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Reaching out to the poor is our mandate – BAT Foundation

BAT FoundationThe director general of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Foundation, Hon. Ipoola Omisore, has said the organisation is poised to reduce hunger as much as possible.

Omisore stated this when he spoke with some journalists in relation to the foundation’s donation of rice to IDP camps in Borno.

The Foundation also recently reached out to three orphanages in Lagos with food and other items.

According to BAT, the donation of the food to the IDP was facilitated by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Dr. Mudashiru Obasa and some others including Bolaji Ariyo, Ajala Razaq and Kolade David, all local government council chairmen in Lagos.

Earlier speaking on the gesture, the Director-General of the Foundation, Hon. Ahmed Omisore, said the rice had been bagged for ease of distribution among the IDPs.

According to him, “the donation of the food items is a gesture to show that the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is much concerned about the well-being of all Nigerians, wherever they may be living.”

Omisore noted that the Foundation was established purposely to cater for the needy in the nation’s six geo-political zones.

He further stated: “The Foundation is an advocate of peace. It is founded purposely to cater for the people especially the less privileged ones in our society.”

“It stands for what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is, a lover of peace and advocate of poverty free society. The gesture should be seen as a reflection of his passion to make sure everybody in the country are free of hunger.” Tinubu, through this Foundation,has been supporting people in various capacity across the country.

“We know the current need of the Internally Displaced People is food and that is why the Foundation is donating trailer loads of rice to the IDP camps in Maiduguri. This is just the beginning of a gesture that will automatically get to other parts of the country,” Omisore declared.

For the orphanages that were recently visited by the Foundation, Omisore urged well-meaning Nigerians including the rich to always find time to visit and help the needy.

Noting that the materials donated to the three orphanages were also facilitated by Obasa, the director general thanked the Speaker and said he and his team felt fulfilled seeing the joy in the faces of the children and their supervisors during the visit.

Barrister Mobolaji Sanusi, director of media of the foundation, also reminded that “Just recently, the Foundation donated a brand new 18-seater bus also facilitated by our amiable Speaker Obasa to the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos chapter. Our programmes are in batches and we shall continue to execute them one after the other.”

Sanusi further stated that the food items were “donated to support the effort of the Borno State Government in feeding the displaced persons in their various camps.”

He also said the Foundation represents the “good deeds of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a compassionate and generous leader with bias for catering for the well-being of the less privileged.”

He revealed that the Foundation has different programmes for all people in different categories which would be executed in I have thy

To make Lagos greater in the coming days, elected officers must unite – Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday urged all elected and appointedObasa

officials of the state to unite for Lagos to be greater.

Speaker Obasa said this at the ongoing 16th executive-legislative parley holding in the state with the theme: A Consensus Agenda for Rebuilding Lagos.

“You will all agree with me that the necessity and significance of this parley is explicit enough. More than ever before, the elected and appointed public office holders of Lagos State at all levels must bond together and work in the best interest of the state with a common vision, a common mission and, of course, a common passion.

“This has become imperative if we are to effectively meet the immense responsibilities that lie on our shoulders as leaders of a global mega city like ours,” the Speaker said.

While recalling how the protest ended in wanton destruction of properties in Lagos, which overtime has become the economic hub of Nigeria, Obasa noted that it affected lives and livelihood. He added that government facilities were not spared.

“I remember visiting some parts of Lagos then such as the Lagos High Court, BRT Oyingbo Terminal, Fagba, Isokoko and Pen Cinema Police Stations, Oba Akiolu Palace, City Hall and Public Works Corporation, in company of members of the Lagos House of Assembly. The level of ruins in all these places mentioned was beyond imagination.

“As we are all aware of the fact that Lagos State is the economic powerhouse of the country, there is the need to do everything possible in rebuilding it after the unprecedent carnage.

“I know that efforts have been in top gear to address the issue of rebuilding Lagos state since last year. But this is the very first time both the legislative and executive arms of government in the state will be coming together to address this issue.

“In the light of this, harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government in a state like Lagos is the only factor that will create the enabling environment and momentum needed for this APC-controlled state to live up to its promise of moving Lagos State to the next level of growth and development,” the Speaker added.

Obasa further urged the participants to be aware that rebuilding Lagos requires a holistic collaboration among all the arms of government in the state.

“We need to remind ourselves that the period of brooding over the devastation suffered by our state in the violence that trailed the hijack of #ENDSARS protests is now in the past. All hands must be on deck to fully recover our dear state and take it back to its place in terms of infrastructure, and repair the fortress of commerce battered by the destruction.

“As such, it is gratifying to note that the focus of our discussion for the 16th Legislative-Executive parley is on the right track towards a greater Lagos. We cannot agree less on this because it is on the record that one of the most positive signals from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is that he has not allowed the wheels of governance grind to a halt. And this has kept the state stable and peaceful and kept people wondering what the magic has been since his assumption of office,” the Speaker said.

