$1.6bn Oil Scam: EFCC Presents First Witness Against Omokore, Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Thursday, presented its first prosecution witness against the Chairman of Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited, Jide Omokore, who is being accused of criminal diversion of about $1.6bn alleged to be proceeds of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.
Omokore, alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, David Mbanefo, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited were on November 21, re-arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
They were first arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court, Abuja, July 4, on 9-count charge.
The first witness, Andrew Yakubu, a former General Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, formerly a co-defendant prior to the amended charge, shed light on the nature of his engagement with the NNPC, which involved the strategic direction of NNPC and all its subsidiaries, including the Port Harcourt refinery, Warri refinery, Kaduna refinery, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).
According to him, “in 2013 to 2014, the MD of NPDC, Victor Briggs (the fourth defendant) came to me and raised some concerns in relation to assets OML 60 series in relation to the strategic alliance agreement between Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited and NPDC, citing inability of Atlantic Drilling to meet payment obligations.
“He told me that he was already looking into the issue and will get back to me. I told him to stop further lifting until the issue is reconciled. I called the Group General Manager of Crude Oil Marketing Department (COMD) and told him to stop further lifting until the issue had been resolved”.
He added that, “the Minister of Petroleum Resources wrote a letter to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and I, and set up a committee to investigate the issue.
“The fourth defendant (Briggs) was removed from NPDC and reassigned to IDSL. Mr. Membere, who was the Director-General, Exploration and Production; Tony Madichie, the Company Secretary in charge; Acting EG, Dr. Dawa and Company Secretary, Mr. Ike, were also part of the committee that compiled the report. Before they completed, however, I was also retired from service.”
Regarding the complicity of NAPIMS in meeting the funding requirements of the assets, Mr. Yakubu stated that, “We got to know later that NAPIMS made a cash call but I also issued instructions for them to stop. I also made sure that whatever fund that NAPIMS had paid was refunded to the federation account by the NNPC”.
At this point, the defense counsel, Rafiu Lawal-Rabana, applied for an adjournment for cross-examination and he was obliged.
The matter was consequently adjourned to January 20, 2017 and February 3, 2017 for continuation of trial.

source: streetJournal.com

OONI BERATES OLUGBO OVER UNGUARDED STATEMENT ON MOREMI AND YORUBAS

The paramount ruler of Yoruba kingdom and Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi has described the statement credited to Olugbo  of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan that Moremi was never a heroine and that she was a betrayer as very unfortunate and total embarrassment to Yoruba nation.

In a statement made available to cityin190 from the Director of media and public affairs to Arole Oodua, Comerade Moses Olafare, described such statmenet from Olugbo as a mere royal rascality and a pitiable act of absurdity that doesn't deserve serious attention by serious minded people.

 In his words, “The attention of ILE-OODUA has been drawn to a statement credited to Oba Frederick Akinruntan through the Olugbo-in-Council berating the people of ILE-IFE for celebrating MOREMI AJASORO as a heroine and goddess of liberty. 

“How on earth should a Yoruba king refer to Moremi as a traitor just because she used her power of a woman to liberate her people from incessant invasions by some faceless terrorists”?

While we remain very proud of the great queen Moremi Ajasoro, a brave woman who sacrificed her only son OLUOROGBO for the victory of her people over the faceless terrorists who used incessantly raid Ife markets, we will not dignify this rascality of royalty with an expected response as we are not ready for any useless supremacy battle incapable of taking Yoruba to a greater height. 

“Most paramount on the mind of His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II with the unflinching support of baba Alaafin Of Oyo, baba Awujale of Ijebuland, baba Alake of Egbaland, baba Orangun of Ila, baba Deji of Akure, baba Ewi Ado Ekiti, baba Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, baba Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba of Lagos and other relevant peace loving monarchs in Yorubaland and in other parts of the country is and remains the much needed progress of Yoruba nation which can only be catalyzed by peace and unity, this has necessitated his unimaginable barrier-breaking unity visits he has been taking around not only in Yorubaland but also across Nigeria and internationally. his activities in the last one year on throne are enough to attest to his personality as a king of peace”.

Olugbo in a statement issued was quoted saying, “To set the record straight, Moremi remains a traitor. She was a slave captured by Ugbo warriors during one of their many raids on Ile-Ife. She later became the wife of Osangangan Obamakin, the son of Oranfe, of who was the paramount ruler of over 13 aboriginal communities of ancient Ugbomokun, which later came to be called Ile Ife.”

The statement said further, “Oduduwa came to Ugbomokun as a stranger and was welcomed in Ilero, the aboriginal palace of Osangangan Obamakin, which is still in existence in present-day Iremo, in Ile Ife. During the dynastic struggles, Osangangan Obamakin was directed by the oracles (Ifa and Osanyin) to leave Ile Ife. Moremi betrayed her husband’s trust when she exposed the secret of the Ugbo warriors’ gallantry.” Oba Akinruntan said. 

Oba Obateru Akinruntan further set a bad precedence by saying, “Our forefathers descended from heaven,  that is why we are called ‘Ugbo Atorunwo.’ We are not Ibos (Igbos), who are from the South-East, and who have their own clearly researched and defined ancestry.

