‘I know nothing about Tuface’s protest’ -Senator Akpabio

The attention of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to a story circulating in the internet, alleging that the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State is the sponsor of the proposed nationwide protest to be led by 2 Face Idibia, to demand answers from the government over different issues in the country.
It is laughable that the only link between the music star, 2 Face and Senator Akpabio which the authors of the mischievous story belabour to establish is that “in 2013, 2Face and his wife, Annie Macaulay were gifted (sic) two brand new Prado SUVs by this former governor as their wedding gift which they amiably (sic) accepted.”
For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that Senator Akpabio knows nothing about the planned protest neither is he the sponsor. In fact, Senator Akpabio has had no contact whatsoever with 2Face for many years.
According to the information being circulated the organizers of the planned protest have stated clearly that their protest is: “a call for nationwide protests as we say no to the Executive, no to legislatures, no to judiciary.” Is it not idiotic and senseless for anyone to imagine that Senator Akpabio will sponsor a protest against the same arm of government that he is serving as a leader!
As the Minority Leader, Senator Akpabio has consistently maintained that Nigerians should put aside their differences and support every effort that will pull the country out of the present recession. Much as he believes in the right of every Nigerian to express himself, he does not think that mass protest is the solution.
The mischievous attempt to drag the name of Senator Akpabio into the planned protest should be discountenanced as the handiwork of political jobbers.

I Bought This Human Head For Money Rutal:Says Saheed Adeyemi suspected ritualist.

Two suspected ritualist were arrested with fresh human by the Omi-Adio police division.

The suspects Saheed Adeyemi aged 33, and Micheal Edemba aged 60 were arrest following a tip off by member of the public.Saheed Adeyemi,who was the first suspect wailked into ambush laid by the police while triying to remove the exhibit wrapped in polythene bag and hidden beside a shop at Abidogun Junction,Omi-Adio.his arrest led to the arrest of the second suspect whom was preparing to escape from town when he knew that bubble has burst,during interrogation both has confessed to the crime.
The first suspect claimed to be an herbalist residing at Awosonso village,Apata.while speaking with set of journalist during suspected criminals paraded by the Oyo state police command at the state police headquater Eleyele Ibadan the suspected ritualist said"I help my customer to get this human head from yet to be identfy woman who is now at large,for #15,000,the said woman who specialize in selling different part of herbal materials for the traditional medicine for use,she also sells human part as well,I purposely bought this human head for money rituals for my customer Mr.Micheal Edemba who came to me and asked me to do money rituals for him,though this is my first time of doing it".
The second suspect who is a resident of Awidere area,Igisogba,Omi Adio,Ibadan,also confessed to the crime and said"I am the one who gave saheed money to help me get the human head as he told me we are going to need it for the money rituals I wanted to do because I am currently facing hard times and as a result of this financial difficulty I consult this herbalist Saheed and he said I should not worry that he will help me to prepared a money rituals and in the process he said he will need a human head and I have to arrange the money for him to help me get the head,though he said he bought the head."
The exhibit when recovered was oozing with stench,it indicating that the human head was still a fresh one.
While speaking with the journalist the Oyo state Cp Sam Dam Adegbuyi said"the suspects were part of the suspected criminals paraded along with one hundred and sixty-seven suspects whom were arrested for various heinous crime",the state CP also said that "these suspected criminals with human head will be arraigned in courts after diligent investigation".

-Kazeem Awojoodu:IBADAN

World Cancer Day: Bracket Embarks on ‘B2 For Life’ Campaign

Smash, Vast, Abigail and Dr Adekeye.

As the world marks the World Cancer Day yesterday, Bracket Foundation and Bricon Foundation have collaborated to launch ‘B2 for Life’, an initiative aimed at giving succour to cancer patients in Nigeria. Bracket Foundation is co-founded by the popular singing duo of Vast (Ozioko Nwachukwu) and Smash (Obumneme Ali), while Bricon Foundation on the other hand is co-founded by Abigail Simon-Hart and Dr Niyi Adekeye.
Both Abigail and Vast are cancer survivors and the foundations were set up in 2016 with a view of providing much needed funding for cancer patients in Nigeria. Having both had their treatment in the UK, on coming back to Nigeria, they realised that instead of encouraging treatment outside the country, there is a need to build the necessary support structure within the country and to ensure that this care can be accessed by people who cannot afford to travel outside for treatment.
The ‘B2 for Life’ campaign flagged-off with a press conference hosted by the Wheatbaker, Ikoyi a few days ago to mark the release of an awareness video which highlights the plight of cancer patients in Nigeria and the need for everyone to contribute their widows’ mite to helping those struggling with the disease.
Nigeria continues to have the highest cancer death rate in Africa, with survival as low as 20 percent for most cancers and as low as 3 percent for blood cancer. “We need to change these statistics. We also need to address the issue of stigmatisation of cancer patients. There is no shame in having cancer and until more cancer patients come out to talk, many will continue to suffer in silence,” Vast said.
Abigail noted that “although awareness about the disease is increasing, resulting in more people coming forward for treatment, until we as a nation address the lack of personnel, equipment, treatment centres and improve affordability of care, people will continue to die prematurely from the disease.”
She added that all funds raised from the campaign will be used to fund patients’ treatment.
As today, 4 February marks the World Cancer Day, Bracket Foundation and Bricon Foundation have collaborated to launch ‘B2 for Life’, an initiative aimed at giving succour to cancer patients in Nigeria. Bracket Foundation is co-founded by the popular singing duo of Vast (Ozioko Nwachukwu) and Smash (Obumneme Ali), while Bricon Foundation on the other hand is co-founded by Abigail Simon-Hart and Dr Niyi Adekeye.
Both Abigail and Vast are cancer survivors and the foundations were set up in 2016 with a view of providing much needed funding for cancer patients in Nigeria. Having both had their treatment in the UK, on coming back to Nigeria, they realised that instead of encouraging treatment outside the country, there is a need to build the necessary support structure within the country and to ensure that this care can be accessed by people who cannot afford to travel outside for treatment.
The ‘B2 for Life’ campaign flagged-off with a press conference hosted by the Wheatbaker, Ikoyi a few days ago to mark the release of an awareness video which highlights the plight of cancer patients in Nigeria and the need for everyone to contribute their widows’ mite to helping those struggling with the disease.
Nigeria continues to have the highest cancer death rate in Africa, with survival as low as 20 percent for most cancers and as low as 3 percent for blood cancer. “We need to change these statistics. We also need to address the issue of stigmatisation of cancer patients. There is no shame in having cancer and until more cancer patients come out to talk, many will continue to suffer in silence,” Vast said.
Abigail noted that “although awareness about the disease is increasing, resulting in more people coming forward for treatment, until we as a nation address the lack of personnel, equipment, treatment centres and improve affordability of care, people will continue to die prematurely from the disease.”
She added that all funds raised from the campaign will be used to fund patients’ treatment.

