Lieutenant General Ipoola Alani Akinrinade (Retired), a former Chief of Defence Staff, during the commissioning ceremony of the state-of-the-art Operations Room in Headquarters 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment Ibadan lauded the steadfastness of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai in embracing the tenets of civil-military relations. He commended the present Nigerian Army leadership for its steadastness in ensuring the subordination of the military to civil authority.
The retired senior officer stated that the events of recent weeks which went beyond the ENDSARS protest has portrayed the Chief of Army Staff as a rare breed officer and an exemplary leader who did not betray the trust and confidence of the Commander in Chief noting that the Chief of Army Staff has on many occasions made it clear that the Nigerian Army is a professional army and that the era of military intervention in political governance was gone for good.
The former Chief of Defence Staff praised the Chief of Army staff for his forward-thinking in embracing modern technology in the establishment of Operations Room in all Nigerian Army Formations. He commended the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army Major General Anthony Bamidele Omozoje for the State-of-the art Operations Room.
He noted that the last time he saw an operations room so well equipped was in the United States as a young Captain several years back at the Infantry School. He, therefore, commended 2 Division for the exceptionally high standard in its training activities and conduct of operations across its area of responsibility. He stated that he was proud to note that the Nigerian Army he commanded several years ago had gone up several notches from what they used to know in his days. He said it was gratifying to the older generation that the Nigerian Army was in capable and worthy hands.
The retired general appealed to the Nigerian Army to continue to be an instrument of national unity for the defence of the country’s democracy and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, reviews the factors that led to #ENDSARS protests in Nigeria resulting in unquantifiable losses in human and capital leading to government official offering remedies. The Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, during the week was in Lagos for on-the-spot assessment of the level of destruction. NAOSRE’s Secretary, Dayo Bamgbala who was on tour with the IG, presents the report
While preparations were in top gears for a professional and peaceful policing of the entire length and breadth of Nigeria in view of the yuletide season that usually attracts unusual traffic, the Nigeria Police Force and indeed, security agents in Nigeria had to fall back on its reservoir of strategy to deal with sudden protests over Police brutality.
Within days, what started as isolated protests against the police snowballed into a national showdown.
The protesters made specific demand on President Muhammadu Buhari and Inspector General of Police, IGP, Abubakar Mohammed to terminate the Special Anti Robbery Squad, a Nigerian police unit that has been tasked over the past three decades with fighting violent crime, including banditry and kidnapping. The protest was aptly tagged #ENDSARS.
The public outrage over the impunity of SARS was triggered by the reported shooting of a young Nigerian in Ughelli, Delta state.
Home and abroad, lots of high profile Nigerians including celebrities took up the cause to #EndSARS.
The government swung into action, disbanding SARS and assuring that “Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt.”
All that fell on deaf ears. By the time normalcy returned, lots of lives had been maimed and lost. Properties burnt and in some cases vandalized including police formations.
In Lagos for instance, the loss in human, business and property are unquantifiable, prompting leadership at all levels to embark on mitigating dive to alleviate the consequential sufferings.
First was the governor of the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who visited the Lagos State Police Command with a promise of welfare for officers and men including replacing burnt operational vehicles and buildings.
During the week, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu was in Lagos for on the spot assessment of damages across police formations in the State.
The IG encouraged the officers to put behind them the unfortunate #EndSars protests, which was hijacked by hoodlums and led to the loss of Police officers and destruction of properties of the Nigerian police force.
After the traditional official courtesy visit to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the IG encourage police personnel not to be discouraged by the unprecedented events. He tasked officers to brace up for the duty of policing and securing Nigeria. He reminded the demoralised officers of their training which prepared them for such risks.
The IGP, who was in Lagos with other senior officers, begun the on-the-spot assessment from Makinde Police Division in Mafoluku, where the station and barracks were burnt by hoodlums in the community.
From there the IGP and the other senior police officers moved to Orile Police Station, and then Ebute Ero Division after which the IGP moved to assess the damage at the Iga Idunganran, the official residence of the Oba of Lagos.
The IGP also visited the private residence of Oba Rilwan Akiolu where he had a private session with him before moving to the Ikoyi, Police Hospital to see some of the policemen injured during the #EndSars crisis. Speaking with newsmen during his tour around affected areas in Lagos, Adamu assuaged officers and men of adequate makeup of losses.
“Lagos seems to be the epicentre where the incidents took place. The amount of destruction is more in Lagos than in any other state. I am here to commiserate with the governor of Lagos State and the people of the state on the amount of destruction to public property and private businesses.
“My visit is also to see the police stations that were destroyed and talk to officers and men of the Nigeria Police and encourage them not to be demoralised by the events that took place where they were attacked and police stations destroyed.
