Hiding in the shadows and doing things under the cover of his easy going nature, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa has set his state alight with his work. 365-plus days in office and the former Senator representing Bayelsa Central is still a son of miracles. Indeed, who else could have gotten so much done in so few days?
He is neither stiff-necked, needlessly ceremonious, nor likely to peg an award for taking office shots or blaring his many good deeds. Diri is not that sort of man. Where one finds him is where he prefers to be: at work, thinking up ways to polish the fortunes of his Bayelsa people. Not afraid, not dawdling, not denting his work table with an anxious head.
So much executed, so little praise sought! In the beginning, the assumption – based on his phenomenal mode of obtaining the gubernatorial chair – was that he would laze about, or commandeer new projects and abandon old ones. But old ginger is spicier, as experienced minds can tell that Diri is no slouch.
From the projects of the past administration to those he approved of himself, the Miracle Governor has left nothing unturned. It is to the merit of this boundless sense of propriety that some formerly-ongoing projects have been completed and commissioned; that some formerly-derelict constructions are currently underway and nearing completion.
Is the completion of the water project in Ovom Town, Yenagoa LGA, not deserving of a glass raised to Governor Diri in salute? How about the Kaiama Referral Hospital; or the state-of-the-art Incinerator at the Bayelsa Medical University Complex; or the Imiringi Community Bridge in Ogbia LGA — all, aside the Ovom Water Project, were commissioned on the same day!
What about the ongoing projects? The complex to harbour Radio Bayelsa, Niger Delta TV and New Waves Newspaper is underway. So is the construction of the Elebele Community Bridge (Ogbia LGA), and the Igbedi Road in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA that stretches 4.5km.
Then there are the ‘deserted’ roads (from the past administration) that Diri has taken up: Glory Drive Road from Igbogene to Onopa; Igbogene to Elebele/AIT Outer Ring Road; Sagbama-Ekeremor Road; Yenagoa-Oporoma Road; Isaac Boro Express Road; and several others.
To think that Governor Diri was recently accused of taking a laissez-faire approach to his duties!
That Bayelsans can rest easy for the next three years is an occasion for satisfaction, and something the rest of Nigeria can look forward to discovering in their own State Governors.
Chelsea owner ROMAN Abramovich’s new £430million superyacht is pictured in all its glory for the first time.
The 460ft Solaris, which will have eight decks including a helicopter pad, is nearing completion.
No expense has been spared and its two advanced electric engines will make it the most powerful yacht in the world.
Solaris is almost ready for sea trials and should be handed to the Chelsea owner, 54, by the summer.
A source said: “This will be the yacht of the year when she is launched later this year.”
The yacht is being built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.
The shed it is being constructed in is larger than Buckingham Palace.
Solaris will have 48 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers, and a crew of 60.
But Abramovich, who already has £475million superyacht Eclipse, will not be setting sail for Britain often as he has visa issues over his Russia links.
The source added: “Details are being kept top secret but she will be a magnificent addition for the owner.
‘To give you an idea of the size of Solaris the yacht shed she is being built in is bigger and taller than Buckingham Palace so you have some idea of the dimensions.”
The Modakeke-born sportsmanship and business morgue, Chief Onigbinde remains a humble and dynamic man of honor who has brought unprecedented development to the Nigerian Football Federation and to the good people of Osun State while he was the Chief Super Eagles Manager.
“Without mincing words, Chief Osi of Modakeke paramount rulers, Onigbinde is a great phenomenon who has contributed his best in building a just, virile and egalitarian in Nigeria at large especially in the area of sport, dedication to true service, humanitarian amongst others”.
As you celebrate your 83 years of peaceful existence on earth, we the entire Committee of your autobiography/book launch pray that God Almight will uphold you and grant you long life to reap bountifully, the fruits of your good labour in sound health and abundance of God’s grace.
Congratulations sir and many happy returns of this glorious day.
Veteran Nigerian comedian, Alibaba, has taken to social media to debunk rumours that his marriage to Mary Akpobome has hit the rocks. Born Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, the legendary comedian got married to his wife in 2006.