Eromosele EBHOMELE
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.

Femi Fani-Kayode Visit Joshua Iginla, Describes Him As End-Time Gods General

Former minister of aviation and fiery nationalist, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has described popular clergy and prophet in charge of Champions Royal Assembly, Joshua Iginla as a truly remarkable, kind, compassionate,gifted, wise, extraordinary amd anointed man of God during his courtesy visit to his 80,000 seater auditorium known as City of Wonders at Kubwa, Abuja.

Fani-Kayode who just got back from his visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and his Counterparts in Enugu, decided to visit Iginla who is arguably one of the leading prophetic voices in this dispensation. Although, the reason for the visit could not be ascertained, it might not be unconnected to national development or personal consultations.

Confirming the visit on his official page today, the former Aviation minister expressed joy and enthusiasm meeting such a great man of God:

I had a wonderful time visiting with the great Prophet Iginla at his Church in Kubwa, Abuja yesterday immediately after I arrived from Enugu. The Church building is simply magnificent and the Prophet is a truly remarkable, kind, compassionate, gifted, wise, extraordinary and anointed man. He is one of God’s End-Time Generals and he is doing great things for the Lord and the Body of Christ. I am very proud of him.

Aregbesola shades Omisore: Beware of APC members dancing on Ige’s grave

MINISTER of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday warned that people that lacked his kind of political pedigree could not displace him in the fold of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State.

This is according to a statement signed by Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to the minister who is the immediate past governor of Osun State. Aregbesola had visited Ilesa on Friday to revalidate his APC membership, where he addressed his supporters.

The statement read in part, “Ogbeni Aregbesola reminded the people that Chief Bola Ige was their leader and stood all his life for a compassionate government, commitment to the good of the majority and ideas that would bring the good life, happiness, progress and security to the people. He urged them to be conscious of those who continue to dance on Ige’s grave and avoid anything that would dishonour the late statesman’s memory.

“Ogbeni Aregbesola assured the people of working towards greater success of the party and of his commitment to progressive ideals. He reminded them that he emerged in Osun on the Oranmiyan platform 17 years ago, and with others fought the agents of darkness and regression and firmly consolidated the party in the state.

“This effort has produced two successive progressive administrations in the state and also won presidential and national legislative elections thrice since then, noting that it would be difficult for those who lack such pedigree to displace him in the party in the state.”

Though the former Governor’s statement seems open enough but those who are familiar with the political intrigues in the State will know it is systemic shade at the one time Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who just recently announced his total defection to the APC. Omisore was accused of having a hand in the death of Chief Bola Ige, though he was never found guilty but the accusation was used by Oranmiyan group to campaign against the one time senator while the minister was vying the topmost position in the State.

It is therefore very clear those Aregbesola claimed that some members of the party are dancing on Bola Ige’s grave, since Omisore was pinned with the death of the former attorney general of the federation who was murdered in his home some years back.

ROCHAS OKOROCHA: THE TRIAL OF A SAGE

The unsavoury incidents being sponsored by some unscrupulous state actors involving the former Governor of Imo State, Sen. Rochas Okorocha in recent times show a hint at some parties’ thought who see him as a threat to their supposed caliphate. Indeed, it has proven right the Elders’ words which postulate that ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’.

However, the Sage’s head still feels uneasy despite leaving office.

Does that still mean Okorocha wears the crown, holds the ace or the nitwits are scared of losing their hegemony to who God has chosen to make Imo prosper again?

This unwarranted battle began after the current Administration was sworn in on 15th January, 2020. It was a public knowledge that the Sage was a constant emotional backup when Uzodinma was struggling for his mandate after the 9^th March, 2019 governorship election. Okorocha was among the foremost political figures to congratulate him when he finally triumphed at the Supreme Court. It is now bemusing that this same Governor is having no one to pick as a foe apart from Rochas Okorocha, the man who has been in his shoes and can offer him Fatherly counsel considering how well he fared after occupying the seat for eight years.

Prior to this, there have been silent battles fought underneath but the latest showed how low the current administration’s moral has sunk. In my part of the world, the prince does not fight like slaves. You can’t be at the helms of affair and still be ‘terrorising’ your subjects. As a child of necessity, Imolites expect more lease of life from Uzodinma than the current drama that is playing out.

Sen. Rochas Okorocha went to Royal Spring Palm Hotel in the company of his two sons-in-law on 19^th February after Governor Hope Uzodinma illegally sealed the hotel.

