Category: News

Unpalatable Tales trails the distribution of Lagos COVID-19 Emergency Food Response

Wickedness will be the right word to describe the actions of some people involved in the distribution of relief material made available by the Lagos State Government for the people when a lockdown of every activities were announced by both the State and the Federal governments. The aim of the package is to help put food on the table of poor Lagosians whose livelihood will be affected by the lockdown, but information reaching us from different areas is sad.

It was brought to our notice that the people are not actually getting what was reported to be in the pack, while Lagos government made it known through different media that a pack of Covid-19 Emergency Food Response pack will contain a sizeable amount of rice, beans, garri and what can be used to cook it like sachet tomatoes and some other items which of course includes water, we gathered that the people are only getting outrageous stuffs that falls far below what the government announced.

Findings revealed that packages getting to the people are so poor and unlike what was publicly displayed by the State government, though it varies we were informed that the Local Governments (LG) or Local Council Development Area (LCDA) were saddled with the responsibility of distributing the relief packages based on Community Development Association (CDA), it was revealed that some CDAs were only able to get three (3) packs of the Emergency Food Response while some gets like five (5) not forgetting the fact that the law of Lagos State governing CDA formation made it clear that it will take minimum of 20 persons to form a CDA.

What this means is that each house may not get up to one measuring tin of only one of the item in the package, one case was that of Igando-Ikotun LCDA where a street of more that twelve (12) house were given a few cups of beans, in the video made available to us by some of the residents the package brought for the street more than 20 families living on the street is just the beans and a sachet of tomato paste. Another street were also receive few cups of rice while some could only get garri.

This is unpalatable news to many of the residents who had high hopes of feeding their families during this trying period that has exposed most of them to untold hardship in catering for the feeding of their family due to the government imposed lockdown. What is however unknown is if the rationing is from the State government (which sources said is not likely) or the fact that the LG and LCDA officials has decided to short-change the poor like the culture in Nigeria.

Video

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MTN Respond to Minister of Labour’s Plea, Gives free 300 SMS to Nigerians

The clarion call by the Minister of State, Labour, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN FCIArb (UK) to telecommunication companies and Pay-TVs in Nigeria to come up with a social safety net programme for the masses to ease the Covid-19 pains has began to yield results with a swift response from one of the telecommunication giants.

Concerned with the plights of the masses amidst the federal government’s compulsory stay home order on the Covid-19 plague, the Minister had released torrents of messages from his Twitter handle urging Pay-TVs and telecommunication companies to gift free data, call credits and at least 1-month subscription for their numerous customers. This is in order to allow them stay in touch with the world and their relatives.

And in a swift reaction, the management of MTN, one of Nigeria’s telecommunication companies has responded to the Minister’s tweets by promising its subscribers free 300 sms to all networks of their choice.

“We understand how important it is to keep in touch with loved ones during this period. Now you can with 300 SMS to all networks. #staysafe#connected”, MTN’s response on its Twitter handle, @MTNNG.

As a way of appreciating their reaction to his tweets, the Minister thanked MTN management but not without begging for more, Thank you@MTNNG for responding to my plea, especially for the hard-hit workers this time. We really appreciate. But I believe you can still do more. Specifically, we politely ask for some token data and airtime. Nothing is too small. Other networks should kindly follow suit. The Minister pleaded.

