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Cool FM’s Amin Mousalli, Allon Nelken, Kavitta Chellaram, Diana Chan, Others For Ethnic Business Award

Nigeria-based foreigners who’re contributing to the nation’s economy in terms of visible investments and employment generation will be honoured and celebrated during the Ethnic Business Awards (www.theethnicbusinessawards.com) on Valentine’s day, February 14th, 2020 at the prestigious Oriental hotel Lagos.

These diaspora foreigners who have chosen Nigeria as home despite the stormy waters, according to the organizers of the epoch making event deserve more than celebration and will be honoured in different categories such as Ethnic Man of The Year, Woman of The Year, Entrepreneur of The Year, CSR Brand, Beauty Brand, Financial Institution to mention but a few.

On the Ethnic Man of The Year category are revered international business tycoon such Alli Mousalli of Cool FM, Allon Nelken, (Mega Plaza), Benoy Berry (Contec Group), Robert Tung (Wempco), Mann Lababidi of Crown Flour Mills to mention but a few while the nominees for Ethnic Woman of The Year are Diana Chan (GAC Motors), Kavita Chellaram (ArtHouse Contemporary) and Caterina Bortolussi of Kinabuti Fashions.

Other interesting categories are the Ethnic Financial Institutions where the likes of Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered and Citi Bank are being nominated.

Foreign entertainers who’re making waves in the Nigerian showbiz industry will also be honoured in the catrgories itemized as Cross-Over Actors, Actress and Musician of The Year. Prominent African stars such as Juliet Ibrahim (Ghana), Princess Shyngle (Gambia), Cynthia Emade (Cameroun), Ela Mensah (Ghana), Okawa Shaznay among others.

The Ethnic Business Awards is aimed at recognizing and appreciating the outstanding contributions of foreign businesses, organisations, individuals and communities to corporate Nigeria, “this is like thinking outside the box, the awards is designed to reward and encourage innovations and excellence among Nigeria-based foreigners in enterprise”.

Inspired by the growing population of foreign investors, organisations, individuals and migrants communities who have impressed with remarkable inputs into the growth of the Nigerian economy, the Ethnic Business Awards [EBA] seeks to reward the best practices in commerce, international diplomacy and excellence across other industries.

Nigeria became Africa’s largest economy for the second year in a row according to a multinational professional services network, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in 2019. Beyond doubts, this feat would have been impossible without the faith reposed in her by men and women of other nationalities who have defied doom prediction to swarm Nigeria to grow her commerce.

The EBA (www.theethnicbusinessawards.com) pays very special attention to promising and established foreign companies, missions, communities, organisations and individuals of sterling qualities all of whom have been identified and grouped into different categories following a public opinion poll and wide consultations with some of the industry’s finest experts.

The event holds on St. Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2020 at the prestigious Oriental hotel Lagos.

Kavita Chellaram of ArtHouse Contemporary

The Important Role played by ERUKUCITY and Pheminik Life Support Boss in Liberation of the Two Women sold into Slavery in Lebanon

+ How Dr. Toyin Aborisade Coughed out $5000 for their release
by Oluwaseun

A mother of two, Mrs Taiwo who was stranded in Lebanon, has been rescued after the homemade video went viral in the social media. In the video, she had disclosed her identity and revealed her hometown to be ‘Erukucity’ in Kwara State.

The video, which circulated for days, caught the attention of the CEO of Phemmick Life Support, Network Dr. Toyin Aborisade, coincidentally an indigene of Erukucity, who sprang into action and set the tone for the eventual rescue of Mrs Taiwo.

It was learnt that Dr. Toyin Aborisade, after watching the viral video and found out the woman is an indigene of his hometown ‘Erukucity’, quickly sent messages to some Erukuans who live in Kwara to inquire if anyone could identify her and as luck would have it, she was identified by Mr. Olasunkanmi Ayeni, the PRO of NSCDC Kwara State who he even traced Taiwo’s compound to Erukucity.

