The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator (Chief) Chris Nwabueze Ngige and and his State counterpart, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, FCIArb (UK) today, March 2nd, 2020 kicked off the review of the proposed Nigeria’s Labour bills. The epoch-making event is holding at the prestigious Eko hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The historic event, tagged 3-day retreat on the review of National Labour Bills which has as participants, stakeholders including social partners such as the International Labour Organisation-ILO, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association-NECA, Nigeria Labour Congress-NLC, Trade Union Congress-TUC, Resource Persons, egg-heads of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the government is expected to last for 3 days.
The programme which started formally with the rendition of the National Anthem had in attendance the Ministers of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and Festus Keyamo SAN, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr.Ayuba P. Wabba, Representatives of NECA, ILO, relevant Directors of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other vital organizations.
The sessions for the review have begun with critical deliberations on the floor of the venue, on the need to ante the nation’s Labour bills to the best international standards and practices.
It will be recalled that efforts by successive administrations to review the “stale” National Labour Laws which have been in-use for decades have met brickwalls before this fresh attempts by the President Mohammadu Buhari-led government.
Tunde Moshood SA Media and Communications To The Honourable Minister of State, Labour and Employment
She’s without doubt the most talk about Nigerian actress at the moment, Regina Daniels, who is married to billionaire philanthropist, Prince Ned Nwoko has been involved in to many ventures of late one of which she will be launching in a couple of days from now. It was gathered that the actress will be introducing to the people and her teeming fans her first work as a publisher as she is due to launch her own celebrity magazine on 22nd of February, 2020.
In an invite made available by Ifetayo Adeniyi, the media and publicity officer of Prince Ned Nwoko, the celebrities’ magazine will be hitting the newsstands in less than two weeks after it must have been launched in an event slated for Abuja.
The magazine which was named “Regina”, after the fair-skin actress will feature exclusive interview with the elegant role interpreter as well as other stories center around women especially those that has something to do with the media.
It will be recollected that the actress has so far had a very busy 2020, she was and is currently actively involved in her husband’s pet project on eradicating malaria in Africa as well as her recently launched, Regina Entertainment Television (RET) which will soon be on DSTV, where it will be transmitting various programmes to the viewing pleasure of many Nigerians.
Two limited liability companies Sunlek Investment Limited and Sunsteel Industries Limited have slammed N7billion suit on First City Monument bank Plc FCMB over alleged breach of contract.
In a 126 paragraphs of statement of claim accompanied by another 27 paragraphs of a witness sworn to on oath and filed before a Federal high court sitting in Lagos south west Nigeria by a Lagos lawyer Mr. John Olusegun Odubela SAN, the two companies alleged that they operated loan accounts with First City Monument Bank upon which disbursement was made for all letters of credit /loan facility granted to them by the bank for the importation of raw materials.
However, since 23rd May, 2013 when the bank entered into an agreement to grant them loan, and open a loan facility account for them till date, they have not been given the particulars of the loan facility account neither has any statements of account of this loan account been made available to them.
The plaintiffs companies alleged further that by commitment letter dated 23rd May, 2013 and the term sheet for facility duly signed /executed by the two parties, FCMB committed and undertook to fund on fully-underwriten basis the debt finance of $1,500,000 and N422,500,000. Thereafter, other loans facilities were granted to the companies by the bank.
The total amount of the letters of credit opened by the bank in favour of the companies is $8,003,247.5 out of which said sum the companies contributed 10% based on the terms of the grant of the various offer for facility utilized to open letters of credit from 22nd ,March 2013 to September, 2017. The loans facilities were well secured.
The plaintiffs contended that from the available records available to them, it was reflected that they have fully repaid their indebtedness to the Bank.
However, the companies were bewildered when they received the bank’s letter that their indebtedness to the bank as at 14th of March, 2019 is in the sum of N1,129 884,104.72., that the debt should be liquidated within 14 days, despite the fact that they have fully repaid the loan they took from the bank.
Consequently, they engaged the services of accounting firm to audit their account,the plaintiff by their letter and their solicitor’s letter requested for statements of accounts of the loan accounts from the bank, but the bank has deliberately refused, failed and neglected to make available the said statement of account. However from the forensic analysis of their accounts, the plaintiffs contended that they are not in any way indebted to the bank in the sum of N1,129,884,104.72.
From the forensic audit report it was discovered that there were two transactions carried out on letter of credit, wherein substantial volume of the product were damaged.