Arole Oodua futher said in his statement through his media aide, Moses Olafare that, “It is a pity that at this time when everybody is lucidly tired of retrogressive royal discord generally agreed to have colossally hindered our pace of progress as a people of common heritage politically and socio-economically, the OLUGBO who claims to be the chairman of Yoruba Obas Committee on Peace and Reconciliation has suddenly without a deep knowledge of Yoruba history woken up to see royal controversy as the only tool for cheap publicity”. 

“Kabiyesi Ooni is not interested in joining issues with Oba Akinruntan or anyone on any matter that can jeopardize his peace and unity project which is already making impact in so many sectors such as Youth development, women empowerment, cultural tourism, agric revolution, unification of our elders and traditional rulers, to mention but a few. 

We therefore urge every lover of peace and unity in Africa to ignore any reckless statement capable of further dividing us, they should rather see the author of such statement as a person who poses a too armful danger to our peaceful coexistence.

Yoruba must remain united, Nigeria must remain united, Africa must remain united and the entire black worldwide must remain united because we are one before the Almighty God”. Olafare said

OONI UNVEILS THE TALLEST STATUE IN NIGERIA,CHARGES GOVERNMENT ON YOUTH ENGAGEMENT.

The Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on Monday at Ile-Ife unveiled Moremi Statue of Liberty, the first it's kind in the country which he dedicated to the economic liberation of African youth, and also used the occasion to admonish the governments across the continent of Africa on the adequate meaningful engagement of the youths in the nation building. 

The historic unveiling event witnessed by over five thousand youths from all over Nigeria took place at the new world class heritage site 100% indigenously constructed by the youths located right inside the compound the heroine of liberty lived thousands of years ago where Ooni Ogunwusi not only extolled the virtues of Moremi Ajasoro but also described the youths as the greatest accessories for the development of any nation who must be given first priority by the various African governments. He also lamented the redundancy of the youths caused by the over patronage of the foreign goods and services. 

"These Nigerian and African youths are naturally endowed, and with the level of their education or training undergone,  they are the materials needed to develop this country and the continent of Africa. It surprises me that our governments across Africa still encourage capital flights by always giving the jobs to the foreigners at the expense of our youths several of whom are more qualified and competent to do the jobs"

"I am proud to say that this project is the first of its kind to be 100% indigenously constructed, all of them  numbering about 200 are youths and all the materials used were sourced locally traceable to all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. 

I want to stress that Nigeria has man power that can create, construct, and build standard and original goods, I therefore appeal to the governments in Africa to empower them and give them the chance to display their capacities". Ooni Ogunwusi said. 

Extolling the virtues of the greatest African heroine of liberty, the African foremost monarch described her as the mother of liberty in the world saying that the Ife queen played a pivotal role in the liberation of mankind with the legacy of what a man can do, a woman can do better. 

"She has successfully established the legacy of what a man can do,  a woman can do better.  Her influence cuts across the world, especially in America where her spirit of liberty was greatly considered while building their statue of liberty. Our own Moremi Ajasoro indeed brought the spirit of freedom to life". Ooni Ogunwusi maintained. 

The Ooni's Director of Media Comrade Moses Olafare told journalists that Moremi Ajasoro is truly worthy of the celebration and urged the women all over the world to emulate her. He also recognized the likes of Queen Aminat of Zaria, Fumilayo Randsome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Mariam Makeba as the Moremi of the recent times. 

"What we are doing today is like giving honour to whom is due because mama Moremi Ajasoro is worthy to be so celebrated having lived her life for the freedom of mankind by sacrificing her only child to the goddess of Esinmirin river in order to liberate the people of Oodua land from the then incessant invasions of faceless terrorists. 

I just hope that our women of today will emulate her just like Funmilayo Randsome-Kuti, Mariam Makeba, Queen Aminat, Margaret Ekpo did in their lifetime too". Comrade Olafare said.

 A British born Jamaican, Delighter Whitfield speaking at the  event said the statue nearly brought tears to her eyes realizing that the STATUE of American liberty was a black woman before it was remoulded to represent a white woman. She described her experience at the event as unforgettable.                          

"This is so awesome, whaoooh! This king has made the Africans proud, Ooni has made me proud so proud. Am now very proud to be who I am,  this really gives me a spirit of originality ".  Delighter Whitfield screamed. 

Professor Wole Soyinka's daughter,  Mrs Moremi Onijala who also graced the occasion said she believes in the life of Moremi for what she represents saying that her father Professor Soyinka had named her Moremi with the hope that she would grow to lead in path of freedom the way MOREMI AJASORO did.

"Apart from the emotional feeling that went through me because of the name I share with this greatest heroine of world's liberty, seeing people revere what MOREMI symbolises has really brought me home as she is not just a heroine to the people of Yoruba land but also to the entire mankind." Moremi Soyinka declared.

The 42feet Moremi Statue of Liberty in Ile-Ife is the tallest statue in Nigeria and 3rd tallest in Africa envisioned by Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and 100% indigenously constructed by a team of almost 200 Nigerian youths led by the sculptor who is the head of the Ooni’s Palace Art Gallery,  Victor Badejo and the palace Engineer, Simeon Adeyinka who served as the site Engineer While

 While the African tallest statue is the 161feet African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal was built by a North Korean company Mansudae Overseas Projects Ltd. followed by the 66feet Great Sphinx of Gisa in Egypt as the African 2nd tallest statue.

