 18 June 2021. I’d like to thank the management of First Bank of Nigeria Limited for choosing to come on this journey with us.”

Expressing her delight on the movie, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank said; “For over 127 years, FirstBank has been at the forefront of nation-building; enabling Nigeria and Nigerians through resourceful partnerships to build the Nigerian creative industry value chain, especially the arts and entertainment sub-sectors. We remain proud of this sponsorship that creates an excellent platform to showcase Nigeria to the world as being part of a collective goal to continually keep dreams and hope alive; holding strong to our commitment to reignite cultural heritage.”

“Without a doubt, the movie industry remains part of the creative and entertainment industry value-chain across the globe and indeed a powerful channel to drive our heritage and culture, which resonates with our legacy of being woven into the fabric of society.”

According to research disclosed in PWC’s recent Entertainment & Media Outlook report, Nigeria’s entertainment is expected to rise from $4.46 billion in 2018 to a $10.5 billion market by the end of 2023. In addition, with this initiative and other sponsored event, FirstBank is committed to strengthening its contribution to the development of the entertainment industry in the country.

Governor Lalong grants pardon to 7 prisoners To Commemorate Democracy Day

In commemoration of the 2021 Democracy Day and his six years in office, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has granted pardon to seven prisoners in the state.

The Governor said the inmates were granted pardon based on their good conducts right from the different dates of their conviction.

Lalong disclosed this during a statewide broadcast to mark the 2021 Democracy Day and six years in office.

He said, “In the spirit of the 2021 Democracy Day and in thanksgiving to God for guiding us through the last six years, and in the exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor in Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), after due consultation with The State Advisory Council On Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted various categories of pardon to seven prisoners for their good conduct.

According to him, “All these pardons are granted for reasons of good conduct, with effect from the different dates of sentences.

The Governor listed the concerned persons to include; Nanfa Gwantur (Death Sentence commuted to life imprisonment).

Another is, Timkur Laven (Death Sentence commuted to life imprisonment), Ponzing Nanshe (Death Sentence commuted to life imprisonment).

Also, are Dauda Joshua and Wasa Zachariah (Death Sentence commuted to life imprisonment).

While Davou Dalyop Mancha and Cletus Augustine were granted absolute pardon.

Democracy Day: Kano politics not about madness, Ganduje warns residents

Ganduje says Kano politics is not about “irresponsibility and madness,” warning political thugs against wielding dangerous weapons during events and gatherings.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje says Kano politics is not about “irresponsibility and madness,” warning political thugs against wielding dangerous weapons during events and gatherings across the state.

Mr Ganduje gave the warning in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar, on Saturday in Kano.

He added that the decision followed the display of dangerous weapons, including sticks, swords, knives, and cutlasses by thugs during an event in Kano.

“We will not accept this, and I assure you that I will deal with any politician that violates this warning.

“During the flag-off ceremony of Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi road on the same day, political thugs engaged in a lot of misdoings.

“I inform you that we are commemorating Democracy Day with a lineup of activities that will witness the presence of the APC National Chairman, the governor of Yobe state, and others.

“As a result of this, the party is announcing (a) total ban on all forms of campaign for any politician during the said event.

“I will personally order the arrest and prosecution of anyone caught wielding weapons at the event.

“Our politics in Kano is of good reasoning and knowledge, a politics with focus and good agenda and not that of irresponsibility and madness,” he said.

(NAN)

JUST IN: Saudi Arabia bans Nigerians from Hajj, second year in a row

Nigerian muslims hoping to make the 2021 Hajj should forget about it as the Saudis have extended their ban due to COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia announced today that no more than 60,000 pilgrims would perform the Hajj in July.

And all of them will be residents of the the Kingdom.

Saudi Press Agency quoted the kingdom’s Haj and Umrah Ministry as making the announcement.

It said this year’s Haj, which will begin in mid-July, will be limited to those ages 18 to 65.

Those taking part must be vaccinated as well, the ministry said.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is honoured to host pilgrims every year, confirms that this arrangement comes out of its constant concern for the health, safety and security of pilgrims as well as the safety of their countries,” the statement said.

In last year’s Haj, 1,000 people already residing in Saudi Arabia were selected to take part in the Haj.

Two-thirds were foreign residents from among the 160 different nationalities that would have normally been represented at the Haj.

One-third were Saudi security personnel and medical staff.