“They are specially trained to take this kind of risks because, by the nature of police job, they are exposed to this type of risk. Now that this has happened, it shouldn’t discourage us from performing our constitutional duties, he said.
Continuing, the IG stressed that “Apart from the police stations destroyed, private businesses were destroyed; even the palace of Oba of Lagos was destroyed. I would urge the citizens to set up protocol before embarking on any protest to avoid miscreants’ hijack. The moment you allow that the intent of the protest will be defeated as in the case of this peaceful protest we witnessed.”
At the Ikeja Police Command Headquarters, the IGP recapped the incident that led to the protest. He recalled that it was engineered by fake news over the supposed death of a civilian in Delta State.
Adamu said: “The #EndSARS protest was engineered by fake news that came out of Delta State where the local security outfit called Operation Delta Safe in routine stop-and-search accosted some individuals.
“Out of guilt, one of them decided to bolt out of the vehicle and an individual who wanted to spread mischief took a video of the incident and posted it on social media that the police had killed somebody.
“That led to protests in Delta State and in the course of our investigation, we found out that nobody was killed and SARS was not involved. But then with the use of social media, everything went so wide to the extent that Lagos picked it and it became a serious matter; it became the epicentre of the EndSARS group that started in 2017.
“They resuscitated it and came up with the campaign against #EndSARS. They came with five demands and after about four days of protest, the authorities acceded because it could lead to reform of the SARS itself.
“Our expectation was that after that, they would leave the streets but they did not. Every security agency knows that when people come out to protest without observing the protocol; you stay too long on the streets protesting, there is always a tendency for protests to become violent.”
Commending the policemen, IGP said: “When the police are viciously attacked by hoodlums in this manner that we have seen the tendency is for the police to be provoked and they have the power and capacity to repel.
“But you showed maximum restraint by not using maximum force to repel the miscreants that went about destroying property and killing people here and there.
“That restraint and resilience you have shown that no amount of provocation will lead you to give credence to police brutality. That has turned the table against the protesters and everyone knows that you were professional in handling the protests, which subsequently turned violent.”
Adamu, acknowledged that in every organisation there must be few that are bad. Reconnecting the president’s speech in support of the police, Adamu said: “The vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and livelihood of Nigerians and we will continue to support them to do their best.”
“Now that this has happened, it shouldn’t discourage us from performing our constitutional duties. It is true that some of them, their morale has been dampened but the visit is to encourage you not to relent in performing their constitutional duties to protect lives and properties,” Adamu said.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, appealed to IGP to further enhance better service delivery with the provision of anti-riot equipment and non-lethal weapons.
He urged the IGP to consider and approve posthumous special promotions for the police personnel who lost their lives to the Lagos unrest.
Odumosu further appealed to IGP to make additional anti-riot equipment and four water cannons available to the command to make the management and control of riots easier and more professional.
It is however learnt that Hakeem Odumosu’s requests are being looked into by the police hierarchy.
Mrs Bolaji Oke Fajaso is no doubt one of the Old Students making Ojodu Grammar School proud. Since graduating from the school 25 years ago, she has successfully proceeded to conquer other grounds professionally. This beautiful woman of substance is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Elite Magazine. She is also an event planner and a motivational speaker. In this interview, the hardworking and honest lady talks about her Alma Mater and developmental plans…
How does it feel to be an old student of Ojodu Grammar School?
It’s a thing of pride, the school has really transformed over time. You cannot but identify with the reformation going on in the school.
Can you share an unforgettable experience as a student of the school?
There are many unforgettable experiences but the one that readily comes to mind was when our school took 1st position in Jet Competition. It was a popular Science competition then and Ojodu Grammar School came all the way from 7th position to 1st.
How did your experience in the school prepared you for the challenges and life ahead?
Having gone through vibrant teachers whose tutelage has kept me going, one cannot but be resilient for whatever challenges the future has brought on us.
In what areas have you tried to inspire current students of the school, considering your wealth of experience?
During the last valenditory service, I was physically present as a product of the school and I was able to impact the young ones on how they need to be focused on their academic and get prepared for any challenges ahead.
Your 1995 Set wing of the Old Students Association is celebrating Silver Jubilee this year. What is so spectacular about the event?
Wow, many things. Number one is; the school is getting her first ever e-Library, donated by one us, Abayomi Isaac to be precise. Some past teachers will be receiving cash gifts, and most importantly we are celebrating the gift of one another. There are many our paths have not crossed since we left secondary school, so this is an opportunity for us to see and appreciate one another.
What is the bond between your set and other old sets?
Very cordial. They love and respect us and vice versa.