South-West Governors Storms Ibadan for Economic Forum

L-R:Govs. Ambode, Amosun,Ajimobi,Fayose,Aregbesola and Ondo Dep. Gov

Governors from the South-West states are to converge on Ibadan, the Oyo state capital yesterday (Monday) for an Economic Forum

Those expected at the forum are Governors Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Dr Segun Mimiko of Ondo State; Mr Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State; and Mr. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State.

The forum according to a statement by the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, made available to newsmen was aimed at discussing and promoting issues of common concern and interest in the zone.

Mr Layinka stated that the meeting was called at the instance of Governor, Abiola Ajimobi to discuss several issues of common concern to the region in view of the challenging economic circumstances confronting the nation and its constituent parts.

“These issues include security of lives and properties of all citizens and our peoples; the economic development of the states by leveraging on common resources and the competitive advantages of the region” he said.

Mr Layinka added that “other issues to be discussed will include the identification and development of critical infrastructure, especially road networks and the need for a regional rail network for transportation of goods and services within the region.”

The meeting is expected to be facilitated by the Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research, Prof. Dosu Adeyeye; Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission), Mr Dipo Famakinwa; as well as the Group Managing Director of O’dua Investments, Mr. Adewale Raji.

Source: New Nigerian online

Maiden OTISE'ESE CARNIVAL 2016 Holds Dec. 7

The Ooni of Ife's Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare has described the proposed maiden OTI SE'ESE CARNIVAL billed to hold on 7th December 2016 in commemoration of the 1st year coronation anniversary of Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) of Ile-Ife  as a manifestation of the king's progressive vision for youth development and empowerment.

The Ooni's Media Relations strategist stated this at the Ile-Oodua palace on Tuesday during a well attended press conference jointly called by the organizers, Mainstream Promotions Ltd and Achievas Entertainment in conjunction with Directorate of Media & Public Affairs of Ooni's Palace where the mission of the first of it's kind multimillion Naira carnival was made known to the general public.

The Project Lead of Mainstreetz Promotions Ltd Onyebuchi Desmond who read the text on behalf of the company's Chief Operating Officer, Mr Seun Famodun said OTISE'ESE CARNIVAL  project has been conceptualized to celebrate Ooni Ogunwusi and it is in line with his transformation of cultural tourism plan with a view to showcasing the rich cultural splendour of Ile Ife as the source of Yoruba and foster unity among the black race.

"Otisese Carnival is a cultural festival conceived for the Office of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II to celebrate his ascension and landmark reign, showcasing the rich cultural splendour of Ile Ife and foster unity among the Yoruba race. The Carnival is also projected at bringing all Yoruba's (Odua descents) and well-wishers from different parts of Nigeria and in diaspora to rejoice the reign of the new Ooni of Ile Ife and revel the Odua legacy."
He also assured that adequate preparations are being perfected to take care an anticipated crowd of over 1,000,000 people with expected attendances of top government functionaries at the federal and state level, royal & traditional rulers, serving ministers, visiting guests and dignitaries from states, foreign embassies and missions, distinguished associations from both home and aboard.

According to Seun Famodu, the Chief operating officer of Mainstreetz Promotions  “The Otisese carnival aims at consolidating the vision of his Imperial Majesty in transforming Ile Ife as the cultural & tourism capital of Nigeria, promoting the vast business opportunities and potentials that abode in Ile Ife”. Mainstreetz Promotions and Achievers Entertainment are working on behalf of his imperial majesty to host this unique event showcasing the rich culture and traditions of Ile Ife to the world.

“We are using this opportunity to draw the attention of the general public to this upcoming event which is poised to be one of the biggest cultural showcase in the State of Osun and Nigeria. Ile Ife is the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and to have an annual celebration bringing people together from far and wide is an opportunity that should be utilised. We want to create a platform for entertainment, education and reawakening of the youth to the cultural values of Oduduwa that will help foster unity and prosperity of Nigeria,” said Onyebuchi Desmond, project lead for Otisese carnival.

According to the CEO Achievas, the Otisese Carnival will be having cultural, interactive and entertainment styled activities that includes; Tour & Sightseeing to prestigious Ile Ife landmarks, a colourful fete parade, Star studded Music Concert, Royal banquet amongst others.  His imperial Majesty and his Olori will be launching their pet projects that includes social empowerment initiatives for the Ile Ife community and Osun state.

This event is an opportunity for corporate organisations, business entities to reiterate their brand commitment towards the sustenance of our cultural splendour and reaching out to new markets through the carnival activities.

Mainstreetz Promotions is an event and PR management company in the business of delivering top notch services to companies, organizations celebrities and entertainers in our service portfolios.

GROUP CAUTIONS BUHARI OVER NNPC POSTING

The Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, has called on the Minister of Petroleum Resources, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, which is headed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, to quickly review the recent movement of Management personnel in the organization because it contains palpable cases of vendetta and injustice..

This was contained in a release signed by its National President and Secretary and made available to newsmen in Abuja. The association made particular reference to the NNPC spokesman, Mallam Garbadeen Muhammad who was given an ambiguous posting that leaves him in limbo.