Police in Ojota fire teargas at hoodlums not June 12 activists

Anthony Adeyinka, an aide of Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Police in Ojota fired tear gas to disperse hoodlums, not June 12 activists.

Adeyinka, who is an SSA on sports, explained that the hoodlums were on course to hijack the protest at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in the Ojota area of Lagos State.

He commended the police officers on how they managed the June 12 protest across the state.

“I was impressed with the way the police handled that situation. It was not the activists, it was the hoodlums that wanted to hijack that protest”, he said in a newspaper interview.

“The people were at Ojota peacefully. The activists were addressing themselves that what they want is a peaceful demonstration but the hoodlums, the miscreants as we all know them wanted to hijack the peaceful demonstration.

“But the police rose to that occasion and made sure the thing was put in order.”

Adeyinka added: “The youths in Lagos are ready to work in synergy with the state government.

“The last #EndSARS showed how hoodlums hijacked a peaceful protest but we give thanks to God that the youths are able to come together and work together with the governor and make sure there is peace in the state.”

June 12: Trouble As protesters Clash over Money In Abuja

A heavy fight broke out amongst Pro-Buhari protesters under the aegis of the #iStandwithBuhari movement in Abuja on Saturday morning.

Leaders of the group were seen having a heated exchange of words over the sharing of monetary resources meant for organising the counter protests.

This is as hundreds of pro-Buhari supporters have arrived at the Unity Fountain to air their solidarity to the President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Society gazette earlier reported that the several protests against the Muhammadu Buhari administration are currently ongoing as the protesters are demanding better governance.

June 12: Teargas, gunshots as Lagos protesters storm Ojota

The situation in the Ojota area of Lagos is getting tense as June 12 protests get underway in some parts of Nigeria.

There are demonstrations, by mostly youths, in the nation’s capital, Abuja, Ondo, Osun, and others.

Several groups fixed rallies for today to express dissatisfaction with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. They also planned to march against the annulment of the June 12 presidential election by the Ibrahim Babangida regime.

Moshood Olawale Kashimawo (MKO) Abiola, the presumed winner, was arrested in 1994 on treason charges after declaring himself President. The late business mogul died on 7 July 1998, the day he was due to be released from prison.https://twitter.com/thevyraltrendz/status/1403641369902555137?s=24

In Ojota, police operatives fired tear gas and shot in the air to disperse protesters while footage showed some officers dragging a civilian away.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Muyiwa Adejobi, told newsmen that officers are ensuring that peace is maintained across the state.

The state Police Command had warned against actions that may cause law and order.

Defend yourselves, Wait no more for security agencies – Matawalle to Zamfara people

After recording another massacre of no fewer than 90 people in Kadawa village in Zamfara, Governor Bello Matawalle has told his people to defend themselves and wait no more for security agencies.

He gave the advice at a prayer session in Gusau, just after French speaking bandits invaded Kadawa village in Zurmi Local Government Area.

Matawalle said:“The insecurity situation has defied solution, and as such, people should defend themselves.

“I am calling on the people of the state to defend themselves if bandits attack them. My government has approved that whenever the bandits attack you, do not wait for the security personnel to come to your rescue. You should rise up and protect yourselves.

“My government has also planned to recruit the locals from each community who will be in charge of monitoring their villages to ensure that bandits do not attack the people.”

Matawalle called on traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure that only people of “proven integrity” were recruited.

He also urged traditional rulers to fish out the bad eggs in their communities conniving with the bandits.

The police in Zamfara confirmed Thursday’s attack on Kadawa village, where over 90 people were killed.

The Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Shehu Mohammed, made the confirmation to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau on Friday.

“Yes, l can confirm to you that an attack took place at Kadawa village of Zurmi local government where bandits took advantage of the night to strike on unsuspecting people and killed them in cold blood.

“On getting the news of the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hussain Rabiu, ordered combined units of security personnel to mobilize to the area, restore peace and confidence in the communities and track the perpetrators so that they can be brought to book,” Mohammed said.

“The CP, also in company of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Magarya, were at the affected community to condole with bereaved families,” he said.

NAN had gathered from some eye witnesses in the village that the bandits invaded the village mid Thursday, speaking French and shooting at anyone trying to escape in the pandemonium.

One of them who simply gave his name as Lawali said 67 bodies were recovered within the village while 26 others were picked up at different locations on the outskirts of the village with several others wounded.