 

LAGOS STATE INTER PARTY ADVISORY COUNCIL (IPAC) EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EMERGENCY MEETING

The Lagos State IPAC Executive Council headed by Comrade Tade Ademola held an emergency meeting on Monday, 30th march 2020, to discuss the Corona Virus pandemic as it affected Lagos citizens and steps being taken by all tiers of government to prevent its spread and eradicate it in the state.
After extensive deliberation, the council appreciated the proactive efforts of the Governor, Mr.Babajide Sanwo- Olu and his team in Lagos State on the much steps being taken thus far to avert this Pandemic, and request that the testing range be extended to the suburbs/densely populated communities.
Encouraged Lagosian to strictly follow NCDC guidelines, Government Directives of Hand washing, Social Distancing and Stay at Home directives.
Law enforcement agencies are enjoined to be professional in enforcement of the law to avert breakdown of law and order
Appealed to Lagosian to endure and comply with the FGN 14 days lock down.
IPAC also directed all Political Parties chairpersons in the state to enlighten and inform their LGA and Ward Officials to disseminate  all Government directives to their members with a view to ensure maximum compliance
Ensure continuous communication to the grassroots at least every other day, with a view to monitor compliance.
Welfare Relief Solutions : –
A transparent welfare committee should be set up which should include the IPAC members as a stakeholder and not limited to the ruling party (APC) members alone.
Enjoined the state government to include IPAC members in the  distribution of relief materials and food items to Lagosian
Water is critical to the virus containment, so  areas without pipe borne should be provided with source of water
Relief package essential: Reaching out to the poor Masses whose livelihood is on a day to day job and Encouraged well meaning individuals to support their various communities
Finally, Water vendors should also be allowed to operates during this lockdown as water is essential to life and crucial in the containment processes.
Thank you.
Signed;
Comr. Tade Ademola
Chairman IPAC Lagos state.
Prince Idowu Sesi Michael
Deputy secretary of Lagos State Ipac

Ondo Governorship Poll 2020: APC’s Unity Forum Clears the Air on Consensus Candidate

About three weeks ago, the Unity Forum of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State constituted a 7-man Selection Committee to select a consensus candidate among the ten aspirants who have expressed their interests in becoming the governor of the State. Immediately the committee members swung into actions by interfacing with the aspirants and examining their blueprints for the State. Thereafter, the committee went into sessions of deliberations to arrive at a consensus choice.

While members of the forum and the general public eagerly await the outcome of the exercise, the social media has been awashed with various conflicting reports about the outcome of the exercise.

To set the records straight, here is what the Secretary of the Selection Committee Professor Sola Ehindero has to say:

“The mandate of the committee set up by the UNITY FORUM is to select a CONSENSUS candidate who is credible, loyal and whose track record  reflects his or her community and corporate accountability and commitment to self-less service.

After three weeks of non-compromising deliberations and as at today Friday, 27th of March, 2020, the committee is yet to reach a decision on such a candidate and thus yet to prepare a report.While the search continues party members should ignore information from the social media or any outfit regarding the choice of a consensus candidate”.

IYKE KANU EMERGES AGN PATRON AS “OPERATION LAST DANCE” PREMIERS

The Chairman of Icecos Energy Limited and National Mandate Newspaper, Dr. Iyke Kanu has emerged Patron of Actors Guild of Nigeria at the just concluded 9th Biennial Lecture and Launching / Premiering of “Operation Last Dance” with theme “The Strategic Role of Nollywood in the Nigerian Economy” held at the expansive Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday 11th March, 2020, by the Guild under the leadership of Emeka Rollas Ejezie.

Other notable personalities that were inducted alongside Dr. Kanu are the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai, Senator Ishaku Abbo, Dr. Chris Okafor, Dr. Nasir El-Rufai, Sen. Ifeanyi Uba, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Prince Ned Nwoko, who was named Chairman of Patrons, etc.

In his speech, Dr. Kanu who served as the chairman of the occasion recalled how in 1957 the movie, “Fincho” by Sam Zebba heralded the birth of what is today known as Nollywood, followed closely by “Kadara” in 1980, before the 1992 blockbuster “Living in Bondage,” that ultimately announced the readiness of Nollywood to take the world by storm, and trust there have been no looking back since then.