His intent was simply to inquire the reason behind the sealing and take due protocol as a law-abiding, serving Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Unfortunately, Chinansa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Special Duties and Eric Uwakwe saw no need for peace as they led a pool of miscreants and abused public office by using the state’s police for their personal gain. The gadgets and equipment necessary for the smooth running of the Resorts were all carted away by the opposing forces. They also attacked Okorocha and his crew violently without provocation

As at now, Uzo Anwuka, one of Okorocha’s sons-in-law is currently receiving treatment after being shot at on the spot where the state sponsored violence took place while Okorocha, a serving Senator representing Imo West is currently apprehended, detained and was only released on the order of the Presidency. Just wondering, if the hired thugs had murdered the distinguished senator in the process of that needless fracas, what side of history would Governor Hope Uzodinma be?

Prior to this, Okorocha has silently suffered series of blackmail and name-calling along with destruction of properties belonging to him and his family. This hostility is not unconnected to the influence which he can pull in the state when the 2023 Presidential election come knocking.

However, a threat to life is totally uncalled for as Okorocha’s Camp can never engage in do-or-die politics. Destroying the legacy you have built with your sweat is not an option in modern democracy.

It must be mentioned that armed thugs attacked Okorocha’s residence at Akachi three days before he went to the sealed hotel belonging to his wife, Nneoma Rochas in Owerri.

It should further be stated here that before this ugly incident, the demolition of the hospital complex belonging to the Okorocha’s family had sent many Imolites to the unemployment market and this is quite disheartening in view of the current state of the nation’s economy.

Irrespective of what anyone may think, it is highly condemnable that a former Governor and sitting Senator could be treated this way by those who see political power as the beginning and end of life.

It is therefore important to call on the general public and Mr. President to ensure the safety of all citizens and curb the abuse of office. The safety of Okorocha is very crucial to political stability of Imo State and any further attack will be regarded as a deliberate assassination attempt upon which proper actions will be taken.

By Smart Oluwole Apejoye- Public Affairs Commentator and Advocate of Good Governance

Popular Inspirational Singer, Atorise Officially Announce interest in Politics

Just like the popular saying that, we are all political animal. This notion is what best describes gospel singer, Lanre Teriba, who is popularly known as Atorise as he picked interest in Politics. According to information gathered, Lanre Teriba registered his membership today as a member of All Progressive Political Party APC.

LTEE as Lanre is fondly called registered at ward 01 Ayigbami isara Remo North LG, his home town.

It was scooped that, the talented singer has been nursing the ambition to serve his people for a very long time and he feels 2023 is the best time for him to give back to the people.

Atorise in his words enjoined all sons and daughters of Remo Land to go into politics because there will not be excuse for any failed individual in Politics and we all have to participate in the Future of this country saying “enough of failed leaders, 2023 will not be business as usual.” The young man concluded

Lagos is a success story, Speaker Obasa says as he revalidates APC membership

The Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday expressed optimism that Lagos will produce the highest number of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the end of the ongoing registration/revalidation exercise.

Speaker Obasa spoke shortly after taking part in the revalidation exercise of the party conducted by officials for the Ward E (005), Agege.

He also used the opportunity to rate the state government high in the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people.

The Speaker, who also displayed his membership card after the exercise, promised that Lagosians would be mobilised to play active roles in the party as the latter’s strength lies in its number.

“It is like carrying out population census. It is to tell us our strength in each state, local government and ward, and, by extension, the whole nation.
“It will make us be able to say this is the number of our members in each state and this would help to position us ahead of the future elections.

“The success of every party depends on the structure on ground and how far we are able to cover in the political landscape,” he said.

Talking about the performance of the government of Lagos, he said: “I am sure you know that Lagos has been a success story. We have a lot of achievements. I am sure there is no part of Lagos that you would not see something going on…from Agege to Lagos Island to Epe to Ikorodu.

“I just want to urge our governor to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. To Nigerians, I also want to say there is no alternative than the APC.”

Lagos Assembly moves to stop unwholesome sales of COVID-19 drugs

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday frowned at what it called the unwholesome and illegal sales of supposed drugs for COVID-19.

This was as the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, directed the acting chairman of the House committee on health, Hon. Hakeem Shokunle, to have further discussions with the executive arm in relation to a bill on COVID-19 that had been passed months ago by the Assembly.

Speaker Obasa, who presided over the sitting, said the state needed to act, monitor and regulate activities around the sales and use of the drugs so as not to make it free-for-all.

Shokunle (Oshodi/Isolo 1) had raised the motion on the floor of the House and complained that some Nigerians were taking advantage of the COVID-19 situation in the state to sell various drugs.

While noting the danger in such illegal action, Shokunle urged the House to revisit the bill on COVID-19 which the House had passed and which was awaiting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s assent.

He said an amendment of the bill would allow the executive arm of the state government to work maximally in its efforts to combat the pandemic.

In his contribution, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2), supported Shokunle adding that it was lamentable the way people are bringing vaccines into the country.

He advised that there should be a way to regualate the importation of such drugs as well as their sales, especially as the virus comes with different variants.