The value of items purchased by the letters of credit was in the sum of $1,999,965 for the importation of cold rolled steel strips, galvanized steel strips and Zinc wire from Chemetals(HK) limited Unit 1105H/F Lippo Center 89,Queens Way Hong Kong. FCMB is solely and unilaterally liable to undertake all the risk Insurance policy Clause A for the consignment/raw material to be imported by virtue of the letter of credit.
The bank solely negotiated insurance policy obtained for the products purchased and appointed Mansard Insurance Plc to provide insurance cover Clause C for the importation of the consignment. Upon taken delivery of the consignment after payment of custom duties and port charges, it was discovered that a large volume of the said consignment were in various forms of damaged conditions.
The plaintiffs informed the bank about the damaged consignment and the need to pursue insurance claim for the damage consignment,the bank requested for documents from the officers of the plaintiffs which was sent to them to pursue the claim.
However, the agent of the bank sent a report to the plaintiffs to inform them that from the nature of damages to some of the products, the insurance policy, being a Clause C policy as undertaken by the bank is not sufficient to cover the nature of loss from the said damages to the products. The total value of the consignment damaged is in the sum of $628,386.23 and N336,136.692.66. The bank ought to have undertaken an all risk insurance policy cover with the insurance company. As a result of the damages to the consignment,they were not fit for use and could not be refined in the plaintiffs machine and remained in the plaintiffs factory as junk or waste material.
The plaintiffs averred that they have suffered financial loss as a result of the breach of contract in the sum of N884,934,268.56 which has negatively affected their business operation since 2014 till date. The plaintiffs averred that they are entitled to claim damages for breach of contract against the bank who had by its various acts of breaches of the various letters of offer for facility caused great loss to their business. Consequently the plaintiffs claim against FCMB jointly and severally are as follows:
General damages in the sum of N5billion.
A declaration that the plaintiffs are not indebted to the bank in any sum premised on the fact that they have settled all their indebtedness on the facilities granted to them by the bank. A declaration that the bank breach the terms of letter of credit and is liable for the loss of the letters of offer on importation, in the sum of $1,999,865.
A declaration that the bank is liable to refund to the plaintiffs N884,934,298.56,being the losses uncured on the damaged consignment purchased through letters of credits,and failure and refusal of the bank to obtain an all risk insurance policy for the shipment of the said consignment.
An order for the payment of N826,996,135.00 being the total sum wrongly debited on the plaintiffs account by the bank. An order of the court restraining FCMB from appointing and or registering any instrument of appointment of an official receiver or any instrument whatsoever made for the purpose of enforcing the security for the payment of alleged indebtedness in the sum of N1,129,884,104.72 being allegedly claimed against the plaintiffs by the bank. Cost of litigation assessed at N250 million.
Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s(USAID) Middle East Bureau, Michael T. Harvey, Acting Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Africa at the U.S. Agency for International Development,(USAID) Christopher Maloney, E.D Treasury & International Banking UBA, Abdoul-Aziz Dia, Group Head, Consumer & Retail Banking, UBA Jude Anele during the signing of the memorandum of understanding to advance trade and investment goals of Prosper Africa, held in Tunisia on Thursday
U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Prosper Africa initiative is partnering with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and the nations of Africa.
This partnership ensures businesses are equipped with the technical and financial tools they need to enter into new trading and investment relationships in Africa and the United States.
USAID will provide technical assistance and advisory services to prospective businesses through its Trade and Investment Hubs, and will connect UBA with African Diaspora business groups working across the United States.
The MOU enables UBA, the only sub-Saharan African bank licensed to operate in the United States, to expand access its reach and extend financing to American companies in the United States looking to do business with African nations.
Recognizing tremendous growth opportunities, USAID and UBA are collaborating to advance Prosper Africa’s goal of substantially increasing two-way trade between Africa and the United States.
By working together, they will extend financing and technical assistance to businesses that will strengthen the American economy, grow African economies, and create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
The two institutions entered into this agreement as part of the opening ceremony of the Tunisia Prosper Africa Conference, co-organized by the U.S. Embassy in Tunis and the American Chamber of Commerce of Tunisia.
The event facilitated U.S. and African business-to-business connections and featured remarks by key representatives from the U.S. Government and the U.S. and African private sector.
For general press inquiries, please contact Press@USAID.GOV.
In its resolve to build a sustainable economic growth in Africa, a world class infrastructure building giant, International Service Group (ISG) has vowed to empower Africans and enhance economic advancement, as it promises to collaborate and finance any willing government in Africa to fund projects that will boost the economy of the nation.