Until the recent postings, Muhammad was the Group General Manager, Group Public the NNPC. But in a very curious action, he was moved to the position of ‘General Manager Communication and Strategy’ while still retaining his GGM position.

The organization said this is “enough to destabilize anyone and kill their morale”. The online publishers also queried the rush with which the GMD went about the posting. They observed that if Baru’s motives were sincere and in the interest of the corporation, he would have waited another couple of days when the NNPC Board would be inaugurated and then run the process through the board. “That way, he would have avoided the suspicion and errors that normally accompany a one-man know all decision.. But as it were, Baru can hardly defend himself against the accusation of carrying out a personal vendetta against his perceived enemies. “It is very possible”, says the online publishers that “Muhammed who joined the NNPC only about 6 months ago is a victim of Baru’s hate and vendetta, who has never hidden his disdain for so called outsiders joining the NNPC”.
The group described the attitude as being “particularly dangerous”

Examining Mr. Garabadeen’s case, the online body of publishers noted that “Garbadeen was invited by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Kachikwu who then doubled as GMD to come and serve his country. Garbadeen accepted to serve out of a sense of national duty. He left a flourishing media practice, a respectable job as Editor at Large with The Sun Newspapers, a popular and respected columnist and at the time the prestigious position of the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to serve his country, only for him to be treated shabbily and wickedly.

This injustice is unacceptable under any guise. It is in this light that we call on President Buhari, whose sense of justice is not in doubt to intervene and salvage the reputation of a honest and patriotic citizen whose only crime was that he answered the national call to serve his country at the expense of a brilliant career that he built painfully over the past two decades”.

The association further said that “apart from discouraging competent Nigerians at home and abroad from making sacrifices for the country, such inexplicable inconsistency, coming less than six months after a similar exercise will spook investors and stun the growth of the oil and gas industry.

The online media practitioners further averred that if indeed the President granted approval for this injustice, it must be because he was misled by Dr. Baru, and that is why the President and Board of the NNPC have a moral obligation to review the exercise and wherever infractions are detected, they must be redressed.

Recalling the role Garbadeen played during the fuel subsidy standoff with Labour and other stakeholders, the online publishers maintained that “humiliating Garbadeen so cruelly for the personal satisfaction of the GMD is sad and a depressing indicator of why Corporation has been going down over the years. The NNPC is bigger than the interest of any individual and injustice to one is injustice to all”, the association stated.

Surebet In N1.8M Scandal: Lotto Winner Drags Company To Court (‘report me to Lottery board’ -Surebet CEO)

Popular lotto company in Nigeria, Surebet247 is recently enmeshed in a scandal where a winner is fighting the company over a betting he won which the company refused to pay.

Kunle Asulegan narrated how he placed a bet at the Blue Cottage, Oke-Ado, Ibadan on the 27th of September, 2016 and valid receipts of the receipts of the games he placed was issued to him, but to his utmost surprise when he got there to check the results the second day, the computer showed ‘bet won’ an when he went to the centre to redeem his money the Surebet agents told him they have contacted their headquarters.

Asulegan expressed his disappointment when he got to the headquarters and he was told there was a mistake on the system.

A depressed Asulegan stated that all his efforts to redeem his money or talk to someone in position of authority in the company was blocked and he had to ask his lawyer to write the company which since then has refused to reply to the letter.

The lotto player explained to Papermacheonline that this wasn’t the first time he was placing bets at Surebet, in his words ‘I usually win some and lost some, but now that I won big why are they finding it hard to give me my money?’.

Asulegan provided Papermacheonline the receipts of the games he played and allegedly won and also showed a copy of the letter his lawyer sent to Surebet’s head office in Lagos with a threat that he would toe all legal means to redeem his money.

The CEO of Surebet247, Mr Sheriff Olaniran while responding to a text message from papermacheonline about the story said ‘tell him to report to lottery board if he feels cheated…we all have a choice to make’.

OONI CELEBRATES MOREMI AJASORO, BUILDS TALLEST STATUE IN NIGERIA

In honour of Queen Moremi Ajasoro, The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has embarked on the construction of the tallest statue in Nigeria.

Moremi Ajasoro was a brave and pretty queen who in order to solve the problems  facing her people, offered anything she had to give in sacrifice to the spirit of Esimirin river so as to discover the strength of the enemies of Oodua race. She is a heroine who liberated the people of Oodua land from slavery invasion of faceless terrorists.

The foremost African Monarch stated this on Monday at his Ile-Oodua palace in Ile-Ife during the unveiling ceremony of Moremi Ajasoro Beauty Pageant.
‎
The unveiling performed by the monarch's beautiful queen, Olori Wuraola Ogunwus(Yeyelua) is part of the activities marking this year's EDI/MOREMI festival in the ancient town believed to be the source of mankind.‎

While extolling virtues of the great African heroine, the Ooni Ogunwusi praised God for making one of his greatest dreams come to reality within his one-year on the throne of his forefathers. .
He described the heroine (Moremi) as the real mother of liberty in the world whose legacy must not be left in the oblivion.

"God Almighty has given me the grace of achieving one of my greatest ambitions within my first year on this sacred throne of Oduduwa.

"Moremi Ajasoro, an Ife queen who in her lifetime exhibited an unrivaled heroism of world's liberty dedicated her life to the liberation of mankind by sacrificing her only child to free the people of Oodua land from the invasion of some faceless terrorists thousands of years ago.