While reacting to the news of his marital crisis, the funny man posted a cosy picture with his wife, fondly called Mummy Mary, smiling and captioned it, “We have gotten calls and messages about the status of our marriage. We are still married and we thank everyone who sent messages and were concerned about the rumour which started because I was not home during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“There was no need to explain to everyone that I was in isolation. And we thank God I pulled through. We appreciate your best wishes.”
According to the news that made the legendary Nigerian comedian react, the humour merchant’s wife allegedly kicked him out of their home at Victoria Garden City over allegations of infidelity.
It was alleged that Alibaba’s wife hired a private investigator that helped discover her husband’s affair with a London-based lover with whom he also fathered a child.
It was further rumoured that Mrs Alibaba was not unaware of her husband’s reckless extra-marital affairs; however, she chose to look the other way hoping that respite would come sometime soon.
The online claims further revealed that Mrs Akpobome confided in some of her associates that she knew what was playing out, saying catching her husband red-handed with another woman was unbearable and unforgivable.
Meanwhile, news had it that Alibaba had since relocated to his office somewhere in the high brow part of town after he was sent packing.
The ancient palace of Alaafin Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on Sunday played host to the crème de la crème of the society. It was the official coronation of Otunba Tomori Williams as Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111.
The glamorous event, which held at Aganju Forecourt, Afin Oyo, had top celebrites, businessmen and women, captains of industries, as well as prominent politicians from far and near in attendance.
As expected of Tomori as an excellent host with high taste for good things, alongside his beautiful wife, the guests were treated into an exclusive reception, after the installation rites. Different dishes, both local and continental, as well as chosen drinks and finger foods were supplied in essence.
Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal aka K1 and the Mayegun of Yorubaland was on bandstand.
Presenting certificate of office to the newly installed chief, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi described Otunba Tomori Williams as brave successful businessman whose philantropic gestures can’t be overemphasized.
Top celebrites at the party include the likes of Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Oloyan of Oyankingdom, Oba Kelani and his Olori, Alara of Ilara Epe Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo, the Lagos/mainland council of white cap chiefs, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka Osolo, Onibogun of Ibogun, Oba Ifakayode Ajigbotifa, the oyemesi, the Akisinkun of Lagos, Mr Bisoye Fagade, Chief Olawale Audus, the Aro of Oto, representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Adetunji, Mogaji Nureni Akanbi; the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Iba Gani Adams and Onishagisha of Magodo
Also on the list are Hon. Shina Peller; Ambassador Ayanlakin, Oloye Akiade Fijabi; Hon. Shina Alabi; Chief Wale Saranda; Chief (Mrs) Kadijat Bakare; Bashiru Fakorede; Mustapha Dodo and a whole lot of others.
Otunba Tomori Williams is MD/CEO T. Williams Construction Nig. Ltd., the Managing Director of Olaleye Property and Investment Ltd, MD Maintek Property and MD Olaleye New Town Developments Ltd. His various working expertise includes Real Estate Developments, Construction, Property Repossession, and Consultancy.
It would be understating the fact that Nigerian troops never recorded greater successes against Boko Haram than they did under the leadership of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd). Buratai, it is on record, did put in all efforts to ensure his troops were motivated with different welfare packages initiated by him for their comfort.
Prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari, the military was losing its officers and men in large numbers. Thus, Buratai’s focus was to improve on the military’s operational achievements. He made a success of it and the result was the unprecedented successes in the counterinsurgency operation he is being credited for even after he exited office.
Within three months of his appointment, Buratai demonstrated his leadership capability by showing that he indeed understood the terrain of the North East, the epicenter of the insurgency. He took the war to Boko Haram and his soldiers recaptured and hoisted the Nigerian flag in Gamboru Ngala, which served as Boko Haram’s main operational base. The insurgents were chased to their Sambisa Forest hideout where troops of the Operation Lafia Dole proudly displayed vital insignias of the sect including a Holy Quran and flags of the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, on national television to the admiration of Nigerians.
