Nigeria’s Apex Bank In Foreign Public Relations Contract Scandal

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has given itself a new mandate and it has nothing to do with money matters. It does not even have anything to do with stabilising the foreign exchange regime or strengthening the naira, desirable as that task is.
The new role of Nigeria’s apex bank is to launder Nigeria’s image abroad.
In what is the latest in a trend of frivolous and wasteful spending of tax payers’ money, the apex bank in April engaged the services of APCO Worldwide Inc., a public relations and political consultancy firm based in Washington DC, to help launder the image of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and the country in the United States.
In the last three years, the icirnigeria.org has tracked many of such controversial contracts amounting to over $6 million dollars awarded by different agencies of the Nigerian government to foreign firms to launder the country’s image abroad.
From our investigations, such contracts, it appears, are mere conduits for siphoning public funds.

Hush! Agagu’s Children On Spending Spree As Family Discovers Huge Money In Late Politician’s Bedroom

This is the best of times for the children of the late former Minister of Power and Steel and ex-Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Kokumo Agagu with news that a huge discovery was made recently when the family was sanitising his bedroom.

The politician’s Bodija, Ibadan home is said to be the late politician’s vault where he kept his valuables while alive and the family didn’t really have the time to check the house based on the unfortunate circumstance that trailed the late politician’s death when the plane conveying his corpse from Lagos to Akure crashed and many sympathisers lost their lives.

The family were said to have checked the house recently and behold! Stuffed inside the late politician’s closet were wad of crisp notes in foreign currency which they didn’t know existed.

One of the late politician’s children, Feyi is said to have been making good of his share of the money with the acquisition of some properties in Lagos while he is presently making request into choice properties also in Ibadan.

Before his death, Agagu was a University teacher, Deputy-Governor, minister of power and steel, minister of aviation and later the Governor of Ondo State.

Presence Nights to be unveiled in Ibadan

Presence Nights, a quarterly worship event of Halleluyah Ajayi Ministries will be birthed in Ibadan on the 29th of July at the New Covenant Church hall, situated at Zion Complex, Alawo Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

The worship event, according to the convener, Hallelujah Ajayi is set in motion with the aim of creating an atmosphere to experiencing the presence and glory of God.
“The goal of the outreach is not to add to the number of many other Christian outreaches, but to specifically stir the move of the Holy Spirit and trigger a new dimension of the presence of God”.

He stated further that Nigeria is in distress economically, politically, morally and spiritually, “which has impacted Nigerians negatively as people meddle in all kinds of ungodly activities to survive. He continued: “But the good news Presence Nights has brought is that; when each of us is imparted with God's presence and glory, it will transform us inside-out and inspire ideas and favour upon our lives so much that each person who endeavor to attend will be a solution to Nigeria.”

The two-hour program is expected to start by 5:30pm.

Hallelujah Ajayi is the convener of Presence Nights; a dynamic young teacher and preacher of the word of God with over a decade of service to God through evangelism and as well serve in different departments in New Covenant Church, Zion Complex branch, Dugbe, Ibadan.
He is also a volunteer in Liberty international.

Zenith Bank is Most Customer-Focused Bank – KPMG

Zenith Bank Plc has again been ratedNigeria’s most customer-focused bank by the leading Advisory and Consultancy firm, KPMG.

In the 2016 edition of the annual banking industry Customer Satisfaction Survey recently released, Zenith topped other Nigerian banksin the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) with a total of 74.6 pointsto clinch the prime positionin the retail banking category; thereby re-enacting the feat it achieved in 2013 and 2014.Guaranty Trust Bank came second with 74.1 points closely followed by Diamond Bank and Stanbic IBTC with 73.5 and 73.1 points respectively.

The survey, launched in 2007, draws responses from customers across the retail, SME and corporate banking segments on customer preferences, levels of satisfaction and expectations from their banks.

Zenith Bank has featured prominently in the survey since it was launched 10 years ago, according to organisers;“to heighten consciousness of service delivery among Nigerian Banks”. In 2014, the bank cleared all three categories: Retail, SMS and Corporate Banking; having similarly won two of the three categories but SME the previous year.

The Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) measures customer satisfaction with banks, and are ranked based on the perceived level of satisfaction derived by customers surveyed fromthe different categories. The key factors considered by CSI include convenience, product/service offering, executional excellence, value for money and customer care.

Zenith Bank is one of Nigeria’s strongest financial institutions with a shareholders base of over one million and the largest bank in the country by market capitalization and tier- 1 capital. The Zenith brand has also maintained a consistent track record of performance in several parameters including profitability and liquidity managerial competence.

The bank’s impressive growth and performance over the years have earned it excellent ratings, recognitions and endorsements from local and international agencies and institutions; some of which include: Best Customer Service Bank Nigeria 2015 by Global Banking and Finance, Best Corporate Governance Bank Nigeria 2015 byGlobal Banking and Finance and Best Bank in Corporate Governance 2012, 2014 and 2015 by World Finance.

Others include; Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria 2013 by World Finance, thirdbiggest company in West Africa by Forbes & CNBC Africa and Best Commercial Bank in Africa by Capital Finance International (CFI)

The Bank is certified on three key International Standards Organisation’s (ISO) standards namely; ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management), ISO 20000 (IT Service Management) and ISO 27001 (Information Security Management).

OONI OF IFE, ASEYIN, OTHERS MAKE HISTORY IN GHANA

Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) accompanied by prominent Obas from south west states made a historical visits to the Rep. of Ghana.

Oba Adeyeye Enitanm Ogunwusi who was accompanied  Adetoye Obatuga, Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa HRM Oba  Odunayo Ajayi and Alayemore of Ido-Osun HRM Oba Adedapo Aderemi, the Arode of Ife Chief Johnson Awe and Akogun of Ife Chief Muritala Adedoy on the invitation of the President of Ghana, President John Mahama.

 According to the Director of media and public affairs, Moses Olafare, Oba Ogunwusi was received warmly the Nigerian community in Ghana, Special assistant to Nigeria President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the President of Ghana and his executives where they discuss on issues bothering Africa on peace and regional integration at the Flagstaff House, Office of the President of Ghana.

Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) w2ho is on a four-day visit to rep. of Ghana, admonished President John Mahama of Ghana and his government to prioritise the unity of Africans by relaxing policies that encourage the physical and mental boundary set between African countries by the colonial masters with the emphasis that Africa must unite for prosperity as his mission is to promote peace, unity and progress of the black race.

“it’s my vision as Ooni Ife to promote unity, peace among African countries, Africa must unite to prosper”. Emphasizing on the importance of African unity, Ooni of Ife who's a descendent of Oduduwa believed to have been the root of all Yoruba race stressed that unity among African countries and blacks around the world is the key to Africa's prosperity and peace.

He added: "As traditional leaders we are the custodians of culture and tradition, that's why I have taken it upon myself to preach this gospel of peace, and unity. There's strength in unity, and it's time for Africa to go beyond lip service and unite”.

Also on Friday 22nd July 2016 Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi planted a tree of honour in remembrance of the country's first president Dr Kwame Nkruma who he described as a hero of African unity and emancipation.

The tree planting function was performed by Ooni Ogunwusi in company of his charming queen, Ooni Wuraola Ogunwusi(Yeyelua) and some notable traditional rulers at the Kwame Nkruma Memorial Park(KNMP) located in downtown Accra the capital of Ghana during his visit to the Mausoleum built in his honour by the military government of Jerry Rawlings in the early 90s.

The African king of peace and unity urged the leaders and people of Africa to always remember former President Nkruma not just as a politician but also as a great Pan Africanist who dedicated his life to the liberation of Ghana and total emancipation of the entire  Africans.

It with recalled that President Kwame Nkruma was overthrown by military in 1966 nine years after he led his country to freedom in 1957 and was subsequently exiled in Guinea Conakry where he lived till his death in 1972 at a hospital in Bucharest, Romania while receiving a medical treatment.