"We are already constructing the tallest statue in Nigeria to be known as MOREMI LIBERTY STATUE. This 42ft-statue which will be the third tallest in Africa is being erected right where Moremi lived before she became a diety thousands of years ago, as a goddess of liberty.

"It is going to be one of the greatest achievements in Nigerian tourism and will be unveiled in two weeks time during this year's EDI/ MOREMI festival which is just a tip of the iceberg, as many more tourist advancement are coming in the subsequent years."   Ooni Ogunwusi said.

Speaking while unveiling the Pageant, Her Majesty, Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi(Yeyelua) urged females to emulate the bravery act of Moremi, saying women needed to make themselves available for challenging roles on the modern society.

She explained that Moremi's personality remained unique in the World and would continue to remain an important point of reference.

"Moremi is an important figure and a great warrior worthy of emulation. With the pageant, we are trying to globalise and make the world know about a very important person.

T‎imes are changing and women are beginning to realise that we need to grow stronger. We need to show strong character in changing the society. I urge them to emulate the great heroine and be saviours to others."
Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi explained.

On his part, the Project Coordinator for the pageant tagged, "MOREMI AJASORO", Dr. Balogun Olakunle, said that Moremi was part of the personalities that made Yoruba cultural history outstanding.‎

He commended Ooni Ogunwusi for re-branding the festival, saying that would help to further enrich the yoruba culture.

"This is one great way to celebrate Moremi. It is a way to further proof that she lives on. Forms were distributed to females of Yoruba-origin across Nigeria and we hope that the best would emerge," Dr Balogun added".
‎
It will be recalled that Ooni Ogunwusi was crowned and followed by the presentation of staff of office by the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on the 7th December last year at an epoch making ceremony attended by Vice president Yemi Osibajo, some governors, members of diplomatic society including the representatives of Queen Elizabeth of Britain where he dedicated the throne to the youths and cultural tourism revolution.

Ile-Ife has since been witnessing turnarounds especially in the areas of agriculture, youth development, infrastructure and tourism revolution leading to the rejuvenation of some festivals like Olokun, Osara, Oramfe, Olojo etc giving their sacred grooves befitting rehabilitations.

Fuji Musician Tells His Own Story: How I Came About The Name ‘Taye Currency’

Education has been described as the bedrock of human existence in life. This submission was made by Alhaji Taye Adebisi popularly known as Taye Currency during a media parley with journalists recently.

According to him, for anybody to be successful in his profession, there is the need for such person to be educated as this would enhance the person’s performance in whatever he is doing.

“Education to me is a long term and future legacy anybody can have because it brings about a lot of changes in one’s life. If I had enough education with the level I am now, in fact, the sky would have been the limit in my musical career” he maintained.

Apesin Taye Adebisi disclosed that being a musician is a natural gift from God and that they don’t teach people how to sing, adding that “I have been singing since I was 12year old”.

On how he got the stage name “Taye Currency”, he said “I was formerly known as Taye Paso but as time went on my twin brother told me to distinguish myself for future references. I suggested a lot of names but my twin brother suggested Taye Currency and that was how the appellation was adapted by me.

Taye currency revealed that he would soon embark on a United Kingdom tour contrary to the rumour making the rounds that he has been banned from traveling to the European country.

He equally noted that some people have attached him to a particular political party, saying , he is not a party member neither he is a card carrying member  of a political party but rather he is only doing his professional job as an artiste that has followers almost everywhere.

Taye Currency who is currently living in his multimillion naira mansion located in a choice area in Ibadan also revealed that he is the only successful artiste who lives in his home town and he has no plan of relocating even despite pressure from his colleagues who live in Lagos and Abuja.

Apesin Taye Currency is also mixing his new album which will hit the shelves as soon as possible for the listening pleasure of his teeming fans.

Packaged by Temitope Eluyefa

Senator Buhari donates to community ravaged by inferno

The chairman Senate committee on ICT and Cybercrime Senator Abdulfatai Buhari on Friday disburse another set of empowerment materials worth over 5 Million Naira to members of his constituency in Saki West local government area of Oyo state

He also donated a sum of N250, 000 naira to the victims of inferno which gutted some houses at Kinini community area in Saki and pledge to donate a sum of N500 to group of people living with disability in Saki of Oyo state for a programme scheduled to hold in December 3.

 At the scene of the fire incident, Senator Buhari sympathizes with the victims and the entire community over the loss of properties and promise continuous support for the affected people and the community at large.

““This is no doubt a very sad incident which no one pray for but we will do our best to assist the victims in getting recovering their loss”

The Senator also promise to intensify efforts at getting relief materials to support the community from the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA)

Alhaji Yisau Awooke, the chairman of the community in his response said Senator Buhari’s donation to the community has further confirmed his genuine passion for the growth and development of his constituents as well as country. “This is rare and we appreciates everything, its not about the money alone but the concerns and feelings which he has for the victims and I pray God will continue to bless him and grant him success in his endeavors.

While presenting the empowerment materials to the people of  Saki West local government at the council secretariat  Senator Buhari promise not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the people .