Improving the welfare of the army was vital in his agenda. His major policy therefore was directly for the benefit of the troops. He ensured that they were in right frame of mind in their duty. Buratai would go to any length to see and meet the troops’ needs at every point in time. Under his leadership, priority was given to the equipment used by the military to combat the insurgents, among other steps taking by him. The allowances and bonuses of the military were paid as at when due.
His concentration was centered on identifying the most pressing problems that troops and their families were facing, the needs associated with those challenges, and he utilized the resources available to meet those needs. It was also to his credit that the fighting troops were provided with constant water supply to meet their daily needs and to stabilize them emotionally and psychologically. As part of efforts to encourage his men, General Buratai on Tuesday July 25, 2017 approved the promotion of 6,199 soldiers involved in the fight against Boko Haram under his watch.
In the basic responsibilities of a leader which include accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of the soldiers, Buratai was not found wanting. He established Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches, built and commissioned block of flats at Jaji, Khobe Cantonment, Jos in Plateau State and the Danjuma Chalets at 2 Division Headquarters. The former Army chief also renovated a lot of projects he met on ground and initiated water projects including the Supply and Transport Foods and new Command Guest Houses.
Buratai’s contributions to national, regional and international peace have not gone unnoticed here at home and abroad, which, obviously, led to his being appointed a non-career ambassador after a successful military career.
In terms of projects, capacity building, training and welfare, throughout Buratai’s tenure as COAS, there was never a dull moment.
It is on record that Buratai’s leadership style did inspire the fighting soldiers, a record-breaking template his successors would also find suitable to utilize. When he became the Nigerian army chief, he made it a duty to identify with his officers and men as they launched a full-scale war against the Boko Haram fighters.
He initiated a range of activities in support of developing the force, via intensive training, mentoring, partnering, monitoring and empowering. His enabling efforts in that regards include setting up the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies in Biu, Borno State; Command Secondary School (Boys & Girls) in Kebbi State; Nigerian Army Aviation hangar at Jaji Airstrip, Kaduna; Mine Resistance Amour Protected (MRAP); Activation of Divisions Training Schools; establishing Tinapa Post Housing Development Limited Estate, Calabar; Army Warrant Officers Board; the Nigerian Army Special Forces School; First Nigerian Army indigenous infantry patrol vehicle; Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company.
Other capacity building projects Buratai initiated are; the Supply and Transport Driving School; Nigerian Army Women’s Corps; Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Hospital; Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command; 20 Regimentation Battalion; 133 Special Forces Battalion; 123 Special Forces Battalion; Counter Terrorist and Counter Insurgency Museum; 109 Special Forces Battalion; 4 Special Forces Battalion, Counter Explosive Devices; 707 Special Forces Brigade; Motorcycle Battalion; Nigerian Army Agricultural Business Enterprise Limited; Army War College, Nigeria; Nigerian Army Bureau De Change; Nigerian Army Investments Account; Operation Lafia Dole Sectors 1,2 and 3; Homes Fit for Heroes; Otukpo Post Housing Development Limited Estate; Buffalo Engineering and Technical Services Limited, evolution of new operational concepts, establishment of 6 and 8 Divisions, Nigerian Languages Training Initiative, and many more.
Inspiring and effectively leading subordinates, especially through a military mission with life or death implications, is no small feat. It requires leadership, one that extends well beyond the battlefield.
Evidently, for years to come, history will remember General Yusuf Buratai, particularly, in areas critically important to Nigerian Army.
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have purchased a seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom home in Edgartown, Massachusetts, according to reports. The price for the 29-acre estate was $11.75 million, public records show.
The property was purchased by a trust represented by attorney Ronald Rappaport, a partner at Reynolds, Rappaport, Kaplan and Hackney, according to records made available Wednesday. The trust is reportedly tied to the Obamas, but Mansion Global could not confirm the connection. Mr. Rappaport did not return requests for comment.
Gerret Conover and Thomas LeClair, partners at LandVest Martha’s Vineyard, were the listing and selling brokers for the property. Mr. Conover confirmed the sale via email, and that the property was previously owned by Wyc Grousbeck, owner of the Boston Celtics.