In the organization’s New Year package for the Continent of Africa aptly tagged ”Vision 2020”, ISG detailed its projection on how it intends to finance willing African governments to create economic growth in their countries by improving, renewing and adjusting the infrastructure.
Chief Executive Officer of the International Service Group (ISG), Mr. Steven Tuinstra.i
In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the International Service Group (ISG), Mr. Steven Tuinstra, the organization believes that if Africa concentrates on the development of Infrastructure and fights corruption, the continent is capable of ruling the World.
ISG, according to Tuinstra, in its Vision 2020 package for Africa is committed to providing funding for any country that is ready to develop their country to a higher level, declaring that the organization has projected billions of dollars to render Financing to any country on the continent that is willing to embark on capital projects that will enhance development and job creation for the citizens.
Tuinstra mentioned further that, the areas of Interest for the organization in building infrastructure in Africa include roads, railway, airports, ports, bridges, and electricity to improve power amongst others, as he assured ISG’s total financing of projects in the one specified areas.
He pointed out that his experience in Africa has exposed him to the fact that even though Africa is rich on resources, people are very poor with no jobs for the citizens.
According to the ISG boss, traveling across Africa and seeing people suffering in spite of the enormous wealth in resources calls for concern. He thus vowed that ISG through its unique funding model that connects all of the dots is now ready to make the necessary financing available, which has been the main issue of the African nation to improve lives for African citizens.
Tuinstra, in the statement disclosed that ISG is currently financing projects all over Africa, ISG has among others signed agreement to build an Olympic Village in Ivory Coast towards the successful hosting of CAF 2023, while Plans are in top gear to finance the construction of 100,000 low cost housing unit in Ghana and the construction of Railway throughout West Africa.
He concluded that the infrastructure building giant would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Africa realizes its potentials.
Meanwhile, the Organization has appointed a Nigerian International Journalist, Moses Owopade as its Media & Publicity Adviser.
A N20m fundamental human rights suit has been filed against Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and six others over allegations of unlawful detention, torture and inhuman treatment of a Lagos-based businessman, Akinfolabi Akindele,
The case was filed before a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, has as co- respondents, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Force CID, Alagbon, Lagos; Assistant Inspector General of Police Force, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos; Lagos State Commissioner of Police; Deputy Commissioner of Police State CID Panti, Lagos; Alhaji Azeez Ashiru, and Sergeant Adeyinka Adekunle
The applicant in the suit accused the Inspector General of Police and other respondents, of violating his fundamental human rights by arresting and detaining him in a brutal manner, sometime in February, 2019.
Akindele, who is also the Managing Director of Adamakin Investment, in the suit marked as TEMP/49826/2020 filed through his Lawyer, Idris Mohammed Doko, stated that at the behest of Alhaji Azeez Ashiru (the sixth respondent), sometime in February 2019, he was arrested, brutalised, detained and without being allowed to legal representation, compelled to make statements on each occasion of his arrest and detention without arraignment before any court of law till date.
He prayed the court to declare that the humiliating and brutal arrest and detention constitute a violation of his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, guaranteed under Sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Article 3 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
He further asked the court to declare that the fresh invitation sent to him on a matter that has already been investigated and concluded by the Deputy Commissioner of Police State CID Panti, for the purpose of restricting his movement, personal liberty and freedom, constitute violation of his rights under Sections 34, 35, 36 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.
Also, he is asking the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves or their officers, agents or representatives, from further harassing, intimidating, and or arresting him, or interfering in respect of the facts or transactions in the case, or any fact relating to the management of Estate of Madam Iyabode Efunroye Tinubu, for which the Respondents have been harassing, arresting and detaining him.
In addition, he asked the court for an order directing the respondents to jointly and severally pay him the sum of N20 million, as damages for violation of his fundamental rights.
Akindele in the affidavit in support of the motion, averred the that on August 27, 2012, the head of Tinubu family, other accredited representatives of the family, as well as the Trustee of the Estate of Madam Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu, gave him the Power of attorney dated August 27, 2012.
“By virtue of the said power of attorney, I was saddled with responsibility of managing or administering the entire Estate of Madam Iyalode Efunnroye Tinubu as Chairman and Managing Director of the company, which comprises of vast expanses of land across Lagos and Ogun State known as Ewe-Agbibo and Iwaya Farm Land, covered by the survey plan drawn by late Herbert Macaulay with registered title No. 45 at page 45 in volume 2212, comprising about 4.5 miles as delineated in the upgraded survey plan. Attached and marked Exhibit AD2, is the copy of the survey plan.