He noted that the House already has a bill and that all that is required is a recall of the bill for the purpose of amending it to cover the sales and distribution of related drugs.

On his part, Hon. Temitope Adewale (Ifaki Ijaiye 1), said while COVID-19 is known to be ravaging the world and affecting the state, there is danger in self-medication or administration of drugs that are not regulated or approved.

Supporting that the bill be recalled, he warned that the state faced the danger of people suffering adverse effects from the use of some of these drugs.

The motion was further supported by Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1) and Hon. Ajani Owolabi (Mainland 1).

Former UK Chancellor George Osborne to become full-time banker

Former British chancellor George Osborne is to become a partner at one of London’s most exclusive boutique advisory firms.

Osborne is joining M&A advisory firm Robey Warshaw as the business’ first outside partner.

“Robey Warshaw is the best of the best, advising great businesses on how to grow, and I’m proud to be joining this first-rate team,” Osborne said in statement provided by Robey Warshaw.

Osborne, who left politics in 2017, has become well-known for the portfolio of jobs he has taken on since leaving politics, including editing the London Evening Standard newspaper and advising money manager BlackRock. The former chancellor will give up his other roles to focus solely on Robey Warshaw, which he will join in April.

“We believe that George will significantly enhance the advice we give to clients,” a spokesperson for Robey Warshaw said. “He brings differentiated experience and expertise to our team from his leading roles in global finance over the past decade.”

Robey Warshaw was founded by ex-Morgan Stanley (MS) bankers Sir Simon Robey and Philip Apostolides and former UBS (UBSG.SW) dealmaker Simon Warshaw in 2013. The firm has quickly established a reputation as one of the preeminent firms in the bulge-bracket deal space.

In recent years Robey Warshaw has worked on deals including Comcast’s (CMCSA) $39bn takeover of Sky, BP’s (BP.L) $10.5bn (£7.7bn) acquisition of shale assets from BHP Group (BHP.L), and the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE.L) $27bn takeover of data provider Refinitiv.

Advising on such blockbuster deals has helped the firm make profits of over £200m since its founding. Profits are shared between the company’s three partners. The highest paid partner took home £10m last year and £27.7m the year before that.

Details of Osborne’s pay arrangements were not shared and a spokesperson declined to comment. Osborne, who was chancellor from 2010 until 2016, will be entitled to a profit share as a new partner.

“We remain hugely ambitious about our company’s future and believe that George will help expand our reach, and what we can offer our clients without changing the philosophy or ethos of our firm,” the Robey Warshaw spokesperson said.

Despite its work on major deals, Mayfair-based Robey Warshaw remains small. The firm employs just 12 professionals who advises on deals, supported by 15 administrative staff.

21 Years Jail Term await Cultists as Lagos Assembly passes Anti-Cultism Law

Stipulates 15 years for anyone who allows his premises as meeting place for cultists

The Lagos House of Assembly late Monday passed a bill banning the activities of cultists and related illegal societies across the state into a law.

The new law stipulates a 21-year imprisonment for anyone found guilty of engaging in cult activities. It also stipulates a 15-year jail term for anyone convicted of abetting cultists or who allows his premises to be used by cultists as a meeting place.

After its passage, the Speaker of the state Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, directed the clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit the law to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent.

Titled: ‘A law to provide for the prohibition of unlawful societies and cultism in Lagos state and for other connected purposes’, it says a society shall be regarded as unlawful if its members carry out illegal, destructive activities contrary to public policy, safety and peace of members of the public.

Section 3 of the law states: “Any person who is a member of an unlawful society or cult, identifies as a member or solicits for members of an unlawful society or cult, attends a meeting of an unlawful society or cult whether as a member or an intending member of the unlawful society or cult commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 21 years imprisonment.”

The jail term also concerns anyone who attends such meetings or does any illegal act which may probably cause a breach of peace, disturb public peace or conducts activities in such a manner a to pose a threat to life and property.

The law further states: “Anyone who forms, organises or combines and agrees with anyone to form or organise an unlawful society or cult, manages and assists in the management of an unlawful society or cult or knowingly allows a meeting of members of an unlawful society or cult to be held in any property under his control commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 15 years imprisonment.”

The 15-year jail term further applies to anyone who intimidates or compels people to join a cult group.

“Any person who injures or uses violence on a person to compel the person to join an unlawful society or cult, commits an offence and liable on conviction to a term of 21 years imprisonment.

“Any person who administers or is present at and consents to the administering of any unlawful oath that appears to bind the person who takes it to become a member of an unlawful society or cult under this law, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to seven years,” the law says.

It also stipulates 21 years for any member of a cult group who sets fire on anything or uses firearm or deadly objects including acid and other chemicals in any manner as to cause harm to anyone.

For students in the state, the law, which prohibits campus cultism, says anyone of them who is convicted would face a jail term not exceeding two years.