The sale price was more than $3 million less than the asking price for the almost 7,000-square-foot home on the Edgartown Great Pond, according to records. It was most recently listed for $14.85 million, but has seen several price cuts since it was first listed in February 2015 for $22.5 million.
Mr. Conover and Mr. LeClair took over from another agency later in May 2017, relisting the property for $19.25 million, records show. It was cut to $16.25 million in May 2018 and then again in July 2019 to $14.85 million. Both agents declined to comment further on any other details of the sale.
Mr. Grousbeck bought the estate in 1998 for $3.15 million, according to property records. He did not return requests for comment.
Rumors about the Obamas buying the Edgartown home have been swirling since the summer, when the family rented the residence, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time. Representatives for the family declined to comment.
The Obamas have summered on the Vineyard for years, and they aren’t the only politicians who are fond of the coastal New England area. The Clinton family has spent time there, and former Secretary of State and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry bought a home there in 2017. Red Gate Farm, the former estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, is currently on the market there for $65 million, according to LandVest.
The home was designed by Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects from San Francisco, with multiple areas for entertaining, both indoors and out. The living room has vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams and a stone fireplace, the listing said. There are two guest wings, and the master suite boasts a fireplace, a private sun deck and water views. There’s a chef’s kitchen with ample built-in storage and a formal circular dining room overlooks the grounds and pond.
Outside, there’s both an outdoor fireplace and screened porch with a fireplace, according to the listing. There’s also a pool and a Jacuzzi off the second-floor balcony that has expansive views of the water. The property offers direct access to the pond, and includes a boat house and a private beach front with deeded rights, as per the listing.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday urged all elected and appointedObasa
officials of the state to unite for Lagos to be greater.
Speaker Obasa said this at the ongoing 16th executive-legislative parley holding in the state with the theme: A Consensus Agenda for Rebuilding Lagos.
“You will all agree with me that the necessity and significance of this parley is explicit enough. More than ever before, the elected and appointed public office holders of Lagos State at all levels must bond together and work in the best interest of the state with a common vision, a common mission and, of course, a common passion.
“This has become imperative if we are to effectively meet the immense responsibilities that lie on our shoulders as leaders of a global mega city like ours,” the Speaker said.
While recalling how the protest ended in wanton destruction of properties in Lagos, which overtime has become the economic hub of Nigeria, Obasa noted that it affected lives and livelihood. He added that government facilities were not spared.
“I remember visiting some parts of Lagos then such as the Lagos High Court, BRT Oyingbo Terminal, Fagba, Isokoko and Pen Cinema Police Stations, Oba Akiolu Palace, City Hall and Public Works Corporation, in company of members of the Lagos House of Assembly. The level of ruins in all these places mentioned was beyond imagination.
“As we are all aware of the fact that Lagos State is the economic powerhouse of the country, there is the need to do everything possible in rebuilding it after the unprecedent carnage.
“I know that efforts have been in top gear to address the issue of rebuilding Lagos state since last year. But this is the very first time both the legislative and executive arms of government in the state will be coming together to address this issue.
“In the light of this, harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government in a state like Lagos is the only factor that will create the enabling environment and momentum needed for this APC-controlled state to live up to its promise of moving Lagos State to the next level of growth and development,” the Speaker added.
Obasa further urged the participants to be aware that rebuilding Lagos requires a holistic collaboration among all the arms of government in the state.
“We need to remind ourselves that the period of brooding over the devastation suffered by our state in the violence that trailed the hijack of #ENDSARS protests is now in the past. All hands must be on deck to fully recover our dear state and take it back to its place in terms of infrastructure, and repair the fortress of commerce battered by the destruction.
“As such, it is gratifying to note that the focus of our discussion for the 16th Legislative-Executive parley is on the right track towards a greater Lagos. We cannot agree less on this because it is on the record that one of the most positive signals from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is that he has not allowed the wheels of governance grind to a halt. And this has kept the state stable and peaceful and kept people wondering what the magic has been since his assumption of office,” the Speaker said.
Eromosele EBHOMELE
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.