He further said that the theatrical prowess and cinematic efforts of first generation legends like Hubert Ogunde, Adeyemi Afolayan, Pete Edochie, Tunde Kelani,  Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Adebayo Salami,  Olu Jacobs,  Ladi Ladebo, Jide Kosoko,  Moses Olaiya, Sadiq Daba, Afolabi Adesanya among others, played a pivotal role in shaping the film industry to its enviable heights and after them, Nollywood has never at any time been short of talents.

The industry has blossomed, evolved and grown in every facets of film making, thereby positioned as unarguably one of the leading employers of labour in Nigeria.  Though highly pertinent to note that with involvement of government and other investors, the industry has the posture to eclipse its present status in a short while, he said.

This sector beyond contributing to the nation’s GDP, growing the tourism sector of the economy and positioning itself as the biggest promoter of the brand Nigeria, within and outside the shores of this nation has churned out notable heroes over the last seven decades of its existence.

Nollywood over time has proven to be a strong catalyst for preservation of our cultural heritage as a people which is at the verge of extinct on the accounts of influx of western culture.   The adaptation of national histories and cultures into movies has been a tool to educate this generation and the one to come of the labours of our heroes past.

It is on record that the film industry offers potentials for economic, social mobilization and political cohesion and it is necessary for government to tap into wide film market and readiness of stakeholders to revamp the sector to be the largest singular contributor to GDP and job creation outside oil.  He said

My honest submission here today is that if government should be ready to grow revenue from other sectors beyond oil, the creative industry should be the first to take advantage of, galvanize support for an investors-friendly industry, promulgate laws that will regulate and protect contents and fight piracy, provide social security framework for stakeholders and support the sector with take-off grants through all the guilds that make up the industry and in no distance time, Nollywood boost our GDP by 10%, he posited emphatically.

Beyond all, Nollywood has been a tool for mass mobilization and dissemination of information as most of their films has been positioned to fight one social ill in the society or others just like the one that is premiered today, “Operation Last Dance”. He concluded.

AGN President, Emeka Rollas said Dr. Kanu’s choice for inauguration as Patron is as a result of his huge moral and financial support to the Guild over the years and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate his philanthropic gestures.

The high point of the well-attended event is the unveiling of the prototype proposed film village which drew applause and support of the special guests present including Dr. Kanu who pledged to be financially involved in the project.

Prophet Iginla’s 6 Years Old Prediction about COVID-19

The world is currently on its knees deep in fear, and this is not unconnected to the outbreak of the pandemic known as coronavirus.

However, as panic sweeps across the world over the catastrophic terror of death caused by the dreaded pandemic known as coronavirus,  it is important to know that God has spoken about it six years ago through his prophet , Joshua Iginla before its emergence .

Since world leaders are seeking for solutions at such a time like this, coupled with the fact that scientific fraternity is incapacitated, then they should turn to God and listen to his prophet whom he sent as his mouth piece.

In 2014, Iginla prophesied accurately about a dreadful disease coming in the year 2020.

“ I see a dreadful sickness worse than HIV. I see a beast coming out. I saw medical experts gathered round this beast but could not conquer it . And I see it killing millions of people between 2014 and 2020. Let’s pray that between 2014 and 2020 we won’t see a breakout of this virus that will kill millions. This is a plot. It’s an end-time sickness. When we talk about HIV , this is not it. It is something that will blow up the minds of scientist.

It would be recalled that the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by  severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.

 The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020.  As of 21 March, more than 276,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in over 180 countries and territories, resulting in more than 11,300 deaths and 88,000 recoveries causing global panic and emergencies across the world .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y57ywfWhyHs&t=38s

Gas Explosion: Zenith Bank Commiserate with LASG, Donates N100m to Emergency Relief Fund

Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has donated N100 million to the Emergency Relief Fund set up by the Lagos State Government for the victims of the Abulo-Edo explosion.