On Saturday Ooni of Ife and his team also visited one of the slave trade centers along the Gold Coast known as Cape Coast Castle to inspect various sections of the monument such as dungeons, cells, door of no return and others that explains the level of maltreatment suffered by the African slaves in the hands of the European slave traders.

The Castle visited by President Barack Obama of America was built around 1555 and used first by the Portuguese and later by the European slave merchants to keep their slaves who were brought from all over Africa to be transported into various unknown destinations.

Protest, Anger Trail Mass Sack At OAGF

No fewer than 71 accounting Officers, employees of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF),who were recently disengaged by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), have petitioned, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Accountant General of the Federation, (AGF) and Joan Ayo, Chairman the FCSC, over what they termed unjust termination of appointment.
They alleged that for no just cause, the appointment letters they were offered in 2014 after undergoing interview, screening and documentation, were suddenly withdrawn in 2016 without cogent reasons.
They averred that their engagement followed laid down civil service rules and regulations and therefore were at loss of what led to the termination of their appointment after waiting for two years to be posted to offices across the country.
They also alleged that while some who have people in government were retained and posted, they were shown the exit door for reasons unknown to them.
They asserted that the way they were treated was “malicious, insensitive and the height of injustice”
According to them, “this petition relates to issues which involve sizeable number of Nigerians whose careers are being put at stake through malicious actions of the two officers of FCSC and AGF”

The petition reads in part: “We were offered career civil service appointment of the Federal Government through the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) as Accountants on different levels for the office of the Accountant General of the Federation via offer letters issued by the FCSC in 2014 and signed by the Director (Recruitment and Appointment) for Chairman FCSC.
“Both the office of the Head of Service of the Federation and that of the Accountant General were appropriately notified.
“In compliance with the civil service practice, all necessary documentations and medicals on us were concluded by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) at their pace in May 2015 and we were appropriately listed for further postings to places of primary assignment. We were equally given our respective file and staff numbers.
“Since that May 2015, we have been resuming at the office of the Accountant General in fulfillment of the employment contract already in place but the AGF has willfully failed to approve our posting in spite of our everyday presence and request. They kept on appealing to us to have patience and that they are preparing new intake induction programme.
“Curiously, about a week ago, we got the rudest shock that our appointment has been declared irregular and revoked by the Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission. This action is malicious, insensitive and the height of injustice on which we appeal to your good office not to be allowed to stand based on the following:
“The appointment followed due process and Letters of Appointment legally and legitimately issued and signed by the Director (Recruitment and Appointment) of the Federal Civil Service Commission for The Chairman, FCSC.
“The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation wrote to FCSC to confirm the authenticity of the offers which the FCSC confirmed via their Letter References (copy attached).
“The office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation also carried out a verification exercise on each of us during Personnel Data Revalidation Exercise and issued to each of us Clearance Certificate in May 2015.
“The FCSC again re-verified each of us as employees of the Federal Government of Nigeria and issued us with IPPIS validation receipt in 2015. It is therefore, sheer fraud, ineptitude and indeed inhuman for the same Chairman of Federal Civil Service Commission to say their (FCSC) action is irregular and revoke our appointments after being on this course for close to two years.
“Some of our colleagues who are either children of the Directors at the OAGF/FCSC or their close relations have been surreptitiously posted by the AGF.
“

Biafra Day Celebration: We have invoked spirit of 140 Igbo people killed to haunt their killers – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared that the spirit of 140 defenceless Igbo people allegedly killed during the May 30 Biafra remembrance day by Nigerian security operatives have been invoked to trouble their killers and accomplice.

This is as the group asserted that the event organised in remembrance of Biafra fallen heroes was not an Igbo affair.

IPOB made the disclosure in a statement signed by its Deputy Leader, Uche Mefor.

The statement said, “The souls and spirits of 140 unarmed, defenceless, non-violent and innocent citizens of Nigeria of southeast and south-south extractions, mostly composed of Igbo sons and a number of Igbo daughters between the ages of 20 and 35 years, who were brutally massacred in broad day light on May 30, 2016 have been invoked to eternally go after their killers and enemies of the Igbo nation as well as those who aided and abetted the gruesome massacre until they pay for their heinous crimes and atrocities committed.