“That the various portions of the said expanse of land is occupied by known and unknown persons, as delineated in several survey diagrams exhibited in this affidavit and marked Exhibit AD3. “On becoming aware of the illegal or unauthorised occupation of the lands, I instituted an action against unknown persons in this court, in Suit No. LD/1604LM/17 currently pending before Hon. Justice Pedro sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, challenging the adverse claim of the ownership of any potion of land belonging or forming part of Madam Iyalode Estate.
“Alhaji Adio Lumosa is currently in Court in respect of same issues reported above, and had also earlier reported the same matter to Efcc for investigation, where it was established that the allegations were not only baseless, but false.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the matter had already been investigated by the EFCC, they did not bother to get in touch with the EFCC for the outcome of the investigation, nor confirm from the court in Lagos and Ogun State, where the matter was instituted by Alhaji Lumosa in suit no Temp/41292/2018, Alhaji Adio Kazeem Lumosa & 2 Ors v Akinfolabi Akindele, Suit No. AB/243/52019 High Court Abeokuta, Suit No. ID/6319GCM/2019 at the High Court Ikeja, but kept me in detention for well over one week.
“In fact, they transferred me from their cells at Obalende to the Anti-cult unit of the Police at Gbagada, Lagos, where I was put in the cell with some hardened criminals who continued to beat me mercilessly, until I was later separated by the station officer, upon my cry for help and made a manhunt for the lawyers representing me in the defence and prosecution of these matters, at various courts in Lagos and Ogn State.
“In fact, Mr Kunle Awoma Esq, my Lawyer, who was invited to come for my bail at their office in Obalende, Lagos, was also arrested and detained with me till we were moved to the office of the IGP in Abuja, before we were granted bail,” he averred
The former Vice Chancellor of Osun State University and Provost of the ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy, Professor Sola Akinrinade, has joined the Board of Trustees of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation.
In a statement by the Foundation’s Board Chairman and Publisher of the Cable Online News, Mr. Simon Kolawole, “AFF is indeed excited to have Professor Sola Akinrinade onboard. Professor Akinrinade comes with a rich and diverse track record of academic excellence, towering development sector expertise and an impeccable grasp of international diplomacy. His addition to the Board brings the strategic perspectives required to consolidate on AFF’s milestones in the anti-corruption space, while also charting new paths in the driving of initiatives that fits into our overall agenda for a better world”.
Professor Sola Akinrinade is the pioneer Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. He holds the Bachelor of Art and Master Art degrees in History from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, and PhD in International Relations
from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of London. He is a Professor of African Diplomatic History and International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he has produced several graduates and Dons in over three decades.
He was Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University (2003 – 2007), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans, (2006 – 2007). He served as the foundation Vice-Chancellor of the Osun State University, from 2007 to 2012. Experienced academic, historian, biographer, documentarist, public servant and administrator and Consultant to various national and international organizations with interest and capacity in public policy, human capacity development, higher education capacity building, good governance, anti-corruption, ethics and integrity.
Professor Akinrinade joined the ICPC on 1 October 2014, as Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria. As Provost, he serves as the Head of the Academy and provides academic and administrative leadership. He is responsible for the growth and development of the Academy’s academic and human resources. The Academy currently works with several organisations and governmental agencies with on good governance, accountability, transparency, integrity, ethics and other issues relating to anti-corruption and corrupt practices.
A Certified Management Consultant, Professor Akinrinade is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, FNAL, the apex body for humanities scholarship in Nigeria, and of several other professional bodies including the Historical Society of Nigeria, FHSN, the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (fspsp), and the Institute of Management Consultants, FIMC.
The Akin Fadeyi Foundation Board of Trustees led by the Board Chair, Simon Kolawole is comprised of experts in Legal, Media Communication, Public policy and Development Sector credentials.
Established in 2016., the Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF) is a registered Not-For-Profit that works to ensure that Nigerians live fulfilling lives where they can use their human and social capital to the full extent. Since inception, AFF has focused on the following key areas: Anti-corruption, Socio-economic development, Poverty relief, Environmental protection and preservation. The Foundation’s flagship project is ‘Corruption Not in my country’, a radio and TV drama skit currently broadcast. The foundation is also behind the Flag’It App initiative, a mobile and webbased App developed, developed with support from MacAuthur Foundation, and which empowers citizens to report corruption, demand for accountability and excellent service delivery from government institutions.