The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu made the pledge on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, when the Management of the Bank visited the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the State House, Marina, Lagos to condone with him and the good people of Lagos State on the unfortunate incident of March 15, 2020 which led to the loss of lives and properties at the Abule-Ado area in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Onyeagwu said: “For us in Zenith, we share in the concerns and the very traumatic experience that Lagos state is passing through. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, those who lost their lives and those who are still in the hospitals, recovering. We can only but pray that God will comfort the families. We are also very impressed with the fact that the response from the Lagos State Government was quick, rapid and immediate. There is nothing you can do to quantify the loss of lives. The only thing one can do is to ameliorate the sufferings, the pains and the discomfort of those who have been terribly impacted. So, we would like to let Mr. Governor know that we share with him at this moment. We are aware that you’ve also set up a relief fund account and we are willing to make an immediate contribution of N100 million”.

On his part, the Lagos State Governor expressed his sincere appreciation to the Management of the Bank for taking time out of their busy schedule to embark on the sober visit and stand with the State Government in this trying moment. While thanking the bank for the N100 million donation to the emergency relief fund set up by the State Government for victims of the explosion, he also expressed his delight at the bank’s acceptance of the offer to co-house the fund.

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Monday while speaking with stakeholders and journalists at the explosion site, disclosed that a N2 billion Abule Ado/Soba Emergency Relief Fund had been set up for the victims. He said the state government have donated N250 million to the fund and solicited for support from all Nigerians including the private sector.

Lagos Explosions: Fidelity CEO Commiserates With Victims, Assures Affected Traders of Support

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo on Monday commiserated with traders and others victims of Sunday’s tragic explosion in Abule Ado, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State. Accompanied by other Executive Management staff, Okonkwo who visited the affected market areas was received by the leaders of the Balogun Business Association (BBA), Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) and Association of Progressive Traders (APT). He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the explosion and disclosed the bank’s readiness to make some token contributions to members of the traders’ associations whose shops and properties were destroyed. “We thought to come this morning to commiserate with you and see first-hand the damages caused by effects of the explosions” said Okonkwo.

Responding, the market leaders thanked the bank for the gesture, noting that Fidelity Bank has been a true supporter and remains the most responsive of all financial institutions in the market. “Fidelity is not the only bank in this market. Coming here barely 24 hours after this incidence and offering financial support in addition, is quite commendable. We are still evaluating the extent of damages and the number of our members affected” said President BBA, Chief Anthony Obih.

The Presidents of ASPAMDA and APT also expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank. “You have indeed demonstrated to us that we are indeed partners. We will reciprocate this kindness and will continue to do everything within our powers to support the bank” stated President ASPAMDA, Chief Daniel Oforkansi.  On his part the APT Market Association President Chief Eric Ilechukwu called on other corporate entities to emulate Fidelity Bank saying “it is people and organizations like you that we want. If others are like you, things will be better for it”.

Several residential and commercial buildings as well as cars were destroyed in the explosion that rocked Abule Ado to its core. The resulting fire, from the explosion, later spread to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil pipeline passing through the area, although the pipeline was shut down as a precautionary measure. The explosion caused widespread panic among Lagos residents after it shook many houses in Ijegun, Festac Town and other communities outside Amuwo Odofin.

L-R: Ezenwa Oguadinma, Treasurer, Balogun Business Association (BBA); Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; Tony Obih, President, BBA; Emeka Igbosupolu, Vice President, BBA during the visit to the markets at BBA, ASPAMDA and APT to commiserate with the victims of the Lagos explosion on Monday
L-R: Eric Ilechukwu, President, Association of Progressive Traders (APT); Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Executive Director, Lagos & South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc and Daniel Oforkansi, President, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), during the visit to the markets to commiserate with the victims of the Lagos explosion on Monday.

LASPOTECH Honour Outstanding Staff at 27th Convocation and Award Dinner

Harvey Mackay, an American businessman, author and syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick once said “A smart manager will establish a culture of gratitude.” This was the order of the day during the 27th Convocation and Award Dinner organized by the management of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, recently in Lagos at the Airport Hotels Ikeja Banquet Hall.