ANTP TO PERFORM AT OLOJO FESTIVAL

The established yoruba film making decision body, Association of Nigerian Theater Practitioners (ANTP) will today perform at the white house in commemoration of the ongoing Olojo festival in Ile Ife.

According to the newly elected national president of the body, Chief Jimoh Aliu, MFR, popularly known as "Aworo", said the performance was specially requested  for by Alayeluwa,  Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi who is the chief host of the biggest annual festival in Ifeland.

Chief Jimoh Aliu today will perform alongside numerous and notable leading artistes in Nigeria lime Baba Wande, Eleso Enujawaya, baba Yemi Elebuibon and a host of others.

It will be recalled that the Association of Nigerian Theater Practitioners had earlier visited Arole Ooodua Oba Enitan Ogunwui, Ooni of Ife gave them the mandate to rekwindle the association with fresh election and rebrand the association and promise his doors open for advice and support.

The association who had had the election in Ibadan someties in September saw Chief Jimoh Aliu as the national president,among the excos are Yaya Adetunji, Adekanbi Abiodun, Mariam Bakare, Debo Sowemimo, Anike Obot, Adeoye Adewale "Eleso" and others.

Elders’ council includes Baba Wande, Oyewole Olowomojuore, Chief Yemi Elebuibon while Saheed Balogun is a consultant to the group among others.

__  Tope Eluyefa

Practisionals 

OLOJO GAINS MOMENTUM IN ILE-IFE AS OONI ENDS 7DAY SECLUSION

The 2016 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife gained momentum on Friday as people in the ancient city and its environs trooped out in large number to celebrate the festival with all the major streets wearing new looks with the logo of Olojo hanged around.
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This was amidst jubilation and fun fair by youths in the ancient city.

Security personnel were also present to ensure the adherence to law and order.

It will be recalled that the Ooni of Ife, According to a release signed Ooni's director of media and public affairs comerade Moses Olafare, says, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) had on Sunday moved into seven-day seclusion immediately after unveiling the replica of Are Crown in front of Oke-Mogun Shrine, Enuwa roundabout.
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During the commissioning, the Ooni prayed for the peace and tranquillity of the ancient city and Nigeria at large.

Ooni's Director of Media and Public Affairs Comrade Moses Olafare added, "The Ooni entered seclusion ‎after performing the history making commissioning since Sunday and he is expected to wear the Aare crown tomorrow (Saturday).
All these show the incomparable nature of Ile-Ife. We have an ancient city that is second to none. Respected and distinguished personalities are expected to storm this ancient city to commemorate the wearing of the sacred and supernatural traditional crown." Comrade Olafare added.

The Ooni will be putting on the Aare crown for the first time since his emergence, which should be worn once in a year.‎
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The festival grand finale, which started ‎on Saturday 08, had witnessed many events among which are Gbajure Cultural Carnival; Ooni's Football Challenge; inter-school debate; quiz competition, art exhibition musical carnivals organized by International Brewery makers of Trophy lager beer.
Others are Ayo Olopon traditional game, yoruba cultura entertainment night, dancing competition, wrestling(ijakadi), omodon (Sisi) Olojo Cultural pageant, and fashion show.

Loowa Adimula of Ife,High Chief Joseph Ijaodola, disclosed that the festival has been in existence since the day of their forefathers.

 He explained that Olojo festival commemorates the descent of Oduduwa to Ile-Ife, saying, "It is historically tied to Ogun the quintessential deity of Iron and truth who is the father of modern science.

"We witness today and forever in Ile-Ife, landmarks predating the existence of mankind; signalling the establishment of mankind on earth, through the source - Ile-Ife.‎"

According to him, the festival shows the uniqueness of Ile-Ife as a respectable city.

He noted that Ile-Ife "bears  the mark of existence during the coming to the earth in spirit form the very fiest time,Ife Ooye.

"The Olojo festival promises to be a turning point in promoting African culture and business initiatives through Nigeria's domestic tourism as well as well as further showcasing the image of the yoruba race as a peace loving people."

--Tope Eluyefa

All You Need to Know About Olojo Festival +How Oba Enitan Ogunwusi redefine This Year Festival

Ile Ife the cradle of Yorubas, the land of the survivors and the spiritual headquarters of Yoruba's will host several thousands of Ife indigenes and well wishers between Friday 14th -17th October, 2016.


Olojo festival is the biggest annual event of the Yoruba, Ifes to be precise. On this occasion, Ooni appears after seven days of seclusion, not communicating with anybody except the spirits of about 600 god

On the first day which usually falls in Friday is called Ilagun day where a dog will be appeal to "ogun" the gods of iron by the Ogun chief priest called Osogun and the custodian of oro, Obawara at theOke-Mogun shrine.

On the second day of the major event of the week, usually the Saturday of the event week, Ooni appears with the special ancestral beaded Oduduwa crown called Aare on his head only once in a year during this festival as he leads the crowd to Oke-Mogun shrine to appease the gods for safety and protection of all sons and daughters of Ife, Yorubaland and nation at large.

It is believe that every prayer offer on this day and merely having a glimpse of the ancestral crown shall be answer.

On this special day the Lokolokos are the Ooni's bodyguards during the festival.

Time for the festival is usually indicated by the movement of the Sun in the month of October from the West to the East and it is only the Olojo chief priest identifies the particular day to celebrate the festival. The 2016 olojo festival which will kick start in less than 48hours.