Her twin sister, Kehinde was contacted and it was she who gave an insight into the whole scenario. According to her, a Lebanese who lives in Ilorin had cajoled Taiwo with a promise of a teaching job in Lebanon not knowing that the man had other plans of luring her into the hands of another Lebanese agent in Lebanon for slavery.

When a call was put across to Phemnick Life Support boss, Dr. Toyin Aborisade, he said it took God’s intervention and the efforts of Ayeni Olasunkanmi NSCDC Kwara State PRO; Mr. Harry Ilori, EPU Financial Secretary; Mr. Sola Daniel EPU President, Phemnick Life Support staffers and NSCDC Kwara State who wholeheartedly made every effort to get the Nigerian-based Lebanese agent arrested and instructed him to put a call to his partner in Lebanon on how to secure Mrs Taiwo’s release.

The Lebanese agent demanded for $2000 to be paid into her account before Taiwo could be released. Without hesitations, Phemnick boss Dr. Toyin Aborisade transfered $2500 to Mr. Harry Ilori who paid the money to the Lebanese.

As at the time of filing this report Taiwo had arrived Nigeria and was received by Phemnick Life Support staffers and Nigeria Civil Defense, Kwara State Squad.

Meanwhile, another victim, a single mother identified as Omolola, a native of Osun State has cried out to Phemnick Life Support,Network and a leading travel agent in Nigeria to also come to her rescue.

A reliable source has confirmed that Phemnick Life support boss has also paid $2500 for her immediate release from Lebanon.

The Nigerian-based Lebanese agent is cooling off in the custody of NSCDC while investigations are on.

Yuletide Message: “Don’t Give Up,” AMPON Tells Nigerians

One of the leading groups of journalists and media practitioners; AMPON (Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria) has assured Nigerians that their optimism on the emergence of a better Nigeria is not in any way misplaced. This was contained in a Christmas message.

In the association goodwill message, made available said that every citizen of the great nation, Nigeria needs to imbibe the lessons of harmonious coexistence to engender development across the states of the nation.

In the statement, signed on behalf of its Chairman, Wole Arisekola by the Acting Secretary, Olugbenga Bada, the Association urged the Federal Government to reflect on the Christmas season and provide Nigerians with the kind of selfless leadership that Christ exemplified. “What Nigerians need from the government at all levels is selfless leadership as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who loved his friends so much that he gave his life for them”.

The statement also read in part; “our leaders should use the end of the year as a period of introspection. The same court orders that could not be obeyed for reasons known to the Major General Buhari administration were eventually obeyed after the United States waded in. Sadly, barely days before then, Major General Buhari’s handlers had given reasons for not obeying the order and had gone as far as reminding the United States Government that it has not been officially appointed ‘policeman of the world’. While it is shameful that the government refused to yield to the cries of Nigerians to obey the judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man, it is even more painful that it took only a letter from the United States to change the situation and secure the release of Col. Sambo Dasuki after four years in detention”.

The statement went further that “if we don’t give up and we collectively demand our rights, Nigeria will eventually, become a better place and not only will we have the ears of our leaders, we will eventually have a government we can truly be proud of”.

Lending its voice to the debate on the ‘Social Media Bill’, the Association described it as a ploy to gag the media. “Let it be known that AMPON will join Nigerians to resist every move to gag the media and subtly remove the freedom of the press. Nigerians have the right to express themselves and no government will be allowed to take that away from them”.

As every Nigerians look forward to a prosperous 2020, the group; AMPON urged its fellow citizen to let’s all love one another and be brothers keepers, and pray that the Almighty would touch the hearts of some persons who take joy in inflicting pains on the hapless common man.

Weeks after T B Joshua’s Visit To South Sudan: President and Opposition Leader Sues For Peace

Just few weeks after Prophet TB Joshua’s prophetic visit to South Sudan, what has never happened has occurred.

The President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar on Monday agreed talks on all the outstanding issues to go underway after Christmas and New Year holidays.

The decision by the two principles to press ahead with more talks comes amid growing international pressure as a deadline looms in February for them to form a unity government.

Tut Gatluak, Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, told reporters after the meeting at the Presidential Palace that the two leaders agreed that face-to-face meetings will continue after Christmas and New Year holidays.