How has the Old Students Association contributed to the development of the school so far?
The old students association has been actively involved in the activities of the school, supporting the school morally and financially as the need arises.
A member of your set, Jooda Jimoh is the VP3 of the association. How will you describe him in few words?
My ever vibrant VP3. He always take the lead in all our activities. He’s actually one of our members who is giving monetary award to one of our past teachers.
Your Set is arguably the most active among the Old Students. What’s the driving force?
One with God, they say, is a majority. God has blessed our set with people who irrespective of their individual financial commitment are always ready to shoulder responsibilities. During the last valenditory service, the school called on one of our members (I know he wouldn’t want me to say this, but it’s highly commendable) and he single handedly dropped a total cash of N250,000 for the three best graduating students and best teacher. So we are always ready.
After the Silver Jubilee, what should we expect?
A more robust cooperation among us and increased urge to help our Alma Mater.
A frontline grassroot politician in Alimosho, youth development enthusiast and managing director of Upright Agricultural Services, Babatunde Adegoke, aka Mata has rallied the youth constituency in Egbe Idimu to pass a vote of confidence on the Senator representing Lagos West in the National, Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, YAYI FCA and the leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Alimosho, Alhaji Abdulahi Enilolobo.
Mata who is an agribusiness expert while hosting some youths of the party at a dinner yesterday, reiterated that Senator Yayi and Enilolobo are the supreme leaders that have the qualities to pilot the affairs of running a democratic and progressive party like the APC in Alimosho.
‘It smacks ofsheer mischief, wickedness and infantile scheming for any right thinking person to question the quality of leadership as produced by the duo of Senator Yayi and Alhaji Enilolobo within Alimosho, and Egbe Idimu in particular’
Adegoke also charged politicians to imbibe peaceful engagement and strategic lobbying rather than resort to violence, destruction and cheap propaganda.
‘APC is a big party, so interests will sure abound. But it is advisable that we imbibe in peaceful politicking, strategic lobbying and human empowerment, rather than violent disruptions, destruction of properties and unwarranted blackmail’.
In clear terms, Mata also firmly expressed it that the youths of Egbe Idimu, ditto Alimosho won’t allow miscreants masquerading as politicians take over the running of the party. He however counsel every party men to be law abiding, peace loving and dutiful to part hierarchy.
I join millions of friends, associates and well-wishers to celebrate a dependable and dedicated, jovial youngest Nigerian activist, Barrister Micheal Sijuade Bandele, as he clocks another age.
Michael’s birthday presents us a great opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the wonderful gift of nature he symbolises and I’m pleased to share the joy of this moment with him.
I’m exceedingly proud to identify with Sijuade on this auspicious occasion, which is filled by accomplishments, in lifetimes and business endeavours, while not forgetting to laud his contributions and sacrifices for a greater Erukucity.
On behalf of my family and well- wishers good people of Erukucity both home and abroad I congratulate Barr Michael Sijuade Bandele, on his auspicious Special (birthday) anniversary and I equally pray that God grant him sound health, abundant blessings and fulfilment of every aspirations.”
Have a blast our own Barrister
Wish you many happy returns
The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan has said the bank is prepared to partner with other organizations to explore the opportunities available in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Akinwuntan in his remark at an event in Lagos pointed out that the pan African bank was set up primarily for the economic integration and development of Africa, stressing that the bank was ready to deploy its capacity, platform and network to achieve the AfCFTA objectives.
According to him, “Naturally for us as a pan African bank, we are set up to support the economic integration and development of Africa. We have a commitment, capacity, network to support the realization of AfCFTA objectives. We understand the regulatory environments, cultures and have the technology and innovation platforms. We will support Fintech to push Africa to benefit from the global market.”
Also speaking, AfCFTA, Mene Wamkele expressed satisfaction that Nigeria is ready to deposit the instrument of ratification of the AfCFTA, noting that he is looking forward to Nigeria’s leadership in AfCFTA.
He observed that for a long time the African continent has focused on security and political issues, noting that focus is now being shifted towards trade and investment-related matters.
“Whatever decision we take at the secretariat would be informed by what Africa wants. We will not put up any design that will not support what Africa wants. We would employ digitization, and fintech will drive financial inclusion. We would drive trade inclusion through fintech that would be affordable, accessible, and available,” adding that “Border closure and xenophobic issues have to be addressed according to the rules of the trade agreement, foreigners have to be protected by the agreement. All foreign entities must be treated like domestic players. Discrimination of any kind that will be tolerated. AfCFTA has improved on the WTO requirements on trade facilitation, and we would ensure that countries meet up with their obligation to ensure smooth trade,” Wamkele pointed out.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyeama, has revealed that the landlord of the property where the Nigerian Embassy in Hungary is located, is threatening to evict them.