“Other victims of killings in Igbo land, including those killed during the IPOB non-violent protest and jubilation marches on December 2 and December 17, 2015 in Onitsha; and IPOB peaceful protests in Aba on January 18 and 29, February 9, 2016 as well as the Ukpabi-Nimbo massacre of April 25, 2016 by the Fulani were also remembered using the Igbo’s four sacred traditional market days/birthdays of Nkwo, Eke, Orie, and Afor.”

Serial rapist stabs woman, blinds victim’s 10-year-old daughter in Lagos

A suspected serial rapist who reportedly raped and stabbed a 60-year-old woman, Francisca, in the neck is currently on the run.

The fleeing suspect also brutalized his victim’s 10-year-old daughter identified only as Marvelous for daring to raise the alarm.

According to reports, the incident which happened weekend at the Ibeshe, Ikorodu area of Lagos State, saw the suspect sneaking into the victims’ apartment in the wee hours of the day, through the window.

The yet-to-be named suspected rapist was said to be an accomplice of another suspect identified only as Badoo, who was recently arrested by the police in the state.

Badoo, who was notorious for raping women in Ibeshe area of the state, had on June 5 barged into the flat of a Ghanaian, Grace Obina, and stabbed her to death after he raped her.

Following this, women, especially single mothers, ladies and widows are reportedly said to have been living in fear.

Some persons alleged that the masterminds of these attacks are the self-professed community leaders.

Confirming the incident to newsmen yesterday, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the police is currently on a manhunt for the suspected serial rapist.

“It was a case of assault occasioning harm.

“The rapist broke the girl (Marvelous’) lower jaw and blinded her right eye, leaving her and the mother to die.

“The victims were rushed by some neighbours to a hospital, from where Marvelous was later referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Yaba.

“The victims are still receiving treatment. Efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing suspect,” the spokesperson added, noting that residents alerted some policemen from the Ipakodo division who visited the scene.

Speaking on the incident, a resident, Daniel, told reporters that the rape was an act of ritualism as the rapist forgot the handkerchief he used in wiping his victim’s genitals.

Daniel said, “I strongly believe that these rapists are using the handkerchiefs for rituals.

“Badoo, who was recently arrested, told the police that he had three other members perpetrating this act. Their mode of operation is the same.

“On that Saturday, the woman and her daughter were sleeping when he sneaked into their room through the window.

“He raped the 60-year-old woman and injured her. He also beat up her 10-year-old daughter to a coma. The girl’s eye is seriously affected.”

Why Saraki’s CCT trial was adjourned

The Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, has deferred the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki till September.

Saraki is currently standing trial before the tribunal on a 16-count charge bordering on false and anticipatory assets declaration when he was the Governor of Kwara State.

Chairman of the tribunal, Danladi Umar, had adjourned the matter till today to rule on a motion filed by the legal team of the Senate President seeking Umar’s disqualification from the trial on the basis of bias.

However, in a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Ibraheem Al-hassan, the adjournment was due to the judicial recess and an ongoing meeting between the officials of the tribunal and some foreign stakeholders on the development of the Code of Ethics and Practice Directions for the CCT.

According to Al-hassan, all matters slated for this week and the following months were adjourned till September, though no date has been fixed.

The statement reads, “The Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Hon. Danladi Yakubu Umar, on Tuesday, adjourned all sittings scheduled for this week and those to come within July and August till after the resumption from recess to be embarked upon by the tribunal’s judges soon.

“The decision was taken due to the ongoing Roundtable Discussion involving CCT and other critical stakeholders within and outside the country to develop the Code of Ethics and Practice Directions for the Code of Conduct Tribunal to ensure fair and speedy trials, sponsored by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

He, however, assured that litigants currently with cases before the court, would have their new dates shortly after the vacation, September, 2016, which would be communicated to them, appropriately.

He said, ”The Tribunal regrets the pains caused by the sudden change.”