The event which serves as non-student award night as well as the school 10th Rector Professor Samuel Olayinka Sogunro’s last convocation was ordinarily meant to confer Honorary fellowship awards on some outstanding individuals with Aare Afe Babalola (founder Afe Babalola University) and Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa (Chairman, Lagos state Local government service commission) to be this edition’s recipients. It was also meant to be a gathering away from the school premises by the staffs to dine and wine while the management will appreciate a few of the staffs.

It was a carefully planned event which was meant to give surprise awards to some staffs who are kept in the dark about the planned award, the cat was however let out by the rector when he was delivering his speech. The Rector explained in details the reason behind the award and how the winners were chosen.

In his words Professor Sogunro said “The 11th Governing Council of the Polytechnic approved that excellent performance must be recognized and awarded to stimulate continuous excellent output. So, a ‘Productivity Committee’ to determine winners across schools/faculty, departments and units was set-up. Selflessness, creativity, innovation, focus, results and others like that are the major criteria used in selection”, he concluded.

There are two categories of awards which are; Productivity and Excellence. Mr. Steven Adesemoye of the Mass Communications Department was awarded the overall best as the Most Outstanding Staff of the year. The award reads for his contributions towards the overall development of the Polytechnic.

In his remarked a visibly surprised winner said “What can I say? I am naturally a workaholic. I was not doing my things for reward. So, this came to me as a pleasant surprise.

“I appreciate God for His mercy. I appreciate the Management under the leadership of Professor Oluyinka Samuel Sogunro for finding me worthy of this award. I promise to triple my efforts in taking the Polytechnic of excellence to the next level. I dedicate the award to all struggling women across the globe.”

He explained further “Though, this is not my first. In 2005, I was awarded Best Staff (Technical) under the directorship of Mr Olawumi Anthony Gasper. But this very one is the biggest and somehow remarkable.” Concluded an elated Adesemoye.

It is the believe that the of the school management that such honours will go a long way in encouraging staffs to put-in more effort towards giving their best at all times to the development of the students in their care.

Pics From left: Dean, School of Communications & Liberal studies- Mr Segun Daisi, President, LASPOTECH Alumni association – Dr Yinka Adewusi, Deputy Rector (academics) – Mr Olumide Metilelu, Most Outstanding Staff – Steven Anu’ Adesemoye, Permanent Secretary, Office of Special Adviser on Education – Dr Shamsideen Allison and rector LASPOTECH- Mr Oluyinka Sogunro at the 27th Convocation Dinner and Awards held at the Banquet hall of Airport Hotel on Saturday