He pointed out that Kiir and Machar discussed “the implementation of the peace agreement and agreed to maintain communication on pending issues.”

“Dr. Machar is expected to travel to Khartoum on Tuesday, but he will come back to Juba after the holiday season,” Tut said.

According to the presidential adviser, the two principles reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that lasting peace is achieved in South Sudan.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek have wished the people of South Sudan a happy holiday. We want to assure the public that next year will be a year of peace and tranquillity,” he said.

Last week, Kiir and Machar ended days of meetings without breaking a deadlock over the number of states and their boundaries.

Both sides however expressed hope that South Africa’s Deputy President David Mabuza, who mediates the talks on the number of states and their boundaries, could play a big role in bridging the divergent viewpoints of the rival parties in January.

It would be recalled that The President of Sudan had earlier invited Prophet TB Joshua for prayers for peace in the nation on November 12, which he honoured.

Temitope Balogun Joshua also known as T. B. Joshua is a Nigerian pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist. He founded The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, and owns the Christian television network Emmanuel TV.

It should also be noted that TB Joshua gained prominence in South Sudan for his alleged prophecy of a failed coup attempt against President Salva Kiir before the conflict erupted in 2013. And since his visits to South Sudan since November 2019, chains of positive reactions have been an occurrence in the country .

Tribune@70: Access Bank Honored With Most Improved Bank

Access Bank PLC has once again cemented its position as the leading bank in Nigeria by winning the most improved bank award at the 70th Anniversary of Africa Newspaper of Nigeria (ANN), publishers of the Nigerian Tribune in the capital city of Oyo State, Ibadan.

At the event which has notable personalities from all sectors gathered at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre to celebrate the 70th anniversary with the oldest newspaper in Nigeria.

Abdul Imoyo, Head, PR & Media Relations of Access Bank, receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, said the Bank’s leadership position to its vision of becoming Africa’s gateway to the World at large.

According to him, ”We are delighted to be honoured by the special award and we want to thank the board and management of Nigeria Tribune. The Merger gave us this award and you will agree with me that the merger between Acccess Bank and the old Diamond Bank was the fastest and the most efficient merger ever in the history of banking in Nigeria .

“The merger today has transformed Access Bank to be the leading Bank. I must also say that the merger was informed by our corporate strategy of being Africa’s gateway to the World and that has simplified the process and everything we have achieved even after the merger, now we have more than 31 million customers and over three thousand ATMs ”.

Imoyo further stated that the achievement so far recorded by the bank is as result of the support and the trust which the Bank is getting from its customers and from media houses like the Nigerian Tribune stressing that the Bank wil do more in the coming year and will continue to grow in order to satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians.

Meanwhile the Bank recently expanded its digital lending portfolio, which gives Nigerians quick and 24/7 access to funds for emergencies without any collateral, has hit a record N1billion daily in loan value.

Access Bank’s digital loans are accessible 24hours, 7 days a week service and can be accessed via the short code *901*11#.

Tony Elumelu Foundation to Open Applications for the 2020 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on January 1, 2020

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) — Africa’s leading philanthropy dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs — will begin accepting applications for the 2020 cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, on January 1, 2020.

Applications are made through TEFConnect, the digital networking hub for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, created by the Foundation.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from across Africa, either with new startup ideas or existing businesses of less than 3 years existence, operating in any sector. Successful applicants will join the over 9,000 current beneficiaries, from 54 African countries, and receive business training, mentoring, a non-refundable $5,000 of seed capital and global networking opportunities.

Last year, the Foundation received about 216,000 applications, with 42% coming from women entrepreneurs, from every country on the continent.

The Programme is a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 young African entrepreneurs. The goal is to create millions of jobs and the revenue required for the sustainable development of the continent, implementing the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the growth engine for Africa and emphasises the importance of creating social and economic wealth.