Source: Daily Post

Heritage Bank Chairman, Akinsola Akinfemiwa’s Ambition Suffers Setback! …Why He May Not Contest For Ondo Governorship Election Again

Akinsola Akinfemiwa

It’s no news that one of the people eyeing the seat as the next governor of Ondo state come 2017 is the chairman of Heritage bank, Akinsola Akinfemiwa. But with the latest development that affected his close ally, Tunde Ayeni of Skye bank, reputation has thrown spanner into his personality.

Tunde Ayeni who lost the privilege of heading the board of Skye bank was booted out after Central bank Of Nigeria; CBN discovered that the bank had an estimated non-performing loan portfolio of N700 billion, much of which is due to an overexposure in the oil and gas sector. The bank asset was taken over by Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) who would buy up the bank’s toxic loan and then make efforts to recover them from the bank’s chronic debtors.
The disaster according to those close to Akinsola Akinfemiwa has alleged that his ambition will definitely suffer a setback since there was a previous agreement between the two friends on how they will put up financial muscles to execute the ambition. Though some quarters claimed Akinsola is a wealth man, a man who was said to own a magnificent edifice at Ajose Adeogun in Victoria Island, Lagos, Premiere building, the structure that house the office space of Famfa Oil Limited owned by the world richest black woman, Folurunsho Alakija.
Political pundits claimed that Akinsola’s kind of wealth cannot successfully bankroll the money needed to quench his thirsty for power in Ondo state.
Those close to Akinfemiwa alleged that his bank cannot produce such huge amount of money but the only avenue left for him his to seek the favour of his godfather, Bukola Saraki. It will be recalled that it was rumored that the bank was co-owned by the former chairman of Skye Bank, Dr. Tunde Ayeni and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Source: papermatche online

Imbibe spirit of sacrificial leadership, Awolowo Dosumu urges leaders

Leaders the world over, especially Nigerian leaders, have been urged to imbibe the spirit of sacrificial leadership of the Sage and his Jewel of inestimable value, Chief Obafemi and Mama HID Awolowo.
Speaking with the leadership of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State chapter, at her Ikenne country home, on Wedneday, Ambassador Dr Mrs Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, said she would love her parents to be remembered for their sacrificial leadership.

Her words: “The kind of sacrificial leadership that puts other people and places the interest of the community at large above personal interest.”

Ambassador Dr Awolowo Dosumu, who is the Executive Director, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Co-Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles and the Vice Chairman and Co-Director, Dideolu Specialist Hospital, Ikenne, while commenting on population control, said it made eminent sense for parents, especially mothers, to have the number of children they could successfully cater for.

The Medical Doctor, who noted that it might be difficult to control the population in the nearest future as it would endanger culture, however, opined that it would sustain quality life and that it could be done.
She also said that demographics was changing as places where couple had  2.3 children, has become as low as 1.3 children, adding that culture was becoming endangered.

In order to have less of street children therefore, the executive director implored women to make provision for looking after their children as soon as they began to have them.
According to her, going by the reality of life these days, most women go out to work, urging them to create time to teach their children how to live and cope with life.

In her responses Oyo NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Foluso Lala, the Association noted with enthusiasm, the contributions of Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu to the development of Nigeria through her activities in the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, for which the women group hope to honour her before the end of the year.

Skye Bank Unveils New Executive Management

The CBN has approved the reconstitution of the Board of Skye Bank PLC. By the reconstitution, Alhaji M.K Ahmad has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board, while Mr. Tokunbo Abiru has been appointed as the new Group Managing Director and CEO. Messrs. Other members of the reconstituted Board are Bayo Sanni, Idris Yakubu, Markie Idowu and Abimbola Izu, all of whom were serving in the capacity of Executive Director of the Bank prior to now.

The reconstitution of the Board followed the voluntary resignation of the former Chairman, Dr. Tunde Ayeni and other Non – Executive Directors of the Bank, namely, Mr. Victor Odozi, Mr. BabajideAgbabiaka, Dr. Jason Fadeyi, Mr. KunleAluko, Mr. Victor Adenigbagbe, Mr. Abdul Bello and HajiyaAmunnaLawan Ali. In the same vein, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo had resigned his position as Group Managing Director / CEO, alongside Mrs. AmakaOnwughalu, Mr. DotunAdeniyi and Mrs. Ibiye Ekong who resigned their positions as DMD, and Executive Directors. All the resignations take immediate effect.