Germany-based filmmaker, Pius Okaba, is currently on location for the shoot of his new feature film, Eastside Berlin. He maintained that the world is focused on African entertainment and there are opportunities to tell stories from the perspective of the people.
He said, “My objective is to promote the afro-cosmopolitan culture in Berlin (Germany’s capital), and to create an opportunity for people of colour to tell their own stories.
“Berlin is among the most diverse cities in Europe, with people from various walks of life, but the afro-culture is going through a phase of cultural appreciation. If you walk the streets of Berlin, you would hear afrobeat music and you would smell the aroma of African spices from a distance. There has been a cultural shift, and right now, Africa is in focus.”
He added that the film would focus on the movement of the afro cultural community by tapping into aspects that shape their daily existence, such as music, cuisine, fashion, art and interracial relationships.
Okaba, who started his career as a model, stated that certain experiences in his childhood shaped him into who he is now. He said, “As a child, I engaged in various sporting activities. I played football and also trained as a boxer. Football was to socialise with friends, while boxing was to protect me from bullies. I was also very entrepreneurial as a child.”
He highlighted the challenges he faces shooting a feature film during a pandemic. “It has been challenging trying to wrap this film because of the lockdown and health restrictions; we had to cut down from a 73 man crew to 20 crew member, and most of the film locations were fussed to shut down. However, working with German prolific DOP (Director of Photography) Andreas Reuther, my line producer -Therese Stern and Nigerian German-based Production Manager, Emmanuel Titus, makes my life easier shooting during a lockdown with lots of uncertainty about when life will resume normalcy.”
Residents have condemned the attempt by policemen from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Team to arrest the Chairman, Peace Valley Zone, Magodo Phase II, Lagos State, Ayobami Olubiyi, on Wednesday 24th of February 2021.
We reliably gathered that no fewer than six policemen, allegedly mobilised by one Timi Popoola, laid siege to Olubiyi’s residence around 6am, but their efforts became futile when some residents in the zone and others intervened.
Olubiyi said despite explaining to Popoola that the estate was strictly for residential purpose, he allegedly shunned the warnings and converted a building to an hotel.
He said, “Mr Timi Popoola bought a property in the estate early in 2020 and we reached out to him to know what he was doing with the property, but he refused to open up to us. We also told him to register with us because of security concerns, but he never shown any concern. When our financial secretary asked him to fulfil his obligations to the estate, he (Popoola) threatened him and we reported the incident at the police headquarters in Ikeja, where he was invited, but he didn’t show up.
“We also escalated it to Alagbon for intervention, but surprisingly, we got a letter last week inviting me to Abuja for harassment, molestation and threat to life. I have never met Popoola, so how could I have threatened his life? When the police came today, they demanded to see me, but I was not at home. When the police kept insisting that they wanted to see me, neighbours, who observed what was going on, mobilised against them.
“The place is a hotel and the Lagos State Government has sealed it off twice, but he broke the seal. He has been advertising the hotel online.”
While condemning the action of the police, the Chairman, Magodo Residents’ Association, Phase II, Bajo Osinubi, said the state government designed Magodo as wholly residential, adding that Popoola was using the office of the IG to oppress people so as to continue running the hotel against the decision of the government.
“We don’t want hotels in Magodo, but this man (Popoola) went to a zone that is very small and started renovating a building. During the renovation, his neighbours approached him to inquire about his plans and he told them that he wanted to live in the building. But after the renovation, residents in the zone started seeing strange faces entering the house. They also went online to do further findings and discovered that he had turned the house into a hotel.
“The estate management petitioned the state government and the place was partially sealed off, but he proceeded to inform the Inspector-General of Police. We are surprised that the police invited Olubiyi to Abuja for a case that happened in Magodo, Lagos. Plans were already on for Olubiyi to meet with the IG monitoring unit at the annex in Lagos on Monday, but because he couldn’t make it, six policemen attached to the unit laid siege to his house around 6am Wednesday 24th of February 2021 to arrest him.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said “The IGP Monitoring Unit is from the office of the IG, so it’s proper we notify the Force PRO to look into this and react. I will inform him accordingly.”
The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, had yet to respond to calls and a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report