Onyeama made this disclosure while defending the ministry’s 2021 budget at the House of Representatives in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister also claimed the ministry needs N1.6billion to move ambassadors and pay officers N3.7billion.
“Just on Monday, the ambassador in Hungary called to say they are going to throw them out from the chancery building. That the landlord is coming and that they do not have the money to pay,” NAN quoted him to have said.
“And we get that from a lot of missions across the world and that is not a sustainable way of running foreign service.
“Then this exchange rate differential with the CBN is really something we need to address once and for all.
“It is not so easy, all of these things are computed in naira and all the payments abroad are in dollars and once the exchange rate is changed, it never goes the other way, it always goes up, it never comes down vis-a-vis the dollar.
This means immediate shortfall for all our missions
The Lekki Concession Company, operators of the Lekki toll gate, has submitted video footage recorded by its surveillance camera on the night of October 20, 2020, when soldiers allegedly opened fire on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate.T
The Managing Director of LCC, Abayomi Omomuwa, submitted the video footage on Tuesday to the Judicial Panel of Cnquiry set up by the Lagos State Government to probe the Lekki shootings as well as complaints of human rights abuses against members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Tendering the video footage to the panel, Omomuwa said, “I can confirm that inside here is the video footage that our CCTV was able to record for the 20th of October.”
Explaining why the camera stopped working, Omomuwa said, “The major cause is because of network.”
“I can confirm categorically we never, ever, tampered with the CCTV. That is why we can get the footage.
“It remained there until about 8pm when it was tampered with and we couldn’t get anything.”The panel had last week paid an unscheduled visit to the Lekki toll gate as well as the military hospital in the Ikoyi area of Lagos. An official of the hospital, Brigadier General AI Taiwo, who took the panel members round the facility, said the morgue has been under renovation since October 2019.
The controversy about the ownership of Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the organization running the Lekki toll-gate where Lagos former Governor, Fashola recently find a hidden camera need to be put to rest. Though the ownership of the LCC has been linked to many but we can tell you for a fact that the Chairman of the board of the company that was established in year 2006 is occupied by Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, a very close friend of the former Governor of Lagos State and current Minister of Works and Housing Barrister Babatunde Raji Fashola.
Dr. Olowolafe is a 1984 graduate of Medicine from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, after which he worked as in the health care industry across various parts of South Western Nigeria before he co-founded Deux Project Limited, a Nigerian civil engineering, construction, consultancy, and maintenance company as a partnership with Dr. Olatunde in 2000.
He’s a major investor and leader in Public Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects and this include him serving as Chairman of Lekki Concession Company and Eko Rail. He’s also the Chairman of GZ Industry Limited, the only can manufacturer serving the Nigerian market.
Sources close to the government of former Governor Fashola can attest to the two forming a bound that sees the then Governor entrust the medical doctor turned contractor with many things. The governor is said to have made popular a statement over the years whenever any major developmental contracts comes up for mention in Lagos Council Meetings then which is, “I think Lafe can do it, I trust him”.
Dr. Tunji Olowolafe
Those in the government then says Dr. Lafe as he was fondly called in the corridor of power then was Lagos biggest contractor during Fashola’s time as Governor and we can confirm they are still pretty close going by the heartfelt message he penned during this year birthday celebration of the Minister of Works and Housing in June.
Olowolafe in his piece of eulogy to the former governor “As governor and minister, BRF always championed a Pan-Nigerian, development-oriented style of leadership, everything he does revolve around this idea. I am yet to observe so closely any leader in his generation possessing such passion for making life better for as many people as possible”.
With the event that happened in a past not too long ago and the relationship between Fashola and Dr, Lafe, the feat to miraculously discover a camera on the premises of the toll-gate is seen as a deliberate attempt by the minister to take the heat off his friend.
One of the leading prophetic voices in Christendom, Prophet TB Joshua has finally open up on the forthcoming presidential election in America between Joe Biden and Donald Trump
The clergy Said: “What is happening in the American election is as a result of the power in the tongue. The word we speak determines the life we enjoy (Proverbs 6:2). The tongue can either work for us or against us – death and life lie in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
We Christians would have loved it to go the way we wanted. But the Bible says it is never proper to base our faith on our improvement after prayer. We should not worry. The joy is that the new Supreme Court Judge, Amy Coney Barrett, will be an instrument of check.
Finally, let us learn how to believe that God hears us when we pray – it is a much greater blessing. There is likely going to be pockets of resistance here and there but nothing will change. Let me reserve what I am seeing until the inauguration of the new president.”
– Prophet TB Joshua (November 1, 2020