The former leadership of the Bank voluntarily resigned their positions in order to pave the way for a new team to further the new strategic direction of the Bank in the retail and commercial business space, having laid the foundations and set the necessary processes and structures. In this wise, the challenge of accelerating growth in the new strategic direction becomes more urgent and compelling, given the economic challenges in the global and domestic operating environment, and the attendant challenges.

The Bank thanked the former Board led by Dr. Tunde Ayeni, and the former Management team led by Mr. Timothy Oguntayo for their service, sacrifice and dedication to the institution.

The new Chairman of the Bank, Alhaji M.K. Ahmad in a statement earlier today, expressed optimism about the Bank, given its vast potentials and its strategic position in the economy. He stated that the Bank is well positioned to deepen the retail and commercial banking services in the economy, having put in place the critical building blocks to win in this sector. He stated that the immediate priorities of the Board and the new Management team is to quickly begin to leverage the huge investment in the enhanced branch network, technology and alternative channels to improve stakeholder value in a sustainable manner. He assured the shareholders, customers and depositors of the Bank of his commitment to preserve their investments and deposits, while further assuring that the support and backing of the CBN and other relevant stakeholders have been obtained in this respect.

Alhaji Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON, has about 35 years distinguished experience leading and working in various public sector organizations and financial services institutions in Nigeria. He was the pioneer Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Pension Commission and also a pioneer staff of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation and rose to become Director / Head of Department and member of the Interim Management Board. Mr. Ahmad has served on the boards of various corporate and not-for-profit organisations as well as presidential committees. He chaired the Technical Committee that produced the North East Transformation Strategy (NESTS), a medium term Regional Development Strategy, for the sustainable socio-economic transformation and reconstruction of the Region and currently supervises its implementation. Ahmad is also a member of the Presidential Committee for the North East Intervention (PCNI). Prior to his appointment, he was a Director on the Board of FBN Holdings PLC, where he brought his rich experience in the financial services industry to bear on the institution. He strongly promotes building institutions based on the highest corporate governance and ethical standards and would bring his extensive experience to bear on his role on the board of Skye Bank PLC as Chairman.

Ahmad has a Masters Diploma in Innovation and Strategy from University of Oxford and has also attended courses and programmes in various first-rate business and management schools, including Harvard Business School, IMD and INSEAD. A co-author of the book, “The Extent and Effectiveness of Bank Supervision in Nigeria”, Ahmad is married with children.

The new MD/CEO Mr AdetokunboMukhailAbiru, is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program) and Lagos Business School (Executive Management Program). He holds a B.Sc (Economics) from Lagos State University and is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Honorary Executive Member of The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Tokunbo has had a distinguished career in banking spanning about 26 years, of which his early ten (10) years were spent in the formative years of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Thereafter, he spent about Fourteen (14) years with the premier and most valuable banking brand in Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, where he functioned as Executive Director, Corporate Banking between 2013 and 2016.

Equally during his banking career, he was at various times between 2013-16 a Non – Executive Director in the following companies: Airtel Mobile Networks Limited; FBN Capital Limited (now FBN Merchant Bank Limited); and FBN Bank Sierra Leone Limited.

Tokunbo was the Honorable Commissioner of Finance for Lagos State Government (2011-2013), the economic capital of Nigeria, during the dynamic and transformational leadership of Governor Babatunde R. Fashola (SAN).

Obasanjo, Tinubu, Ooni, Alaafin Others for Chief Lere Paimo's book launch .

Eminent personalities from all walks of life Including the  former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, National Leader of APC  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, The Alaafin Of Oyo, South West governors  were among the dignitay expected to grace the official presentation of a veteran actor and theatre practitioner Chief Lere Paimo biography on Saturday .