(L-R) M&E Officer, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Osemudiame Enaholo, Accounts Officer, Akin Fadeyi Fadeyi Foundation, Ernest Momoh, Corp Marshal, FRSC. Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Head of Programs, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Ekenem Ugede, Corp Public Education Officer, FRSC. Bisi Kazeem, Programs Officer, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Simon Adole at a review report meeting on FlagIt App, FRSC headquarters, Abuja
Atlanta, GA. USA. Monday January 20, 2020: The US-Nigeria Trade Council, a body that specializes in facilitating trade and investments between the United States and Nigeria, on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora (United States) hereby endorses the Flag’It App, a mobile technology Application Portal recently launched by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation for reporting corruption. We enjoin Nigerians in the diaspora to download the App as they would find it valuable in reporting encounters of corruption whenever they travel to Nigeria.
We express delight and declare this initiative as indication that Nigeria is fast moving in the direction of accountability and transparency. We congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for lending his weight behind the Flag’It App, especially as the Presidency and other major government agencies were well represented at the launching which took place at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja recently. Evidently, no serious-minded government would sit pretty and allow corruption to fester. We commend the Akin Fadeyi Foundation for developing such innovative app, and thereby, empowering Nigerians to confront the endemic corruption in our social milieu. The “the Flag’It” App which empowers Nigerians to report corruption is a commendable national reset agenda capable of bringing about a radical change that will enable the ease of doing business in Nigeria once citizens can report public officials who abuse their positions and also constitute a stumbling block within the process chain.
We congratulate the Akin Fadeyi Foundation on the scores of milestones recorded from its ‘Corruption Not in My Country’ drama skits, an initiative which has gained traction with huge impact of the project on citizens within and outside Nigeria. These dramatizations and the messaging style are appropriate for the fight against petty and retail corruption because it challenges our normative culture of impudence and endemic corruption.
The Trade Council commend the FRSC Corp Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, for buying into the vision of the Flag’It App and for being the first government agency to come onboard the App. This action is a bold gesture and a clear commitment of his leadership at the FRSC to transparency, accountability and excellent service delivery”. We hereby urge the President to direct other federal government institutions to begin onboarding the FlagIt App as this would signal to the global community that Nigeria was indeed serious and irrevocably committed to its fight against institutional corruption in the country. For us at the Trade Council, the FlagIt App is a robust complement to the existing national anti-corruption efforts of the Buhari administration and we call on this government to tap into the opportunities, the Flag’It App offers especially in its continued drive for more foreign investment.
There is no further demonstration to bolster the confidence of Investors than opening your public institutions processes to accountability, transparency and excellent service delivery.
The US-Nigeria Trade council also commended the MacArthur Foundation for supporting this initiative and for lending its weight behind creative social change programs globally to ensure the enthronement of transparency and the stamping out of corruption.
The Flag’IT App is a mobile and web-based App developed by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation which empowers citizens to report corruption, demand for accountability and excellent service delivery from government institutions. It was launched on the 10th of October, 2019 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja at an event that was attended by dignitaries from the civil society, government agencies and the Media. Nigerians have since begun to download the App, with 14 reported cases and 7 already treated.
World richest man and founder of Amazon in one of his famous quotes said, “Work hard, have fun, make history”. These will best be used to described the trend at which young and hardworking Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia, Seyi Tinubu is living.
Seyi who is known for his hard working and his fun loving lifestyle has recently been making history by the number of awards that are trailing him, recently, Chartered Institute of Public Resources Managers and Politics, an organisatuion based in Ghana decided to honour the humble but hard-working man by inducting him into 2020 Fellowship Hall of Fame of the organization.
The delegation headed by Dr. Richard Kpoku-Aquarte in his speech described the Loatsad Chairman as a man of an uncommon professional of excellence in a class of his own, he also address his as a pace-setter media innovator, a multi-dimensional business executive of unparalleled distinction and a boardroom strategist.
Dr. Kpoku-Aquarte explained further that the Fellowship is to honour people from all nations especially those those who have proven themselves as embodiments of Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in their various leadership positions. He also listed Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State), Mr. Stephen Onasanya (former M.D. of First Bank of Nig Plc), Barrister Adebayo Shittu (former Nigerian Minister of Communications), Prof. Abdil Kareem Age Sulyman (VC University of Ilorin) and many more important dignitaries as some individuals that has been inducted into the Fellowship in the past.
In the same vein another organization, Avance Media, a Public Relations & Rating company that has for some times been honouring young Africans that are making positive impact in their different countries to encourage them to do more, recognizes his contribution and has since nominated him for the annual honor.