According to the Foundation’s 2018 Impact Report, 70% of the total number of businesses in its alumni network were still operational two years after benefitting from the Programme. The report also identified an increase of 189% revenue generated and 197% increase in the number of additional jobs created by beneficiaries post-graduation from the Programme, as well as a 100% commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Succor at Last: Injured Nigerian Football Sani Emmanuel get Help for Treatment Abroad

This is definitely good news as help has finally come for the complete operations of former Nigerian youth international Sani Shehu also known as Sani Emmanuel, you will recall we reported earlier that the 2009 FIFA U17 tournament Golden Ball winner has been down with leg injury (Achilles Tendonitis), and Evangelist Bisola Hephzi-bah Johnson’s Bisola Johnson’s Foundation has been at the forefront of those trying to raise money for his treatment.

It was also well covered when former teammate and friend Ogenyi Onazi, decided to foot part of the bill to the tune of N1.4million which he had already paid into a Lagos based hospital that is supposed to carry-out the operation sometimes last week. However, help has come from a new direction has one of those who were reached by the social media campaign seeking help for him, later reached-out to the anchor of Brekete Family on Human Right Radio 101.1 FM Abuja, who in turn brought the young boy to the live programme where he was promised an all-expense paid proper treatment in Germany.

This information was made known to us be the convener of Bisola Johnson’s Foundation, who while appreciating the Brekete Family also frown at role of religious leaders who turned blind eye to his plight, the statement on her Facebook account states “Brekete Family is taking up Sani Emmanuel’s case. Shame to religious people. I bless God for this.”

Minister of State for Labour and Employment pays a Condolence Visit to the Family of Olorogun Dr. Ramsey Mowoe

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN has visited the family of the late Urhobo leader, Olorogun Dr. Ramsey Mowoe, CON who died yesterday, Monday, November 24th, 2019 to pay his last respect.

The late Olorogun Mowoe was an influential civil servant who rose through the ranks to an enviable position of Permanent Secretary with the Presidency. Before his retirement, he was with the Ministries Works and Housing, Industry and Finance.

The late octagenarian who was the former President of Urhobo Progressive Union was survived by 2 wives and 5 children.

During the condolence visit to the family residence at Sun City, Abuja today, the honourable Minister extolled the virtues of the 78 years old nationalist whom he described as one of the intellectual pillars of the Urhobo kingdom, “although I did not have the opportunity of meeting him in person, the Mowoe dynasty typifies dignity, I could remember one of them, I think the eldest who was a popular lawyer used to be an inspiration to us growing up, we can say we towed their path during our school days, Olorogun Ramsey Mowoe’s death is not just for the Urhobo nation but the whole country as a whole, we must rally around the family to give him a befitting burial”, the minsiter said.

The Minister was at the Mowoe’s residence earlier today to pay his last respect where he signed the condolence register.

Used and Dumped? How T.B. Joshua, NFF Desert Injured Celebrated Nigerian Junior International Sani Emmanuel

Recently there’s story that former Nigerian youth international golden boy Sani Emmanuel has been off the radar because of a career ending injury, in the published news the player explained how injury forced him to quit the game of football at the time when he should be playing active soccer.

Sani Emmanuel was among the players who played for Nigeria at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup which was hosted by the West African nation. Nigeria reached the final of the championship before losing 1-0 against Switzerland, and Sani Emmanuel was among the players who helped Nigeria that year.

The 26years old Sani Emmanuel scored five goals for the Golden Eaglets in the championship to win the Silver booth after he had won the Golden Ball in a tournament that paraded players like Alvaro Morata and Isco of Spain, Neymar of Brazil, Mario Gotze of Germany and Nigerian internationals Kenneth Omeruo and Ramon Azeez, and was forced to call it quit with football just four years into his playing career due to an hamstring injury.

Sani who recently took to the social media to solicit for support from Nigerians to enable him operate on his unhealed leg injury (Achilles Tendonitis) that has kept him bedridden for so long, since he had depleted the money he made during the four years he spent as a player for Beitar Jerusalem of Israel.

According to a story published by Evangelist Johnson Bisola Hephzi-bah on her blog, she shed light on the relationship between the General Overseer of Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua and the injured player whose fame during his playing days for the Golden Eaglet of Nigeria had been harnessed for publicity to the advantage of the pastor.