According to a release signed by the launching committee chairman, Sayo Alagbe revealed that other Traditional rulers from South ,prominent theatre and movie practitioners, academicians  captains of industry, and others  are also expected to grace the ocassion 

 Chief Lere Paimo's biography titled, Lere Paimo : A Quintessential Thespian will be officially presented to members of the public at Apex Event Centre, Agodi Gate, lbadan at 12 on saturday july 8

According to a release signed by Mr Sayo Alagbe  the launching comitee chairman ,the purpose of the event is to celebrate the story and objectives of Lere Paimo theatre life and messages to serve as reference guide for the audience, the theatre scholars, aspiring theatre students, film industry at large

Lere Paimo remain the sceptre of the old and contemporary Theatre Industry and has done the nation's proud both locally and internationally.

'He has also contributed immensely to the socio culture and tourism development  of Nigeria through his unbeatable records  in the theatre  and movie industry.

Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia, Folorunsho Alakija, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Aliko Dangote Break Fast With President Muhammadu Buhari

Monday June 27 2016, Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia and a couple of high profile business people observed the breaking of Ramadan Fast with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The extraordinary men and woman of commerce that were in attendance alongside the Zenith Bank Chairman were Chairman Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola; Mrs. Folorusho Alakija; President Muhammadu Buhari; Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu and President Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Man On Fire, Gov Fayose’s Associate, Biodun Agbele Flees! (insiders detail how he spent loot to revive nightclub business)

His claim to fame was an expose by a United States court in 1993 claiming the individual was a member of a powerful drug cartel that operated out of Chicago and Hammond, Indiana about two decades ago and since then nothing has been heard about him till recently when he was mentioned as the ‘middle man’ for Gov Ayo Fayose in a 4.6 billion naira allegation which the Governor is fighting tooth and nail to give a distance.

Agbele, according to those in the know had fallen on bad times. He was said to have become an object of mercy by friends he had helped in the past who came to his rescue whenever he was in need until his old pal, Governor Ayo Fayose decided to ‘help’ and made him a conduit pipe to receive the funds that later became the albatross for both of them.

A reliable source disclosed that Agbele became an overnight millionaire as he received cash into his bank accounts on the instruction of Gov Fayose.

He was said to have boasted to his friends at a party that he was spending ‘owo PDP’ (PDP funds) which was later traced to embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Months into his dalliance with Governor Fayose, Agbele was said to have had a lot to show for it, first was the revival of his ailing Platinum nightclub on Awolowo road, Ibadan which he renovated and equipped with modern gadgets and later his choice of cars, property acquisition followed by a show of affluence wherever he goes.

His Platinum nightclub which had for ages been in a state of coma was suddenly revived and became the delight of fun lovers who dumped their former hangouts to have the touch of the newest place in town.

The renovation of the Platinum club was one of Agbele’s biggest achievement as the hangout is the only business he knows.

People close to Mr Agbele had nice things to say about him, he is said to have been around for so long that he was said to have offered his jeep to a friend for his campaign in the 80’s, the election the friend won and later became a two-term Governor of Lagos State, thus was his generosity before he fell on bad times and had to keep a low profile before he was given a life-line again by the Ekiti State Governor.

Presently the man whose name has become the topic of a huge scandal is said to have absconded for fear of an arrest by the EFCC. His phones were permanently switched off while his house had also been put under locks. Mr Agbele was missing in all his usual fun places lending credence to reports that he has gone underground.

When we visited his hangout on Awolowo avenue, Bodija Ibadan on Wednesday, June 22, 2015 and discovered that the hangout still records its usual booming sales while the staffers of the club go about their normal duties under the prying gazes of a manager who consciously scanned any visitor to the club with suspicious gestures.

DOS Clothing Store Hosts Fab Fashionistas To Cocktails & Shopping With Pop-Up In Accra

It was a gathering of stylish women and happy shoppers as Nigerian premium womenswear brand, DOS Clothing Store held a Pop-Up event at the Lionheart Event Center in Accra, Ghana on Sunday, 29th May, 2016.