OONI OF IFE, GHANA'S PRESIDENT, OTHERS JOIN QUEEN ELIZABETH II FOR COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON

The Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, President of Ghana, His Excellency,Nana Akufo Addo and Former Prime Minister of Barbados Arthur Owen are expected to join Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, other members of the Royal Family, Commonwealth Secretary General and other leaders of the Commonwealth as Special Guest Speakers during the this year's Commonwealth Day Service and Commonwealth Africa Summit 2017 where "Leveraging our Commonwealth Heritage for economic development and collective growth" will be at the top of conversations during summit slated to hold from the 13th – 15th March 2017.
In line with the yearly history of the rich tradition of Commonwealth celebration which is geared towards the promotion of mutually respectful cultural values of all member states, Ooni Ogunwusi will be involved in a number of events to include the Commonwealth Day Service and the Commonwealth Africa Summit slated to hold from 13th to 15th March 2017 where the African foremost monarch is expected as a keynote speaker and a Special Guest of Honour to lay wreath at the Memorial Gate in remembrance of Africans who died in the 2nd world wars.
As the Arole Oduduwa and Spiritual Leader of all Yoruba people at home and in Diaspora, His Imperial Majesty who will during his 2week visit to the UK meet with the multitude of Yoruba subjects residing in the country will be hosted by members of the British Parliament business leaders to discuss mutually benefits in cultural, economic and educational collaboration and partnerships.
He will also visit the Old Royal Palace of Queen Elizabeth I at the Hatfield House where he will decorated as the promoter of African Culture in modern Europe with a performance of MOREMI stage drama by the Elite Royal College of Mundon.
Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II will dedicate part of his schedules to meet with Nigeria High Commission heads, Nigerians-British Mayors(past and present), Local Councillors, business professionals, the youths who are global players in their fields of endeavours.
He will also be sitting as the Royal Distinguished Guest of Honour during the 2017 annual CANUK awards and dinner event aimed at recognising high achieving Nigerians in the United Kingdom.
The Commonwealth Africa Summit 2017 activities will begin with a wreath laying service in honour of those who were lost to the 2 world wars and will be followed by a Service at the Westminster Abbey in the Presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and other Royals.
Her Majesty will host the Ooni, other Commonwealth leaders and eminent individuals in attendance at a dinner reception at Marlborough House as part of the activities to celebrate the Commonwealth Week.
The Summit business activities will begin on Tuesday 14th March with an Opening Plenary and close with a Dinner on Wednesday 15th March in Westminster.
The 2017 Commonwealth Africa Summit will be attended by government leaders from across Africa and the Commonwealth in addition to business leaders from all member states. At the 2017 Commonwealth African Summit, prominent leaders will deliberate on the theme ‘from Shared Prosperity to Collective Growth’ - one that promote prosperity and secures Africa’s future. Issues such as energy and power, Africapitalism, trade and investment, sustainable livelihood, child rights, counter insurgency and terrorism will be discussed and lasting solutions proposed.
Other activities lined up to mark the Ooni's 2week from 11th to 25th March 2017 are as follows:
*Special press interview with The Times, Economist and The Guardian
*Meeting with the Mayor of London
*Business Leaders Luncheon with Chambers of commerce leaders
*Meeting with Nigerian Mayors and Councillors(past and present)
*Meeting with Nigerian professionals at the Nigeria High Commission
*Visit to the British Museum to engage in the tour of "The Kingdom of Ife Archive" and other Artefacts
*Church service with the Head of Church of England - Archbishop of Canterbury
*Lecture at Oxford University with Oxford African Society
* Meeting with the Traditional priests in Diaspora
*Cultural celebration and Gala receptions with Egbe Omo Oduduwa, Yoruba, Yoruba Federation Egbe Omo Ile-Ife, and other dynamic cultural groups

$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.