Announcing the nomination on his Instagram page, Seyi Tinubu attributed his nomination to the hard work and dedication of the Loatsad Promomedia team and his partner Denrele Olusoga, in the message he stated “Congratulations to the @loatsad_promomedia team, this is an affirmation of their hard work which has led to my nomination for @avance_media‘s 2019 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians in Business. It’s been a collective effort and journey so credit must be given to my team and partners”.
The list which is being compiled and voted for yearly started about five years ago and has had names of influential Nigerian young men and women like; Davido, Wizkid, DJ Xclusive, Funke Akindele, Kelechi Anyikude, Amaka Osakwe, DJ Cuppy, John Obi Mikel, Linda Ikeji, IK Osakioduwa, Toke Makinwa and many more young Nigerians.
The list according to the organisers headed by Prince Akpah is to “serve as an encouragement to young Nigerians who are accomplished in their industries and continue to build distinguished brands for themselves and influence over others. The list also urged those honoured to continue striving harder so that their story can inspire other young people to also contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.”
Barrister Femi Mokikan, President, Okun Development Association
The national executive of Okun Development Association (ODA) has distanced itself from a group named Okun Development Association, South West Branch.
The National Executive of ODA, the umbrella body representing the Yoruba people of Kogi State, rose from its quarterly meeting of 18th January 2020 held in Isanlu, Yagba East LG, with some far reaching decisions.
In a communiqué released in Kogi State after the meeting, and signed by the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan, the National Secretary, Pst Ayo Abereoran and the National Legal Adviser, Barrister Abimbola, the association stated that:
1) Legal, civil and criminal actions will be taken against anybody or group of persons parading themselves as representing the Association at National or Branch levels in any manner outside the provisions of the constitution of the Association.
2) No organisation or individuals shall henceforth undertake any event or function, for commercial or non commercial purposes, using the Okun name without the written approval of the National Executive Committee of ODA.
3) That the security situation in Okunland is still of serious concern. We commend the efforts of the State Government, other security agencies in the State, our Hunters and individuals who have collaborated with us in addressing the challenges we are often confronted with.
4) To further enhance the effectiveness of our efforts, we believe the time has come for us to set up our own Okun Security Trust Fund (OSTF). Towards this end, a committee is working on the details and other modalities and the outcome will be announced as soon as their report is approved.
5) We received with excitement the creation of the AMOTEKUN Security outfit at inter governmental level to address the security challenges of the SW States. This provides us in ODA an opportunity to explore the possibility of raising our security collaboration with the SW Yorubas to another level. We shall not relent.
6) As part of possible measures to reduce unemployment, we appeal to Okun Sons and Daughters with means and the entrepreneurial profile to come home and establish businesses with potentials to absorb people into paid employment.
7) The presence of a Community Radio is a powerful means of social and cultural reengineering in any community. The ODA will explore every opportunity/possibility, through appropriate individuals, to ensure that Okun Radio becomes a reality.
8) To further give teeth to the ODA, the Okun Council of Elders is to be reconstituted within the shortest possible time. We, on behalf of all Okun people thank our fathers and mothers who have served meritoriously on the Council
9) We appeal to our politicians to stop meddling with the affairs of the National Association of Okun Students so as to permanently put an end to the divisive tendencies that continue to plague the body. What we need is unity at all levels.
10) That the Miss Okun Pageant is a proprietary asset of the Okun people.
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Therefore the process of selecting the successful candidate to wear the Miss Okun Crown will henceforth be under the umbrella of ODA. This is without prejudice to any groups or individuals that may wish to initiate, organize and own their own beauty pageants, provided the word Okun is not reflected in the appellation of such pageant.
11) Meanwhile, ODA has announced that election will be held into various offices of the Lagos branch of the association before the end of Februa 2020. The Executive offices to be filled shalll be contested by individuals from Ijumu Local Government, Yagba West Local Government, Mopa Amuro Local Government, Yagba East Local Government, Oworo/Lokoja Local Government and Kabba/Bunu Local Government.
12) Ijumu Local Government will produce the Chairman of the Branch, while the Vice-Chairman will be produced by Oworo in Lokoja Local Government, the office of the Secretary has been zoned to Yagba West, while the Financial Secretary will be produced by Mopa Amuro. The post of Public Relation Officer (PRO) and Treasurer will come from Yagba East and Kabba/Bunu Local Government respectively.
Speaking further on the Communique, the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan, appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rebuild all the federal roads in Okunland that are in a deplorable condition. The association President said most Okun communities are now “landlocked”.