DOS Clothing Store is known for its trendy, edgy and modern pieces.
The fashion brand which recently launched a website where pieces can be bought from and directly delivered to your door step, will be unveiling its 2016 Summer Collection in Lagos very soon with some interesting campaigns lined up… stay tuned! However, stylish guests in the city of Accra in Ghana were first treated to a fab day of cocktails, nibbles and shopping.

OYO STATE BOREHOLE DRILLERS URGES FG TO GIVE WATER SECTOR PRIORITY

Engineer Samuel Afolabi is the Oyo State Chairman of Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN) in this interview, the water expert spoke about the need for Nigerians to have access to good portable water and the need for Federal Government to give proper attention to the ministry of water resources.

What will you say as been the achievement of BODAN in Oyo State?

 Well, BODAN as achieved a lot in the last few years, because ever since BODAN came on board in Oyo State, we have been able to educate members of the public on the need for them to have their own borehole. Because water is very important and essential and that is the main reason why we are determined that BODAN will assist people living in Oyo State to have access to good portable water. BODAN has members in all the 36 states of the federation and to God be the glory, we have performed excellently in Oyo State. Most people are of the opinion that to dig a borehole is very expensive not until BODAN came on board to educate and enlighten them that digging a borehole is not as expensive as what they think. Also we have been able to reduce the price of digging a borehole from what it used to be before because we want our people to have access to good portable water. I want to tell you that a lot of people have died because of various diseases they contacted through water. With the support of the Oyo State governments BODAN as achieved a lot. We must commend and thank the state government for allowing BODAN to partner with them. People at the grass root level now have access to good portable water. Also I can tell you that to dig a borehole is now very easy. Also part of our achievements is that we have been able to organize series of seminars for our members both locally and internationally. We even have members who are not Nigerians that have brought their wealth of experience to assist us. It is just so unfortunate that some people are saying that we shouldn’t have allow them to join our association. The equipments that most of these Indians are using are more sophisticated and powerful equipments that can dig a borehole within six hours.

 What is causing crisis between BODAN and AWDROP in Oyo State?

We are doing the same business but we belong to different associations. The meaning of BODAN is Borehole Driller Association of Nigeria while the meaning of AWDROP is Association of Water well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners. In Nigeria we have freedom of association and anybody is free to belong to any association that is recognized by the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is

Just so unfortunate that AWDROP is not seeing us as partners in progress because they believe that BODAN is not allowing them to make much profit again. What matters most is that we want our people to have access to good portable water. We reduce the price of digging a borehole so that most of our people can have their own personal boreholes. I can tell you that technology as gone beyond digging a single borehole for four days. With the equipment members of BODAN are having now it will take us just six hours to dig a borehole. AWDROP members should stop all this attack on our members. As am talking to you now, there is a case in court because members of AWDROP went to attack one of our members who is working on a site and we have reported the case to the police and the case is now in the court. BODAN is a registered association with the Federal Government, so we have the right to operate within Nigeria. Also we have professionals that can assist the government in rejuvenating the water sector.

 Can you shed more light on the issue between AWDROP and  BODAN?

I don’t understand what you mean by instigating and disseminating false information to the public. What happened was that one of our members was attacked by AWDROP members and we reported the case to the divisional police officer in charge of Orita Challenge division. Those people were arrested and they were charged for kidnapping. Ever since the time that we have reduced the price of borehole from what it used to be before AWDROP members have been fighting us and they see us as their enemies. I am of the opinion that AWDROP members are selfish and self centered because they don’t want Nigerians to have access to good portable water. Even members of AWDROP will collect contract at an

exorbitant amount of money and they will come and give BODAN members few token, because they know that we can dig the borehole within six hours. I want to advise AWDROP members to see BODAN members as partners in progress and let us join hands in making sure that our people have access to good portable water.

What is your advice for the federal government?

My advice is that government should know that water is very important and essential. They should allow professionals to handle the ministry of water resources so that in the next few years, Nigerians will have access to good water. Also they should collaborate with professional bodies to move the ministry of water resources forward. I believe if we all join hands together Nigerians will definitely have access to good and portable water.