Meanwhile the 51st monarch and the present Oonirisa, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatynde Ogunwusi has add flavor glamour and class to this year festival with a total renovation of all nooks and cranny of Ile Ife.

Beautiful landscaping in various junction o the city with  flowers and decorations.

Also the present renovations and landscaping going on in front of the palace has really compliment the the newly crafted entrance of the palace which has over the years proven as one of the best architectural designed for royals.

indeed Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is a man of history as it has also been proven that his tenure has been a very huge turn around in all spheres of life for the ancient city, Ile Ife.

It will recalled that less than a year of Oba Ogunwusi reign he has empower thousands of youths, widows artisans cutting across borders of Ile Ife. Procurement of mass transit buses to cushion the effect of transportation system in Ife and the state, plating over 1millin cocoa seedlings, establishment of soft loan for artisans and market women, establishment of a resort center to generate income and establishment of affordable housing estate for indigenes and friends of Ile Ife among several other projects. Indeed Arole Oodua Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi has put Ife on radar of world history.

story by: Tope Eluyefa

Man Storms Traffic And Flashes His Manhood At Female Motorists

A grotesque photo of a man who hits a major road in Kenya and brought out his erect manhold has gone viral on social media. The video shows the man initially just standing in the middle of the traffic, then brought out his “machine gun” which he generously flashes at female motorists.

One of the female motorists who captured one of the videos making the rounds could be heard screaming “Lord, Lord! What’s this?”. No one can tell what eventually happened to the man or what state of mind he was in. See shocking screen-shots from the photo below..

Unbelievable! See Woman Whose Legs Won’t Stop Growing

A woman has found herself struggling as a result of her legs which won’t stop growing. The bride-to-be is undergoing grueling treatment to decrease her 4ft-wide legs.
According to Dailymail, Katia Page, 36, suffers with Lipoedema – a chronic disorder that causes fatty tissue to accumulate in mass around the lower body.
Miss Page, from New Jersey, U.S., has started a series of liposuction sessions to prevent her legs from growing further. She said: ‘Before I had any surgeries, my legs were like 50 to 54 inches.’
Early signs from Miss Page’s treatment show positive results with the swelling in her legs gradually decreasing.
She is being helped by an experienced doctor who has pledged to see her succeed. Doctor Lizzie Gottsegen, who is managing Miss Page’s progress says: ‘There are not many therapists or doctors for that matter that are even aware of this disease.
‘If Katia has no surgery, if she had no bandaging, if she had no will to move – Katia would be dead very soon.’
Miss Page added: ‘The swelling was at one point so bad that my ankles would be literally hanging all the way over my foot. My biggest fear is becoming immobile because once I can’t move, I know this disease will progress and I could lose my life.’
Miss Page experiences a daily struggle with people assuming she is overweight because of an unhealthy diet, rather than her life-threatening disease that she can do nothing to prevent. But, she is working hard to overcome all these.
Miss Page is engaged and will be married soon as she works hard to overcome her predicament.
‘I’m smart, I’m educated, I can cook and I’m a good catch! You’d be a fool not to want me,’ she said.
‘I’m engaged and we’re going to get married soon. And to be honest with you, he loves me anyway, but I just want to look my best.’ She said.
Although her recent surgery did not go to plan, with Doctor David Greuner having to stop proceedings earlier than expected due to a substantial loss of blood, she is still happy over what they have accomplished over the years.

Incredible! Read why this man dumped his banking job to become a plumber

It is amazing how Bonire Abdulrahman Femi, a former banker turned plumber has revolutionized the building industry. He is not your everyday run-of-the-mill plumber.
You definitely need him to handle you next plumbing job. Call him now on 07034644973, contact on Skype @bonfem89, on Facebook or tweet at him @bonfem85

Just like the famous Steve Jobs, this young man believes that; “You have to believe the dots will connect somewhere down the road in your life. But you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect the dots looking backwards. This might take you off the well-known part in life, but that will make all the difference”.

“Sometimes, life can hit you with a brick in the head, don’t lose faith”.

“I’m convinced that I love what I do. You have to find what you love, and this is true for work as it is true for your lover. Your work is going to fill the larger part of your life, and the only way you can be truly satisfied is to do what you love. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking don’t settle. And like every other thing that matter to the heart, you’ll know when you find it”.

And like every great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years rolls on. So keep looking, don’t settle.

Bonire Abdulrahman Femi, just like every other ordinary Nigerian has a dream to become something in life – An Army General.
He was so passionate about this that he refused to write the university entry exam (Jamb) when he was passing out of secondary school. This, to him, was to make his parent give his ambition their all.

After several failed attempts to secure an admission into the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), he began to realize that he has to have several other realistic plans.

The Bigger Dream
Deep within, he has always been nursing a bigger dream, which is to become a successful entrepreneur. But, the big question is, how was he going to achieve this fit? Thus, he let go of his military ambition and leverage on one of the legacies and professions his father has instilled in him from childhood, which is plumbing.

President Buhari Off To Germany On Wednesday

President Muhammad Buhari will leave for Germany on Wednesday night, SaharaReporters has learnt. Our sources said he will return to Nigeria on Saturday. While the Presidency is yet to announce the event, SaharaReporters was told that barring a last-minute change of plans, he will jet out of Abuja late on Wednesday, to arrive in Berlin in the early hours of Thursday.