BOTSWANA BEST STUDENT GETS TB JOSHUA SCHOLARSHIP

A Form 2 high-flyer Naomi Higgins, who passed her Junior Certificate Examination (JCE) with flying colours, has received a tertiary scholarship from Nigerian televangelist Temitope Balogun Joshua, commonly known as Prophet TB Joshua.
Higgins joins thousands of students worldwide who have received scholarship ranging from primary to tertiary education sponsored by Prophet TB Joshua, founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and Emmanuel TV partners.
The 14-year-old brilliant student, will be the second one from Botswana to benefit from the same initiative following Mary-Jean Nleya who was sponsored by Prophet TB Joshua  and Emmanuel TV partners to pursue her Bachelor of Laws  and attained Magna Cum Laude at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
Nleya was also sponsored by Prophet TB Joshua to pursue her Master’s Degree at Harvard University under the Harvard Law School and was also given an opportunity with the help of the Prophet to get an internship at International Criminal Court at The Hague in the Netherlands.
Higgins received her sponsorship during an all-paid expense trip  by Prophet TB Joshua two week ago  after a special invitation at  SCOAN which is located  in Lagos, Nigeria following an article which was published by Mmegi newspaper.
Higgins, who is currently doing her Form 4 at Selebi-Phikwe Senior Secondary School (SPSSS) was the only student at Nxakato JSS who attained grade A even though she sat for JCE whilst doing Form 2.
In an interview with  Mmegi, Higgins said that words were  not  enough to describe her happiness when she received an invitation to SCOAN by Prophet TB Joshua.
She said that during her first encounter with Prophet TB Joshua she was shivering and all in tears. He added : “Prophet TB Joshua is a holy man and everything at SCOAN  was  godly. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity  to meet him in person.”
Higgins further said that she was still shocked that everything that happened to her in the past weeks started off with a small achievement of her passing JCE.She hopes to be a cardiologist and said that to her surprise during her one-on-one with Prophet TB Joshua, he offered her a tertiary scholarship to study  what she wants when she finishes her BGCSE.
She also said that Prophet TB Joshua also  appointed Nleya to be   her mentor, role model and contact person for the prophet. Higgins  clarfied  that :“Nleya was the one who showed Prophet TB Joshua the  article.
She is the same person who is going to assist me to apply for Harvard University or any other  university, which is best in Cardiology across the globe.” She added that the scholarship would cover everything including tuition fees, living allowance and accommodation.
She also mentioned that Prophet TB Joshua gave her  $3, 000 (about P33,000) so  that she can purchase educational material to help her prepare for the BGCSE final examination. The  intelligent girl was so determined to study harder at school because there was no way she was going to miss an opportunity to go to Harvard University.
About  her stay in Nigeria, Higgins said she was over the moon because it has been her long term goal to be part of the  congregants at SCOAN. She said that she would always cherish the moment  because she was treated like a very important person (VIP) and accommodated in an executive suite just like in a five-star hotel.
The brilliant student described their experience at SCOAN as something out of this planet especially, the part where they visited  the spiritual prayer mountain. The ever smiling student  said that to make the journey to SCOAN even memorable was the part  where she had to board on an aeroplane for the first time in her life.
She said that she would always thank God for everything, day and night, for making her dream come true earlier than expected. Higgins’s mother Ruth Higgins, who was  equally elated, thanked  Mmegi for writing an article about her brilliant daughter.
She said that it was through the article that her daughter was  discovered by the Prophet TB Joshua who offered her the tertiary scholarship. She further said that if her daughter finishes her Form 5, provided she performs   ell, she will go to any University of her choice and Prophet TB Joshua will wholly cover the scholarship.
Ruth added : “I don’t know how to describe the feeling as it is  out of this  world. The ball is in her court now to work extra harder in order to pass her BGCSE.” The delighted mother said that the bursary gives them assurance as parents that their daughter ‘s dream of studying Cardiology at Harvard University would come true provided she meet the University entry credentials.  Ruth was certain that her daughter would pass BGCSE with merit  because she is a hard worker and well-disciplined  girl.
She expressed gratitude to Prophet TB Joshua for awarding Naomi  the tertiary education scholarship and to God for giving  her abundance of blessings. Ruth also thanked one of the beneficiaries of Prophet TB Joshua’s education bursary Nleya who discovered her daughter.
She shared that they learnt that Nleya also received  scholarship from Prophet TB Joshua and Emmanuel TV partners  years back  when she was just an ordinary visitor at SCOAN. She also described Nleya as a guardian angel who made her daughter’s dream turn into reality. Naomi’s father, Kenneth Higgins said that he was extremely overjoyed of his daughter’s achievements. He said that his daughter’s achievements have brought admiration to his family.
Kenneth said: “This is what all fathers dream of and this is what we want for our families. I give all the honour and glory to the almighty God and Prophet TB Joshua for this grace from God. I am very much humbled by the kind gesture.” He said that Naomi’s achievements would go a long way in motivating her fellow peers on the importance of taking education seriously and to aim high and reach great heights.
SOURCE: Mmegi – Botswana Newspaper – Mmegi Online ::
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