In her right up, she explained that the boy was just one of the boys using the church’s open field for training and that they decided to do a documentary on the boy weeks after he returned from the Golden Eaglet assignment, teaching him what to say as if the church was part of his success story.

She challenged Prophet T.B. Joshua on the welfare of the boy that was once dubbed the Golden son of the SCOAN. It was discovered that the Prophet T.B. Joshua led church had during and after the World U17 tournament the church blog had published a story under the title “SANI EMMANUEL: FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH!”

In the article the church claimed the young player is back in the church where he’s living “The news is that the boy honed his soccer career at a most unlikely place – the church, specifically the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, where he is top striker with My People FC, a football club owned and funded by the church’s General Overseer, Prophet T.B. Joshua.

Emmanuel has since returned to the Synagogue where he lives. And last Sunday 22nd November 2009, he set thousands of parishioners into rapturous celebration as he stormed the sanctuary for a thanksgiving session. Former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba was among other eminent persons that rejoiced with Emmanuel, who dedicated his awards to Nigeria’s rising army of suffering youth, pledging to start a foundation that would help them become useful and influential members of the society” the report said.

Evangelist Biola Johnson also accuse the televangelist of using Sani’s documentary on Emmanuel TV to lure youths who were of the opinion that they have a career in football into the church while he’s doing nothing towards the development of these boy, she affirmed that the disposition of the supposed benevolent giver towards the health implication of Sani Emmanuel during this his trying period shows Prophet T.B. Joshua’s giving philosophy is to merely gather publicity towards his supposed philanthropic nature.

Sani Emmanuel and Former Zambian President

Group asks AMCON to exercise restrain over Abuja Property

A group, Peace and Anti-Corruption Advocacy (PACA) has urged the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and its legal representative, Joe Dappa Esq., to exercise restraint and allow the judicial process take its course without taking laws into their hands in a matter over land.

The group asked AMCON to thread with caution and maintain status quo while awaiting the final decision of the Court of Appeal over a matter involving the asset management company and another company, Assorted Foods and Integrated Beverages Limited over the ownership and right to possession of Plot No. 136 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

The group in a release signed by the group’s leader, Osuagwu Ugochukwu, appealed to AMCON to maintain Res pending the decision of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja that had fixed hearing in the matter for May 6, 2020, adding that no party however powerful and mighty should take law into its hands and disregard the court.

According to PACA, based on court processes, it appears that AMCON is not ready to await the Court of Appeal decision in a matter between it and Assorted Foods as to the ownership and right to possession of the said Abuja property though it is on record that the corporation got a judgment allowing it to take possession on May 16, 2018 in a suit delineated FHC/ABJ/CS/352/2015 though Assorted Foods had immediately filed a notice of appeal and Motion for Injunction which was duly served on AMCON and its lawyers.

According to PACA, records at its disposal revealed that AMCON filed responses to the appeal process to contest the appeal, indicating that parties have submitted themselves to the Court of Appeal and is expected to sheathe their swords and await the final decision of the Court of Appeal which has been slated for May 6, 2020.

“Parties should respect the doctrine of lis pendence, which prevents the transfer of rights in the property i.e plot 136, Aminu Kano Crescent which is the subject matter of an action pending in Appeal Court, Abuja for it would be plainly impossible that any action or suit could be brought to a successful termination if alienation pendent lite were allowed to prevail,” PACA said.

Assorted Foods had through a letter submitted to the Court of Appeal on 21/11/2019, alleged that AMCON brought 30 mobile policemen to chase out tenants in the building at Plot 136, Amino Kano Crescent. Wuse II.

PACA described this as condemnable and an assault to sensibilities that AMCON staff could allegedly “detain the Court of Appeal Bailiff, Mr. Emeka Obiakor who came to serve it with the Appellant’s Notice of Appeal, motion for injunction and other appeal documents on 18/11/2019. This is an unacceptable conduct where parties are before the higher court.

“We therefore urge AMCON to thread with caution and await the final decision of the Court of Appeal over the subject matter i.e Plot 136, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.,” the group said.