President Muhammad Buhari will leave for Germany on Wednesday night, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Our sources said he will return to Nigeria on Saturday.

While the Presidency is yet to announce the event, SaharaReporters was told that barring a last-minute change of plans, he will jet out of Abuja late on Wednesday, to arrive in Berlin in the early hours of Thursday.

He is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings scheduled for Thursday and Friday, and pay a visit to a local hospital.

Niger Delta Agitation: INC warns Federal Government

 The Nigerian Federal Government (FG) has been warned against indiscriminate negotiations in the Niger Delta

– Ijaw National Congress (INC) says negotiating which just anyone will give rise to more groups seeking relevance

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has warned the Federal Government against going into negotiations with groups that only seeking more relevance within the Niger Delta.

INC warns Federal Government of negotiating indiscriminately.

Vanguard reports that president of INC, Chief Charles Harry, who spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, noted that the groups were merely on a self serving mission, stressing that they were inimical to the common good of the region.

He said that the government will only give room for more groups to spring up if it opened negotiations with those already struggling for attention, adding, “We are averse to the bickering/influence peddling that has led to the formation of several ad-hoc bodies by Chief Edwin Clark, HRH, Alfred Diete Spiff, Rotimi Amaechi and others, which we believe are self serving and inimical to the interests of the region.”

Meanwhile, Ijaw elders in Delta state have opposed the inclusion of Chief Edwin Clark in the Niger Delta dialogue with the federal government towards resolving renewed militancy in the region.

According to Vanguard, the Izon council of elders in a statement on Tuesday, September 13, in Warri, Delta state said the inclusion of Chief Edwin Clark will truncate the dialogue process because President Buhari may not want to dialogue with Niger Delta leaders who kept silent about the development of their own region throughout Jonathan’s tenure.

The elders said the militants should have known that the inclusion of the Edwin Clark in the dialogue may either stop, delay or bring negative results to the Niger Delta region.
source: Vanguard

‘I’m Not Involved In Supreme Court Judges Bribery Attempt’ -Akpabio

The attention of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to a sensational story making the rounds in the social media and circulated by the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a screaming headline: “Breaking News! 2015 A’Ibom polls: Fear grips Akpabio over arrest of Supreme Court Justices.”

The story in its entirety is spurious, baseless, false and the figment of the imagination of mischief makers who concocted it. Their frantic and desperate attempt to link Senator Akpabio with the saga is to tarnish his image in their continuing pull-him-down syndrome, which has increased in intensity since the party lost Akwa Ibom State.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state most emphatically that Senator Akpabio is in no way involved in the alleged bribery of Supreme Court judges and so has no reason whatsoever to be scared over the arrest of the Judges. He has had no contact with any Judge with the intention of bribing them.

In the last few years, Senator Akpabio’s only contact with Supreme Court Justices was on December 13, 2015 when as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters the members, led by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator David Umaru paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice of the Federation and other Supreme Court Justices. After the event which was widely reported the Supreme Court Justices and members of the committee took group photographs.

Senator Akpabio as a democrat believes in the sanctity of the electoral process and so has not been involved in bribing any Judge as it is not in his character to do so. His election as a Senator which was seen as a no contest after a sterling performance as Governor of Akwa Ibom State was widely held as free and fair.

Senator Akpabio like many other Nigerians learnt of the news of the arrest of the Judges/ Justices on Saturday while he was in Irrua, Edo State when he along with the Senate President and other Senators attended the wedding of the daughter of their colleague, Senator Clifford Ordia.

It is most disingenuous and reprehensible for Akwa Ibom State APC to attempt to link Senator Akpabio to something he has no knowledge of and impute he was gripped with fear when he was busy celebrating with his colleague on the marriage of his daughter in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government of Edo State.

We condemn it in very strong terms and advice those whose stock in trade and preoccupation is to link Senator Akpabio to every ignominious scheme to desist from such pull-him-down syndrome. It is however sad that Akwa Ibom State APC, rather than wait for the investigation to take its course, have already condemned their son, Justice Inyang Okoro and celebrate his present ordeal.

Senator Akpabio will explore available legal remedies to protect his hard earned reputation from being dragged into the mud by political mischief makers. Distinguished Senator Akpabio however cautions all political players to take actions that will sustain democracy and not actions that imperil our hard earned democracy.

Anietie Ekong

Why Buhari Ordered Sale Of Presidential Jets

Mallam Shehu Garba, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari approved the sale of two presidential jets.
In a statement, he said the newspaper advertisements for the sale of two presidential aircraft, a Falcon 7x executive jet and Hawker 4000, were duly authorized by the Presidency.
The statement reads: “This is in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that aircraft in the presidential air fleet be reduced to cut down on waste.
“When he campaigned to be President, the then APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari, if you recall, promised to look at the presidential air fleet with view to cutting down on waste.
“His directive to a government committee on this assignment is that he likes to see a compact and reliable aircraft for the safe airlift of the President, the Vice President and other government officials that go on special missions. This exercise is by no means complete”.

source: www.pmparrot.ng.com